Via Australis Cruise / Ushuaia - Punta Arenas

The end of the world is waiting and Australis Cruises runs through it with you. The Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route shows you all the amazing beauty that the Patagonian region offers. During the trip enjoy the splendor and beauty of natural landscapes while experiencing a unique stay onboard a luxury cruise designed with your comfort in mind. Embark on exciting expeditions through the astounding Patagonian wilderness for an exhilarating adventure. Book your trip with us to explore million year glaciers, Cape Horn, and more for a remarkable journey that you will never forget.

Day 01: Ushuaia

Check in at San Martin 409, Ushuaia, between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with cruise ship boarding from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board, and afterwards the ship departs for the journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world.

Day 02: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark (weather permitting). The mythical Cape Horn was discovered in 1616, and it is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the “End of the Earth”. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point.

Day 03: Pia Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier

In the morning we navigate along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter Pia Fiord where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to a vantage point with a spectacular view of the mountain chain giving origin to this impressive glacier moving slowly down the valley until it falls into the sea.

In the afternoon we enter Garibaldi fiord on the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, where we will do an incredible excursion through Patagonia’s cold jungle and a hike through the forest up to a waterfall of glacial origin. There is a spectacular view from this spot. For those who stay onboard, our Capitan will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi glacier, and the panoramic views may be enjoyed from the outdoor decks.

Day 04: Piloto and Nena Glaciers - Agostini Sound - Aguila Glacier

In the morning we sail through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Our adventure begins in the Zodiac boats to explore Alakaluf Fiord, where we will see beautiful waterfalls and observe the Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. The intense blue color of Piloto Glacier due to its compression and age draws attention. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels.

In the afternoon we enter Agostini Sound, a spectacularly beautiful area located in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range in Tierra del Fuego. Here we can view glaciers descending from the mountains, some of which reach the sea. We will head to Águila Glacier where we will disembark to take an easy walk along a beach bordering a lagoon surrounded by mountains until reaching a spot in front of the glacier. We can get to know Patagonia’s cold rainforest and the movements that molded the region’s geography.

Day 05: Strait of Magellan - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island (weather permitting). Located in the Strait of Magellan, it was an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers in the past. The island is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins which can be seen during our walk to the lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the strait. In September and April this adventure is replaced by an excursion to Marta Island where we can observe South American sea lions from the Zodiac boats. After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.


Seasons:

- Low Season: October 2012, December 13^rd, 2012, March 21^st and 29^th, 2013.

- High Season: November 2012, December 04^th 2012, January 06^th to March 12^nd, 2013.

- Special Season: December 21^st and 29^th, 2012.