Cruise Overview
18-day expedition cruise from Valparaíso to Patagonia and Antarctica, ending in beautiful Buenos Aires
Explore the frozen continent of Antarctica in its late spring, when penguin colonies start nesting.
Visit stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cruise deep Chilean fjords.
See vibrant Valparaíso, the stilt houses of Castro, and the spectacular mountains surrounding Puerto Natales.
Wildlife and fjords
From Valparaíso, you’ll tour the Chilean fjords and waterways of Patagonia, stopping at rustic Castro and Puerto Natales, where you may get the chance to hike in Torres del Paine National Park. If weather allows, we’ll attempt to land the legendary Cape Horn before crossing the Drake Passage.
Icescapes and penguins
Guided by your Expedition Team, you'll spend four incredible days exploring Antarctica's immense, pristine icescapes. Springtime is courting season and you'll be able to observe penguins mating. There's no fixed programme – we adapt our itinerary to take every opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy unique experiences on ice cruises and landings.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Children
Available Dates
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
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 colourful Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', it’s built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city.
Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Preparing for adventure
Day 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.
Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center.
Grab a pair of binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities, and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, 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 get great views of the city’s colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some 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.
Sailing south
Day 5-6
Sailing south
Relax at sea
We continue our adventure, setting course for Puerto Natales. As we pass quietly through the beautiful islands of Aysén, you’ll be able to enjoy a rare opportunity – time out to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles and green mountains, looking out for rare wildlife.
Take it all in from the deck, the outdoor hot tub, or the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar. Your Expedition Team continues its programme of lectures in the Science Center, offering fascinating insights into the places and animals you’ll see on your journey.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Day 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.
While here, you can choose to see the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park on either a bus or hiking tour – both incredible experiences well worth doing.
The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travellers, with 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 the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.
We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow, sailing 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 takes 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 coast.
Rounding Cape Horn
Day 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 has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there.
From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as 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
Day 12-15
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 an exciting four 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 thrilling viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skywards 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.
Sailing towards Ushuaia
Day 16-17
Sailing towards Ushuaia
Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina
After four incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you two days to enjoy life on board. There are plenty of things to do.
During your last few days at sea, you can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs.
Visit the Science Center and find out more about the things you've seen or use the time to sort through your photos and get editing tips from our onboard photographer.
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Day 18
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join our optional Post-Programmes before heading home.
What's included
Transfer
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Ushuaia after the expedition cruise
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires after the expedition cruise
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
- Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- 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 kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, 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 Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings 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 might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages