South & Central America, Patagonia

Darwin's Route from Ushuaia

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This 8-night cruise from Ushuaia, aboard an Australis vessel, explores the wild beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, navigating the legendary Beagle Channel and Strait of Magellan. Starting in Ushuaia and ending back in Ushuaia via Punta Arenas, the itinerary includes two visits to Cape Horn (weather permitting) and Wulaia Bay’s historic Yagan settlements, alongside close-up glacier encounters at Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor via Zodiac rides. Highlights feature hikes through sub-Antarctic Magellanic forests, wildlife sightings of Magellanic penguins and sea lions at Tuckers or Marta Islands (season-dependent), and scenic passages like Glacier Alley, offering an immersive journey through dramatic fjords and icy landscapes, shaped by weather conditions.

Highlights

• Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay Adventures: Attempt landings at Cape Horn, one of the world’s southernmost points, steeped in maritime legend, and explore Wulaia Bay’s historic Yagan settlements with hikes through lush Magellanic forests (weather permitting).

• Glacier Encounters via Zodiacs: Experience intimate views of Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor glaciers via Zodiac rides, showcasing the dramatic descent of these icy giants from the Darwin Mountain Range to the sea.

• Wildlife and Pristine Nature: Spot Magellanic penguins and cormorants at Tuckers Islets or sea lions at Marta Island (seasonal), and hike through untouched sub-Antarctic forests in Ainsworth Bay, immersing you in Tierra del Fuego’s diverse fauna and wilderness.

Day 1: Ushuaia

Between 10:00 and 17:00 hrs, we will check-in at the office of Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo, to embark at 6:00 PM. After boarding, we will gather on the fifth deck for a welcome toast and to meet the Captain and his crew. The ship will sail to the far south immediately after. Through the mythical Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan, we will travel through Patagonia and the channels of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark, if weather conditions permit, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. We will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest, where lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 3: Pia Glacier and Porter Glacier

In the morning, we will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive to the viewpoint from where we can see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. During the afternoon, we will embark on a Zodiac boat navigation excursion, without disembarking. We will advance between high rocky walls to reach, at the end of them, the imposing Porter Glacier and be able to contemplate it face to face.

Day 4: Aguila Glacier and Condor Glacier

In the morning, we will navigate the Cockburn Channel to enter the Agostini Sound, where we can appreciate the glaciers that descend from the center of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of them reaching the sea. After breakfast, we will disembark via Zodiac boats for a walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. In the afternoon, we will navigate in Zodiac without disembarking, to approach the Condor Glacier at a privileged distance. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.

Day 5: Magdalena Island and Punta Arenas

At first light, if weather permits, we will disembark on PUNTA ARENAS Magdalena Island, a mandatory stop for the provisioning of ancient navigators and explorers. During our walk to the lighthouse, we will be able to appreciate a colony of Magellanic penguins. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island, where South American sea lions can be spotted from Zodiac boats. Finally, we will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at 12:30 hrs. to explore the city and enjoy its restaurants, shops, and museums, among other things.

Boarding at 18:00 hours once again followed by a welcome toast and presentation of the Captain and crew. Subsequently, the ship will set sail towards the southernmost point of the region. Through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, we will continue exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Day 6: Ainsworth Bay and Tuckers Islets

We will reach in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay to learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted and hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. We will visit the Tuckers Islets, where we can see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs. Due to the migratory cycle of the penguins, in September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Day 7: Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley

We will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive at the viewpoint from where we can see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we will continue our navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley” to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the ship.

Day 8: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay

Early in the morning we will sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where if weather conditions permit, we may disembark via Zodiac boats. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, where various types of excursions take place, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

Day 9: Ushuaia

Finally, we will sail back into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, disembarking at 8.30.

Please note:

The excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Notwithstanding the above, Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A reserve the right to reschedule, shorten, or alter all or part of the itineraries and/or excursions without prior notice, in order to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of passengers, preserve the environment, or due to any extraordinary circumstances, acts of God or force majeure. For the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change. There is no guarantee of wildlife sighting because the precise location of these animals cannot be confirmed.

25 September, 2026 to 03 October, 2026
Stella Australis & Ventus Australis

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Cabin B

$3,519 USD pp

Magallanes Deck, 3 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin A

$4,383 USD pp

Magallanes Deck, 34 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AA

$4,761 USD pp

Tierra Del Fuego Deck, 36 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AAA

$5,139 USD pp

Cabo De Hornos Deck, 23 cabins. 16,5 sq. m./177 sq. ft. Twin or Double.

Cabin AA Superior

$6,093 USD pp

Tierra Del Fuego Deck, 2 cabins.