South & Central America, Patagonia
Ushuaia to Valparaiso - 14 Day Chile Luxury Cruise
Join us on a far-flung adventure through some of the most dramatic fjords, mountains and glaciers on the planet. Depart from remote Ushuaia deep into southern Chile's intricate, fractured landscape. Sail beside vertical slopes, along tranquil bodies of water carved by intimidating icy ramparts. Chile’s colour, character and charm also shine through - whether it’s world heritage site churches, or picturesque Tortel’s wonderful wooden walkways.
• Garibaldi Fjord & Glacier, Chile: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier. Witness the awe-inspiring natural wonder of this pristine icy landscape.
• Montanas Fjord, Chile: Explore the Montanas Fjord, surrounded by rugged mountains and serene waters. This remote and picturesque location promises a day of tranquility and stunning scenery.
• Tortel, Chile: Discover the unique charm of Tortel, a quaint coastal town famous for its intricate network of wooden walkways. Explore the local culture and natural beauty that make Tortel a hidden gem.
Highlights
• Garibaldi Fjord & Glacier, Chile: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier. Witness the awe-inspiring natural wonder of this pristine icy landscape.
• Montanas Fjord, Chile: Explore the Montanas Fjord, surrounded by rugged mountains and serene waters. This remote and picturesque location promises a day of tranquility and stunning scenery.
• Tortel, Chile: Discover the unique charm of Tortel, a quaint coastal town famous for its intricate network of wooden walkways. Explore the local culture and natural beauty that make Tortel a hidden gem.
A southerly frontier - on the cusp of wild nature and extraordinary adventures - the excitement in Ushuaia is palpable. Prepare for memorable exploits amid the extremes of this southerly location - as you adventure into the colossal scenery of the fractured Tierra del Fuego and beyond. Known as the 'End of the World' Ushuaia looks out across the Beagle Channel, and is surrounded by the Martial Mountains to the north. Despite its remote location, Ushuaia is a surprisingly busy and lively resort, with lots to keep its visitors entertained. For many people, Ushuaia is their last glimpse of anything resembling a city, before they jump off the map into the wilderness, to answer the call of immense national parks or Antarctic expeditions. One of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet - Argentina's land of fire, National Park Tierra del Fuego, is a place of titanic natural forces and limitless beauty. Snow-covered mountains poke the sky, while glaciers spill down between peaks, and gaping fjords open up. With incredible wildlife - from penguins to whales - the park offers some of South America's most amazing hiking opportunities and panoramas. When it comes to food in Ushuaia, locals cook up fierce flavours using the freshest ingredients. King crab is one of the most popular dishes, while sea bass - hauled freshly from the waters - and mounds of meaty mussels - known as cholgas - are also on the menu here.
Looming like a colossal river, frozen in the icy hold of time – the first time you set eyes on the Garibaldi Glacier will live with you forever, sending shivers down your spine that are absolutely nothing to do with the fjord weather’s chill. A stunning, unimaginably vast wedge of slowly creeping blue-white ice, the glacier is a fitting climax to the voyage through the cinematic majesty of the Garibaldi Fjord. Sail amid tumbling waterfalls, tightly-packed forestry and soaring mountains as you explore the glacier-sculpted Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini – the newest member of Chile’s exclusive club of extraordinary, remote National Parks. Spread across the fractured lands of South America’s southern tip, this is the dramatic region where the peaks of the Andes mountain range plunge down into the depths of the icy ocean, generating some of Chile’s most spectacular scenery. You may witness occasional chunks of the ancient ice calving and plunging spectacularly into the waters below, as the glacier continues its gradual retreat. The fresh chunks of ice add to the floating confetti of tiny frozen islands all around you –ranging in hues from creamy whites to electric blues. It may appear like a frigid, unforgiving environment at first glance, but the fjord is alive with unique fauna and flora and recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Full of diverse ecosystems, you can spot penguins, sea lions and Peruvian condors all adding to the rich tapestry of life here.
Winding through the vast expanses of the Chilean Fjords will reveal mountains looming on both sides, waterfalls, and the marvel of hardy flora clinging to barren rocks. Seals and dolphins patrol the length of these uninhabited fjords as they have done for millennia. Small fishing-boats come out of Punta Arenas luring fish and trapping for king crab, while terns dip and glide coaxing their own small fish out of the deep, dark fjord waters amongst tiny islands thick with vegetation.
Voyage deep into pristine Chilean wilderness and witness scenery that rivals the finest that Norway can offer, yet seen by comparatively few. Montañas Fjord is a highlight of the Chilean Fjords, cutting a narrow alleyway northward between two rugged mountain ranges, the Cordillera Sarmiento on the west, and the Cordillera Riesco on the east.
The so-called “fjord of the mountains” runs for 60 kilometres (40 miles), and presents a scene so vast that your ship pales into insignificance. Bands of southern beech, Winter’s bark and Patagonian cypress grow along the shores forming a tangled barrier that blocks entry into the interior. As the slopes rise the vegetation becomes increasingly stunted and sparse until finally it stops altogether, leaving bulging slopes of exposed rock. It seems as if it was only yesterday that these slopes were scoured clean by the mighty glaciers that once carved the main channel.
Behind the swollen slopes, rugged peaks tower and disappear into swirling clouds. Amid their mysterious and lofty heights are the sources of those glaciers that still reach down to the fjord’s waters, like cracked and crumbling ice-fingers. They pass like bright white and glowing blue milestones as you venture further into the heart this uninhabited and little-explored stretch of Patagonia.
Most people know of the fjords of cold northern hemisphere waters. But the fjords of the far south of Chile are some of the most spectacular in the world. In the past, huge glaciers slowly ground down from the mountains to form steep sided valleys. Sea water has flooded the valleys creating the fjords we can sail along and explore. Smaller glaciers of ice are still here, oozing slowly down from the peaks towards the sea, and carving off ice at their ends. Geology is in your face here, in all its dramatic glory.
The cold seas are rich in oxygen and nutrients and there is always a chance of spotting wildlife. South American Fur Seals and South American Sea Lions can be spied in the water or on land. Several dolphin species frequent these waters with Peales Dolphin the most likely to be seen. Humpback Whales are often observed near the fjords. Seabirds are readily visible, especially Brown Hooded and Kelp Gulls, and Chilean Skuas. Imperial and Magellanic Cormorants and Magellanic Penguins have heavy bodies to assist underwater swimming, and usually at first only their heads and necks are seen at the sea surface.
The extreme climate, ice and bare rock means wildlife on land must be tough and resourceful. The most magnificent animals are Andean Condors, which soar on wings which have the largest surface area of any bird. Winds and up-drafts push upwards on the wings, giving the birds an up-lifting experience. We get our own up-lifting experience if we see them soaring amongst the mountain peaks.
Tortel is a commune located in Southern Patagonia, a spectacular wilderness region of rugged mountains, glaciers, rivers and forests of infinite beauty. The uneven geography of Tortel shapes a unique landscape, characterized by an archipelagic area with numerous islands and channels. Tortel is known as the “footbridge city” for the unique beauty of its wooden walkways that connect the piers and houses of this quaint place through bridges and stairs, built from cypress wood, that run for four and a half miles around the cove and that respect the rich vegetation that grows under them. Even though it is the sixth largest commune in Chile, it has the lowest population of all with roughly 531 people. The history of the town dates back to 1520 when it was inhabited by nomadic Kawesqar, now extinct. Its definitive foundation was in 1955, after numerous attempts to populate the area. In 2001, it was declared by the Chilean government as a Picturesque Zone of National Heritage.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
The capital of Chile’s Chiloe Island, Castro is big, bright and boisterous. Colourful wooden huts (called palafitos) teeter on stilts over the city’s waterfront, inviting you into a slice of life that’s sure to brighten any day. Warm welcomes abound, music seeps from street corner and life is celebrated with gusto all over the city. If you are looking for a healthy mix of culture and cosmopolitanism, then you have found it in Castro. The island is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site wooden churches. Around 70 churches were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, embodying the intangible richness of the Chiloé Archipelago, and bear witness to a successful fusion of indigenous and European culture. Just 16 of the churches are classified by UNESCO, prime examples of the full integration of the architecture in the landscape and environment, as well as to the spiritual values of the communities. The city is Chile’s third oldest city in existence, founded in 1576. Castro lived peaceably – bar a few attacks from Dutch pirates - until 1837, when it was destroyed by an earthquake, wiping oput most of the population. By 1912 the railway had arrived, allowing the town to develop again. Tragically, the city was once again destroyed in 1960 by a series of earthquakes, tsunamis and fires. History lovers will definitely enjoy The Regional Museum of Castro. Not only does the small museum house an interesting array of Huilliche relics, but a series of photographs depicting Castro pre-1960 is on display.
Niebla is a small seaside resort where the Valdivia River flows into the Corral Bay and the Pacific Ocean, less than 15 kilometers west of Valdivia. Taken normally as a gateway into Valdivia, the small size of the town belies its historical importance. First visited by Spaniards in 1544, the river next to Niebla was named in honor of the conquistador and governor of Chile, Pedro de Valdivia -who would in 1552 found the city which bears his name. Valdivia was the port of entry into Chile after taking the Magellan Strait or rounding Cape Horn and had to be fortified against pirate attacks. The “Castillo de la Pura y Limpia Concepción de Monfort de Lemus” was built into Niebla’s rocky coastline between 1671 and 1679 and was one of the four important Corral Bay fortifications protecting the entrance of the bay and river. Valdivia’s designation as “The Key to the South Pacific” (meaning that he who holds Valdivia controls the navigation of the Pacific) explains why these fortifications, which eventually would number 17, would be so important in the 17th century. When Darwin visited in 1835, he only saw ruins. Niebla’s fort was declared a “Historic Monument” in 1950. Partly restored with Spanish help in 1992 to commemorate the V Centennial, the site was further restored in 2013-14 and now is on the tentative World Heritage list as an exceptional sample of the Hispanic-American school on fortifications and as part of the southernmost such system in America.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Since time immemorial Valparaiso has inspired writers, poets, musicians and artists alike. If the city is still a little rough around the edges, this only adds to its bohemian ambience; the architecture, style, street art, nightlife, and live music scenes of Valparaiso are some of the best in the world. Add colourful clifftop homes to the mix and you'll soon see why Valpariaso is many people's favourite Chilean city. The city was founded in 1536 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Saavedra, who named the city after his birthplace. Many of the colonial buildings he implemented are still standing today, despite the rain, wind, fire and several earthquakes (one of which almost levelled the city in 1906). Quirky architecture also abounds; poetry lovers and amateur architects will no doubt want to make the 45 km trip south to Chilean poet laureate (and Nobel Prize winner) Pablo Neruda’s ship-shaped house and museum for a taste of the extraordinary. The city and region are also extremely well known for their love of good food and wine. The vineyards of the nearby Casablanca Valley - first planted in the early 1980s - have earned worldwide recognition in a relatively short space of time. However, Chile’s viticulture history does date back much farther than that. De Saavedra brought grape vines on his voyage to South America in order to make his own wine and this led to a new grape brandy being created, Pisco. Today give any Chilean a Pisco and wherever they are in the world, they will be home.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Medallion Suite. From
$16,300 AUD pp
437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²)
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library, Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Veranda Suite. From
$11,500 AUD pp
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3
guests. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Vista Suite. From
$9,500 AUD pp
Some Vista Suites accommodate 3 guests. 240 SQ FT / 22 M2
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Silver Suite. From
$19,300 AUD pp
Silver Suites accommodate 3 guests. 541 SQ FT / 50 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 92 SQ FT / 8 M2)
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to
accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone, Unlimited complimentary WiFi access
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Deluxe Veranda Suite. From
$13,000 AUD pp
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. The Midship Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2). Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite
reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access
per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Owner's Suite. From
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Grand Suite. From
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Royal Suite. From
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Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 157 m
Passenger Capacity: 200/260
Built: 1994 Refurbished & Rebranded: 2017
After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud will be the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. Her five dining options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few cavorting penguins has never been so personal. Broad sweeping decks with multiple open spaces and a swimming pool complete what is surely the most distinctive expedition ship sailing today.
A limited number of guests, particularly with just 200 in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 18 zodiacs, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations. Finally, a team of 19 passionate and dedicated experts are always at hand to ensure your voyage is enhanced every step of the way.
DECK 09 - Observation Lounge, Jogging Track
DECK 08 - Pool, Pool Bar, Hot Rocks, The Panorama Lounge, The Connoisseur’s Corner
DECK 07 - La Terrazza, The Spa at Silversea, Beauty Salon, The Library
DECK 06 - Lecture Theatre, The Fitness Centre, Reception/Guest Relations, Expedition Desk
DECK 05 - The Bar, Boutique, Casino
DECK 04 - Main Restaurant, Le Champagne, Launderette
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Butler service in every suite
• All meals on board*
• Beverages on board (Select wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages)
• Crew Gratuities (Excluding Spa & salon staff)
• Expedition excursions
• Lectures and entertainment on board
• Free wif-fi (Subject to coverage)
• Laundry service included for certain fare categories
• Self service laundry facilities available
• In country flights where required by the itinerary
*Some onboard restaurants incur an additional cost
• PRIVATE EXECUTIVE TRANSFERS
• HOTEL (Post cruise)
Exclusions
• International flights unless otherwise stated
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Travel insurance
• Optional shore excursions
• Spa and Salon Treatments
• Complete valet services, including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning, are available at an additional charge
Luxury Small Ship Cruise
14 Days from
$9,500 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
