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Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
This cruise begins in Punta Arenas, Chile and continues via the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, Argentina. You will see massive glaciers flowing into the sea, colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and cormorants, and disembark in Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay. Cape Horn is the southernmost point of the continent, and Wulaia Bay is one of the most important indigenous sites of the region.
The M/V Mare Australis and the M/V Via Australis are 236 foot expedition ships that were built in 2002 and 2005. Both have four decks and 64 cabins with private facilities, low beds, and panoramic windows. Their social areas include two lounges, a dining room, a game room, a gift shop, and a panoramic open deck.
Activities: Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and zodiac boating.
Day 1: Punta Arenas
Check in at the Cruceros Australis office in Punta Arenas from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise-ship boarding at 6:00 p.m. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterward, the ship departs for "the uttermost part of the earth". Our excursion will take us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. We have just embarked on a Great Adventure! (D)
Day 2: Ainsworth Bay/Tucker Islet
At dawn, we continue navigating through Almirantazgo Sound until finally arriving near Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, where we enjoy a walk to discover a beaver dam in the midst of a marvelous Magellanic forest. On the beach we observe a colony of Elephant Seals. Later we visit Tucker Islet, where we view colonies of Magellanic Penguins and Cormorants from the Zodiac boats. The islet's penguins migrate in April; as a replacement we visit Brookes Bay, for a short walk to see a glacier. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Pia Glacier/Glacier Alley
We navigate through the main part of Beagle Channel to reach Pia Bay, where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to a lookout point with a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all the way to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we sail again along the northwest arm of Beagle Channel through majestic "Glacier Alley": Spain, Romanche, Germany, Italy, France and Holland glaciers. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Cape Horn/Wulaia Bay
We sail through Beagle and Murray channels to reach and disembark in Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. This mythical place is known as the "End of the Earth"; a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region's largest aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ushuaia
Arrival at Ushuaia, Argentina's most important city on Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. We disembark at 8:00 a.m., enabling you to get an early start on visiting the city and national parks, and on continuing your trip through Patagonia. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
Single
Double
Triple
B Cabins
n/a
$1,489
$1,469
A Cabins
n/a
$2,129
$2,109
AA Cabins
$3,389
$2,229
$2,209
AAA Cabins
$3,539
$2,329
n/a
Single
$2,689
n/a
n/a
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
The above prices are valid for bookings made prior to December 31, 2009.
Notes:
A limited amount of triples can be accommodated (three B Cabins on the Mare Australis and seven A/AA Cabins on the Via Australis, with an upper bed for the third person).
Low Season prices are shown above. High Season prices are shown in the Detailed Itinerary.
Low Season: Sep 19, 26; Oct 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31; Dec 15, 19; Mar 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; Apr 3, 10. High Season: Nov 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28; Dec 1, 5, 8; Jan 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30; Feb 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27; Mar 2, 6, 9, 13. Special Pricing: December 22 and 29 Departures have Special Pricing. Call for Availability and a Quote.
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Private transfer from the Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile to the Australis Cruceros office and from the Australis Cruceros office to the pier at the beginning of the cruise.
Accommodations on board the Mare or Via Australis.
All meals scheduled on board including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Shore excursions.
On-board entertainment.
Licensed, English-speaking naturalist guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare.
Chilean Reciprocity Fee ($131) payable in cash upon arrival and subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons.
Hotel nights before/after the cruise.
Port Tax in Punta Arenas $20.
Gratuities to ship crew and guides.
Gifts, personal items, and travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare, hotels, land services, and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise on Mare or Via Australis