Punta Arenas: through the Poineers Route on Via Australis to Ushuaia

Itinerary: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city in Chile, since further on to the South there’s only small towns. In this city the sun rises from the sea and sets on the mountains, a unique exception because in the rest of Chile it happens the other way round. There are plenty of attractions to visit within what is usually known like Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (Fire Land). After observing mountains and glaciers that move into the ocean, the expedition continues to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, to travel around it and visit its National Parks. Ground excursions to glaciers, islands, sea lion and penguin colonies, will be offered daily.

DAY 1 (Tuesday): PUNTA ARENAS / ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES (MAGELLAN STRAIT)

Check in from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Magallanes 990, Punta Arenas. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., embark the Expedition Cruise Ship. The Captain and crew will give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterward, the ship will set sail for the ”uttermost part of the earth. Through the mythical Strait of Magellan, we will travel to Southern Patagonia, including Tierra de Fuego. This is the beginning of a Great Adventure! Accommodations on board the Via Australis.

DAY 2 (Wednesday): AINSWORTH BAY / MARINELLI GLACIER / TUCKER ISLET

During the dawn’s early light, our ship will continue navigating through Almirantazgo Inlet, until arriving near Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, where we will enjoy a walk to discover a beaver dam in the midst of a marvelous Magellanic forest. On the beach we will observe a colony of Elephant Seals. Continuing the voyage, we will visit Tucker Islet, where we will sight colonies of Magellanic penguins and Cormorants from the zodiac boats. Accommodations on board the Via Australis.

DAY 3 (Thursday): PÍA GLACIER / ALLEY GLACIER

We will navigate the main part of the Beagle Channel to enter Pia Fjord and disembark near the glacier of the same name. We will take an excursion to a look-out point that is ideal for viewing the mountain range where the glacier originates, and its flow all the way to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we will sail again along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel through majestic “Glacier Alley”: Spain, Romanche, Germany, Italy, France and Holland glaciers. Accommodations on board the Via Australis.

DAY 4 (Friday): CAPE HORN / WULAIA BAY

We sail through Beagle and Murray channels to reach and disembark in Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory at the point where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans merge. This mythical place is known as the “End of the Earth”; a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005.
In the afternoon, we go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point. Accommodations on board the Via Australis.

DAY 5 (Saturday): USHUAIA

Arrival to Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra de Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. Disembark at 8:00 a.m., enabling you to visit the city and national parks, and continue your trip through Patagonia.

Prices are per person, in US dollars:

(Expires: April 14, 2009)

B CABINS: $ 1,770 (HIGH); $ 1,400 (LOW)
A CABINS: $ 2,400 (HIGH); $ 1,890 (LOW)
AA CABINS: $ 2,510 (HIGH); $ 1,980 (LOW)
AAA CABINS: $ 2,630 (HIGH); $ 2,080 (LOW)
SINGLE CABINS: $ 3,110 (HIGH); $ 2,510 (LOW)

Departure dates:

September 2008: 30
October 2008: 7, 14, 21, 28
November 2008: 4, 11, 18, 25
December 2008: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
January 2009: 6, 13, 20, 27
February 2009: 3, 10, 17, 24
March 2009: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 2009: 2, 14

LOW SEASON

October
2nd half of March - April

HIGH SEASON

November - December
January, February, and 1st half of March

Important:

Prices are subject to change based on availability at the time of reservation. All routes are subject to change without notice, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions. Please refer to the 'Terms & Conditions' section of our website www.chilepros.com