Chilean Fjords, Antarctica and Falklands - Great Explorers and Wildlife by Hurtigruten

Day 1: Santiago
The capital of Chile, Santiago is one of the largest cities in South America. Its Metropolitan Region is home to about 7 million inhabitants, a third of the total Chilean population. The distance from Santiago to the Andes is only about 70 kilometres, which means you can enjoy stunning views of the world’s longest mountain range from around the city.
Santiago is vibrant and cosmopolitan. Its institutions reveal strong European and North American influences. The city has a lot to offer, and you should go to “La Plaza de Armas”, the main square and the centrepiece of the initial layout in Santiago. From there, you can visit places like La Moneda Palace, Santa Lucia Hill or the Central Market.

Day 2: Fly to Punta Arenas
After your stay in Santiago, you will fly to Punta Arenas – a city near the tip of Chile’s Patagonia region. The port is a gateway to the surrounding wilderness and Antarctica. The MS Roald Amundsen ship will be waiting for you at the dock where you will start your expedition.

Day 3: Chilean fjords
You will sail through the Beagle Channel and see the breath-taking Chilean fjords. This wild and remote area is one of the globe’s most priceless travel destinations and is an unmissable part of the itinerary for those who are fascinated by marine wildlife and unspoilt wilderness. Along the way, you can observe unforgettable sights through navigable fjords and pristine coastline.

Day 4-5: Cape Horn and the Drake Passage
Cape Horn – a rocky headland at the Southern tip of South America is one of the most iconic places on Earth. The captain and his crew will do their best to attempt a landing on the infamous island. However, the area is known for its high seas, and challenging weather conditions and landing on Cape Horn will be a great achievement.
The MS Roald Amundsen will spend 1 ½ to 2 days to cross the Drake Passage, depending on the weather conditions. It is part of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the largest current in the world. Depending on the weather conditions, the journey can be tumultuous or calm. Nevertheless, the Drake Passage will awake your senses, and regardless of how rough it can be, Antarctica is the ultimate reward!

Day 6-12: Antarctica
Antarctica is the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole. It is also home to 90 per cent of the world’s ice. During winter, sea ice covers the coast, virtually doubling the size of the continent. In summer, the region is a breeding site for millions of penguins like the Emperor and Adélie penguins, but you can also see whales and seals.
Tourists, explorers and scientists are the only people that visit the continent. Several governments have research stations in Antarctica; which is the only human infrastructure you will see. If the weather is favourable, islands like Deception Island, Half Moon Island or Neko Harbour can be approached. That is why the journey in Antarctica is unique and immersive as the crew will have to change landings, re-routes the expeditions and shift plans.
These places offer untouched wilderness and pristine landscapes. From the deck, you will observe majestic glaciers, different shape and colour of icebergs and colonies of penguins.
For those who travel to Antarctica, it is genuinely hard to describe the area and explain it with words. It is safe to say that the experience cannot be replicated anywhere else!

Day 13: Sail to Northernmost Antarctica
After exploring the Great White Continent, you will sail back North to the Falkland Islands. Lectures about the history and diverse wildlife of the islands will be provided on the way. Keep an eye on the desk and look for birdlife like the albatross.

Day 14-16: The Falkland Islands
Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands. It is relatively small and easy to discover on foot. Some highlights include the Historic Dockyard Museum, the Anglican cathedral and the iconic whalebone arch. Alternatively, join one of the excursions to explore the wilderness and wildlife in the surroundings. The region is perfect you can see clear blue skies, stunning white sand beaches and vast open spaces. A pristine location to admire remarkable wilderness – observe large colonies of albatross and rockhopper penguins. Bird lovers will have amazing moments as they go ashore on iconic places like Carcass Island or Sea Lion Island.

Day 17: The Magellan Strait
As you sail through the Magellan Strait, you will receive a recap of everything you discovered and experienced during the expedition. This is also the last opportunity to look for wildlife, so make sure to spend some time on the deck.

Day 18: End of the expedition
You will arrive in Punta Arenas in the morning and fly back to Santiago. If you don’t feel quite ready to leave yet, you can extend your holiday in Chile and experience the beautiful and vibrant country. Ask our Travel Specialists for more information.