VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the natural beauty of Patagonia
Starting in colourful Valparaiso, we sail along the Chilean coastline of snow-tipped volcanoes, beautiful lakes, raging rivers and lush vegetation. This vast, rugged and beautiful landscape never fails to amaze.
Chilean fjords and Cape Horn
We journey into one of the most scenic national parks in the world and into the fjords of Chile. This remote area seems almost untouched by humans. Steep valleys and powerful mountains make a striking contrast to a lush coastline rich in wildlife. Cape Horn is a mystical place where two oceans meet. If conditions permit, we may go ashore here.
The white wonder that is Antarctica
Next, we cross the treacherous Drake Passage to Antarctica and the mighty frozen vistas of the south. In Antarctica, we will attempt to make landings at several places, including historic sites like the ring-shaped Deception Island, a major harbour for whaling ships until 1905. Or Cuverville Island, home to one of the largest known colonies of Chinstrap penguins, and the British station Port Lockroy from World War II; and Wilhelmina Bay, often called “Whale-mina Bay”, because of the large numbers of humpback whales spotted here. Brown Bluff is recognisable by the 750 metre high cliffs that dominate the landscape. Penguins, seals, whales and large flocks of sea birds give life to this surrealistic and beautiful landscape. We will bring you on shore to experience some of the most unique wildlife while setting foot on the Antarctic continent. You might also get a chance to kayak in the icy waters. And while on board our comfortable ship, enjoy expert talks about Antarctica’s rich history, so that you can get even more out of what you will experience along the way. On our return journey, we cross the Drake Passage again, before this expedition ends in Punta Arenas.
Departs From
Valparaíso, Chile
The journey begins
Location:Valparaíso, Chile
This expedition starts in the colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. One of the best ways of seeing this scenic town is by riding its funiculars, which are scattered around the city, allowing sweeping views of the bay. From high up, the city´s multi-hued houses create a rainbow of colour and light. Stroll Valparaiso´s narrow streets, climb its endless staircases and discover something new at every turn: a beautiful building, a remarkable art gallery or some little gastronomic ‘find’. Don’t forget to explore the port and fishing piers, where you’ll get a real feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side. Buy or sample freshly caught seafood at the market and enjoy the fishermen’s banter. We also recommend a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Quarter before embarking on MS Roald Amundsen.
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Location:At sea
As we make our way along the Pacific coast of Chile, our Expedition team will start the lecture program to prepare you for the experiences ahead. Enjoy priming your knowledge about the history and wildlife of the area. There will also be various workshops and presentations. Make sure to spend some time on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife. Familiarize yourself with our newest and most innovative expedition vessel and take advantage of all the facilities on board.
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Location:Castro
Located on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Castro is set among windswept hills and green vegetation. The city is known for its colourful “palafitos”, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge. Come ashore and enjoy the local Chilote character and curious energy, mixed with a dash of modern development. The Iglesia San Francisco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is a visual delight: bright yellow and orange with a lavender trim. The varnished-wood interior is stunning, illuminated by rows of stained-glass windows. Other sights include Plazuela del Tren, a small plaza right by the waterfront with an odd collection of old trains. A stroll in the Cementerio Parroquial is fascinating, as some of the tombs are quite grand and ornately decorated. Feria Campesina Yumbel is a bustling fruit and vegetable market. There are also household goods and fish stalls here. In the shop Feria Artesanal Lillo, located just south of the port, you can buy excellent hand-knit woollen goods and handicrafts. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Castro are concentrated along the Calle Blanco, running from the southern end of the plaza down to the waterfront, and this is where you can get a taste of the renowned meat, potato and seafood stew. Close to the town is Chiloé National Park, a largely unexplored wilderness hosting rare flora and fauna. The park features wide deserted beaches and long stretches of rugged coastline, and is home to dozens of seabird species, penguins and sea lions.
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Location: At sea
The expedition continues south through the fabled waters of Patagonia and onwards to one of the world’s most remote, undisturbed and beautiful places: the southern province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, you have plenty of time to gaze out on the magnificent natural expanse.
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Location: Puerto Edén
After an unforgettable cruise through Patagonian waters, the unique village of Puerto Edén will enchant you. It is a tiny settlement in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. There are no roads, only wooden walkways, and electricity is only available during a few hours every day. Puerto Edén is a great place to experience the traditional indigenous culture of Patagonian tribes. The villagers sell fish, mussels and shellfish products, which are taken to markets by a weekly transport boat. For souvenirs, buy traditional Kawéskar crafts such as wicker baskets and boats made from sea lion skins and tree bark. Enjoy a stroll among the laneways, and maybe you will spot one of the many Magellan hummingbirds found here when you join the Expedition team for hiking or kayaking.
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Location: Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most attractive nature sanctuaries in the world. Its main feature is the “towers” themselves; impressive rock formations, called “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine). The formations are made up of the Torre Central (9,186 feet high), Torre Sur (9,350 feet) and Torre Norte (7,375 feet). The park features azure lakes, trails that meander through emerald forests, roaring rivers, (which you'll cross on rickety bridges) and one big, radiant blue glacier. Torres del Paine hosts stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks. This diversity of environments here has led to the flourish of a wide variety of a fauna and flora. While we are here you might see llamas, pumas, chilla foxes and skunks in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor and black-chested buzzard eagle. Enjoy hiking in these amazing surroundings.
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Location: Chilean fjords
The Chilean fjords´ deep channels, fjords and mountains plunging into the icy water always leave a profound impression on visitors. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans. The ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique fjord landscape of Chile. Snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to a lush coastline that is rich in wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot sea lions, Andean condors and several bird species that can only be found here.
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Location: At sea
In the morning, we sail through the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery – HMS Beagle. We continue into open waters, and if conditions allow we will land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America. Going ashore can be very difficult because of the sometimes-extreme weather in this area. This is the southernmost point of Chile and lies almost 56 degrees south, marking the boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the northern end of the Drake Passage. The region is of great significance on account of its location, history, discoveries and trade routes. If we are able to anchor off Cape Horn, you will be able to go ashore to explore this deserted and yet romantic piece of land at the end of the world. Then we continue over the Drake Passage, where two oceans meet, on our way to Antarctica. On the way through the straits you can learn a great deal about Antarctica’s fantastic animals and history. This sea passage was notorious among the early polar explorers and is a unique voyage which few have the chance to experience. The Drake Passage connects the southern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Here the warm water from the north meets the cold, less salty water from the south. This makes the ocean particularly rich in nutrients and forms the foundational basis of the unique marine life here.
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Location: Antarctica
Antarctica is isolated from the rest of the world by ocean currents. 90 per cent of the world´s ice is here, 4000 meters thick, covering the landmass. In winter it is further cut off by the sea ice forming off the coast - virtually doubling the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals that, for the rest of the year, simply spend their time at sea. Most wildlife thrives on the cornerstone species: krill. The krill population in the Southern Ocean represents the largest biomass of one species on Earth – including humans. As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism. No human activity is allowed to alter the perfect natural balance. We are visiting a place that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines and rules. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! What is so overwhelming about Antarctica is that its location makes every voyage to the continent an expedition. Even the most sophisticated technology cannot override some of the climatic challenges that are a part of this environment. Therefore, we need to be pragmatic; we change landings, re-route and shift plans as we go along. This also means that we will take advantage of the often ideal conditions – spend hours ashore, on the water with kayaks, hiking or simply cruising amongst huge pods of whales. Weather, wind and ice conditions have a great influence on our programme and schedule. We will attempt to land several places, including Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Brown Bluff, Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour. All of these places are serene and offer untouched nature, penguin colonies, seals, whales in the ocean, glaciers, icebergs in every shape and colour, old whaling stations and research bases. It´s hard to sum up all the impressions you will gain. As a well-known quote from veteran Antarctic travellers puts it: “If you can describe Antarctica with words, you have probably never been there.”
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Location: At sea
After four unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Roald Amundsen takes us safely back across the famous Drake Passage. The voyage from the Antarctic Peninsula to the southern tip of Argentina is roughly 950 km (600 mi) or 40 hours sailing time in good weather. During the voyage north, we will continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica.
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Location: Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile
Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. When we reach Punta Arenas, on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, it is time to say goodbye. Your journey home continues with your flight to Santiago de Chile, where you have a chance to extend your stay in Santiago de Chile and enjoy our optional post extension programs.
Location
Disembarkation in Punta Arenas/Santiago de Chile
Practical information
Price includes
- Hurtigruten Expedition in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Return economy flight Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq
- Transfer airport to ship to airport in Kangerlussuaq
- Excursion towards Icecap incl. dinner after the voyage
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities
- Free tea and coffee
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional Excursions and Gratuities
