Expedition Chilean Fjords: Geological Testimonies Made of Stone and Ice

Ushuaia/Argentina, departure 19.00 hrs

(passage through the Beagle Channel, Garibaldi Glacier, cruising through the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, cruising through the Kirke Narrows, Puerto Natales, cruising in the southern fjords, Pio XI Glacier)

Very few continents have such spectacular nature, such fascinating flora and fauna: your small and manoeuvrable ship can demonstrate its advantages as an expedition ship in the narrow waterways of Chile’s southern fjords.

During the passage through the Beagle Channel, “Glacier Alley”, the ship’s deck is your front-row seat for the thrilling natural spectacle of the mighty ridges: five tidewater glaciers line the waterway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. If nature plays along, you will be able to spot sea lions and humpback whales.

From a distance, you can already see the shimmering blue ice of the Garibaldi Glacier stretching down to the water.

Ice floes drift in the fjord, and the silence of nature is broken only by the sounds of the sea lions. Look forward to thrilling experiences with the Zodiacs, depending on the local authorisations.

In the wake of the world-famous explorer, you will cruise through the Strait of Magellan: Ferdinand Magellan found the passage on his search for the Moluccas, the “spice islands”. His ship was small and manoeuvrable and could also navigate narrow bays – just like the expedition fleet of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises today.

Following the route taken by the first person to sail around the world, you’ll be welcomed by Punta Arenas. In Chile’s southernmost city, you will be surrounded by colonial flair and the pioneering spirit of the golden age of seafaring. For example, it offers fascinating insights into the habitat of the Magellanic penguins*, which populate Isla Magdalena by the thousands. With a little luck, your bird watching will be crowned by the appearance of the condor, the Chilean national bird.

The captain and crew once again prove their great expedition experience during the passage through the Kirke Narrows. On the approximately 100 m (328 ft) long passage, you will pass 1,300 m (4,265 ft) peaks on both sides, glaciers and a unique landscape – until all the narrows and currents have been mastered with flying colours.

On the way to the port city of Puerto Natales, which can often only be reached by plane, you may spot dolphins, whales and seals. It is the starting point for exploring the Torres del Paine National Park* with mountains that are almost 3,000 m (9,843 ft) high. Over 100 different animal species, including rheas, flamingos and Andean condors, live between rushing waterfalls, extensive forests and shimmering aquamarine mountain lakes.

As you cruise through the southern fjords, the captain and crew will select the most fascinating routes to stunning experiences. Over thousands of years, the mountains have formed a gigantic picture book of the earth’s history – which your ship will take plenty of time to study in detail.

The excitement mounts on board as the nautically demanding manoeuvres lead to spectacular scenes as you enjoy the far-reaching views from the extensive outside decks. The Pio XI Glacier is immense, with a height of up to 75 m (246 ft) and a kilometre-long ridge. With its bizarre craggy surface, it sparkles blue and white. You will glide between icebergs great and small as you take in the impressive views from your Zodiac.

(cruising in the northern fjords, Chaiten, Puerto Montt, Isla de Chiloe)

Great adventures of discovery lie ahead of you as your small expedition ship explores Chile’s northern fjords. New facets surprise at every turn: towering mountain landscapes, unique glaciers and diverse cultural encounters.

Your expedition ship is perfect for cruising through the northern fjords. In the labyrinth of canals and islands, you will experience the beauty of Chile up close. The inspiration Walk offers you the ideal place for this with the best views.

Chaiten is also testament to the power of nature. The small town at the foot of the volcano of the same name was buried under silt and ash when the volcano erupted in 2008. Life has returned to the former ghost town, but some half-buried houses still bear witness to the drama.

On a walk through the town and on hikes in nature with your experts, you will learn interesting facts about the geological and tectonic events in Chile.The stunning natural phenomena surrounding the city of Puerto Montt include snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, fjords and countless lakes. Thanks to its picturesque location on the Pacific Ocean, the town is also known as the gateway to Patagonia. The region is home to false elms and kingfishers – and it contains evidence of German immigrants, such as Black Forest gateau.

Equally stunning: the Isla de Chiloe, where the 43,000 ha (106,255 ac) national park invites you to go on excursions* to explore the nature. You will land in Ancud, a truly unspoilt little place with a regional museum that is worth a visit and an old Spanish fort. The charming coastal town is known for its historical significance, scenic location and proximity to unique natural attractions. In addition to the excursions*, it is also worth taking an independent walk here.

08.00 – 18.00 hrs

Huddled together, the colourful houses appear to cling to the hillsides of Chile’s cultural capital city, Valparaiso. Parts of this multifaceted ensemble have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. “Mini San Francisco” invites you to immerse yourself in the life of the Chileans. On your walk, you will notice the street art with large-scale murals and graffiti that adorn almost every corner in the historic district. The former house of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda is now a museum and offers insights into his life. The many hills of the city can be accessed by old cable cars, the “ascensores”: from the vantage points, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the picturesque city.

Isla Chanaral is rocky, with sparse vegetation – and yet full of life. It is a protected area for Humboldt penguins, which share their habitat with sea lions, fur seals and a wide variety of seabirds. The surrounding waters are very rich in nutrients thanks to the cold Humboldt Current and are home to a diverse marine ecosystem that also attracts dolphins and whales. Cruising off the island in local boats provides many opportunities for wildlife watching: keep an eye out for the penguins, which can dive for up to eight minutes and around 30 m (98 ft) deep. You might also spot Peruvian boobies on the cliffs and in the sky. They show off swooping dives to catch prey from the sea.

09.30 – 15.00 hrs

Iquique is a lively port city in northern Chile, nestled between the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. Its impressive beaches attract water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike. Historically shaped by the saltpetre boom of the 19th century, well-preserved buildings in the belle-epoque style in the Baquedano district still bear witness to this era – let these times pass you by on your city walk. With a mix of history and beaches, Iquique has developed into a diverse destination that combines culture and nature in a unique way.

08.30 – 18.00 hrs

The Paracas Peninsula shows the best sides of Peru: a dream coast surrounded by the sea, a diverse animal world and historical sites. The nature reserve created here in 1975 includes the peninsula, the bay and the small archipelago of Islas Ballestas. The largest marine nature reserve in South America is home to blue-footed boobies, pelicans and Humboldt penguins as well as seals and dolphins. Many birds from colder regions also migrate here in winter. The area around the city is famous for its historical treasures, including pre-Columbian geoglyphs on the mountain slopes. Join your experts on board for a journey through time and find out how the images, such as the geometric figures and monumental animal pictures of Nazca, were created. According to legend, the region is where the first white-and-red flag of Peru originated when, in 1820, national hero Jose de San Martin was inspired by a flock of flamingos here. What will your encounter with the diverse fauna do to you?

Arrival 07.00 hrs

Itineraries are subject to change.