Name: In the Wake of the HMS Beagle through the Chilean Fjords
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D0624022513

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.

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 UNESCO-recognised Alberto de Agostini National Park, one of the 24 most pristine ecoregions on the planet. The mighty Andean condor is often seen soaring overhead.

Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition Team

Included

01 h 30 m

Soak up the unique atmosphere of this special region where the Andes meets the ocean
Listen out for the crash of ice as it falls from the glacier face and splashes into the water
Watch out for sea lions basking on rocks, and condors soaring high in the sky above you

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Explore a place where few have ever been from the comfort and silence of a kayak
Learn about this amazing UNESCO area as you glide through icy waters
Watch out for local wildlife, including seals and sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and even orcas if you’re lucky

Angostura Kirke, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile, demands precise timing and skillful navigation. Strong currents and winds heighten the challenge, yet the passage rewards with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Playful dolphins, sleek seals and soaring seabirds enhance the experience amid mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Puerto Natales is a charming port town along Last Hope Sound and an ideal gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The park's highlight is an imposing trio of granite pillars that dominate the landscape. This vast area includes glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers, and is home to diverse wildlife including guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is one of the world's top places to see puma.

Torres Del Paine With Hiking From Gate To Gate

Optional

11 h 30 m

Drive to numerous scenic lookouts in the Torres del Paine
Discover one of the world’s most beautiful national parks, home to glaciers, turquoise lakes, stunning waterfalls and fascinating nature

Torres del Paine National Park

Optional

10 h 00 m

Appreciate the most spectacular worldwide Reserve at the end of the world: combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks.
Explore the most beautiful landscapes that the National Park has to offer
Enjoy delicious local Patagonian specialties

Scenes of Puerto Natales and Milodon's Cave

Optional

03 h 10 m

Follow in the footsteps of German adventurer Hermann Eberhard in the place he found the Mylodon remains
Explore the Milodón Cave, which is over 200m deep, 80m wide and 30 high
Learn about the prehistoric giant ground sloth at the cave’s information centre

Estancia Consuelo Lunch Experience

Included

02 h 30 m

Experience Patagonia’s famous hospitality and flavor-packed food surrounded by incredible views and scenery
Immerse yourself in a true piece of Patagonian settlement history, exploring the rustic charms of Estancia Puerto Consuelo
Learn about Hermann Eberhard, the German immigrant who built the estancia (cattle ranch) in 1893

Angostura Kirke, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile, demands precise timing and skillful navigation. Strong currents and winds heighten the challenge, yet the passage rewards with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Playful dolphins, sleek seals and soaring seabirds enhance the experience amid mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls.

One of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating, Pio XI glacier is an incredible sight to behold. Almost 66 km in length, Pio XI, also known as Brüggen Glacier, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere, outside of Antarctica. With towering ice cliffs, deep blue crevasses and seracs, it advances by 50 metres per day.

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Sail close to the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica
Learn about the third largest ice mass in the world from your experienced guides as you paddle through this breath-taking natural setting
Hear the thundering sound of calving ice splitting from the glacier and crashing into the water

Angostura Inglesa (or the English Narrows), a narrow passage in the Messier Channel on the southwestern coast of Chile, provides a picturesque route through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. Navigating this challenging passage demands precise timing and skill due to strong currents and winds. Yet, the journey compensates with stunning views of mountains, islands, and the chance to encounter dolphins, seals, and various bird species.

After traversing the English Passage's green hills and snowy peaks, the ship arrives at remote Caleta Tortel village at the Rio Baker's mouth. Long isolated with only river and sea access, Tortel's first road was built in 2003. The timber industry led to the construction of wooden houses and streets - or boardwalks - made of wood. Hummingbirds flit amongst the flora of this scenic frontier outpost.

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Get close to nature as you glide through calming water in this picturesque location
Immerse your senses in the tranquillity of nature as you explore at water level
Sail passed the coastal town’s raised fascinating wooden walkways and colorful stilt houses

Walking Tour With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Visit this remote corner of the world, nestled in the Aysén region of Chilean Patagonia
Discover breathtaking natural scenery, unique architecture, and fascinating local traditions
Connect with nature in this beautiful coastal town, which is surrounded by protected wildlife habitats

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, Chiloé Island's picturesque capital, is known for its palafitos, brightly painted wooden houses on stilts. Beyond the UNESCO-listed palafitos, Iglesia San Francisco, an old wooden neo-Gothic church dating back to 1567, stands tall in yellow. Nearby Chiloé National Park protects native alerce conifers, the largest tree species in South America. The park offers fantastic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the lush, pristine landscapes.

Chiloé National Park - ok

Optional

05 h 30 m

The El Tepual interpretive trail runs through a Valdivian forest through different wooden walkways where the diversity of Chilote flora can be appreciated
Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Cucao and its surroundings
The forest includes coigües, copihues and the evergreen tepú tree that gives the trail its name

Queilen and Isla Conejos

Optional

05 h 30 m

Watch Penguins and Dolphins from the Boat
Discover the large virgin native forest that’s home to a number of bird species
Observing all the wonderful landscape that surrounds you

Puñihuil Penguins Colony

Optional

06 h 15 m

Experience a Puñihuil penguin colony in its natural habitat
Learn about the inhabitants of Chiloé island, known as 'Chilotes' in Chile
Embrace local history and find out about the Jesuit missionaries who came here to introduce Christianity to the island

Chiloé & Achao Islands

Included

05 h 00 m

Visit a variety of exquisite churches recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2000
Discover San Francisco church’s intricate wood carvings and impressive Alerce wood panelling
Enjoy a ferry ride and coastal walk on Quinchao island as you travel to Curaco de Vélez

Puerto Montt, marking Chile's Lake District's southern end, is known for its bustling port and salmon fishing. The compact city's Histórico Museum displays indigenous artefacts and fossils. Nearby attractions include Chile’s oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with the vibrant Petrohué Rapids by the Osorno Volcano. Beyond the city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the town of Puerto Varas is known for its German heritage.

Rainforest Hike & Petrohué Rapids

Optional

07 h 00 m

See lush vegetation, magnificent mountains, and stunning lakes
Immerse yourself in an incredible natural setting
Enjoy the excellent views of both the Osorno and the Calbuco volcano on the El Solitario trail

Puerto Montt, Frutillar & Puerto Varas

Included

04 h 30 m

Wander through Puerto Montt’s harbor market, and sample some of the famous local salmon
Find out about the life of the German families who came to the area in the 19th century
Kick back and explore the area’s distinctive wooden architecture

Petrohué rapids & the Chilian Lake District

Optional

07 h 00 m

Stroll along forest paths and capture unforgettable moments with your camera
Learn how the Saltos de Petrohué rapids have eroding volcanic rock into striking formations over thousands of years
Relax in nature as you watch out for local wildlife, including soaring condors circling above

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.

Mocha Island, a small and nature-protected haven, has a captivating history. Home to the pudú, one of the world's smallest deer species, the island designates 45% of its land as a nature reserve. In the 16th century, it was frequented by famous pirates like Francis Drake and Oliver van Hoort. The surrounding waters were also once home to Mocha Dick, the renowned 19th-century sperm whale believed to have inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

Hike with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore the Isla Mocha National Reserve, which occupies about 45% of Isla Mocha
Watch out for white shearwaters – 70% of the world population can be found on Mocha Island!
Marvel at the different trees and plants here that have adapted themselves to the area’s strong winds

Zodiac Landing with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Learn about this area’s shipwrecks and piracy, and pre-Columbian Chilean culture from your knowledgeable guides
Hear about the Mapuche people, who were expelled by the Spanish
Keep your eyes peeled for the Masatierra petrel, a seabird that can only be found on Mocha island

One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.

Valparaíso to Santiago: A Journey Through Time and Modernity

Optional

08 h 00 m

Enjoy the panoramic views on your way to Santiago
Discover the historic center and the modern neighbourhood of Santiago
Discover the contrast between the Old quarter and the modern district

Valparaíso: A Symphony of Colors and History - In transit guests

Included

03 h 15 m

Walk the alleys of Valparaiso and discover the history of Valparaiso
See the colourful houses in the coastal city
Marvel at the panoramic view of the city while on the El Peral elevator

In the Wake of the HMS Beagle through the Chilean Fjords

1

Details

Trip Highlights