Cruise Overview
22-day expedition cruise from Valparaíso to the Chilean fjords and the frozen beauty of Antarctica
Explore beautiful fjords along the Chilean coast in wild Patagonia, continuing down to the untouched icescapes of Antarctica in its late spring.
Visit fascinating UNESCO sites and remote communities, sail round the legendary Cape Horn and navigate the Drake Passage.
Spend seven days exploring Antarctica on landings, hikes and ice-cruising, observing wildlife and nature up close with your Expedition Team.
An Antarctic expedition
We’ll set sail down the Chilean coast to explore the unique world of Antarctica. Every day, our route will be guided by nature as we make the best of local conditions. Each sunrise will offer something different and thrilling. In October and November on the seventh continent, penguins start courting and nesting. Fall in love with this frozen yet uniquely beautiful world as you go on landings and small boat (RIB) adventures.
Patagonian paradise of natural and man-made wonders
Your expedition cruise takes in designated World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These include colorful Valparaíso, the ornate churches of Chiloé at Castro, and the spectacular landscapes, glaciers, and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park. Having sailed down the awe-inspiring coast of Patagonia, we’ll attempt a landing at Cape Horn as part of our adventure.
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Practical information you need to know
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Valparaíso, a UNESCO Gem
Day 1
Valparaíso, a UNESCO Gem
Discover Valparaíso, the “Jewel of the Pacific”
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colorful Valparaíso. Known as the “Jewel of the Pacific,” this friendly UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, and you'll love discovering it.
Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colorful houses and mercados packed with local produce; take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
If you'd like to explore more, we recommend joining one of our optional Pre-Programs.
Preparing for Adventure
Days 2–3
Preparing for Adventure
Get into expedition mode
Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip.
Expedition Team members are experts in everything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures and hands-on presentations in the Science Center.
Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym.
Castro’s Chilotan Charm
Day 4
Castro’s Chilotan Charm
See stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.
From various vantage points, you can enjoy great views of the city’s colorful “palafitos,” which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For a bit of culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Bring your binoculars, as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, along with penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.
The Waters of Patagonia
Days 5–6
The Waters of Patagonia
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We’ll cruise south toward Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with mesmerizing shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins, and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
The Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography.
Remote Puerto Edén
Day 6
Remote Puerto Edén
Discover Kawésqar culture in a Patagonian village
Set at the end of a deep fjord, our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, set in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Its 250 inhabitants include some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people. You will have the chance to talk to them and gain insight into their unique culture.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Days 7–8
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
We’ll sail into Puerto Natales through the White Narrows. Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels.
You can choose to see the Torres del Paine National Park on either a bus or hiking tour—both are incredible experiences and well worth your time.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travelers and has many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.
We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow and sail through the White Narrows again.
Exploring Chile’s Fjords
Day 9
Exploring Chile’s Fjords
Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife
Your journey south along the Chilean coast will take you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.
Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.
Rounding Cape Horn
Days 10–11
Rounding Cape Horn
Attempted landing at Cape Horn
After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America: Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but weather permitting, we’ll attempt to land there.
From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and sustainable as possible.
In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.
Antarctica: Another World
Days 12–18
Antarctica: Another World
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
You’ll spend seven exciting days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.
Relax and Unwind at Sea
Days 19–21
Relax and Unwind at Sea
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth
After seven days of expedition cruising in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of lasting sights and sounds, and your camera’s memory cards will be loaded with impressive images as well.
During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy the delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.
You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Day 22
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onward from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.
If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining our optional Post-Programs.
What's included
Transfer
- Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise
flights
- Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges, and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Set sail in style with our limited time suite offer
Save up to $5,500 when you book a suite before 23 December 2024.
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Solo Traveler Benefit!
For a limited time, solo travelers pay no single supplement* on select expedition cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and more!
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Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages