Discover the glaciers and unique wildlife of southern Patagonia on a cruise through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, before hiking the best of the W-Trek from a luxury lodge overlooking Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia
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9 Day Private Journey
W Trek, Torres del Paine
Patagonia Fjords, Tierra del Fuego
1Overview
Overview

This private luxury journey from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales offers access to the glaciers, forest and wildlife of Southern Patagonia combining a 4-night fjords cruise with 5-days of active luxury in Torres del Paine National Park. Sail with Australis from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile) visiting Cape Horn and navigating icy waters with excursions in sub-polar forests. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas you will traverse the Patagonian landscape heading north by van transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. Over the next few days you will have the option to tick-off the iconic W-Trek sections including Towers, French Valley and Grey Glacier, with professional guides. Staying at luxury lodge, Tierra Patagonia, you'll return each night to gourmet cuisine, an open-bar, and exceptional spa facilities. Your journey ends with a transfer to Puerto Natales airport, or let us customise your trip with an extension into El Calafate, Chile's Lakes District or Atacama Desert.

Grey glacier hike bridges lr
Tierra Patagonia 31
View Gallery
2Trip Highlights
Highlights

Glacier alley and unique subpolar forests of Southern Patagonia

Penguins and unique wildlife

Hike sections of the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

Small ship expedition cruise through Patagonia's fjords

3Rates & Inclusions
What's Included
  • Four night Patagonia cruise onboard Ventus Australis, or sister ship StellaAustralis in an upgraded Premium AA cabin
  • Four nights' luxury accommodation at Tierra Patagonia in a room with mountain views
  • All meals and beverages - including open bar with wine, beer and spirits - throughout your journey (excludes lunch on day 5; set times apply for the open-bar on the cruise)
  • Guided excursions on your cruise led by expert guides, including glacier and wildlife viewing in tender boats, and onshore forest walks
  • Private van transfer from Punta Arenas port to Tierra Patagonia
  • Highlight three-course dinners each evening with Chilean wines at Tierra Patagonia
  • Packed picnic lunches to enjoy while at Tierra exploring Torres del Paine National Park
  • Guided hikes on the W Trek including Grey Glacier, Towers Base and French Valley sections^
  • Complimentary use of steam rooms, sauna and indoor pool facilities at Tierra's onsite Spa
  • Boat and ground transfers within Torres del Paine NP to access trails
  • National Park passes
  • Scheduled van transfer from Tierra to Puerto Natales Airport

Please note pricing is a 'from price' and based on low season travel, estimated for October or April travels dates. Pricing varies by season and additional fees apply for cabin/room upgrades. A boarding fee applies for your cruise, estimated at USD$105-120 pp, direction dependent.

^You may be joined by other Tierra guests on your day hikes (up to six guests per group). Please let us know if you'd prefer a personal guide for a fully private experience. All hiking is subject to conditions on the day, and substitute walks are available to suit your fitness and preference.

          4Getting here
          Getting here

          The cruise commences in Ushuaia, Argentina, and your journey concludes in Puerto Natales^, about an hour from Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Flights from Puerto Natales to Santiago, Puerto Montt (in Chile's Lakes District) and other cities operate from late October to April. The transfer to Puerto Natales Airport is included at the end of your journey. For an additional fee, you can be transferred to Punta Arenas*, El Calafate or El Chalten, making it easy to combine your W-Trek with time in Argentinian Patagonia or an extended Chilean journey. View a detailed W-Trek Map here.

          ^If you are travelling very early in the season before Puerto Natales Airport opens, a transfer to Punta Arenas will be offered to conclude your journey.

          WIL MAP SOUTH AMERICA Southern Patagonia
          6Itinerary
          Day-by-Day Itinerary

          Day 1

          Your journey commences with a private transfer from your Ushuaia accommodation or the airport to the port. Boarding check-in commences in the afternoon in downtown Ushuaia, followed by embarkation at 6pm. Once onboard, enjoy a welcome toast and introduction from the Captain and the crew. Meet new friends over dinner with wine, before retiring to your private ensuite cabin as the ship traverses the Beagle Channel, heading for one of the most remote corners of the globe.

          Included: D

          Ventus Australis Cabin AAA Superior

          Day 2

          Your first morning aboard is marked by entering Cape Horn, one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. A striking seven-metre monument marks its history as an important yet perilous shipping route since its discovery in 1616. Cape Horn National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005, comprising marine areas, islands, fjords, channels, forests and moorland. In the afternoon, disembark at Wulaia Bay, which was once one of the largest settlements of the original canoeing inhabitants of the region, the Yaman. A guided hike takes you through the pristine Magellanic forest in which many endemic species grow, passing spectacular viewpoints so you can appreciate the nature and geography of this special place.

          Included: B - L - D

          Australis Experience Wulaia Bay ship

          Day 3

          Today's journey follows the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. Experience the majesty of its namesake, the impressive Pia Glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, hop aboard the ship's Zodiac boats and cruise between high rocky walls until reaching Porter Glacier, pausing for a while to appreciate its sheer beauty before returning to the ship.

          Included: B - L - D

          Australis Experience Pia Glacier

          Day 4

          Early in the morning, the ship will sail through the Cockburn Channel, entering Agostini Sound where you'll see glaciers descending from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range. Disembark for an easy walk around a beautiful lagoon formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier and enjoy spectacular views. In the afternoon, board the Zodiacs again to reach the Condor Glacier where you'll have the opportunity to observe Andean Condors. Back on board enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your final evening on the cruise.

          Included: B - L - D

          Australis Experience Aguila Glacier

          Day 5

          For your final morning aboard, the ship will anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Weather permitting, disembark at dawn for a guided hike to a small museum inside the island's vintage 1902 lighthouse, passing thousands of Magellanic penguins along the way. You'll also have an opportunity to spot many of the other bird species who inhabit the island^. Back on board, it's a short cruise along the strait toward Punta Arenas where your journey will conclude. Disembarking just before midday, you will be met by your driver for the private road transfer to Tierra Patagonia. Take in the views of the Patagonian landscape, keeping an eye out for guanacos and other native wildlife on the drive. Settle into your luxury lodge surroundings and enjoy an afternoon at the spa or by the bar taking in the impressive views over Torres del Paine National Park. Tonight enjoy a three-course dinner with Chilean wine.

          Included: B - D

          ^In September and April when the penguins live elsewhere, this excursion is replaced by a Zodiac trip to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions.

          Australis Landscape Magdalena Island

          Day 6

          After a wonderful breakfast watching the wildlife out the window, your transfer to today's hike will depart. The Towers Base Hike is arguably the best day hike in Torres del Paine National Park, if not the world. Located on the famous W Trek, the full day guided walk begins at the Ascensio River with a climb to Paso los Vientos. As you hike up the pass, the mountains come into view before crossing through native lenga forest. After a final scramble up a rocky hillside you will reach the base of the three towers for which Torres del Paine is named. Return to your luxury lodge base this afternoon and soak in the warmth of the sauna or pool before a hearty dinner in the restaurant. The views to the towers will remind you of your day's adventure as you dine.

          Daily walk distance: 18 kilometres, full day hike

          Included: B - L - D

          The sequence of your walks may vary based on the weather and your selected departure date. A detailed itinerary will be provided when you book and updated by your guide as required on arrival.

          Torres Del Paine Base of Towers hike W Trek Tierra

          Day 7

          After breakfast, set off with your guide on today's hike to the 'Valle Frances' or French Valley, a section of the W-trek known for its hanging glaciers. After a transfer to Pudeto jetty, the day begins with a beautiful boat ride across Lake Pehoe to the Paine Grande, where the trailhead is located. As you set off, you’ll soon pass two beautiful lakes with views of the 'Cuernos' or Horns as you cross small footbridges to avoid the mud and tree routes of the mountainside. After 7 kilometers, after crossing the French River, you will emerge from native forest to a view of the hanging French Glacier that spills into the Paine Grande. If fitness and conditions allow, continue climbing for another hour passing through lenga and coihue forests and by waterfalls until you reach the Plató lookout. This is a great lunch spot with its unique views of the imposing Paine Grande and the beautiful granite rocks opposite. Return along the same trail to another access point to Lake Pehoe for your catamaran crossing back to the vehicle. An evening at Tierra awaits.

          Daily walk distance: up to 19 kilometres, full day hike

          Included: B - L - D

          French Valley W Trek Torres del Paine

          Day 8

          After a scenic transfer by road and boat, today you will enjoy another highlight of the W-Trek, Grey Glacier and the Bridges Grey hike. This time commencing on the northern side of Lake Grey, begin with a 3.5 kilometre trek in a northerly direction to approach the east side of the glacier. Photo opportunities are everywhere as you traverse scenic suspension bridges and pass lenga forest opening to views of the Patagonian Ice Fields and dramatic Grey Glacier. Continue your hike along the Grey Glacier sector of the W-Trek for a further 11 kilometres in the direction of Paine Grande to complete your bucket-list day hike in Torres del Paine National Park. You will cross Lake Pehoé via catamaran one last time to reach your transfer back to the lodge. After completing such a special few days of hiking, tonight is all about relaxing with new friends at the lodge and perhaps indulging in a well-earned massage before dinner.

          Daily walk distance: up to 15 kilometres, full day hike

          Included: B - L - D

          Very early in the season, infrequent boat transfer times can make the Grey Bridges Hike access times shorter in duration and suitable only for the fittest walkers. In this case you have the option to substitute the hike for a Grey Glacier cruise with pisco sours and lunch platter onboard.

          Grey glacier hike bridges lr

          Day 9

          Enjoy a sleep-in and leisurely breakfast soaking in the views of the Towers from the lodge restaurant. Your shared scheduled van transfer to Puerto Natales Airport is included today. Please speak to us if you'd like to extend your time in Patagonia or South America, and we can customise today's transfer to suit and assist with your onward travel plans.

          Included: B

          Tierra Patagonia
          7Availability
          Season & Departure Dates

          Available late September to April

          Some on-board and Torres del Paine excursions may be impacted by weather and safety considerations, especially early in the season. Please speak to us if you have specific activities that are important to you, so we can advise the best time to travel.

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