Cruise the South American fjords to Antarctica | October 2021

Antarctica, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords - Voyage of Discovery (Southbound) 2021

Landing on Cuverville Island, Antarctica

Departures: 23 October 2021

Experience Patagonia and Antarctica in one expedition cruise
Discover the magnificent Chilean fjords
See Cape Horn and cross the Drake Passage
Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and encounters with wildlife in Antarctica

Itinerary

This expedition cruise takes you from the beauty of the Chilean coast to magical
Antarctica. Experience the beauty of the Chilean fjords before sailing past Cape Horn to the southern reaches of the Earth for amazing polar adventures. Join the expedition team for ice-cruising and landings where you can explore the landscape and observe the wildlife and natural beauty of Antarctica.

Day 1 Valparaíso, Chile
Day 2-3 At sea
Day 4 Castro
Day 5 At sea
Day 6 Puerto Edén
Day 7-8 Puerto Natales
Day 9 Chilean fjords
Day 10-11 At Sea
Day 12-15 Antarctica
Day 16-17 At sea
Day 18 Punta Arenas

Day 1

Valparaíso, Chile

The ‘Jewel of the Pacific’

Colourful houses in Valparaiso.

This expedition cruise starts in colourful Valparaíso. One of the best ways to see this town is by riding its funiculars to sweeping views. Explore the port to get a feel for Chile’s seafaring side. We also recommend a visit to the Historic Quarter before embarking on MS Roald Amundsen. Why not make the most out of your stay in Chile and add a 5-day Pre-Programme to Atacama Desert, one of the driest deserts in the world?

Colourful houses in Valparaiso.

Wander the colourful local lanes.

Photo: shutterstock

Photographer capturing wildlife from deck.

Bring your camera and capture the amazing wildlife from deck

Photo: Marsel Van Oosten

Reading a book while crossing the open sea to the Falkland Islands

Read a book while crossing the open sea to the Falkland Islands

Day 2-3

At sea

Sailing South

Bring your camera and capture the amazing wildlife from deck

Photo: Marsel Van Oosten

As we make our way along the Pacific coast of Chile, the Expedition Team will start the lecture programme to prepare you for the experiences ahead. Make sure to also spend some time on deck to look out for wildlife.

Day 4

Castro

Cosmopolitan Castro

Houses on stilts in Castro, Chiloe Island, Patagonia, Chile

Castro, set among windswept hills and green vegetation, is known for its colourful `palafitos´, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Iglesia San Francisco.

Optional excursions

Included

Castro Walking Tour

Walk from pier to Plaza de Armas for a short visit and proceed to San Francisco church, the main Catholic church of Chiloé’s capital and rather than the typical style of the other churches of the island, it is Neo-Gothic style.
Castro - Dalcahue, Curaco de Velez & Achao

This excursion provides a glimpse into the history of the small villages in the Castro-Delahue area. We will visit three towns by coach and ferry.
Trek at Chiloe National park

Trek through Chiloe National Park, where hiking trails take you to a great viewpoint with views over Cucao Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Learn about local flora and fauna and the history of the primitive settlements. We will also drive by the village of Cucao and hear about the tsunami that this town suffered in 1960.

Houses on stilts in Castro, Chiloe Island, Patagonia, Chile

Scenic landscape over Chiloe National Park

Beautiful panoramic view of Chilean fjords: Aysen fjord and Puerto Chacabuco surrounding area, Patagonia, Chile, South America.

Day 5

At sea

Waters of Patagonia

Beautiful panoramic view of Chilean fjords: Aysen fjord and Puerto Chacabuco surrounding area, Patagonia, Chile, South America.

We sail south through the fabled waters of Patagonia and to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. We voyage through iconic Andean seascapes for views of a glorious expanse of undisturbed nature.

Day 6

Puerto Edén

Isolated Beauty

Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile

The village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, 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.

Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile

Glacier in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile

Guanaco crossing the river in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Day 7-8

Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine National Park

Trekking in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Chile

Strait Of Magellan, Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile

Day 7-8

Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine National Park

Guanaco crossing the river in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park, world famous for the impressive “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine) rock formation. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover a landscape of stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks that host a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.

Optional excursions

Included

Puerto Natales - Scenes of Puerto Natales

This excursion combines the highlights of the charming town of Puerto Natales with the interesting Milodón Cave, just a few kilometres away.
Torres del Paine - Overnight

This excursion includes an overnight inside the park - ‘the eighth wonder of the world' - with its impressive scenery and incomparable views. The Torres del Paine National Park covers an area over 242,000 hectares and features a rich geographical diversity of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. There is always the possibility of seeing varieties of native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Puerto Natales: Torres del Paine National Park

Visit Torres del Paine National Park with stunning scenery and amazing views! Admire the natural beauty of this area, which offers great photo opportunities.
Torres del Paine – Grey Hike

Spectacular views abound in every direction. Torres del Paine National Park covers an area of 242.242 hectares and features an outstanding combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills, and peaks, as well as the possibility to observe various kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Puerto Natales - Hiking in Torres del Paine

This programme is designed to give you the best of both worlds. Explore Torres del Paine by both coach and foot. The eighth wonder of the world, Torres del Paine National Park, covers an area over 242.000 hectares and consists of a rich combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. It is possible to observe many different forms of life here in their natural state.

Day 9

Chilean fjords

A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Day 9

Chilean fjords

A Paradise for Nature Lovers

South America´s remote beauty.

Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water characterise this wild area that seems almost untouched by humans. Glacial ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the lovely isolated islands and hidden bays that form this unique fjord landscape.

Unforgettable landscapes in the Chilean fjords.

Photo: shutterstock

Encounter powerful glaciers in the Girabaldi fjord.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Famed Cape Horn, where we will attempt a landing

Photo: Maximilian Schwarz

Day 10-11

At Sea

Cape Horn and the Drake Passage

Famed Cape Horn, where we will attempt a landing

Photo: Maximilian Schwarz

In the morning, we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel before we continue into open waters, and if conditions allow, we will make an attempt to land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America.

Next, we sail the legendary Drake Passage while our lecture series prepares you for Antarctica’s fantastic wildlife and history. You’ll also learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for current scientific research.

Exploring the Wilhelmina Bay and its wildlife and icebergs from the tenderboat

Day 12-15

Antarctica

Antarctica … Another World!

Day 12-15

Antarctica

Antarctica … Another World!

Exploring the Wilhelmina Bay and its wildlife and icebergs from the tenderboat

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of penguins.

Our Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced Captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.

Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

Landing on Cuverville Island, Antarctica.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

A bird swimming in water next to a body of water

Photo: Dominic Barrington

Channel your inner scientist in the onboard Science Center.

Photo: Oscar Farrera

Meet like-minded fellow explorers from around the world.

Photo: Nils Lund

Day 16-17

At sea

Crossing the Drake Passage

Channel your inner scientist in the onboard Science Center.

Photo: Oscar Farrera

MS Roald Amundsen takes us safely back across the Drake Passage as we continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Day 18

Punta Arenas

The End of the Expedition

Enjoyable atmosphere on Plaza de las Armas square, Santiago, 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 and enjoy an optional Post-Programme to Easter Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remote islands in the Pacific.

Enjoyable atmosphere on Plaza de las Armas square, Santiago, Chile

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Check prices and availability

What's included

Included in your voyage

Transfer

Transfer between the ship and Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise

Flights

Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile

Expedition Cruise

Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
Range of included excursions

Onboard Activities

Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities

Escorted landings with small expedition boats while in Antarctica
Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings

Not included in your voyage

International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Notes

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Medical questionnaire is mandatory
Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
No gratuities expected

Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Your ship

MS Roald Amundsen

Year built	2019
Shipyard	Kleven Yards
Passenger capacity	530 (500 in Antarctica)
Gross tonnage	20 889 T
Length	140 m
Beam	23,6 m
Speed	15 knots

In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

Optional excursions

Some expedition cruises include excursions that can be reserved for no additional charge. These included excursions can often be combined with other excursions available in port.

Please note excursions are subject to change and are not yet available for booking for departures after March 2021.