South American Cruise

With a variety of optional activities on board, the choice is yours. Treat yourself at the spa, play some pickleball, visit one of the many lounges, or simply relax on deck and enjoy the stunning views with a good book!

The Falkland Islands were visited by Charles Darwin in the 19th century and, like the Galapagos, were found to contain examples of flora and fauna not seen elsewhere. These discoveries prompted thoughts in Darwin, which found shape in his iconoclastic work, ‘Origin of Species.’ Some of these discoveries, like the Warrah, the once common Falkland Islands fox, have now disappeared, but others remain. These include birds such as the Cobbs wren, plants such as the colourful Felton’s flower, Falkland’s false plantain and an inhabitant of the unique geological stone runs, the fascinating snake plant. Common here in the islands, yet approaching extinction throughout the rest of the world, are species such as the striated caracara and the ruddy-headed goose, tame enough to make for some superb photo opportunities.

Included Shore Excursion – Bluff Cove Lagoon Penguin Safari

Upon arrival at the Bluff Cove Penguin Rookery, our knowledgeable rangers will provide a briefing on the area and what to expect. Wander through the picturesque penguin colony, nestled beside a scenic lagoon and a pristine sandy beach occasionally visited by sea lions. Witness over 1,000 pairs of nesting Gentoo Penguins, along with Magellanic and Jackass penguins, and a small breeding colony of King Penguins. Keep an eye out for upland geese, ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic oystercatchers, Falkland’s flightless steamer ducks, and other bird species that call this area home.

Explore the Bluff Cove museum, depicting life in the Falklands and showcasing the farm’s history, the sugar wreck, the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina, and the abundant lagoon wildlife. Watch live demonstrations of spinning and felting with local wool used to make the Bluff Cove Tweed.

Approx. 3 hours

NOTE THIS EXCURSION IS ARRANGED WITH THE CRUISE LINE AND MAY NOT BE PRIVATE

AND IS WEATHER DEPENDENT

The Cape Horn passage is renowned as one of the most challenging ocean routes in the world, capturing the imagination of sailors for centuries. Surviving a journey around this point, where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet with force, was considered a remarkable achievement, earning sailors enduring respect and admiration.

Along this passage lies Tierra del Fuego, or the ‘land of fire,’ where Chile and Argentina converge at the bottom of the world. Early sailors named it for the fires they saw burning on shore, lit by the indigenous people who called this region home for some 8,000 years until the end of the 19th century.

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is unlike any place you’ve ever visited. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks on three sides and embraced by the mysterious Beagle Channel on the fourth, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in every view, especially during the daylight cruise through Glacier Alley. Just outside of town lies the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a vast land of discovery and unimaginable beauty that extends into the rugged wilderness of Patagonia.

Included Private Shore Excursion – Tierra del Fuego National Park

Our tour starts in Ushuaia with a thirty-minute drive we to the end of a very famous road, the Pan-Americana Highway. At this spot, we are three thousand kilometres from Buenos Aires and eleven thousand from Alaska! Tierra del Fuego National Park is huge at 63,000 hectares and offers glorious mountain chains, rivers, hard wood forests, acid peat bogs and rocky sea coast. The combination of very different landscapes in a relatively small area is quite unique. A paradise for bird watchers, it is the home of Condors, Rayaditos, giant Black Carpenter birds, Southern Parrots, Thrushes, Fishing Martins, Flightless Steamer duck and forest birds. Huge beaver dams cut the small rivers and let the waters rise into lakes which house a large variety of peat bog plants and tender orchids.

Approx. 4 hours

The Strait of Magellan is an oceanic passage which generally connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, situated in southern Chile and Argentina. The earliest European voyage from the Atlantic to the Pacific was Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, and his route, the Strait of Magellan, between the South American mainland and Tierra del Fuego is named for him. The Strait of Magellan is fully navigable and offers a glimpse into a very unique world in this water body classified as a semi-enclosed periantartic ecosystem.

This picturesque town, set on rolling, wind scoured hills, is considered Chilean big sky country. Our local guide tells us of the tall Aonikenk or Tehuelches aboriginal people who were nomad and terrestrial hunters. It is said that their high stature and pronounced plantar footprint gave origin to the name Patagonia. On departing Punta Arenas this evening, the ship will sail the Cockburn Channel, the Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley. Make sure you are on deck as the scenery is quite dramatic!

Included Private Shore Excursion – Punta Arenas City Tour

Discover the city of Punta Arenas, capital of the Region of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, founded in 1848 and located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. We will visit its main streets and avenues; the Cerro Mirador from where we will obtain a panoramic view of the city overlooking the Port, the Strait of Magellan, and Tierra del Fuego Island. We will continue our tour towards the Plaza de Armas and Municipal Cemetery before returning to the pier.

Approx. 3.5 hours

As you near the southern tip of South America, traveling along the Chilean or Pacific coast, you’ll know that you’re approaching the Cockburn (pronounced ‘CO-burn’) Channel when you see the twin rocks that guard its entrance. The channel flows between the Brecknock Peninsula (the westernmost edge of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego) and a number of islands, including Clarence Island with its irregular coastline of dramatic sounds that reach deep into its interior. The coastline here is rich in fjords and glaciers. The Pia Fjord is especially beautiful, as dozens of waterfalls cascade down the slopes into its waters. If you watch long enough, you may see huge chunks of ice calve off Pia Glacier and fall into the sea.

With a variety of optional activities on board, the choice is yours. Treat yourself at the spa, play some pickleball, visit one of the many lounges, or simply relax on deck and enjoy the stunning views with a good book!

This charismatic town, in the style of its Bavarian settlers, features homes with steeply pitched roofs and elaborate balconies. Our adventure takes us to Petrohue Waterfalls and the ‘City of Roses,’ Puerto Varas.

Included Private Shore Excursion – Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas & Petrohue

Passing through the centre of the city with its typical square and the cathedral known as the region’s oldest building, we stop at an observation point for a beautiful view of the city, Tenglo Island and the Tenglo Channel. Leaving Puerto Montt, we drive along the edge of the shores of Lago Llanquihue, Chile’s second largest lake head towards Puerto Varas, the City of Roses. Reflections of the eternally snow-covered volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco are mirrored in the clear waters of the lake.

The costanera (coastal road) leads to Puerto Varas’ main square with its gardens and historical monument. Travel north to Petrohue Waterfalls and the famous vacation retreat area. The impressive coned peak of the Osorno volcano rises out of the landscape to greet you. Enjoy the bewildering volcanic rock waterfall before returning to Puerto Montt.
 Approx. 7 hours

Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising the Pacific Ocean.

On arrival in San Antonio this morning, our local guide greets us and we board our private coach for the beautiful city of Valparaiso. Experience the highlights of this coastal city including the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as we ride the cable car to the ‘21 de Mayo’ promenade and lookout. We continue to Viña del Mar where the sea blends perfectly with beautiful gardens and shady streets in this jewel of the Pacific. We continue to a private winery for a tour of the vineyard and a delicious lunch filled with local delicacies and wines. These vines have long hosted some of the world’s finest wines. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive to Santiago where we check in to our hotel and have a relaxing, casual dinner. Delight in an evening at leisure and do as much or as little as you please.

Our morning begins with a visit to Los Dominicos handicraft village where over 160 artisans and craftsmen sell their handicrafts. Before embarking on our city tour of Santiago starting on the main avenue of, Alemeda del Liberator General Bernardo O’Higgins and passing the San Francisco Church before walking along Paseo Ahumanda and arriving at Plaza de Armas which houses the Cathedral Church of Santiago,  the Central Post Office and the National Historical Museum. We continue to Santa Lucia Hill and visit the Lastarria Neighbourhood and see La Moneda Palace. Ride the funicular to San Cristóbal Hill where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Following lunch in a local restaurant we will return to our hotel where you will have some free time before our farewell dinner and toast to a lovely journey!

This morning  we bid ‘despedida’ to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flight home. Guests arriving at the Toronto airport are assisted to their private car home.