Patagonia: Edge Of The World

Snowcapped mountains towering in the distance. Vibrant teal waters lapping against the shore. Glaciers carving their way through the valleys. This is Patagonia – a rugged wonderland of nature nestled along Argentina and Chile.

Welcome to Buenos Aires – your journey starts here. The city radiates a Latin-infused rhythm interwoven with its European heritage. Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing at your hotel. Head to dinner with your new friends and indulge in savory Argentine flavors. Today dinner will be included.

Start the day with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery and take in the towering mausoleums – considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world – and the final resting place of Eva Peron. After, embark on a panoramic city tour and coast down the famous Avenida 9 de Julio. Take in the Parisian architecture and verdant trees lining the world’s widest avenue. Discover the city’s most well-known sites before arriving to the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. This afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps you’ll take a tour of the Teatro Colón or eat your way through the San Telmo Market. Today breakfast will be included.

Fly to El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia’s natural splendor, known as the “National Capital of the Glaciers.” Perhaps in the afternoon you’ll join your Tour Manager on a walk to the Reserva Laguna Nimez. Don’t forget your binoculars as this natural reserve is home to various indigenous birds. Gather this evening for dinner with your fellow travelers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, get ready to embark on a cruise that will take you up close to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This gigantic tower of vibrant ice rests against blue-green waters – an awe-inspiring blanket to the natural world. Then, capture many views of the glacier from a series of walkways. Gaze off the shoreline in search of floating icebergs as you listen to the resounding crack of ice sheets breaking free. Today breakfast will be included.

Make your way into Chile at Puerto Natales. En route, stop to spend time with a local gaucho in his home – a typical Patagonian estancia. Enjoy a traditional lamb roast lunch as you chat and learn about the culture. Venture through the edge of the Patagonian countryside, featuring unparalleled views of lakes and mountains, before settling into your hotel. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Venture into Torres Del Paine National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Among the jagged mountains, ethereal teal waters, and expansive grasslands, you may spot soaring condors, inquisitive guanacos (llamas), and independent felines. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls as you make your way through what is considered one of South America’s most incredible national parks. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Discover the coastal metropolis city of Punta Arenas with a local guide. Admire the sights where brightly colored houses meet modern skyscrapers. As the day draws to a close, leave the mainland on the Ventus Australis – your home for the next four nights. Head for one of the most remote corners of the world as you sail through Chilean waters. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Dock in Ainsworth Bay. As you take your Zodiac to shore, keep an eye out for the area’s extensive birdlife or perhaps a colony of elephant seals. Get ready to choose how to spend the morning because it’s your choice! Embark on new adventures by starting at the beach to discover Ainsworth Forest. Learn all about the evolution and vegetation as a cause of the glacier recession and explore a beaver habitat -OR- venture off on an active hike along a glacial moraine – a unique form of glacial sediment made from rock and soil. No matter what you choose, take in surreal views of the Almirantazgo Sound and Darwin Mountain Range. Back on the ship, sail to the Tucker Islets where you’ll head to shore for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins.* Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

*In September and April when the penguins dwell elsewhere this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Take a Zodiac to shore and stand in awe before the Pia Glacier, a colossal mass of ice slowly crawling down the mountains. Decide where you want to hike** because it’s your choice! Traverse the Pia Boulders on a medium level hike for panoramic views of the glacier -OR- venture on an easy walk towards the Pia Lookout for panoramic views of the glacier. Back onboard the ship, continue through the Beagle Channel and into Glacier Alley. These impressive masses of ice are so large that most of them are named after countries – including Holland, Italy, Germany, and France. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

**Hikes of varying difficulty will be offered during each of the landings. Details of the length, terrain and difficulty will be provided by the ship's crew.

Disembark*** at Cape Horn National Park, home to an archipelago of islands, and considered to be the “End of the Earth.” This afternoon, anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay and visit the historic radio station, formerly used by the Chilean Navy. Explore the area by selecting a hike** alongside an expert guide because it’s your choice! Head towards the peak on the most difficult hike for a scenic lookout -OR- embark on a slower paced hike with a medium difficulty towards the Forest Lookout -OR- take a peaceful nature walk along the beach for a chance to witness even more wildlife. Each choice will offer sprawling vistas of the gentle bay and allows time to leave a postcard at the information center. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

**Hikes of varying difficulty will be offered during each of the landings. Details of the length, terrain and difficulty will be provided by the ship's crew.

Embark on your final sail through Patagonia as you enter Argentine waters, docking at Ushuaia. End your Patagonian adventure at Tierra del Fuego National Park. With the wind in your hair and fresh air in your lungs, breathe in the peace and serenity. There’s nothing like witnessing the dramatic landscape of waterfalls, glaciers, and forests surrounding you. Today breakfast will be included.

Fly to Buenos Aires where you’ll spend most of the day at leisure. Gather for a farewell dinner at a popular tango house to savor Argentine cuisine before watching an authentic tango performance. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Say adios to Argentina as your tour draws to a close this morning. Today breakfast will be included.