South & Central America, Patagonia

Darwin's Route from Punta Arenas

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This 8-night cruise, Darwin’s Route from Punta Arenas, aboard an Australis vessel, traces a breathtaking journey through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, navigating the mythical Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel. Starting and ending in Punta Arenas, the itinerary includes stops at Ainsworth Bay, Tuckers Islets, and Ushuaia, with two visits to the iconic Cape Horn (weather permitting) and Wulaia Bay’s historic Yagan sites. Guests experience close encounters with glaciers like Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor via Zodiac rides and hikes through sub-Antarctic forests, alongside wildlife sightings of Magellanic penguins and sea lions at Magdalena or Marta Island (season-dependent). The flexible route, shaped by weather and ice conditions, offers immersive exploration of dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, and pristine landscapes, enriched by the raw beauty and legends of the southernmost reaches of the world.

Highlights

• Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay Adventures: Experience the thrill of attempting landings at Cape Horn, one of the world’s southernmost points, steeped in maritime legend, and explore Wulaia Bay’s historic Yagan settlements via scenic hikes through lush Magellanic forests (weather permitting).

• Glacier Encounters via Zodiacs: Marvel at the majestic Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor glaciers up close, with Zodiac rides offering intimate views of these icy giants descending from the Darwin Mountain Range into the sea, showcasing Patagonia’s rugged geography.

• Wildlife and Pristine Nature: Spot Magellanic penguins and cormorants at Tuckers Islets or sea lions at Marta Island (seasonal), and hike through untouched sub-Antarctic forests in Ainsworth Bay, immersing you in the diverse fauna and pristine wilderness of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Between 13:00 and 17:00 hrs, we will begin to check-in at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas - Chile, to PUNTA ARENAS embark at 18:00 hrs. Once on board, we will gather on the fifth deck to make a welcome toast and meet the Captain and his crew. Afterwards, the ship will set sail towards the southern end. Through the mythical Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, we will travel through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets

We will arrive in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay to learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted and will hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. We will visit the Tuckers Islets, where you will see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs. Due to the migratory cycle of the penguins, in September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Day 3: Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley

We will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive to the viewpoint from where it is possible to see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we will continue our navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley” to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the ship.

Day 4: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark, if weather conditions permit, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. We will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest in which lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 5: Ushuaia

Arrival to Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. We will disembark at 08:30 hours to explore the city and enjoy its restaurants, shops, and museums, among other things. Boarding once again will take place at 18:00 hours. The crew, led by its Captain, will welcome you on board and toast with your fellow travelers. Subsequently, the ship will set sail towards the End of the World to continue exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Day 6: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where if weather conditions allow, we may disembark via Zodiac boats. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, where various types of excursions take place, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

Day 7: Pia Glacier & Porter Glacier

In the morning, we will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive to the viewpoint from where you will see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. During the afternoon, we will embark on a Zodiac boat navigation excursion, without disembarking. We will advance between high rocky walls to reach, at the end of them, the imposing Porter Glacier and be able to contemplate it face to face.

Day 8: Aguila Glacier & Condor Glacier

In the morning, we will navigate the Cockburn Channel to enter the Agostini Sound, where we can appreciate the glaciers that descend from the center of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of them reaching the sea. After breakfast, we will disembark via Zodiac boats for a walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. Meanwhile in the afternoon, we will navigate in Zodiac boats without disembarking, approaching the Condor Glacier at a privileged distance. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.

Day 9: Magdalena Island – Punta Arenas

Please Note:

The excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Notwithstanding the above, Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A reserve the right to reschedule, shorten, or alter all or part of the itineraries and/or excursions without prior notice, in order to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of passengers, preserve the environment, or due to any extraordinary circumstances, acts of God or force majeure. For the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change. There is no guarantee of wildlife sighting because the precise location of these animals cannot be confirmed.

21 September, 2026 to 29 September, 2026
Stella Australis & Ventus Australis

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Cabin B

$3,519 USD pp

Magallanes Deck, 3 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin A

$4,383 USD pp

Magallanes Deck, 34 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AA

$4,761 USD pp

Tierra Del Fuego Deck, 36 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AAA

$5,139 USD pp

Cabo De Hornos Deck, 23 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AA Superior

$6,093 USD pp

Tierra Del Fuego Deck, 2 cabins.