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.

Arrive in Buenos Aires, a city that radiates Latin-infused rhythm mixed with 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.

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. Tonight, get into the Argentinian spirit with a tango show and dinner.

Today is yours to spend in Buenos Aires as you please. Perhaps you’ll take a tour of the Teatro Colon or meander 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.” Enjoy some free time this afternoon in this charming town. Gather this evening for dinner with your fellow travelers.

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 wonder of the natural world. Then, catch many views of the glacier from a series of walkways. Gaze off the shoreline in search of floating icebergs as you listen for the resounding cracks of ice sheets breaking free.

Today, take in the vast landscape and learn more about Patagonian wildlife while traveling to the border and crossing into Chile. Soak the dramatic beauty of jagged mountains, expansive grasslands, and ethereal teal waters and marvel at cascading waterfalls on a panoramic tour through one of South America’s most incredible national parks. Along the way, you may spot soaring condors, inquisitive guanacos (llamas), and independent felines. After, check into your hotel for a two-night stay beside stunning views of the Serrano River and Paine mountain range.

Set out to spend a full day exploring the wonders of Torres del Paine. Stretch your legs on a morning hike to the Salto Grande waterfall. Your guide will make sure you don’t miss a thing, from this landscape’s stunning features to the flora and fauna all around you. Following lunch, the adventure continues with a scenic hike around Lago Grey, leading to spectacular views of the Grey Glacier. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, taking in those final views of the park or perhaps joining your guide for a nature walk. After lunch, head south to Puerto Natales. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Today, make your way to the coastal metropolis of Punta Arenas. Along the way, stop to spend time at a family-owned Patagonian estancia. Later in Punta Arenas, 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.

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. 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.

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! 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.

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.

Cape Horn landing is strongly dependent on weather and sea conditions.

Your cruise through Patagonia comes to an end as you enter Argentine waters, docking at Ushuaia. Disembark in Ushuaia before flying to Buenos Aires. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner and share a toast with your fellow travel companions.

Say adios to Argentina as your tour draws to a close this morning.