Discover astonishing scenery and wildlife
23-day expedition cruise from vibrant Santiago to Valparaíso, via UNESCO-listed Torres del Paine National Park and paradise-like landscapes.
Spot penguins, seals, whales, birds and more as we discover wild Antarctica, the wonders of Chilean fjords and the stunning South American coastline.
Navigate legendary Cape Horn and see the beautiful sights of Patagonia, as well as the colorful stilt houses of Castro.
Explore the frozen continent
Spot whales and penguin chicks against a backdrop of beautiful sunsets and otherworldly landscapes, as we spend eight days around the Antarctic Peninsula on MS Fram.
The Chilean coast
From beautiful fjords to tiny villages, the Chilean coastline is a place of adventure and discovery. We’ll stop off at Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, and explore the fabled waters of Patagonia and the colonial city of Castro. Then on to Valparaíso, with its colorful jumble of cobbled alleyways, cute plazas and famous funiculars.
What's included
Take a look at what you can look forward to on this 22-day expedition cruise.
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas
Hotel
- Overnight in Santiago de Chile before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel in Santiago to the airport before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the Punta Arenas airport to the ship, including an orientation tour and a pre-packed lunch
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 restaurant Aune
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is 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 fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna, and an indoor gym
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings in a small boat (RIB) while in Antarctica
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographer will help configure your camera settings before landings
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Route overview
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Santiago, Chile’s Capital
Day 1
Santiago, Chile’s Capital
See the sights of Santiago de Chile
Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital. With its colonial architecture, award-winning restaurants and fascinating museums, it’s the perfect place to start your expedition cruise. There’s a lot to see, from the Mercado Central fish market to the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. Check out the Sky Costanera, which offers panoramic views of the city from 1,000 feet in the air. You may want to arrive a few days early to join one of our optional Pre-Programmes. Our Atacama Desert tour will introduce you to the driest desert on the planet, while our Chilean Patagonia excursion offers a taste of the mountains.
Depart From Punta Arenas
Day 2
Depart From Punta Arenas
Board your expedition cruise in Punta Arenas
You'll have an early start today as we depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost port. Your expedition ship, MS Fram, awaits. Once you’ve boarded, get settled in, explore the ship, and meet your Expedition Team.
As well as being your guides, hosts and local experts, they’re also your travel companions for the next three weeks. Friendly and welcoming, they’ll answer any questions you may have during your Antarctic adventure.
Sailing the Drake Passage
Day 3 - 4
Sailing the Drake Passage
Prepare for your Antarctic adventure
Before you reach Antarctica, you must first experience the legendary Drake 'rite of' Passage, a two-day crossing where sea conditions can vary dramatically. It's named after Sir Francis Drake, who stumbled across it when his boat was blown south by heavy winds.
Visit the Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Your Expedition Team will deliver lectures on Antarctic history, wildlife and ecosystems. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.
Take this time to enjoy all the comforts you’ll find on board. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna, look out for icebergs, whales and albatrosses on deck, or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Antarctica: another world
Day 5 - 12
Antarctica: another world
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
You’ll spend eight exciting days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to penguin colonies on optional activities.
Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, jaegers, petrels and terns. Through Citizen Science projects and onboard lectures, you'll learn more about polar exploration, this precious habitat, and how we can all protect it.
Rounding Cape Horn
Day 13 - 14
Rounding Cape Horn
Get ready for more adventures in Chile
After eight unforgettable days in Antarctica, we’ll turn around and head north, back across the Drake Passage and around Cape Horn. You'll have plenty of time to relax onboard as we sail towards the Chilean fjords.
The Expedition Team will continue their lectures in the Science Center and you can learn more about Chile's geology and wildlife. You can also contribute important data to Citizen Science projects and find out more about things you've seen in Antarctica.
The waters around Cape Horn are just as changeable as the Drake Passage, but your experienced captain will attempt to find a way to land and explore, should the conditions allow.
Exploring Chile's Fjords
Day 15
Exploring Chile's Fjords
Dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife
We cruise north along the Chilean coast through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.
From deck, you can scan for colonies of Magellanic Penguins. If you’re lucky, you might also spot elephant seals and whales. Or you can get hands on in the Science Center and study ice samples under the microscopes.
Your day’s activities will be decided by your Expedition Team. If the conditions are right, we'll take to the water in our small expedition boats for a closer look, or you might join a guided hike on a glacier.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Day 16 - 17
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, where we'll spend the night. You can opt to go hiking in Torres del Paine National Park–an incredible experience well worth doing.
The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos, rheas and pumas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll the photogenic waterfront.
Remote Puerto Edén
Day 18
Remote Puerto Edén
Discover Kawéskar culture in a Patagonian village
After cruising through Patagonian waters, we arrive at the enchanting village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
This tiny village sits at the end of a deep fjord. It’s only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here–just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops.
Among its 250-strong population, you’ll meet some of the last remaining members of the indigenous Kawéskar, giving you a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture. The unique community is designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO.
The waters of Patagonia
Day 19
The waters of Patagonia
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We cruise north along the Patagonian coast. You'll be captivated by the iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia, with their stunning shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and pool, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge.
Our Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography.
Castro’s Chilotan Charm
Day 20
Castro’s Chilotan Charm
Stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites–Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Señora de Gracia de Nercón. You can enjoy terrific views of the city’s colorful palafitos–stilt houses along the waterfront–from the nearby hills, so keep your camera ready. For some local culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species like Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean flamingos. It’s also home to penguins, Black-necked swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.
Reflect on your adventure
Day 21 - 22
Reflect on your adventure
Relax on board as we sail towards Valparaíso
Enjoy the final two days on board the ship as we sail towards Valparáiso, where your expedition cruise ends. Relax and make the most of the onboard facilities and spend time with the people you’ve met during your adventures. Whether that means searching for rare birds on deck, enjoying a drink in the Explorer Lounge or soaking in the hot tub, the choice is yours. You can continue your discoveries in the Science Center and join the Expedition Team to recap your incredible Antarctica and Patagonia expedition.
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Day 23
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expedition
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this UNESCO-listed city.
Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colorful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
And if you're up for more adventures, you can join an optional Post-Programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads.
Ships on this expedition
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Solo travelers: Pay no single supplement on a selection of expedition cruises in 2023
For a limited time, pay no single supplement if you book an expedition cruise from of selection of departures.
Read more
offer
28 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee
Book Early and Save
The earlier you book the more you save! Book now through February 28, 2023 for the absolute best deals on bucket-list destinations like Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland, and more!
Read more
offer
28 days left to take advantage of our best price guarantee