In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Northbound

Santiago is Chile's vibrant capital. It's the ideal place to begin your cruise, with its architecture from colonial times, excellent restaurants and museums. From the Mercado Central to the Plaza de Armas to the Presidential Palace, there's a ton to see. Sky Costanera offers panoramic views from 1,000 feet above the ground.

Arrive a couple of days earlier and join one of the optional pre-programs.

Today, we'll depart Santiago early and fly down to Punta Arenas - Chile's most southern port. Your expedition ship awaits. Explore the ship and get to know your Expedition Team once you arrive.

They are also your traveling companions over the next 3 weeks. They're friendly and will answer all your questions during the Antarctic expedition.

You must experience the Drake Passage before you can reach Antarctica. It is a legendary two-day journey where conditions on the sea are unpredictable. The Drake Passage is named for Sir Francis Drake who found it accidentally when his boat got blown to the south by strong winds.

Discover what awaits you at the Science Center. The Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica including its wildlife and ecosystems. Discover how you can make your trip as safe as possible, and learn about the Citizen Science Projects that are available.

Enjoy the many onboard amenities. Enjoy the sauna or hot tubs. Look out for icebergs and whales on the deck. Or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Antarctica is a frozen wonderland. In the Straits, nature-sculpted icebergs float. Seabirds fly overhead as Gentoo penguins, chinstraps, and Adelies perch on the shores. Nature rules.

You'll spend the next 8 days exploring different landing sites. More than 20 landing sites are available on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and their surrounding areas. No matter what or where we do, each day is going to be exciting and unlike any other experience you have ever had.

You might find yourself sailing into an ice-covered caldera, or landing in bays with abandoned whaling equipment. Kayak among seals and icebergs, or take a snowshoe hike to an amazing viewpoint.

Look up in the sky for Antarctic seabirds like skuas and petrels. You'll discover more about the habitat through onboard talks and shoreside discussions.

We'll return north via the Drake Passage after eight days of unforgettable experiences in Antarctica. As we head towards the Chilean Fjords, you'll be able to take your time onboard.

You can also learn about Chilean geology and fauna in the Science Center. Citizen Science is a great way to contribute data and learn more about Antarctica.

Waters around Cape Horn are subject to rapid changes, just like the Drake Passage. Your Captain is experienced and will do his best to explore the area if possible.

Cruise northward along the Chilean coastline through ruggedly beautiful islands chains which make up the Fjords in the Magallanes Province. The wildlife is able to thrive in these hidden bays and isolated islands.

Whether you are on our RIBs or decks of the small boats, keep an eye out for Magellanic Penguins, Elephant Seals and other whale species. Along this beautiful and dramatic section of coast, you may see magnificent waterfalls.

The expedition cruise will continue to Puerto Natales at the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park. This beautiful park can be explored on a hiking or bus tour. Both are worthwhile.

Glaciers and lakes punctuate the rugged terrain, which includes steppe, desert and forest. Rheas and Guanacos are free to roam. You may see the Andean Condor or Chilean flamingos.

Puerto Natales, a hub of travelers and hikers, is home to many bars, restaurants, and outdoor stores. Visit the Etherh Aike artisan village, take a tour of the Last Hope Distillery or walk along the beautiful waterfront.

The enchanting Puerto Eden village, located in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, is our next destination.

Only the sea connects this tiny village to the rest of the country. The ferry only comes once per month. The only way to get from one house or shop to another is by using wooden boardwalks. Among its 250 residents are some of Kawesqar's last indigenous members. The Kawesqar people will be available to you to learn about their culture and to speak to.

Cruise northward along the Patagonian coastline. The fjords and mountains of Patagonia will captivate you, as well as the forests of Nothofagus.

You'll likely see seabirds and penguins as we cruise. Enjoy the view from the deck hot tubs or panoramic sauna, while enjoying the locally sourced food and relaxing in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Our Expedition Team is on-hand to provide fascinating lectures on local wildlife and history. Onboard photographers can offer tips and tricks for landscape photography.

Castro, Chile's oldest city, is set among the greenery of Chiloe Island. Castro is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Iglesia de San Francisco and Iglesia nuestra Senora De Gracia Nercon.

Enjoy the colorful "palafitos" (stiff houses) that line the water's edge from various viewpoints. Visit the Regional Museum or the Museum of Modern Art for a little culture.

Binoculars are a must, because Chiloe has a variety of bird species, including Chilean flamingos (green-backed), penguins (black-necked Swans), ringed Kingfishers and silvery Grebes.

As we head towards Valparaiso where your cruise concludes, enjoy the last two days aboard the ship. Spend time onboard and enjoy the facilities.

You can choose to search for rare birds, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar or soak in the hot-tub. Continue your explorations in the Science Center, and then join the Expedition Team for a recap of your amazing Antarctica and Patagonia cruise.

Your expedition cruise ends when we dock in Valparaiso. This friendly UNESCO listed city, built in steep mountainsides with a view of the ocean is known as the Jewel of the Pacific.

It's a maze filled with colorful homes,'mercados,' and local produce. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Cerro Alegre, Concepcion on a ride in a funicular.

If you want to experience more, there is an optional post-program.