Darwin's Route From Punta Arenas
Highlights
- Stand where few have at Cape Horn, a remote, legendary headland shaped by fierce seas and centuries of maritime history.
- Venture into Tierra del Fuego’s icy fjords and meet Pia, Porter, Aguila & Condor Glaciers up close on thrilling Zodiac excursions.
- Encounter Magellanic penguins, sea lions & cormorants amid the wild, haunting beauty of sub-Antarctic island-studded channels.
Sail into the soul of South America’s far south on this extraordinary 9-day expedition cruise through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego—an untouched wilderness sculpted by ice, ruled by wind, and wrapped in legend. From your embarkation point in Punta Arenas, you’ll weave through the windswept Strait of Magellan and dramatic Beagle Channel, tracing the ancient maritime routes of early explorers into a realm few ever witness.
Timed for the shoulder seasons of early spring or late summer, this itinerary offers a unique glimpse of Patagonia’s awakening or retreating wilderness. Depending on the time of year, you might witness colonies of Magellanic penguins courting, nesting, or preparing to migrate, or see the towering glaciers glowing under the soft light of the changing seasons. Zodiac excursions bring you close to towering ice walls and secluded bays, while guided hikes through Magellanic forests introduce you to the resilient flora that thrives in this raw environment.
Stand on the southern tip of the continent at fabled Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet in a spectacular clash of waves and wind. Trek through Wulaia Bay, a site of great historical and cultural significance, once home to the seafaring Yaghan people. Marvel at colossal glaciers tumbling into the sea, including the breathtaking Pia, Porter, Aguila, and Condor Glaciers—each uniquely shaped by time and climate.
This voyage is more than a journey—it’s a personal achievement. You’ll step foot in some of the most remote places on the planet, reach viewpoints few have seen, and feel the humbling power of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, history enthusiast, nature photographer, or intrepid adventurer, this itinerary offers an immersive experience into one of Earth’s final frontiers.
Expect to return home with your senses expanded and your spirit stirred—forever changed by the raw beauty, profound silence,...
About the Darwin's Route From Punta Arenas
Sail into the soul of South America’s far south on this extraordinary 9-day expedition cruise through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego—an untouched wilderness sculpted by ice, ruled by wind, and wrapped in legend. From your embarkation point in Punta Arenas, you’ll weave through the windswept Strait of Magellan and dramatic Beagle Channel, tracing the ancient maritime routes of early explorers into a realm few ever witness.
Timed for the shoulder seasons of early spring or late summer, this itinerary offers a unique glimpse of Patagonia’s awakening or retreating wilderness. Depending on the time of year, you might witness colonies of Magellanic penguins courting, nesting, or preparing to migrate, or see the towering glaciers glowing under the soft light of the changing seasons. Zodiac excursions bring you close to towering ice walls and secluded bays, while guided hikes through Magellanic forests introduce you to the resilient flora that thrives in this raw environment.
Stand on the southern tip of the continent at fabled Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet in a spectacular clash of waves and wind. Trek through Wulaia Bay, a site of great historical and cultural significance, once home to the seafaring Yaghan people. Marvel at colossal glaciers tumbling into the sea, including the breathtaking Pia, Porter, Aguila, and Condor Glaciers—each uniquely shaped by time and climate.
This voyage is more than a journey—it’s a personal achievement. You’ll step foot in some of the most remote places on the planet, reach viewpoints few have seen, and feel the humbling power of nature in its purest form. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, history enthusiast, nature photographer, or intrepid adventurer, this itinerary offers an immersive experience into one of Earth’s final frontiers.
Expect to return home with your senses expanded and your spirit stirred—forever changed by the raw beauty, profound silence, and ancient majesty of Patagonia’s southernmost wilds.
Itinerary Day to Day
Punta Arenas check in
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 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.
Ainsworth Bay and 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.
Pia glacier and 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.
Cape horn and 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.
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.
Cape horn and 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.
Pia glacier and 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.
Aguila glacier and 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.
Magdalena Island and Punta Arenas
We will disembark at Magdalena Island first thing in the morning if weather conditions are suitable. On the island, we will be able to see a colony of Magellanic penguins. This excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island in September and April, where South American sea lions can be sighted from Zodiac boats. Then, we will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at approximately 12:30 hrs.
Route Map
Departure Dates
What's Included
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8 days / 7 nights. All-inclusive trip.
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Sea transportation.
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Meals and drinks. Full board – Open bar.
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Presentations.
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Expeditions: zodiac and land activities.
What's Excluded
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Gratuities (US$ 25 per person per night is recommended).
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Purchases from the onboard store.
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Optional tours or activities outside the itinerary.
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Transfers in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia and any immigration fees.
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Government port fees, taxes and national park fees (boarding taxes) which for the 2025-2026 season are as follows: 1)Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US $135 per person. 2)Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US $135 per person. 3) Punta Arenas to Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US $150 per person. 4) Ushuaia to Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US $150 per person. These government port fees/taxes and national park fees may change at the discretion of port authorities.
Related Itineraries
Darwin's Route From Ushuaia
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords (Southbound)
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords (Northbound)
Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Torres del Paine
Fjords of Tierra del Fuego
Patagonian Explorer
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