Deep Patagonia: Land & Cruise Package | Discoverer

After a friendly welcome at the airport, we’ll transfer you to one of our partnered premium hotel resorts nestled in breathtaking Patagonian nature, where you can take some time to unwind or go explore the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina. Our optional evening briefing is your opportunity to ask questions and meet some of your fellow explorers.

Spend your morning relaxing at the hotel, visiting a museum, or exploring the shops in Ushuaia, before our mid-afternoon escort to the ship. Our Expedition Team and ship’s Crew will warmly welcome you on board and get you settled in, followed by a safety and orientation briefing and drill, after which we set sail into the Beagle Channel. We’re on our way to explore Patagonia!

Out of the screaming winds of the Drake Passage emerges a collection of rugged islands and skerries, spoken of in hushed voices by centuries of sailors – this is legendary Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the Americas, and the symbolic end of human civilisation. Weather permitting, we will aim to explore this most remote of outposts, home to a small naval station, and a touching monument to the many sailors who failed to pass. During the afternoon and evening, we sail northwest towards the more sheltered waters of the fjords.

The Beagle Channel is split between Chile and Argentina, with the western side leading into the straits of Magellan – the famous waterway coveted by explorers for centuries as a means of avoiding the violence of Cape Horn. Here we will take advantage of the conditions Mother Nature offers us, and aim to launch our Zodiacs to explore the flora, fauna and jawdropping scenery of the last gasp of the Andes. Crowded with rugged mountains clad with tortured trees, languid glaciers and icy fjords, these are easily some of the most beautiful waters on Earth!

Sitting on the Straits of Magellan, Punta Arenas is Chile’s main gateway to Antarctica. Stroll the seafront to watch Magellanic penguins and cormorants frolic in the water while albatross wheel overhead, head into the surrounding countryside to discover Chilean ranching heritage, or visit the Mercado Municipal for fresh seafood, handmade souvenirs, and local delicacies in the upstairs eateries.

The waters around Patagonia are infamous for their violent storms, high winds and heavy seas – not so for us however, as we transit to the Pacific side of the Magellan Straits and into the sheltered waters of the Smyth Channel – one of the maze of waterways which comprise this vast watery region. Highlights during the day include the shipwreck of the Santa Leonor, the icecapped summit of Monte Burney, and the jawdropping glacier-lined peaks of Montañas Fjord. Be sure to venture outside during the evening as we pass through the Kirke Narrows, en route to Puerto Natales.

Situated on the eastern side of the Andes, surrounded by vast plains, Puerto Natales has a rugged wild-west feel which belies its warm charm. The town is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most famous sites in South America, and it is easy to see why! ‘Paine’ means ‘Blue’ in the Aónikenk language, a reference to the sapphire glacial waters which typify the park, although the granite towers the glacier-clad Cuernos del Paine are synonymous with this vast wilderness, as iconic a symbol of Patagonia as the condors soaring above. Spend the day exploring the park, including a delicious traditional Chilean lunch, and remember to watch out for rheas, guanacos, armadillos and even pumas, all of which can be found in this magnificent protected area.

Lined with wind-crippled trees and squabbling sealions beneath soaring albatross, the Chilean Fjords are a natural paradise, largely untouched by human activity, although generations of indigenous people have called this magnificent land home for millennia. Join your Expedition Team on deck to watch for wildlife, learn more about the region during expertly crafted lectures, or simply relax in our hot tubs and watch the breathtaking scenery of the region roll past as we navigate this magnificent wilderness.

Puerto Edén is a small settlement on the shores of Wellington Island, accessible only by water, and which proudly claims to be the rainiest settlement on planet Earth. The village is one of the last strongholds of the Kawésqar people and language, who call the village Jetarktétqal. With no roads, the once–nomadic locals still largely live off the bounty of the sea, and the town’s infrastructure is limited to an incredible network of boardwalks and paths linking the buildings. Despite the wet weather, the town is a natural paradise, with verdant hills dripping with greenery, and tiny hummingbirds flitting between the fuchsias. Enjoy exploring the town with local guides, and remember to watch out for woven-grass baskets and sealskin boats for sale – traditional artworks of the Kawésqar.

Nestled deep within the channels, the village of Caleta Tortel occupies a truly enviable position, surrounded by sapphire fjords, steep mountains and plummeting waterfalls at the mouth of the vast Baker River. Like Puerto Edén, Tortel is built on a network of stairways and boardwalks constructed from cypress wood – the export of which is the town’s major industry. Explore through this delightful town, full of quaint houses and wooden pavillions, or take a hike into the surrounding mountains with your Expedition Team to enjoy some of the best views in Chile, or if wildlife watching is more your scene, grab your binoculars and explore the shoreline and hunt for the many endemic bird species which can be found in this heavenly corner of Patagonia.

Days at sea are never dull – sailing up the Pacific Coast of Chile, we follow the chilly Humboldt Current which originates in Antarctica, and brings exceptional productivity to this section of coast. As such, albatross, whales and other marine life are common in the area – so while you relax and indulge during a relaxing day at sea, ensure you have your binoculars by your side!

Chiloe Island is the third largest in South America, and has been relatively isolated from the mainland for much of its history. Characterised by green rolling meadows (more similar to Ireland or Wales than much of Patagonia), Chiloe is a unique island steeped in a mixture of Indigenous and European myths, legends and tradition. Simply strolling through a market in Castro (the Island’s capital), visitors will find bundles of seaweed, dried sea-squirts and enormous green-lipped mussels – delicacies unique to this region. Chiloe’s cultural heritage oozes from every corner, from the vibrant markets to the shingled houses and the islands’ vast collection of wooden churches, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A world away from the wilderness of the fjords, Niebla is a picturesque former fortress at the mouth of the Valdivia River, and gateway to the city of the same name. Largely settled by German colonists, the city has a unique style, blending Spanish and German influences. Although decimated by the powerful earthquakes in recorded history in 1960, the city today is a vibrant hub, holding several respected universities, large markets, and tempting eateries. Take a stroll along the Feria Fluvial (River Market) and feast your senses on local produce (and the abundant wildlife which scavenges for scraps), enjoy a coffee and a slice of kuchen at a laid-back cafe, and soak up the atmosphere as you watch black-necked swans, sealions and muscular rowers compete for space along the river.

Our final full day onboard is the ideal time to reconnect with your fellow explorers and reflect on your magnificent expedition. Now the cold of Patagonia is left behind, relax on the outer decks and watch as Antarctic terns give way to Inca terns, and other ships become more and more common. During the evening, toast the end of your voyage with an expertly crafted cocktail at the Captain’s Farewell Party and relive your adventure during the final Slideshow before a final celebratory dinner with your fellow explorers.

On the final morning of our expedition, the vast bustling city of Valparaíso comes into view. ‘Vibrant’ barely captures this incredible city, Chile’s main port, where thousands of colourful houses are draped across the rolling hills, linked by the city’s famous funicular elevators. Bid farewell to the Expedition Team and Crew of the Discoverer.

Upon disembarkation, you will be collected ready to experience the enchanting Valparaíso, once a vital port in South America until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Traces of European emigration history permeate the streets and neighbourhoods. Valparaíso, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hailed as the cultural capital of Chile, boasts charming, colourful houses cascading down the hills, forming a natural amphitheatre where historic port life seamlessly intertwines with cultural activities.

Because of Valparaíso’s unique geography, the houses and buildings are built climbing up and hanging from the hills and surrounding creeks which are a unique experience to witness. As we stroll along the hills, we'll uncover hidden treasures such as art galleries, cosy coffee shops, breweries, vibrant graffiti, beautiful old houses, and a variety of bars and restaurants. We will visit the Port, the old banking area, and Concepción and Alegre Hills, which gather most of the handicraft and artist workshops. On one of these iconic hills, you'll take part in an exclusive graffiti workshop led by a professional street artist. Learn the basics of graffiti art and create your own piece using spray-paint techniques on a specially designed practice wall.

Along the way, we'll stop for a delicious local lunch (included) before continuing our exploration of these unique and inspiring neighbourhoods.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Vina del Mar for the evening.

This morning you will be collected from your hotel in Vina del Mar, enroute to Santiago. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Villard Winery for a premium wine tasting and lunch before being dropped off to your hotel in Santiago. Casablanca Valley, is renowned for its numerous wineries and towns steeped in Chilean traditions with incredible mountainous views to enjoy on the journey. With Villard Winery being Chile's first boutique winery in the Casablanca Valley. For three decades, Villard has been recognised as one of the Valley's finest wineries. And for over ten years, with the unwavering commitment of those who deeply understand the characteristics of their land and terroir, the second generation of the family has innovated with new winemaking techniques to create new, super-premium wines of great structure and elegance. Come and experience a gastronomic and oenological adventure with us at Villard.

You will be picked up from your hotel to start your tour of Santiago, exploring both the old and new areas of the city. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the central square and the heart of the city’s colonial core. The Plaza de Armas features the beautiful 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, the Royal Court Palace from the early 19th century (housing the Natural History Museum), and the Central Post Office completed in 1882. Most days, you can observe the Chess Club of Chile meeting here—a great opportunity to witness locals engrossed in a game of chess.

Cerro San Cristóbal, an iconic hill rising 300 metres (1,000 ft) above the city. Ascend to the summit by cable car and discover the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, home to the famous statue of the Virgin Mary. From the top, take in spectacular panoramic views of Santiago and the majestic Andes Mountains—an unforgettable experience and one of the city's most breathtaking viewpoints.

For another incredible perspective of the city, we will also visit Sky Costanera, the highest observation deck in Latin America. Rising 300 metres above Santiago, it offers spectacular 360° views of the city, the surrounding valley, and the majestic Andes Mountains. From the top, admire Santiago’s striking modern skyline and gain a unique appreciation of the city's geography and natural setting.

Upon completing your tour, you will be transported back to your hotel.

You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport for your onward flight from Santiago.