From Argentina
to Chile: Across
the Fjords
From Ushuaia to Valparaíso, trace Chile's wild fjords and glaciers, from Patagonia's icy wonders to colorful coastal towns, on an unforgettable Swan Hellenic voyage.
Garibaldi Glacier
Marvel at the icy majesty of Garibaldi Glacier, cascading from the mountains into turquoise waters.
Torres del Paine
Stand in awe before the granite spires of Torres del Paine — Patagonia's most iconic landscape.
Pío XI Glacier
Witness the power of South America's largest advancing glacier as ice cliffs thunder into the sea.
Tortel
Walk the wooden boardwalks of remote Tortel — a hidden village without streets or cars.
Chiloé Island
Discover Chiloé's colorful stilt houses and UNESCO-listed wooden churches, alive with local culture.
Wildlife Encounters
Spot Magellanic penguins, sea lions, steamer ducks, and guanacos along the rugged Patagonian coast.
Valparaíso
Conclude your voyage in the vibrant hills of Valparaíso — Chile's artistic heart overlooking the Pacific.
Ushuaia - Valparaiso
From
/per person
Dates
Mar 17 – Mar 30, 2026
Duration
13 nights
Ship
Vega
Sail from Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, to vibrant Valparaíso on a breathtaking journey through Chile's fjords and glaciers. Marvel at the Garibaldi and Pio XI Glaciers, explore UNESCO-listed Alberto de Agostini National Park, and visit charming ports like Puerto Natales, Chiloé Island, and Castro. Enjoy Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and guided walks in pristine landscapes, or relax on deck as the dramatic beauty of Patagonia unfolds around you.
Ushuaia & Puerto Williams
Begin your journey at the edge of the world, where the snow-capped Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Explore Ushuaia's colorful streets before crossing to Puerto Williams, the world's southernmost town. Here, dramatic landscapes and a sense of remoteness set the tone for your Patagonian adventure.
Garibaldi Glacier
Sail into the icy majesty of Garibaldi Glacier, a turquoise wall of ice tucked deep within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Watch as towering cliffs frame cascading waterfalls and blocks of ice drift silently past—an awe-inspiring vision of nature's raw power.
Angostura Kirke
Navigate the narrow Angostura Kirke, a twisting passage flanked by steep, forested slopes. Strong currents make the crossing a true navigational feat, rewarded by views of mist-cloaked mountains, dolphins dancing in the wake, and seabirds wheeling overhead.
Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales is a charming Patagonian town surrounded by fjords and peaks. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the jagged silhouettes of the Andes, or venture inland to discover one of South America's most iconic wildernesses.
Angostura White
This seldom-visited waterway winds through narrow channels and emerald slopes alive with seabirds and seals. The captain's skill and timing are key here, as you pass between sheer rock walls that reveal the untamed spirit of Chile's inner fjords.
Pio XI Glacier
Marvel at the immense Pio XI Glacier—the largest in South America and one of the few still advancing. Its thundering ice calvings echo across the fjord, creating a symphony of cracking ice and cascading blue fragments that drift into the sea.
Angostura Inglesa
Sail through the serene beauty of Angostura Inglesa, a narrow passage framed by steep, forested cliffs. Known for its calm waters and dramatic scenery, this channel reveals the quiet grandeur of Chile's inner fjords — where mirrored reflections blur the line between sea and sky.
Tortel
An enchanting village built entirely on wooden walkways, Tortel perches between mountains, rivers, and forest. With no streets or cars, it offers a glimpse of authentic Patagonian life—quiet, isolated, and deeply connected to nature.
Castro
On Chiloé Island, Castro greets you with colorful stilt houses, wooden churches, and vibrant local culture. Explore markets filled with handmade crafts and sample island cuisine rich in seafood traditions shaped by centuries of seafaring life.
Puerto Montt
Nestled in Chile's Lake District, Puerto Montt blends alpine scenery with maritime charm. From here, explore nearby lakes and volcanoes or simply enjoy the town's lively port atmosphere before continuing north along the dramatic Pacific coast.
Niebla
Overlooking the mouth of the Valdivia River, Niebla combines coastal beauty with colonial heritage. Visit its 17th-century Spanish fort, stroll along rugged beaches, and enjoy panoramic views where river, ocean, and history converge.
Valparaiso
Perched on steep hills above the Pacific, Valparaíso enchants with its maze of colorful houses, vintage funiculars, and vibrant street art — a city of bohemian soul and maritime heritage where your journey begins.
The Journey of Your Dreams
An ocean voyage along South America's Pacific coast from Ushuaia to Valparaiso aboard our boutique ice-class ship, SH Vega.
Icy Majesty
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Garibaldi Glacier, one of Chile's most stunning.
Iconic Peaks
Stand in awe before the imposing trio of granite pillars in Torres del Paine National Park.
Wild Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of fascinating wildlife, including condors, guanacos and rheas.
The Journey of Your Dreams
An ocean voyage along South America's Pacific coast from Ushuaia to Valparaiso aboard our boutique ice-class ship, SH Vega.
Icy Majesty
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Garibaldi Glacier, one of Chile's most stunning.
Iconic Peaks
Stand in awe before the imposing trio of granite pillars in Torres del Paine National Park.
Wild Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of fascinating wildlife, including condors, guanacos and rheas.
Expedition Itinerary
13 nights of an unforgettable journey from the end of the world to Chile's Pacific coast, navigating dramatic fjords, glaciers, and remote Patagonian landscapes.
Day 1
Ushuaia & Puerto Williams
Begin your adventure at the end of the world. Nestled between snow-capped peaks and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia's colorful streets mark the gateway to Patagonia's wilderness. Cross the channel to Puerto Williams, the world's southernmost town on the Chilean side, where you'll embark on your boutique expedition ship. Explore Cape Horn's dramatic landscapes or visit the Martín Gusinde Museum before setting sail through some of the planet's most remote and breathtaking waters.
Day 2
Garibaldi Glacier
Considered one of Chile's most beautiful glaciers, the towering teal walls of Garibaldi Glacier are quite spectacular. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, the vegetation is just as impressive as the ice. The glacier and surrounding Garibaldi Fjord are part of UNESCO-recognised Alberto de Agostini National Park, one of the 24 most pristine ecoregions on the planet. The mighty Andean condor is often seen soaring overhead.
Excursions:
- •Zodiac Cruising with the Expedition Team — Included
- •Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing) — Optional
Day 3
At Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
- •Lectures on the history of the region
- •Photography workshops
- •Wildlife spotting
- •Discussions with experts
Day 4
Cruising Angostura Kirke
Angostura Kirke, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile, demands precise timing and skillful navigation. Strong currents and winds heighten the challenge, yet the passage rewards with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Playful dolphins, sleek seals and soaring seabirds enhance the experience amid mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Days 4-5
Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales is a charming port town along Last Hope Sound and an ideal gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. The park's highlight is an imposing trio of granite pillars that dominate the landscape. This vast area includes glaciers, vibrant teal lakes, lush forests and thundering rivers, and is home to diverse wildlife including guanaco, Darwin's rhea, armadillo and the Patagonian fox, and is one of the world's top places to see puma.
Excursions:
- •Scenes of Puerto Natales and Milodon's Cave — Optional
- •Torres del Paine National Park — Optional
Day 6
Cruising Angostura White
Angostura White, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Penas with the Gulf of Corcovado in Chile, demands precise timing and skillful navigation. Strong currents and winds heighten the challenge, yet the passage rewards with breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Playful dolphins, sleek seals and soaring seabirds enhance the experience amid mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Day 7
Pio XI Glacier
One of few glaciers in the world that is not retreating, Pio XI glacier is an incredible sight to behold. Almost 66 km in length, Pio XI, also known as Brüggen Glacier, is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere, outside of Antarctica.
Day 7
Cruising Angostura Inglesa
Angostura Inglesa (or the English Narrows), a narrow passage in the Messier Channel on the southwestern coast of Chile, provides a picturesque route through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia. Navigating this challenging passage demands precise timing and skill due to strong currents and winds. Yet, the journey compensates with stunning views of mountains, islands, and the chance to encounter dolphins, seals, and various bird species.
Day 8
Tortel
After traversing the English Passage's green hills and snowy peaks, the ship arrives at remote Caleta Tortel village at the Rio Baker's mouth. Long isolated with only river and sea access, Tortel's first road was built in 2003. The timber industry led to the construction of wooden houses and streets - or boardwalks - made of wood. Hummingbirds flit amongst the flora of this scenic frontier outpost.
Excursions:
- •Walking Tour With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team — Included
- •Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing) — Optional
Day 9
At Sea
It's the perfect time to socialize with the Swan Hellenic team and your new friends as you reflect on the expedition voyage. Take in the views, listen to new lectures and make the most of your time with the expedition team. Dine a la carte in the Swan Hellenic restaurants with new friends or relax in your stateroom with a movie and room service.
Optional excursions:
- •Discussions with experts
- •Visit the bridge for the final time
- •Presentation of guest photos & voyage video
- •Certificate ceremony
- •Sharing stories with fellow guests
- •Farewell gala dinner
Day 10
Castro
Castro, Chiloé Island's picturesque capital, is known for its palafitos, brightly painted wooden houses on stilts. Beyond the UNESCO-listed palafitos, Iglesia San Francisco, an old wooden neo-Gothic church dating back to 1567, stands tall in yellow. Nearby Chiloé National Park protects native alerce conifers, the largest tree species in South America. The park offers fantastic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the lush, pristine landscapes.
Excursions:
- •Chiloé & Achao Islands — Included
- •Chiloé National Park — Optional
- •Pueblito Wueltun — Optional
Day 11
Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt, marking Chile's Lake District's southern end, is known for its bustling port and salmon fishing. The compact city's Histórico Museum displays indigenous artefacts and fossils. Nearby attractions include Chile's oldest national park, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park with the vibrant Petrohué Rapids by the Osorno Volcano. Beyond the city on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, the town of Puerto Varas is known for its German heritage.
Excursions:
- •Rainforest Hike & Petrohué Rapids — Optional
- •Puerto Montt, Frutillar & Puerto Varas — Included
- •Petrohué rapids & the Chilian Lake District — Optional
- •Gastronimic And Cultural Experience — Optional
Day 12
Niebla
Niebla, a small coastal town at the mouth of the Valdivia River, is renowned for its fish market and beach. Opposite lie the ruins of the Spanish colonial Fort System of Valdivia, along with its museum at Corral. Nearby, Valdivia, one of Chile's most picturesque cities, is divided by narrow rivers including the Valdivia and Calle Calle, which wind through its downtown area. The city features stately German historic homes dating from 1840 to 1930.
Excursions:
- •Oncol Hike — Optional
- •Highlights of Valdivia — Included
- •Valdivia's Wetlands By Kayak— Optional
Day 13
At Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship's observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert's view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 14
Valparaiso
One of Chile's oldest cities, Valparaiso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition life as we take you to the furthest more remote regions of the world. The day by day plan and experiences are given as a guide with the actual itinerary depending on weather, ice conditions and guidance of the captain and expedition leader.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transport & Accommodation
- Charter flights to the port of embarkation
- Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- Your selected stateroom
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
Expedition Activities
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
Onboard Amenities
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Expedition Equipment
- Waterproof backpack
- Refillable water bottle
Additional Services
- Memory package of your voyage
Wildlife
Meet Magellanic penguins, curious sea lions, and flightless steamer ducks along Chile's wild southern shores, while guanacos roam the windswept Patagonian landscapes beneath soaring Andean peaks.
South American Sea Lion
Magellanic Penguin
Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck
Guanaco
Wildlife
Meet Magellanic penguins, curious sea lions, and flightless steamer ducks along Chile's wild southern shores, while guanacos roam the windswept Patagonian landscapes beneath soaring Andean peaks.
South American Sea Lion
Magellanic Penguin
Magellanic Flightless Steamer Duck
Guanaco
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
SH Vega
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you're taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna & steam room
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC6 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory, Stargazing Deck
Launched in 2023
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna & steam room
Fine Dining
Across 3 venues
Staterooms
Choose your stateroom aboard the expedition vessel SH Vega
Oceanview 20 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony 25 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Suite 41 m²
FROM
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Expedition Leaders
Mariam Pousa
Expedition leader
Mariam, an Argentine Conservator of Cultural Heritage and expert in Nautical Archaeology, holds a Master's in Preservation of Artifacts. A history enthusiast, she teaches for the UNESCO Foundation, focusing on archaeological site preservation. Raised in the stunning landscapes of Ushuaia, Mariam is a skilled mountaineer with a passion for exploration. She has sailed in Patagonian fjords, summited the Alps and Central America Andes, and worked on adventure film crews in the UK and Spain. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she is also an enthusiastic skier and climber.
Anya Astafurova
Marine Biologist
Anya is a marine biologist and guide specializing in marine mammals. She discovered her passion for the polar regions during an expedition to Svalbard in 2015, experiencing iconic wildlife encounters with polar bears and local nature. Currently, Anya's life is closely connected to the Polar Regions of the planet. She travels to the Arctic and Antarctic to engage in citizen science projects such as Happywhale, which allows professional and citizen scientists to work together on identifying animals via photo ID for research and tracking.
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanoes, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Artem Rabogoshvili
Historian
Artem was born near Lake Baikal in East Siberia and holds a PhD in history, specializing in Asian history and cultural anthropology. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and German, Artem transitioned to expedition guiding in 2017, leading tours in West Greenland, the North Pole and Antarctica. With a wealth of experience as a lecturer and interpreter, he now shares his extensive knowledge with curious adventurers and is delighted to be part of the Swan Hellenic family.
Mariam Pousa
Expedition leader
Mariam, an Argentine Conservator of Cultural Heritage and expert in Nautical Archaeology, holds a Master's in Preservation of Artifacts. A history enthusiast, she teaches for the UNESCO Foundation, focusing on archaeological site preservation. Raised in the stunning landscapes of Ushuaia, Mariam is a skilled mountaineer with a passion for exploration. She has sailed in Patagonian fjords, summited the Alps and Central America Andes, and worked on adventure film crews in the UK and Spain. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she is also an enthusiastic skier and climber.
Anya Astafurova
Marine Biologist
Anya is a marine biologist and guide specializing in marine mammals. She discovered her passion for the polar regions during an expedition to Svalbard in 2015, experiencing iconic wildlife encounters with polar bears and local nature. Currently, Anya's life is closely connected to the Polar Regions of the planet. She travels to the Arctic and Antarctic to engage in citizen science projects such as Happywhale, which allows professional and citizen scientists to work together on identifying animals via photo ID for research and tracking.
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife.
Brent Alloway
Geologist
Brent Alloway is a former professor of Quaternary earth science and volcanology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a very experienced earth scientist and he is particularly interested in landscape histories, volcanoes, paleoenvironmental change and human origins. Brent worked several years as an exploration & project geologist in SE Ecuador. Though recently retired from academic teaching and responsibilities - Brent is still very much actively involved in earth science research in southern Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and United States.
Artem Rabogoshvili
Historian
Artem was born near Lake Baikal in East Siberia and holds a PhD in history, specializing in Asian history and cultural anthropology. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and German, Artem transitioned to expedition guiding in 2017, leading tours in West Greenland, the North Pole and Antarctica. With a wealth of experience as a lecturer and interpreter, he now shares his extensive knowledge with curious adventurers and is delighted to be part of the Swan Hellenic family.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey to Antarctica.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey to Antarctica.