Exploring the Magic of the Chilean Fjords with Ponant

Day 1 - Valparaíso

Valparaíso, Chile: Valparaíso's dramatic topography—45 hills, overlooking the ocean—requires the use of winding pathways and wooden funiculars to navigate. The slopes are adorned with candy-coloured houses, discarded metals from shipping containers painted bright hues. Valparaíso has long served as Santiago's port. Once the busiest in South America, it now stands as Chile's principal port, with activity concentrated along the streets closest to the shoreline known as El Plan. Residents, known as Porteños, inhabit the surrounding hills, enjoying breathtaking views from the promenades atop the stairways. Despite the city's urban feel, complete with a tangle of power lines and a cavalcade of buses, walking remains the best way to explore beautiful Valparaíso.

Day 2 - Quemchi

Quemchi, Chiloe Island, Chile: Quemchi is a picturesque town renowned for its charming coastal scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. Nestled in the beautiful Chiloé Archipelago, Quemchi offers visitors a glimpse into traditional island life, with its wooden churches and colourful houses. The town is surrounded by lush landscapes and waterways, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the local markets, sample delicious seafood, and explore the tranquil beauty of this unique island community.

Day 3 - At Sea

At Sea: Enjoy a relaxing day cruising through the breathtaking landscapes, with opportunities to unwind, participate in onboard activities, and delight in the serene beauty of the sea.

Day 4 - Caleta Tortel

Caleta Tortel, Chile: Tortel is a commune nestled in Southern Patagonia, a region famed for its majestic wilderness with mountains, glaciers, rivers, and lush forests. Known as the "footbridge city," Tortel is interwoven with unique wooden walkways of cypress wood that respect the area's rich vegetation. While Tortel is Chile's sixth largest commune, it has the lowest population, offering a peaceful exploration of its picturesque surroundings. Its notable history dates back to its 1955 foundation after previous settlement attempts and was declared a Picturesque Zone of National Heritage in 2001.

Day 5 - PIO X Glacier

PIO X Glacier, Chile: This magnificent glacier, the largest in South America, flows from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Chile. Unlike most glaciers, PIO X Glacier is advancing, offering a rare opportunity to witness its incredible blue ice features. Visitors can experience the sheer splendor of the glacier as they cruise the icy waters or observe the myriad hues from a safe distance, surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

Day 6 - El Brujo Glacier

El Brujo Glacier, Chile: El Brujo, meaning "The Wizard," is a captivating glacier found in the Chilean fjords. Known for its striking colours and dynamic formations, it captures the imagination of onlookers. The glacier's ever-changing appearance enchants visitors, creating an unforgettable experience in Patagonia's remote paradise.

Day 7 - Estero las Montañas

Estero las Montañas, Chile: This stunning fjord, embraced by towering mountains, offers a dramatic backdrop for exploration. Its secluded and serene location is perfect for observing Patagonian wildlife and enjoying the beauty of unspoiled nature.

Day 8 - At Sea

At Sea: Spend another day at sea, enjoying the various onboard amenities, enriching lectures, and social gatherings, while sailing through the captivating coastal expanses.

Day 9 - Tuckers Islets

Tuckers Islets, Chile: These small islets are a sanctuary for Magellanic penguins and other seabirds. The islets provide a unique opportunity to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat as they go about their daily lives along the rugged Patagonian coastline.

Day 10 - Alberto de Agostini National Park

Alberto de Agostini National Park, Chile: Created in 1965, the park honours Italian explorer and missionary Alberto de Agostini. This vast park, one of Chile's largest, features incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. It was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2005. Home to the Andean fox, Patagonian seal, various dolphins, and humpback whales, it promises wildlife spectacles within its rugged terrain.

Day 11 - Garibaldi Glacier

Garibaldi Glacier, Chile: Nestled within a stunning fjord, Garibaldi Glacier is a striking natural wonder. As you sail close to its frosty facade, you'll witness the glacier's thunderous calving events as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the icy waters below, surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.

Day 12 - At Sea

At Sea: Enjoy your final day at sea, reflecting on the picturesque passages and breathtaking scenes recently encountered as you unwind ahead of the expedition's last destinations.

Day 13 - Puerto Williams

Puerto Williams, Chile: Located on the southern side of the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams is a small town boasting the title of the southernmost town in the world. It offers a glimpse into Chilean Patagonian life and acts as a gateway for treks to the Dientes de Navarino mountains. Its remote charm captivates visitors with stunning landscapes and cultural insights.

Day 14 - Ushuaia

Ushuaia, Argentina: Ushuaia, commonly referred to as the southernmost city in the world, lies at the southern tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego. The city is framed by the majestic Andes and the Beagle Channel's serene waters. It's celebrated for its rugged elegance, rich history, and myriad outdoor pursuits, such as trekking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, offering experiences that make Ushuaia an unforgettable destination at the edge of the Earth.