Chile trip | Luxury expedition cruise Ponant along the Chilean fjords

The town of Caleta Tortel is like a village from a fairy tale. Located between the northern and southern ice fields of Patagonia, and at the foot of snow-capped mountains, this collection of houses sits on stilts connected by a series of boardwalks above the ocean. The area stretches from the mouth of the Rio Baker, which is Chile's largest river, to a series of pristine bays and fjords surrounded by dense cypress forests. Caleta Tortel is an entirely pedestrianised area. Not even horses can get here, let alone any form of mechanised transport. Visiting Caleta Tortel therefore feels like leaving modern reality. The ecosystem here has remained virtually undisturbed since the beginning of time, making the nature incredibly rich and diverse.

The El Brujo Glacier, originating from the vast South Patagonian Ice Field, is an impressive natural phenomenon. Situated at the end of Fiordo Asia, this glacier is approximately two kilometres wide and stands out for its intense blue hues and imposing size.
The route to the glacier takes you through the picturesque Sarmiento Channel and the Peel Fjord, past steep rock faces, snow-capped mountain peaks and floating ice floes. A boat trip to the glacier offers stunning views of this unspoilt landscape. Depending on conditions, it is also possible to go ashore on the rocky shores and admire the glacier up close.

The Amalia Glacier, also known as the Skua Glacier, is situated in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park on the Sarmiento Channel and forms part of the vast South Patagonian Ice Field. This ancient tidal glacier stands out for the almost surreal blue of its ice, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountain landscape.
The unspoilt wilderness of southern Chile provides the backdrop for an impressive journey past snow-capped mountain peaks, narrow fjords and imposing ice formations. During a cruise past the glacier, you can also look out for the wildlife that inhabits this remote region, including dolphins, cormorants, otters and the majestic Andean condor.

The Fiordo de las Montañas winds its way at the foot of the impressive Sarmiento Mountains through a remote archipelago in southern Chilean Patagonia. The fjord is accessible by sea from Puerto Natales. Steep rock faces rise from the dark, ice-cold water and lead deep into the unspoilt landscape, where several glaciers – including Bernal, Kiara, Alsina, Herman and Paredes – flow down from the South Patagonian Ice Field.
Small glacial lakes reflect the imposing mountain faces, whilst dense forests surround the sheltered bays and waterfalls plunge down the rocky slopes. The wildlife is also remarkable: during a trip through the fjord, you may encounter sea lions, dolphins, cormorants and black-browed albatrosses, and with a bit of luck, even spot a fox along the coast. The fjord also holds significant cultural importance; the Kawésqar, an indigenous people who have travelled through this area by canoe for centuries, have known these waters for generations.

The Strait of Magellan, named after the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan, is a legendary sea passage located at the southern tip of South America. At about 350 miles long, it connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, forming a crucial maritime route for international trade and exploration. Steeped in history, this strait has been an important passageway for centuries, enabling early global exploration and trade between Europe and Asia. Its breathtaking natural beauty includes stunning fjords, rugged cliffs, picturesque islands, glaciers, waterfalls and forests. Visitors can admire the diverse wildlife, including elephant seals, humpback whales and Magellanic penguins. Navigating the unpredictable waters and witnessing the impressive landscapes makes the journey through the Strait of Magellan an unforgettable maritime adventure.

The group of small islets, known as the Tucker Islets, are scattered across the Strait of Magellan in Chile’s famous, breathtaking Patagonia region. The islands can be reached by boat, and various cruises are available. They are renowned for their wildlife, particularly the endemic Magellanic penguin. More than 4,000 penguins come to the islets to breed during the southern hemisphere winter. Visitors can view the penguins from a distance on cruises or take a zodiac out to the islands. Other animals living in the area include cormorants, elephant seals and dolphins. Active travellers can look forward to spectacular sea kayaking, whilst photographers have the chance to experience truly enchanting scenes up close. Those wishing to see more can take a nine-day tour of the area (starting and ending in Punta Arenas) to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.

Located in Tierra del Fuego in Chile, Agostini Fjord (or Agostini Sound) is an enchanting natural wonder that fascinates nature lovers, adventurers and photographers. With mountains over 1,000 metres high and covered in trees, countless interconnecting fjords, a host of waterfalls cascading down the slopes and deep blue waters adorned by white ice, this location is simply sublime. Travellers who are lucky will see wildlife such as black-winged albatrosses, dolphins, giant petrels, Magellanic diving petrels, southern fulmars, white-chinned petrels, emperor sharks, kelp geese, South American terns and Magellanic penguins.

Located in the Garibaldi Fjord region, in the stretch of the Beagle Channel known as Glacier Alley, Garibaldi Glaciers stretches across a series of steep mountains and valleys, and is home to a rich ecosystem of plants and wildlife. Visitors may see Andean condors, sea lions, Magellanic penguins and maybe even a pod of orcas as they pass through the area. Numerous guided tours and boat trips are offered. The ivory landscape, where many glaciers have been frozen for tens of thousands of years, is a spectacular destination and offers incredible photographic opportunities. Lucky visitors can see large chunks of ice falling into the water from great heights.

Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in southern Chile. It was discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition and named after the Dutch town of Hoorn. Cape Horn is a 425-metre-high mountain peak overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years, this was the only shipping route between the Pacific and the Atlantic and was often referred to as "The End of the World". It is highly recommended to enter Cape Horn (with good weather), the island is described as a pure paradise.

Puerto Williams, located on the island of Navarino off Chile's extreme south-west coast, is the capital of Chile's Antarctic province and is an important base for explorations of the Antarctic region and Cape Horn. It was originally home to the indigenous Yahgan Indians. The remains of their native settlements and fishing traps can still be found at several locations along the coast, while the local Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum provides insight into how they once lived here. To the south of the city, the Dientes Navarino ('Teeth of Navarino') mountains, named after their sharp peaks, which resemble a series of incisors, reach out. Several hiking trails lead to this impressive range, including a five-day circuit trail recommended only for experienced trekkers.

Quemchi is a Huilliche word meaning ‘rusty land’ and is a Chilean municipality and town on the north-eastern coast of Chiloé Island, between Ancud and Dalcahue. This small island town, with a population of 3,000, has kept Chiloé’s culture intact. The colourful streets and wooden houses are a true reflection of a past that still lives on, enchanting those who stroll through the streets. In the streets of Quemchi, you’ll find charming cafés and stylish restaurants, a variety of local shops, a beautiful promenade and a large craft market next to the jetty, offering various types of wool, wood and plant fibre handicrafts.
You can also visit the museum dedicated to Francisco Coloane, a Chilean writer born in Quemchi, who is regarded as one of the finest exponents of Chilean fiction. The museum is a typical Chilote stilt house dating from the early twentieth century. The furniture has been recreated, and the house features a small library containing the original novels by this famous writer from Chiloé.

Laguna San Rafael National Park on Chile's southern Pacific coast is a world of contrasting wonders - a spectacular wilderness of lakes, mountains, rainforests, ice fields and glaciers. Ferries are available from Puerto Montt. It's worth encountering the 60-metre-long face of the San Valentín glacier and experiencing the shattering and breaking of glacial ice in the icy waters. The park is also home to an array of wildlife, including the black-browed albatross, black-necked swan and Chilean dolphin.

The Fiordo de las Montañas consists of several glaciers, the penultimate of which is the Alsina. A steep tongue of ice descends from the mountains towards the sea until it reaches a small bay sheltered from the strong winds that prevail in the area. Exploration boats allow you to sail along shallow channels teeming with rocks and seaweed. Once you reach the bay, you’ll see small but impressive glaciers, with light blue, dark blue and white ice.
This glacier leaves many travellers speechless and reminds us that we must look after our planet, as there is already a rock formation indicating that the glacier is entering its final phase. It’s up to us; if we look after the planet and prevent global warming, our great-grandchildren might get to see this natural wonder.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city on Earth. Nestled between rugged, glacier-covered mountains and the Beagle Channel, it’s fair to say it enjoys a truly special location. Ushuaia used to be a penal colony, but today the streets are lined with shops and restaurants. There’s plenty to do in and around the city. Aside from the lively shopping streets, the prison museum is well worth a visit, and you should definitely take a stroll through the harbour. The vast majority of expeditions to Antarctica set off from Ushuaia, and it’s a fascinating sight to see the large icebreakers moored in the harbour.
The centre of Ushuaia is also a lovely place to wander around. At the various kiosks along the coast, you can have your passport stamped or book a boat trip up the Beagle Channel, sailing past the famous lighthouse and various small islands teeming with seabirds and sea lions.
We recommend visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park (easily accessible by bus)! Tierra del Fuego National Park is the area’s most famous attraction: the end of the world. A beautiful natural landscape offers opportunities for walks, and for those who prefer a less strenuous option, there’s even a little train.
On a clear day, enjoy views of the town, the bay and watching planes land on one of the most spectacular runways in the world. Don’t forget to try the king crab in one of the restaurants – a delicious local speciality.

Chilean Patagonia, which stretches from just south of the Lake District to the southernmost tip of South America, is known for its barren seascapes, huge glaciers, vast fjords, beautiful valleys, shimmering lakes and steep, snow-capped mountains. Visitors can look forward to spotting penguins, hiking through rugged landscapes, kayaking among huge icebergs and horseback riding across the steppe. Highlights include: the remote Parque Nacional Laguna San Rafael and the Parque Nacional Bernado O'Higgins and the more popular Torres del Paine National Park, as well as the southern section of the popular Carretera Austral, one of the most beautiful roads and most incredibly scenic drives in the world. Don't miss the chance to discover the sheer beauty of the southern Patagonian ice fields.

Torres del Paine is one of South America’s most beautiful nature reserves. During the scenic drive to Torres del Paine, you’ll travel through the pampas and along the Patagonian Andes, where you’re almost certain to spot nandus, the South American equivalent of the ostrich. Torres del Paine is a paradise for nature lovers. Pointed granite peaks, emerald-green and cobalt-blue lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and a wealth of wildlife await you.
The impressive landscape of Torres del Paine is dominated by the Paine massif, where the jagged, 2,800-metre-high granite peaks are the iconic feature of Torres del Paine.
If you visit Torres del Paine by car, you may not be able to reach every part of the park, but fortunately you can organise hikes, horse-riding tours and even boat trips to reach the more remote areas. One of the best-known hikes in the park takes you to the famous Torres Base.

Valparaíso is a picturesque city with a rich history. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, Valparaíso was an important port city. The trade that flourished as a result made the city wealthy and attracted French, German and English settlers. That is why you will still find many colonial buildings in the city.
After the construction of the Panama Canal, the port lost its central role and the city fell into disrepair. However, the government turned this around by launching an art project in 1970. Artists were given free rein to work anywhere in the city. This has resulted in many colourful houses. The city is now listed as a World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial past and modern architecture.
Today, Valparaíso is a unique immigrant city with colourful neighbourhoods built across various hills and connected by a network of funicular railways.

Chiloé is the largest island in the Chiloé archipelago and a beautiful and unique destination. The island is renowned for its stunning landscapes, unspoilt national parks, picturesque houses and numerous wooden churches. Chiloé’s wooden churches are listed as a World Heritage Site due to their unique design and the mestizaje culture they represent.
The island’s inhabitants are known for their folkloric traditions, which are based on local myths. These myths tell of sea monsters and ghost ships, clearly reflecting the people’s relationship with the sea. This connection is also frequently reflected in the island’s cuisine, where you’ll find the most delicious fish and shellfish dishes. A visit to this island offers a refreshing and fascinating experience.

Remote and stunningly beautiful, Patagonia stretches across part of both Chile and Argentina and offers some of the most awe-inspiring hiking trails in the world. It is made up of several regions, each with its own unique beauty. Southern Patagonia, with its icy landscapes and geometric granite peaks; central Patagonia, a wilderness of rainforest and coastal plain; and northern Patagonia, where the cobalt lakes and lush valleys of the Lakes District and Araucania converge.

Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of South America’s most popular cities, a metropolis with a strong identity of its own and a population of over 10 million. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions. In the ‘Microcentro’, you’ll find stately buildings, shopping boulevards and, of course, landmarks such as ‘la Casa Rosada’ and ‘Avenida 9 de Julio’ with its towering obelisk. In the old neighbourhoods of ‘La Boca’ and ‘San Telmo’, you can soak up the atmosphere of days gone by, when Italian and Spanish immigrants in search of a better life settled here in the late 19th century. La Boca actually offers the traveller just two streets that are somewhat touristy, and yet you simply must see the colourful little houses here. Of course, Buenos Aires is also known as the birthplace of Queen Máxima and Pope Francis.
San Telmo is the neighbourhood of antique shops and tango performances. It was in these neighbourhoods that this seductive dance originated. In the upmarket ‘Recoleta’ district, alongside exclusive shops and beautiful buildings, you’ll find the spectacular Recoleta Cemetery. Among others, Evita has her mausoleum here.
Palermo is home to extensive green parks and gardens. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood have been on the up in recent years as nightlife districts with excellent restaurants and cosy wine bars. You’ll also find luxury boutiques and designer shops there.
Buenos Aires’ newest district, Puerto Madero, is certainly worth a visit; the old warehouses now serve as shops and restaurants, and amongst the modern buildings, the city’s architects have preserved large cranes and important historic buildings from the former harbour as monuments.

The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world stretching over 7000 km. The southern tip of this majectic mountain range lies south of Llullaillaco in Argentina and Chile and is home to the southern Andean steppe. It is a unique ecoregion defined by its cold desert climate and tough grasslands. Some of the larger mammals that have adapted to this harsh environment are the puma, the Andean fox and two relatives of the llama: the vicuña (Peru's national animal) and the guanaco.

Located on the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego, this world-renowned national park was the first coastal beach in Argentina. The park consists of forests close to the coast and has parallel mountain ranges that divide the park into valleys. Activities in the national park include hiking and exploring the unique animal and plant life.

Set in the southernmost reaches of Chilean Patagonia, Alberto de Agostini National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. This park is a realm of fjords, islands, and peninsulas, where meandering channels weave through breathtaking landscapes adorned with glaciers and snowdrifts. The Darwin mountain chain graces the horizon, while glaciers like Marinelli and Agostini punctuate the terrain. Guanaco Pampa offers serene fishing spots, and Agostini Glacier welcomes exploration amidst encircling peaks. The park's wildlife is equally captivating, with Culpeo and Chilla Foxes, leopard seals, dolphins, whales, sea lions, and elephant seals adorning the coasts. The skies are alive with 49 bird species, both terrestrial and marine, crafting a symphony of life in this untamed haven.

The rugged beauty of the majestic fjords of Southern Patagonia, with their imposing snow-capped mountains, granite peaks and stunning glacial lakes, makes this region truly breathtaking. Cruising around this remote and unspoilt area is a true adventure.
The area’s main attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness the southernmost landmass north of Antarctica: the spectacular dark black cliffs of Cape Horn. The area is only accessible by boat and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, porpoises, whales and the graceful albatross. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable journey to one of the most isolated and strikingly beautiful places in the world, look no further than southern Patagonia. This region is literally the end of the world!

Chile's southern Patagonia is known for its stunning blue glaciers, vibrant forests, waterfalls, aquamarine lakes, rivers and towering sharp peaks. The heart of this sparsely populated and rugged region is the Torres del Paine National Park surrounded by pristine lowlands. You can hike through the rugged landscapes, watch the many penguins, or ride horses through the breathtakingly beautiful steppe. Chilean Patagonia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable adventure.

The Argentine part of southern Patagonia is a phenomenal place. It is known for its icy, windswept landscapes, vast remote empty Patagonian steppe and diverse wildlife. This picturesque remote landscape is home to the region's main highlights: the Torres del Paine National Park that overflows into Chile and Los Glaciares National Park, both of which contain deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and ancient forests. Visitors to this area can enjoy some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world, including: the annual whale encounter on the rugged Valdes Peninsula and the stunning Patagonian ice fields with colossal glaciers. Popular activities include hiking, camping, whale watching, mountaineering, climbing and horse riding.

Located in Argentina's Patagonia, the region known as 'Atlantic Patagonia' is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The remarkable landscape is characterised by stunning fjords, glistening bays and remote coves that meet the lowlands of the Pampas. This spectacularly beautiful area is home to the famous Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its marine life, especially for the orcas that hunt sea lions on the beach itself. This wild Patagonian coastal area offers visitors plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Don't miss the Cabo Dos Bahias nature reserve, inhabited by a huge penguin colony and countless birds, sea lions and walruses.

Central Chile is home to the capital, Santiago, as well as a number of fantastic off-the-beaten-track destinations and stunning natural attractions. Pichilemu is one of the continent’s premier surfing destinations, whilst Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its beautiful hilly surroundings, colourful buildings and historic harbour areas – is one of Chile’s most popular places to visit.
For outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, the region offers a number of excellent ski resorts (such as Valle Nevado and Portillo), incredible hiking trails in the waterfall-rich Radal Siete Tazas National Reserve, and some attractive coastal destinations, such as Renaca, Viña del Mar and Cobquecura. Cobquecura also offers easy access to Loberia Island, which is famous for its impressive flora and fauna, including large numbers of sea lions and seals.

This 240-kilometre stretch of the Beagle Channel, situated on the southern tip of South America, is a remarkable passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Darwin Mountains in Tierra del Fuego. Towering glaciers, glistening icefalls and cascading waterfalls plunge from the snow-capped mountains. Amidst this icy wonderland, wildlife thrives, whilst elegant seabirds soar overhead, playful seals bask on ice floes and, from time to time, whales, swimming sea lions and ducks can be spotted.

Located in the southernmost tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego province is a picturesque province in the southernmost reaches of Argentina. Purportedly one of the world's last frontiers, this region offers breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. This corner of Patagonia offers endless activities and attractions for thrill seekers and nature lovers. It offers an array of natural wonders, including ancient glaciers, pristine wilderness, national parks, high snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and waterways. Don't miss a visit to Ushuaia, the city at the 'end of the world', which serves as a starting point for expeditions to Antarctica.

Chilean Northern Patagonia is renowned for its spectacularly scenic landscapes and stark beauty. The terrain is blanket in fairytale rainforest, vast steppe, rugged soaring mountains and cascading rivers that meet glistening turquoise lakes and deep fjords dotted with massive glaciers. Adventurous travellers can explore the wild and windswept landscapes of this little-visited, remote corner of the world. Visitors can start their exploration of this magnificent area starting from the seaport of Puerto Montt and venture down the Carretera Austral which traverses theses incredibly scenic landscapes. Climb vertical granite in the Cochamo Valley, soak in the hot springs of Puyuhuapi, hike through the green rainforests of Parque Pumalin, and raft the white waters of Futaleufu.

Chile's Tierra del Fuego province is situated in the southern part of the country, and incorporates western part of Tierra del Fuego island. Characterised by untouched and extreme beauty of semi Antarctic landscapes, this area primarily attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Massive snowy peaks watch over turquoise fjords, dramatic rocky coastlines, and ever-changing tundra home to guanacos, wild horses, condors and penguins, Tierra del Fuego presents a wonderland of adventure. Brave travellers can even take on the southernmost hiking trails in the world, along the Dientes de Navarino circuit. Delve into the area's fascinating past with a visit to the Fernando Cordero Rusque Provincial Museum, in Porvenir, where you'll be able to learn about the now extinct Aborigines of the island, the Selk'nam people.