"Chilean Fjords Highlights"

V7905 • February 25 • 11 Days
Navigate through a series of channels and fjords, where the variety of hues change with each sunrise and sunset. From icy blues and fiery reds to lush greens, the kaleidoscope of Chile’s natural beauty envelops us. The flora and fauna is rich and vibrant as are the people who inhabit these remote locales. As explorers, we marvel at the wildlife from Magellanic penguins and Andean condors to Orcas and sea lions. Along hidden forest trails we hike. As we way north from the end of the earth, majestic mountains and regal glaciers float along the horizon.

We are explorers seeking adventure amidst nearly 4,000 miles (6,437 km) of diverse coastline, and an abundant supply of history and culture … a melting pot known as Chile.

Day 1 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Depart from Buenos Aires J. Newberry Domestic Airport (AEP) and fly via private air charter to Ushuaia International Airport (USH) and transfer to the port. Embark Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition – “Chilean Fjords Highlights”. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders.

Day 2 – Cruise Along Garibaldi Glacier, Chile
This afternoon, the Prince Albert II will enter the Garibaldi Fjord, a narrow passage strewn with floating ice in altering shades of blue and green. Ribbons of waterfalls snake down steep mountainsides. At the head of this picturesque fjord, take in the quiet splendour of the retreating Garibaldi Glacier. The Captain and Expedition Leader will make the most of local conditions and available time to allow us opportunities to explore the area.

In the evening, we continue through the 150-mile-long (241-km-long) Beagle Channel named after the HMS Beagle, a ship renowned for conducting its second coastal survey of southern South America in the early 19th century with a young Charles Darwin aboard and for his famed publication The Voyage of the Beagle.

Day 3 – Punta Arenas, Chile
As we head back towards land, a statue of fellow explorer Ferdinand Magellan greets us. Located on the western side of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the capital of Chile's Magallanes Region and the bustling centre base for South Atlantic fishing boats and Antarctic research vessels. This busy port town is a melding of cultures from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, all of which are a symbol of Chile’s rich history. Punta Arenas’ city centre features impressive mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1982, Isla Magdalena was declared a Chilean Natural Monument. Residing in the Magellan Straits, it serves as a bird sanctuary specifically to the Magellanic penguins, who share their nesting area with cormorants amongst other seabirds and sea lions. We explore the island together with our ship staff, and learn more about these naturally curious and untamed creatures. However, simply watching 150,000 burrowing penguins share chores with their lifelong mates is quite amazing. Each morning and afternoon, the fishing penguins return to shore to switch places with their mate who has been taking care of the young. These same penguins return every year between October and March to lay eggs and raise their young.

Day 4 – Cruising Chilean Fjords & Magellan Strait
Whilst in the service of the Spanish king, Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, was the first European to navigate these straits, which bear his name. Like ancient voyagers, we too explore the straits, which are considered a difficult route because of the inhospitable climate and the narrowness of the passage. Chile’s many fjords and channels are splendid natural waterways, but the Magellan Strait is the most important, since it connects the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. We continue our voyage of adventure, cruising through the Chilean Fjords. As we make way toward Punta Natales we witness our changing landscape knowing the huge glaciers, which have become our backdrop, are fading in the distance.

Enjoy a variety of lectures, and onboard activities or relax in one of the lounges with a book, or enjoy a documentary or latest movie in your suite on our interactive television system.

Day 5 – Puerto Natales, Chile
Nestled on a gently sloping point amidst astonishing scenery, the bustling port town of Puerto Natales overlooks the Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Gulf and has an engaging view of the Monte Balmaceda.

The most attractive features are found in the rugged nature, where indigenous fauna and flora exist in often harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. In this vast arid region of Patagonia and within the confines of Torres del Paine National Park, we find breeding populations of 15 bird of prey species including the Andean condor, Black-chested buzzard-eagle, Rufous-tailed hawk, Cinereous harrier, Chimango caracara, Magellanic horned owl, and the Austral pygmy-owl, amongst others. It is a veritable birder’s paradise.

Our friendly and knowledgeable ship staff and expert local guides lead us through the park. Following, we sample some local cuisine. Lamb and seafood are top choices, and the empanadas especially nice when paired with a glass of Chilean wine. As evening descends, we return to the Prince Albert II.

Days 6-7 – Navigate along Chilean Fjords, Chile
We spend two days cruising the Chilean Fjords as we way south into a stunningly remote domain through fjords and channels fringed by majestic mountains. We exit Chile’s Patagonia. A voyage to this part of the world is an exhilarating experience. It offers the traveller extraordinary sights of untamed natural beauty. As we begin our journey, we marvel at the abundance of sea lions, the occasional sighting of dolphins and whales and the astonishing array of seabirds and marine life.

Attend informative lectures led by your Expedition Leader and guest specialists that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library.

Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of a vast velvet sky strewn with shimmering stars.

Day 8 – Cruise & Explore Isla Magdalena National Park, Chile
As day breaks, the Prince Albert II anchors off the protected shores of Isla Magdalena National Park. In true expeditionary style, we explore the coast via Zodiac with our staff of experts and hopefully make a landing.

Isla Magdalena National Park is filled with dense forests guarded by Luma and Cypress of the Guaitecas trees, among a host of other native species that watch over us as we enter their domain. Various mosses and ferns are at our feet; splashes of colourful flora blush all around as we investigate this magnificent canvas. We are on our own, free to explore, hike or simply walk through nature’s spectacle.

Day 9 – Ancud, Chile
Ancud is our jumping off point today as we drop anchor and go ashore via the Zodiacs to explore Chile’s second largest island. Chiloé Island is home to an amazing collection of 150 Jesuit-carved wooden churches, houses raised up on poles out of the water, and more than 400 native plant varieties.

In Ancud, we enter a brightly coloured world of architecture, folklore and fishing boats. Today, the once thriving fishing village has come full circle back to its origins, despite a brief encounter as a major port city at the end of the 20th century.

From Ancud, we head south to Dalcahue where we visit the well-preserved Dalcahue Church with its galvanized iron roof. Carved from locally grown Patagonian cypress, larch and luma trees in 1858 by Jesuits, the detailing and precision are amazing.

After a brief ferry ride to Quinchao, we pass through a tiny village, Curaco de Velez. Lined with lovely homes and surrounded by stunning plant and animal life, we try to catch a peek at the Black-necked swans along Coastal Avenue.

Venturing further south, we enter the city of Achao, which was founded by the Jesuit Residency in 1743. From La Paloma, the high ground lookout, catch a panorama of this lively port hub. While here, we visit the Jesuit’s Achao Church. Constructed in 1730, it is the oldest wood structure in Chiloé and was recently declared a World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we cross Achao’s main square to enjoy a snack infused with local flavours and accompanied by authentic regional music before returning to the Prince Albert II.

Day 10 – Niebla, Chile
Our tour will begin today in the Lakes District at Niebla, a small village on the banks of the Rio Valdivia where Chile’s Corral Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. Tour the strategically placed Fort Niebla, which was designed and constructed in 1647 by Spanish military engineers with the help of Chilean-born technicians and builders. Built on the backs of prison labourers from the nation’s prisons, Fort Niebla’s fine stone workmanship was specially designed to endure continual canon bombardment.

Next, we drive to the charming river port city of Valdivia, where there is an interesting blend of influences from the native Mapuche, Spanish settlers, and German immigrants. Set amidst vibrant rainforests and river channels, Valdivia is filled with an abundant history of anecdotes and legends. Traverse the paths of pirates and Spanish galleon captains. Visit the historical and anthropological Museum Maurice Van der Maele, which houses a collection of Mapuche artefacts and jewellery as well as important pieces from Hispanic and German periods. As the first colonists, Germans diligently worked to develop the area and their impact can be seen everywhere from the architecture to the local brewery. We explore a variety of native plant species, including the lotus at the botanical gardens at the Universidad Austral de Chile, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we have some time to wander around on our own before returning to the Prince Albert II in late afternoon.

Day 11 – At Sea
Continuing northward, we navigate the Chilean coast out of the Lakes District and into the Central District. We take this opportunity to swap prized photos and seafaring tales with our new-found friends. Out on deck, binoculars in hand, watch for seabirds and whales, or listen to additional presentations by our expert natural history staff in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation. Capture and enjoy each remaining moment of this spectacular vacation with the finest cigars and cognacs at The Humidor or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard Prince Albert II.

DAY 12 – Valparaíso (Santiago), Chile
The Prince Albert II will arrive at Valparaíso, Chile during the early morning hours on the 8th of March. After breakfast, disembark Prince Albert II.