Following Charles Darwin's travels through Patagonia: Chile and Argentina
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20 March 2026 – 12 days from £7,990 per person
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Patagonia, retracing the path of Charles Darwin as he explored this remote and awe-inspiring region aboard HMS Beagle in the 1830s. Encounter breathtaking vistas across Chile and Argentina that captivated one of history’s greatest scientific minds.
This immersive tour and cruise through Chile and Argentina offers an opportunity to experience the landscapes, wildlife and geological wonders that shaped Darwin’s revolutionary ideas on evolution and natural selection, from the windswept plains of the Argentine steppe to the dramatic fjords of southern Chile.
Begin in Chile, where you will navigate the intricate waterways of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Here, Darwin marveled at the rugged coastline, glaciers and the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this harsh yet spectacular environment. Continuing into Argentina, explore the vast Patagonian steppe, a land of striking contrasts where guanacos roam and Andean condors soar overhead.
From towering peaks to remote coastlines, from vibrant penguin colonies to vast fossil beds, this adventure through Patagonia offers a profound connection to nature, science and the intellectual legacy of Charles Darwin.
In partnership with Latin Routes.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO
You will begin your tour in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital city. On arrival, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, which offers stunning city views and is located in the charming Lastarria neighbourhood.
Santiago is a modern metropolis set against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Andes mountain range. The city exudes charm, with its eclectic mix of architectural treasures, picturesque squares and lush parks. Santiago also boasts a dynamic culinary scene, offering an endless array of exceptional dining experiences to delight any palate.
Gather this evening for an insightful talk covering the orientation of the wonders that lie ahead from your expert, followed by a welcome dinner with the group.
DAY 2: FULL DAY AT LA CAMPANA BIOSPHERE AND VISIT VALPARAÍSO
Today, you will journey north, beginning with a visit to La Campana National Park, home to one of the last Chilean palm tree forests and the iconic La Campana Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1984. This region showcases landscapes similar to those Charles Darwin admired in 1834. The park, a haven for climbing and hiking, features year-round trails and diverse wildlife, including wildcats, skunks, eagles and chinchillas.
Continue to Valparaíso, Chile’s historic port city, with visits to the old town, Plaza Sotomayor, Plaza Victoria, the cathedral and the harbour. Charles Darwin visited Valparaíso in 1834, describing it as the "jewel of the Pacific". He was captivated by its steep hills, colourful houses and bustling port, noting both its natural beauty and strategic importance. During his time in Chile, Darwin also explored the surrounding landscapes, observing geological formations that contributed to his development of theories on natural history and evolution. Valparaíso’s rugged terrain and coastal biodiversity provided rich insights that influenced his scientific work.
Return to Santiago, where you will have the evening at leisure.
DAY 3: SANTIAGO TO PUERTO MONTT, CONTINUE TO PUERTO VARAS
Today, you will be transferred to the airport to take the morning flight to Puerto Montt, which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of Chile’s diverse landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the lush Lake District.
Chile's Lake District is famous for its spectacular panorama of turquoise lakes mirroring snow-capped volcanoes and sprawling forests. Puerto Montt, in the south of the Lake District, is the starting point for some of the most amazing cruises imaginable through the fjords and hanging valleys of the glacial Chilean coastline.
On arrival, enjoy a scenic tour of Puerto Montt, the gateway and capital of the Lake District, founded in 1853. Begin at Angelmó Market, renowned for fresh seafood, handcrafts and local products, offering a glimpse into the region’s culture. Continue along the coastline, which leads to the city centre and the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral, built in 1856, and a monument to German settlers are located. The journey concludes in nearby Puerto Varas, a charming resort town on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Darwin also visited Puerto Montt and the Chiloé archipelago during his 1834 expedition, which provided valuable insights into geology and natural history, influencing his later scientific work.
Continue to the Wyndham Pettra Hotel, which is just 5 minutes' walk from the centre of Puerto Varas.
DAY 4: CHILOÉ
Explore Chiloé, an enchanting island off Chile’s west coast. It is the largest island of the Chiloé archipelago and is known for its distinctive wooden churches, rich mythology and unique stilted houses (palafitos), offering a glimpse into a culture shaped by both Indigenous traditions and Spanish influences.
Embark on a ferry crossing the Chacao Channel to reach Chiloé. This mythical archipelago, located south of Puerto Montt, stands out for its distinctive culture and deep connection to the sea, celebrated through legends and maritime traditions. Discover colourful markets offering seafood, agricultural produce, knitted goods and woven crafts. Discover unique wooden churches - designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites - reflecting a blend of Catholic and pagan traditions.
DAY 5: PUERTO VARAS TO PUNTA ARENAS
You will be transferred from Cumbres Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt airport, where you will fly to Punta Arenas. The scenic flight takes around 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Patagonian landscape, from snow-capped mountains to expansive fjords and pristine glaciers. On arrival, you will be transferred to Cabo de Hornos, where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure.
A sprawling metropolis on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas defies easy definition. It is a strange combination of the humble and the grand, with elaborate wool-boom mansions and port renovations alongside urban sprawl. It is a lively city that is the cultural and industrial centre of Chilean Patagonia and is the access point to the southern region, also known as The End of the World.
DAY 6: EMBARK THE VENTUS AUSTRALIS
You will be transferred to Arturo Prat Port in Punta Arenas in the afternoon to embark on the Ventus Australis. The ship is tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America, including safely navigating the beautiful narrow fjords and getting passengers to areas where no other cruise ships can venture.
You will depart at around 6pm for one of the remotest corners of Earth, crossing the Strait of Magellan and entering the labyrinth of channels between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
DAY 7: AINSWORTH BAY AND TUCKERS ISLETS
By dawn, you will sail up Admiralty Sound, a striking offshoot of the Strait of Magellan. Ainsworth Bay offers a chance to explore bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals.
Ainsworth Bay is located within the Alberto de Agostini National Park. It is a serene coastal gem framed by snow-capped mountains and dense subpolar forests. The bay is fed by the meltwaters of the Marinelli glacier, creating a rich ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including elephant seals and a variety of bird species.
Today, there will be two choices of activity. You can either travel along a stream and beaver habitat or join a strenuous hike along a glacial moraine. Both options offer views of Marinelli glacier and the Darwin mountains. The glacier, located in the Cordillera Darwin of Chilean Patagonia, is one of the largest glaciers flowing into the Beagle Channel, known for its dramatic retreat over recent decades.
After leaving Ainsworth Bay, sail to the Tucker Islets for a close-up view of Magellanic penguins and other birds. These small islands are home to a vibrant colony of these penguins, which can be observed nesting and waddling along the shorelines. In addition, the islets host a variety of other bird species, including cormorants, skuas and gulls.
DAY 8: PIA GLACIER AND GLACIER ALLEY
Overnight, the ship will sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego, entering Pia fjord by morning. The fjord is renowned for its centrepiece, the Pia glacier, which descends dramatically from the Darwin mountain range into the icy waters below.
You will disembark the boat and enjoy a Zodiac tour to the glacier, with options for short or more challenging hikes for panoramic views.
Continue cruising east along the Beagle Channel through Glacier Alley, a breathtaking stretch along the channel. Among these icy giants, the Darwin glacier stands out, its name paying homage to Charles Darwin. This remote area not only inspired his scientific observations, but also continues to captivate researchers studying glacial dynamics and climate change. The dramatic landscape of Glacier Alley serves as a living laboratory, showcasing the intricate relationship between ice, geology and the natural world.
DAY 9: CAPE HORN TO WULAIA BAY
In the morning, the ship will cross Nassau Bay into the remote Cape Horn archipelago including Cape Horn National Park, which is part of the UNESCO-designated Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. The park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sub-Antarctic forests and unique biodiversity. It is home to hardy plant species, marine wildlife and seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels.
Weather permitting, you will go ashore at Cape Horn, overlooking the Drake Passage. You will then continue navigating the Murray Channel to anchor at Wulaia Bay in the afternoon.
Wulaia Bay, with its Yámana Indigeneous history, offers museum visits and three hike options through a Magellan forest.
DAY 10: DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA AND EXPLORE TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Today, you will sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia. Often referred to as The End of the World, it is the southernmost city on the planet, located on the shores of the Beagle Channel in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego.
After disembarking in the morning, enjoy a tour of the region. Begin by crossing the valley of the Rio Pipo and the slope of Monte Susana until you reach the Austral Fueguino railway station. Continue to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a beautiful area on the shores of the Beagle Channel with lakes, lagoons, rivers and windswept shores. The park was created in 1960 to protect the southernmost forests of the channel. Enjoy a gentle walk along forest trails within the national park, to secluded Lapataia Bay, meaning forested or wooded bay in the local Yámana language.
Afterwards, continue to the Los Acebos Hotel, which offers breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel. For those wanting to spend more time in Ushuaia, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus into Ushuaia at scheduled times throughout the day, ensuring easy access to explore the town's attractions.
DAY 11: FLY FROM USHUAIA TO BUENOS AIRES
You will be transferred to Ushuaia airport to connect with your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival into Buenos Aires, you will be transferred to your hotel, LOI Suites Recoleta.
This sprawling metropolis, which glitters in the afternoon rays reflected from the River Plate, is home to over one-third of the country’s population and an even greater portion of its economic output. Founded in 1580, today, Buenos Aires is one of the largest cities in South America. Also known as the city that never sleeps, its plentiful and varied attractions never fail to surprise and impress first-time visitors, and are a source of ongoing pleasure for those returning to the city.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore.
DAY 12: BERNARDINO RIVADAVIA NATURAL SCIENCES MUSEUM AND EVENING TANGO SHOW
Today you will visit the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum, Argentina's national natural history museum. The museum was proposed by Bernardino Rivadavia in 1812 and opened in 1826. The museum boasts 13 permanent exhibition rooms. These include an aquarium, an exhibit of specimens collected at numerous Argentine Antarctic research stations, a collection of meteorites found in Argentina and an area dedicated to palaeontology. Some of the museum's fossil and specimen collections reflect the rich biodiversity that inspired Charles Darwin during his historic voyage through South America.
On your final evening, enjoy a unique and authentic tango show and dinner. Two tango orchestras, highly-skilled dancers and passionate singers open the doors to the secret, nostalgic, sensual and magical world of the tango. The tango numbers are interspersed with a folklore band from the northern provinces with traditional instruments, a display of gaucho courtship dancing and a superb demonstration of "boleadora" handling. Dinner, served by attentive waiters, offers traditional local dishes and international cuisine paired with exclusive Argentine wines.
DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES DEPARTURE
Your tour comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
