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In the Wake of the HMS Beagle through the Chilean Fjords
D0624022513
Dates
02/25/24 - 03/09/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
13 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 8,039
Per Person
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Trip Details
Set sail for adventure and follow Charles Darwin on our In the Wake of HMS Beagle through the Chilean Fjords cruise. Board your boutique expedition ship in Ushuaia, the world's most southerly city, and explore dramatic fjords, immense glaciers, and out-of-this-world scenery. Soak up the pristine wilderness of Patagonia as you cruise past towering snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and sparkling glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including penguins, dolphins, and the famed Andean condor. Visit charming coastal settlements along the way and learn about the history and culture of this unique region. Your onboard team will help you make the most of your trip and make sure you have an unforgettable experience. The cruise ends in Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful houses and steep hills. Here, you can relax and reflect on your amazing journey before flying home.
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Trip Highlights
Visit Garibaldi Glacier, considered one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, as you cruise through the pristine Alberto de Agostini National Park
Come face to face with the imposing and famed trio of granite pillars as you explore the renowned Torres del Paine National Park
Experience the thundering sound of calving ice as you approach the immense PIO XI glacier, one of world’s only advancing glaciers.
Spend time in Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales, on your trip to the vibrant and thundering Petrohué rapids, located at the foot of the iconic Osorno Volcano.
Enjoy the natural serenity of Isla Mocha, a nature protected island with wildlife as fascinating as its colourful human history
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Ushuaia Day 1

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

Garibaldi Glacier Day 2

Considered one of Chile’s most beautiful glaciers, the towering teal walls of Garibaldi Glacier are quite spectacular. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, the vegetation is just as impressive as the ice. The glacier and surrounding Garibaldi Fjord are part of Alberto de Agostini National Park. The park is also a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its unique terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystem, and is considered one of the 24 most pristine ecoregions on the planet. Conditions permitting, we’ll be able to lower our zodiac boats into the water for further exploration of the fjord and its wildlife. Keep an eye out for the mighty Andean condor, which can often be spotted in the region.

Expedition Activities
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Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition Team
  • Duration: 01 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Take a zodiac cruises near the face of Garibaldi Glacier, keep an eye out for playful seals and sea lions
  • Try to spot wildlife while our team gives you the explanations about this incredible site
Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
  • Experience the fijord, from water level, with all your senses as there is no interference with artificial sounds
  • Amazing opportunity to kayak and observe wildlife
Cruising Angostura Kirke Day 3

Angostura Kirke is a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile. It is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds.

Puerto Natales Day 3-6

Situated on Last Hope Sound, the pretty port town of Puerto Natales is an ideal base for visiting the famed and feral Torres del Paine National Park. The park’s crown jewel, the imposing trio of granite pillars, dominate the landscape in a manner reminiscent of Tolkien’s Mordor. Explore beyond the star attraction and discover glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers. The region is also home to fascinating wildlife including guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is also one of the top places in the world to see puma. The town itself is very walkable and is home to a number of trendy cafés, restaurants and shops. Take a tour of the Last Hope Distillery for a spot of gin tasting or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront for some photo opportunities. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, hike up the nearby Dorotea Hill for a bird’s eye view of Puerto Natales. If luck is on your side, you may even spot a condor.

Shore Excursion
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Hike at Sarmiento Sector
  • Duration: 09 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Take an hike through the eastern part of Torres del Paine National Park
  • Drive the road alongside turquoise-blue Lakes Pehoé and Nordenskjöld, with a fantastic view of the famous Torres del Paine peaks soaring behind them
  • Discover the fascinating rock paintings created by the region’s indigenous population
Torres del Paine
  • Duration: 09 h 45 m
  • Included
  • Discover one of the most spectacular and visited natural areas in Chile with its distinctive granite peaks
  • Stop for pictures at Nordenskjold Lake, home to a variety of wildlife, such as guanacos, flamingos, condors and pumas
  • Hike through the forest to Lake Grey Shore offers a variety of natural attractions, such as lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of the lake
Mylodon-Cave and the Devil’s Seat
  • Duration: 05 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the magnificent views of Eberhard Fjord and Seno Ultima Esperanza
  • Discover the prehistoric giant ground sloth
“Asado Patagonico” at Estancia Puerto Consuelo
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Learn how a real Patagonian lamb barbecue is prepared
  • Visit a typical farm house and discover the local traditions
Cruising Angostura Kirke Day 6

Angostura Kirke is a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile. It is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds.

Pio XI Glacier Day 7

At almost 66 kilometres in length, Pio XI Glacier, also known as Brüggen Glacier, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. With a surface area exceeding 1265km2, it is one of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating. It is in fact advancing year after year, with an average advance in length, height and density of up to 50 metres per day. Pio XI is an incredible sight to behold. With giant ice cliffs that rise to a height of 75 meters intersected by deep blue crevasses and free-standing ice pillars known as seracs. Exploring the glacier further, you might just witness the startling but thrilling sights and sounds of ice calving into the water from the glacier wall.

Expedition Activities
view
Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
  • Experience the fijord, from water level, with all your senses as there is no interference with artificial sounds
  • Amazing opportunity to kayak and observe wildlife
Cruising Angostura Inglesa Day 7

Angostura Inglesa is a narrow passage in the Messier Channel on the southwestern coast of Chile. It offers a scenic journey through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia, and is a challenging passage for navigation, as it has strong currents and winds and requires precise timing and skill. However, it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and islands and the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and birds. Angostura Inglesa is a place for those who want to experience the thrill and beauty of sailing in Patagonia.

Tortel Day 8

Travel through the green hills and snow-capped peaks of the English Passage before arriving in the remote village of Caleta Tortel. Tortel is located at the mouth of the Rio Baker river and only had its first inland road built in 2003. Before the road’s construction, the village was very isolated, with the river and sea its main transport routes. The streets here consist mainly of boardwalks, and the houses are mostly built on stilts. The village evolved as a result of the local timber industry and is a wonderful place to observe traditional wooden architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the boardwalks, keeping an eye out for hummingbirds which are commonly seen enjoying the local flora.

Expedition Activities
view
Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Observe scenery, coastlines, and wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
  • Amazing opportunity to kayak and observe wildlife
Day at sea Day 9

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Castro Day 10

Disembark today in the small, picturesque city of Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island. The city is known for its brightly painted wooden houses built on stilts (palafitos). Beyond the palafitos you may want to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Iglesia San Francisco, an old wooden Neo-Gothic church dating back to the founding of the city in 1567. Venture further afield into nearby Chiloé National Park for the chance to see native alerce conifers, the largest tree species in South America.

Shore Excursion
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Making Curanto – a genuine Chiloe tradition
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Learn about the tradition of “Curanto”, a rich meal of seafood, fish, a variety of meats and, of course, Chiloe potatoes, all cooked in an earth oven
  • Be deeply immersed in the island’s culture and will learn how to prepare a Curanto from a local family
  • Taste the delicious dishes prepared with the local family
Churches of Castro, Dalcahue and Achao
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the San Francisco church, whose colorful facade is located in the main square of the city
  • Discover the fishing village Dalcahue and learn about life on Chiloé with its shingle houses and the colorful fishing boats
  • In Achao visit s the oldest and perhaps most beautiful of the 16 Chilotic churches belonging to the World Cultural Heritage
Hiking to Punta Pirulil and Dock of Souls ‘Muelle de las Almas’
  • Duration: 07 h 50 m
  • Optional
  • Ascend up a lush green grassland which showcases an exquisite view of the Pacific Ocean
  • Learn the story of the “Dock of Souls”, crafted by a renowned Chilean wood sculptor
  • Hike in the breathtaking Pirulil mountain range
“Birdwatching in the Wetlands”
  • Duration: 03 h 40 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the huge biodiversity of the region with a great variety of species of birds living, flying, some nesting, breeding and many more
  • Enjoy the panoramic drive to the breath taking Rilan Peninsula
  • Make your way to the beautiful ecosystem of the wetland planes including Putemun to Tenten to observe some of the nation and migratory species of birds and other wildlife at the stunning
Puñihuil Penguin Colony and the “Friends of the Churches of Chiloé” Foundation
  • Duration: 05 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Head to the northern part of Chiloé, to the lovely Puñihuil Beach
  • Discover the Puñihuil penguin colony, one of the few places where Magellan and Humboldt penguins live side by side
  • Visit Ancud, the island´s northernmost city and former capital of the island and have a brief insight into the lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants
Puerto Montt Day 11

Puerto Montt marks the southern end of Chile’s Lake District and is well known for its busy port and salmon fishing industry. From here we will visit the vibrant and thundering Petrohué Rapids, located at the foot of the iconic Osorno Volcano. The falls and the volcano are to be found in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest national park. The city itself is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. The Museo Histórico displays fossils and items relating to the areas indigenous history and is worth a visit. Travel beyond the city limits to nearby Puerto Varas, a small and quaint city known for its German heritage and its location on the shores of the vast Lake Llanquihue.

Shore Excursion
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Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Learn the history of Puerto Montt is also known as the ‘Gateway to Patagonia’
  • Visit the Cathedral built of wood, a memorial to the German settlers
  • Spend some time in Puerto Varas Known as “The City of Roses“
Petrohue Rapids, Emerald Lake Cruise & Chilean Countryside
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
Alerce Andino National Park Hike
  • Duration: 06 h 30 m
  • Optional
Day at sea Day 12

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Isla Mocha Day 13

The small, nature-protected island of Mocha has a fascinating natural and human history. Inhabited by one of the world’s smallest deer species, the pudú, 45% of the surface area of the island is a nature reserve. In the 16th century, the island was regularly visited by English and Dutch pirates including Francis Drake and Oliver van Hoort. It is also said that the waters around the island were once home to a famous 19th-century sperm whale, Mocha Dick, the whale thought to be the inspiration for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

Valparaiso Day 14

One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical but perfectly functional funicular. The UNESCO-listed city is a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. Spend some time following in the footsteps of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, by visiting his former home. Or perhaps enjoy a wine tasting on a trip to the Casablanca Wine Valley. There are also plenty of wonderful cafes, restaurants, art galleries, museums and shopping opportunities. This city is truly unique and fascinating in equal measure, and definitely worth taking some time getting to know a little better.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
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Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
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Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK