Southern Patagonia - a kaleidoscopic mix of remote and untamed landscapes An optional Pre-Antarctica Cruise Program

Have you ever felt totally insignificant when surrounded by the sheer beauty of the natural world? Well, that’s exactly how you will feel among the turquoise waters, glaciers and towering granite horns of the Torres del Paine National Park in the Patagonia region of Chile. The jaw-dropping landscapes of this eighth wonder of the world are humbling indeed.

Sparsely populated and ruggedly beautiful, Southern Patagonia is located at the southern tip of South America and is shared by Chile and Argentina. The region is vast, covering 240 000 square kilometres, and over half of this destination is a protected wilderness area ideal for hiking and exploring. The south of Patagonia is home to Chile’s iconic Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, renowned for its rugged horn-shaped peaks of the Cuernos del Paine and pristine sand-coloured lowlands where the huaso countrymen, or baqueano, practice age-old cattle herding traditions.

In the north, enormous ice fields flank brilliant blue glaciers whilst fjords and deep channels usher penguins to their waters. Not only does this breathtaking region feature a rich entanglement of rainforest and mountain ranges that stretch across the horizon, but it is also the official gateway to Antarctica, the earth’s southernmost continent.

Why Visit?

• This wild, rugged region remains as vast, remote, untouched and infinitely beautiful as when the first European settlers described it more than 500 years ago
• Visitors can explore the myriad islands, imposing icy blue glaciers, majestic mountains, lush forests, crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and labyrinth of deep channels
• The mighty Torres del Paine mountains, situated in the heart of the pristine National Park, are iconic to Chilean Patagonia
• Tierra del Fuego Island, the largest island in South America, boasts breathtaking blue glaciers and deep waters where guests can witness penguin colonies, sea lions, sea elephants and dolphins

 Come and join us on a wonderful 5 day/4 night pre-cruise excursion to experience this mesmerising part of the world. This is your chance to immerse yourself in this vast national park where the horns of the Torres del Paine massif glow purple and red. You’ll enjoy terrific wildlife-watching in Torres del Paine. See majestic condors wheeling in the pristine skies overhead. Look out for foxes, huemul or Andean deer and guanacos along the way, and if you lie in wait patiently, you might be lucky enough to spot the reclusive puma. Don’t think about it – just come.