Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days
Patagonia Cruise: discover the fjords of Tierra del Fuego while sailing from Argentina to Chile
Briefing
Set sail on this Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days and discover some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes at the southern tip of South America. Over 5 days and 4 nights, you'll navigate the Beagle Channel, cruise through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, and visit iconic destinations such as Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, and the region's spectacular glaciers.
Each day combines scenic cruising with Zodiac excursions and guided hikes through pristine natural landscapes. You'll get up close to the Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor glaciers, walk through ancient Magellanic forests, and learn about the history of the Yámana people and the early explorers who navigated these waters.
Your expedition ends in the Strait of Magellan, where you'll visit Magdalena Island, home to one of Patagonia's largest colonies of Magellanic penguins. During September and April, this landing is replaced by a scenic cruise past Marta Island, where you can observe South American sea lions in their natural habitat.
Why choose this cruise?
- Sail one way from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas through the Beagle Channel and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
- Visit Cape Horn and admire the Pía, Porter, Águila, and Cóndor glaciers.
- Enjoy Zodiac excursions and guided hikes in some of Patagonia's most remote landscapes.
- Spot Magellanic penguins or South American sea lions, depending on the season.
- Relax with full-board accommodation, including meals and beverages throughout the voyage.
Prefer to sail from Chile to Argentina instead? Check out the Patagonia Cruise: From Punta Arenas to Ushuaia - 4 Nights.
Tour details
Included
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Full board (all meals and drinks)
- Open bar (during designated hours)
- Guided shore Excursions
- Onboard entertainment
- Multilingual Guides
Not included
- Tips
- Additional tours or activities (outside the described itinerary)
- Transfers to/from the port
Important information
- CABIN TYPES: all cabins are the same size. The differences are the deck they are located on and the size of the window, which is larger on the upper decks: second deck (A), third deck (AA), and fourth deck (AAA). In addition, each deck has 2 superior-category cabins that cannot be booked online. Contact us to check availability and rates.
- EXTRA BEDS AND CHILDREN: children under 4 can travel free of charge as long as they share a bed with their parents. For bookings with an odd number of travelers, a single room will be assigned. If you need to add an extra bed, contact us to check availability and pricing.
- ITINERARY: scheduled activities, times, and routes may be changed or canceled due to safety reasons, weather conditions, environmental conservation measures, or circumstances beyond our control.
- CONNECTIVITY: there will be no mobile phone coverage or internet connection during the trip.
- BORDER CROSSING: the trip will begin in Argentina and end in Chile, so you will need to complete an international border crossing. You must travel with a valid passport and meet the immigration requirements applicable to your nationality.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
- If you cancel 120 days or more before the cruise starts, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid.
- If you cancel between 119 and 60 days before departure, you will receive a refund of the amount paid, minus USD 350 (or the equivalent amount) per person.
- If you cancel between 59 and 40 days before departure, you will receive a refund of 50% of the total price.
- If you cancel between 39 and 30 days before departure, you will receive a refund of 25% of the total price.
After this deadline, or in the event of a no-show, no refunds will be issued.
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Ushuaia – Boarding and the Beagle Channel
Check-in in Ushuaia & Boarding
Check-in takes place between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo office, located at 409 San Martín Avenue in Ushuaia.
Boarding begins at 6:00 PM. Once on board, you'll be welcomed with a toast on Deck 5, where you'll meet the captain and crew before the expedition begins.
The ship will then set sail for the southernmost reaches of Patagonia. Cruise through the legendary Beagle Channel and into the spectacular waterways of Tierra del Fuego on your way to Cape Horn.
Day 2: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay
Cape Horn National Park & Wulaia Bay
Sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay on your way to Cape Horn National Park.
Weather permitting, you'll go ashore to explore one of the southernmost points on Earth, a legendary landmark known for its dramatic ocean scenery, powerful winds, and rich maritime history.
Wulaia Bay & a Hike Through the Magellanic Forest
In the afternoon, you'll go ashore at Wulaia Bay, once home to one of the largest Yámana settlements in Tierra del Fuego.
Enjoy a guided hike through the lush Magellanic forest, where you'll see native species such as lenga, coigüe, and canelo trees, as well as ferns, before reaching a scenic viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Day 3: Pía Glacier and Porter Glacier
Pía Fjord & Glacier
In the morning, you'll sail along the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel before entering Pía Fjord.
Once ashore, you'll enjoy a guided hike to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the impressive Pía Glacier, where you'll see its massive ice tongue flowing from the mountains into the sea.
Zodiac Cruise to Porter Glacier
In the afternoon, you'll board a Zodiac for a scenic cruise through the fjord.
Cruise between towering cliffs to the face of Porter Glacier, where you'll enjoy spectacular close-up views of the glacier from the water. This excursion does not include a landing.
Day 4: Águila Glacier and Cóndor Glacier
Agostini Bay & Águila Glacier
Sail through the Cockburn Channel into Agostini Bay, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of glaciers flowing from the Darwin Range, many of which extend all the way to the sea.
After breakfast, you'll go ashore by Zodiac and enjoy an easy guided hike around a lagoon formed by the meltwater of Águila Glacier. The trail ends at the foot of the glacier, where you'll have the chance to admire it from land.
Zodiac Cruise to Cóndor Glacier
In the afternoon, you'll board a Zodiac for another scenic cruise, this time without going ashore.
Get up close to Cóndor Glacier while learning about the formation of Patagonia's glaciers and the powerful forces that shaped the dramatic fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego.
Day 5: Magdalena Island – Punta Arenas
Magdalena Island & Magellanic Penguins
Early in the morning, weather permitting, you'll go ashore on Magdalena Island, home to one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in Patagonia.
Enjoy the opportunity to observe these iconic birds in their natural habitat while exploring one of the most important wildlife reserves in the Strait of Magellan.
Please note: During September and April, this landing is replaced by a scenic cruise past Marta Island. In this case, you will remain on board the Zodiac while observing a colony of South American sea lions.
Arrival in Punta Arenas
After the final excursion, you'll continue sailing to Punta Arenas, where your Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days comes to an end. Disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 12:30 PM.
What to bring to Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days tour
Patagonia's weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers for all shore excursions, with a waterproof outer layer. Be sure to pack he following items for your Patagonia Cruise:
- Valid passport, ID, and any required visas
- Any personal medications
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Thermal socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Fleece jacket and thermal base layers
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Warm hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Where does the tour Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days start
The cruise will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. You’ll need to check in at the operations office between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Boarding will begin at 6:00 p.m., so we recommend that you arrive early enough to complete check-in and present the necessary documentation.
Questions & Answers
What documents are required to travel on the Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days?
Passengers must carry a valid passport and the visas required to enter Chile and Argentina. Each passenger is responsible for checking the entry requirements and ensuring they have all the necessary documentation for both countries, as it will be requested when boarding and disembarking.
What is the maximum passenger capacity and total number of cabins?
The ship can carry 200 passengers and has a total of 100 cabins.
Is this sailing trip suitable for everyone?
The tour is suitable for all ages. However, it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility due to the lack of accessibility inside the boat and along the route.
Is wildlife viewing guaranteed?
Although wildlife sightings are very likely, they cannot be guaranteed. As with any route through natural areas, the animals are wild and roam freely.
Patagonia Cruise: From Ushuaia to Punta Arenas - 5 Days tour reviews with Howlanders
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