Antarctica, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords – Exploration of the Southern Highlights (Northbound) Fram

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Departures

16 March 2022

17 March 2022

Experience Antarctica and Patagonia in one expedition cruise
Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and incredible wildlife in Antarctica
Sail into the Chilean fjords in summer and see Cape Horn
Opportunity to visit Torres del Paine National Park

Current offers on this cruise:

Flight included

Book your expedition cruise in 2021-2022 early and your flights from London will be included!
See the full offer details

Book with CONFIDENCE

Valid until 31/12/2020

Book on your terms

Cancel your cruise for any reason and we’ll pay you back - no questions asked.

Financial security

Receive your refund, including the previously non-refundable deposit.

Quick refund

If you cancel, we’ll get the money back into your account within 14 days.

Itinerary

This is a truly exciting and varied expedition cruise that combines the highlights of Antarctica, the stunning Chilean fjords, and the rich natural beauty of Patagonia. Our expert Expedition Team will take you ice-cruising and out for landings to observe wildlife at every opportunity, followed by a voyage of discovery to the remote and stunning Chilean coast.

Day 1 Buenos Aires
Day 2 Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 3-4 At sea
Day 5-8 Antarctica
Day 9-10 At sea
Day 11 Cape Horn, Chile
Day 12 Chilean Fjords
Day 13-14 Puerto Natales
Day 15 Puerto Edén
Day 16 At Sea
Day 17 Castro
Day 18-19 At Sea
Day 20 Valparaíso, Chile

Day 1

Buenos Aires

Cultural and Cool

City life in Buenos Aires

This adventure starts with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital of Argentina. Spend the evening at your leisure and discover `Paris of South America´ for yourself on a warm spring or summer day or extend your stay with an optional Pre-Programme to explore wild Patagonia.

City life in Buenos Aires

The colourful La Boca area in Buenos Aires

Enjoy Ushuaia before embarking on MS Fram

Sea lions at Beagle Channel, Ushuaia

Day 2

Ushuaia, Argentina

Estimated time of departure is 19:00

Tierra del Fuego

Enjoy Ushuaia before embarking on MS Fram

The flight leaves Buenos Aires early in the morning, allowing you a few hours to explore Ushuaia before embarking on MS Fram. In the evening, we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel.

Day 3-4

At sea

Drake Passage

Sunset in the Drake Passage

Photo: Andrea Klaussner

MS Fram takes us safely across the famous Drake Passage toward the Antarctic Peninsula. During the voyage south, the Expedition Team starts the lecture series, giving you information about Antarctica’s fantastic animals, geology and history. You’ll learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for current scientific research. Enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife from the deck.

Sunset in the Drake Passage

Photo: Andrea Klaussner

Landing on Cuverville Island, Antarctica

Day 5-8

Antarctica

The White Wonder that is Antarctica

Exploring the Wilhelmina Bay and its wildlife from the tenderboat.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Port Lockroy, a natural harbour in front of the Antarctic Peninsula. The Antarctic base includes the most southerly operational post office in the world.

Photo: Marsel van Oosten

Day 5-8

Antarctica

The White Wonder that is Antarctica

Landing with the Expedition Team on Cuverville Island, Antarctica.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Home to 90% of the world´s ice, Antarctica never fails to amaze and astound. In winter, sea ice virtually doubles the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.

This is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines and rules. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures!

Antarctica is a true wilderness, so local conditions will dictate our final itinerary. We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula with the aim of showing you the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display.

At every opportunity, our expert Expedition Team will take you ice-cruising and out for landings. There may also be chances to kayak among icebergs, hike in stunning surroundings and even camp on the most remote continent on Earth.

Day 9-10

At sea

The Drake Passage

Humpback whale in the Drake Passage.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Sailing northbound across the Drake Passage is chance to re-cap on all we have seen and heard in Antarctica. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level. The Expedition Team will continue their lecture programme to prepare you for the delights ahead. Enjoy priming your knowledge about the history and ecosystems of the area. Make sure to spend some time on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife.

Humpback whale in the Drake Passage.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Famed Cape Horn, where we will attempt a landing

Photo: Maximilian Schwarz

Day 11

Cape Horn, Chile

Cape Horn

Famed Cape Horn, where we will attempt a landing

Photo: Maximilian Schwarz

If weather allows, we will attempt a landing on Cape Horn. This is the southernmost point of South America, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, creating often challenging sea conditions. Next, we will sail on to the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel.

Day 12

Chilean Fjords

A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

Chilean Fjords, Country Glaciers.

Photo: Dominic Barrington

Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water await us in magnificent surroundings. This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans, full of isolated islands and hidden bays that harbour rich wildlife.

Chilean Fjords, Country Glaciers.

Photo: Dominic Barrington

Garibaldi glacier, Garibaldi Fjord.

Photo: Karsten Bidstrup

Strait Of Magellan, Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile

Guanaco crossing the river in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Trekking in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Chile

Day 13-14

Puerto Natales

Torres del Paine National Park

Guanaco crossing the river in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park, world famous for the impressive “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine) rock formation. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover a landscape of stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks that host a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.

Optional excursions

Included

Puerto Natales - Scenes of Puerto Natales

This excursion combines the highlights of the charming town of Puerto Natales with the interesting Milodón Cave, just a few kilometres away.
Torres del Paine - Overnight

This excursion includes an overnight inside the park - “the eighth wonder of the world” - with its impressive scenery and incomparable views. The Torres del Paine National Park covers an area over 242,000 hectares and features a rich geographical diversity of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. There is always the possibility of seeing varieties of native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Puerto Natales: Torres del Paine National Park

Visit Torres del Paine National Park with stunning scenery and amazing views! Admire the natural beauty of this area, which offers great photo opportunities.
Torres del Paine – Grey Hike

Spectacular views abound in every direction. Torres del Paine National Park covers an area of 242.242 hectares and features an outstanding combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills, and peaks, as well as the possibility to observe various kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Puerto Natales - Hiking in Torres del Paine

This programme is designed to give you the best of both worlds. Explore Torres del Paine by both coach and foot. The eighth wonder of the world, Torres del Paine National Park, covers an area over 242.000 hectares and consists of a rich combination of lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, glaciers, hills and peaks. It is possible to observe many different forms of life here in their natural state.

Day 15

Puerto Edén

Remote Village at the End of the Fjord

Nature of the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile, South America

The village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people.

Nature of the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile, South America

Glacier in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile

Beautiful panoramic view of Chilean fjords: Aysen fjord and Puerto Chacabuco surrounding area, Patagonia, Chile, South America.

Day 16

At Sea

Waters of Patagonia

Beautiful panoramic view of Chilean fjords: Aysen fjord and Puerto Chacabuco surrounding area, Patagonia, Chile, South America.

Our expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, enjoy the vistas of the magnificent natural expanse.

Day 17

Castro

Cosmopolitan Castro

Houses on stilts in Castro, Chiloe Island, Patagonia, Chile

Set among windswept hills and lush vegetation, Castro is known for its colourful `palafitos´, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, and the UNESCO Site Iglesia San Francisco. Nearby wide beaches are home to dozens of seabirds, penguins and sea lions.

Optional excursions

Included

Castro Walking Tour

Walk from pier to Plaza de Armas for a short visit and proceed to San Francisco church, the main Catholic church of Chiloé’s capital and rather than the typical style of the other churches of the island, it is Neo-Gothic style.
Castro - Dalcahue, Curaco de Velez & Achao

This excursion provides a glimpse into the history of the small villages in the Castro-Dalcahue area. We will visit three towns by coach and ferry.
Trek at Chiloe National park

Trek through Chiloe National Park, where hiking trails take you to a great viewpoint with views over Cucao Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Learn about local flora and fauna and the history of the primitive settlements. We will also drive by the village of Cucao and hear about the tsunami that this town suffered in 1960.

Houses on stilts in Castro, Chiloe Island, Patagonia, Chile

Scenic landscape over Chiloe National Park

Photographer capturing wildlife from deck

Bring your camera and capture the amazing wildlife from deck

Photo: Marsel Van Oosten

Day 18-19

At Sea

Sailing North

Bring your camera and capture the amazing wildlife from deck

Photo: Marsel Van Oosten

As we make our way along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, we will recap the highlights of the expedition cruise and scan for wildlife.

Day 20

Valparaíso, Chile

Estimated time of arrival is 06:00

The ‘Jewel of the Pacific’

Colourful houses in Valparaiso.

Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. And this expedition ends in the colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Take some time to explore this scenic town before your flight home or you can extend your vacation with a Post-Programme adventure to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colourful houses in Valparaiso.

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Chile

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Check prices and availability

What's included

Included in your voyage

Hotel

Overnight in Buenos Aires before the expedition cruise, including breakfast

Flights

Flight in economy class from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

Transfers

Transfer from the hotel in Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires airport before the expedition cruise
Transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, including a short tour of the town

Expedition Cruise

Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Complimentary tea and coffee
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
Range of included excursions

Onboard Activities

Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, indoor gym
Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities

Escorted landings with small expedition boats while in Antarctica
Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings

Not included in your voyage

International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Notes

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Medical questionnaire is mandatory
Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
No gratuities expected

Photo: Stian Klo

Photo: Sandra Walser

Your ship

MS Fram

Year built	2007
Year of refurbishment	2020
Ship yard	Fincantieri, Italy
Passenger capacity	318 (200 in Antarctica)
Beds	276
Car capacity	0
Gross tonnage	11 647 T
Length	114 m
Beam	20.2 m
Speed	13 knots

Photo: Stian Klo

The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.

Optional excursions

Some expedition cruises include excursions that can be reserved for no additional charge. These included excursions can often be combined with other excursions available in port.

Please note excursions are subject to change and are not yet available for booking for departures after March 2021.

Included