Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 15 Days
Price Point: From $12,320
Seasons Available: Spring
Discover the untamed beauty of Chilean Patagonia on this 15-day expedition with Quark Expeditions. Aboard the state-of-the-art Ultramarine, explore remote fjords, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountain landscapes in a way no land-based journey can offer. From helicopter flightseeing to intimate Zodiac cruises, witness breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, including Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and guanacos. Retrace Charles Darwin’s voyage through Glacier Alley, step ashore near legendary Cape Horn, and marvel at the rugged splendor of Torres del Paine National Park. Experience the striking beauty of the Canal de las Montañas, the wildlife-rich Tuckers Islets, and the icy grandeur of Ainsworth Bay and Bahia Brookes. With expert guides, thrilling excursions, and the comforts of Ultramarine’s luxurious amenities, this journey offers a truly immersive exploration of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Sail to the edge of the world and uncover the raw magic of southern Chile like never before!
Helicopter Flightseeing – Experience breathtaking aerial views of Patagonia’s remote fjords and glaciers, only possible with Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters.
Torres del Paine National Park – Explore one of South America’s most stunning landscapes, with rugged peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Cape Horn Landing – Stand at the legendary “end of the world,” where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.
Glacier Alley & Canal de las Montañas – Cruise through a spectacular corridor of towering blue glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks.
Magellanic Penguins & Patagonian Wildlife – Observe penguin colonies, South American sea lions, Andean condors, and more in their pristine natural habitats.
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Buenos Aires
Arrive in Argentina’s vibrant capital and transfer independently to your group hotel. - Day 2: Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia, explore the port town, then embark on Ultramarine, sailing through the Beagle Channel. - Day 3: Cape Horn
Weather permitting, land at Cape Horn, the legendary meeting point of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. - Days 4-5: Glacier Alley
Sail through the stunning Beagle Channel, with its towering glaciers named after European explorers. - Day 6: Aguila Glacier
Cruise by Zodiac to this striking tidewater glacier and hike along its serene, ice-carved shores. - Day 7: Chilean Fjords
Navigate a remote maze of fjords, channels, and snow-capped peaks while learning about the region’s history. - Days 8-9: Torres del Paine National Park
Spend two days exploring this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting a traditional estancia. - Day 10: Canal de las Montañas
Sail a breathtaking glacial fjord, where waterfalls cascade down steep peaks—ideal for Zodiac and kayak excursions. - Day 11: Tuckers Islets
Take a Zodiac cruise near a Magellanic penguin colony, home to thousands of nesting seabirds. - Day 12: Ainsworth Bay
Hike through pristine sub-Antarctic forests and enjoy panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier. - Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Zodiac excursions bring you close to North Brookes Glacier, where ice calving creates a dramatic spectacle. - Day 14: Marta Island
Circumnavigate this wildlife-rich island, home to a thriving Patagonian sea lion colony and seabirds. - Day 15: Punta Arenas
Fly to Santiago for onward travel after two weeks of awe-inspiring Patagonian exploration.
Ultramarine
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, multiple embarkation points, and a bespoke Zodiac hangar, Ultramarine offers a robust menu of adventure activities, spontaneous excursions, and intimate wildlife engagement. Together with an innovative mix of sustainability features that converts waste into energy and eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, Ultramarine is the perfect choice for active, conscious-minded guests looking for a unique adventure. Spacious suites are thoughtfully outfitted with premium amenities, while the ship provides plenty of areas, both inside and out, to witness incredible Antarctic wildlife, including a spacious observation deck and a wrap-around deck with panoramic views.
