Optimize your Chilean Patagonia experience with a land and sea expedition. Spend three days at the fine Hotel Rio Serrano to savor the grandeur of Torres del Paines sunrises and sunsets, its iconic landscapes, and profusion of wildlife. Then explore the fjords, glaciers, and panoramic vistas of Patagonias coast and waterways that are only accessible by expedition ship. Venturing out on Zodiac forays, kayaking pristine fjords, or hiking virgin trails, youll breathe the rarified air of a near-mythic region. Enjoy special access to South American fur seals and Magellanic penguins. Discover the vast parklands of Yendegaia and Karukinka. And check viewing legendary Cape Horn on your life list, as well.
Explore Torres del Paine over three days
With breathtaking views of saw-toothed mountains and a vast, azure lake, our beautiful hotel is a superb base for daily explorations of inland Chilean Patagonia. Explore this rugged, beautiful landscape that lies between the imposing Andes and vast Patagonia steppe. Search for land mammals including guanaco and Patagonian fox, and over 100 species of birds including the Andean condor, rhea, Chilean flamingo, black-chested buzzard eagle, and many more.
Go by expedition ship to discover remote, wild regions
Venture into the winding waterways of Patagonia that have gone largely unexplored: the domain of only those lucky enough to have access to an expedition ship. Sail into narrow fjords and disembark to hike to the terminus of a glacier or photograph strange green lakes or vast rock-and-ice landscapes.
Discover seldom-visited Isla de los Estados off Argentina
By special permission, National Geographic Explorer will call at Isla de los Estados, a wild island largely untouched by humans in decades, it has only a naval outpost with four guardians. Walk its wild beech forests, look for penguins, see the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento "lighthouse at the end of the world," which inspired Jules Verne's novel by the same name, plus explore the ruins of a penal colony. And, conditions permitting, explore a very rarely seen archeological site where native people lived 1,500 years ago.
Active exploration: Hike, kayak & Zodiac cruise
Youll get out on adventures often in Patagonia, sometimes twice a day. Explore the towering fjords by Zodiac and kayak; hike to the terminus of massive glaciers; walk the spongy, vegetation-covered ground surrounded by the immensity of a wild pristine landscape. Because Explorer has a fleet of both Zodiacs and kayaks, the entire expedition community can embark at once on forays, with no waiting around for returning parties. Youll have a choice of activities each day, and the option to join any naturalist whose interests mirror yours. Your choices also include opting to enjoy the view from the all-glass observation lounge, the library, or the chart room. To visit the fitness center with its panoramic windows, or ease into the sauna, or have a massage in the wellness center.
Take advantage of superb photo ops
Youll have a National Geographic photographer as your traveling companion, to inspire you and provide tips in the field. And the services of a National Geographic certified photo instructor, as wellto help you turn your point-and-shoot camera into an aim & create. Youll find no end of subjects, and the help you need to return home with your best photos ever.
Travel in excellent company
Explore Torres del Paine under the expert guidance of veteran naturalists relying on their expertise to maximize wildlife sightings. And aboard National Geographic Explorer, go with expedition leader, an assistant expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor, an undersea specialist, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler. Their knowledge and passion for Patagonia is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Explore the wild, windswept Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America and largely off limits to travelers since 1923
Transit the legendary Beagle Channel and see storied Cape Horn
Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Yendegaia and Karukinka Natural Parks in Tierra del Fuego
Zodiac cruise and kayak through the breathtaking Chilean fjords
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
National Geographic Explorer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
