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I just wanted to thank you for the most exciting , magical trip to your Country! Kevin and I were amazed not only about the scenery, architecture and the spiritual feel of the cities , but most of all Machu Picchu, it was so rewarding to hike the Inca Trail, and to be rewarded with the site of Machu ... more Kevin Mayback and Kevin Kilgore
Buffalo, NY
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
Day 1
Ushuaia
Day 2
Cape Horn/Wulaia Bay
Day 3
Gunther Pluschow Glacier
Day 4
Magdalena Island/Punta Arenas
Note: The excursions/day trips described in the itineraries can normally be, and are frequently, carried out. Without prejudice to the aforesaid, the operators of the ship reserve the right to reschedule shorten or alter all or part of itineraries and/or excursions without previous notice, in order to safeguard the well being and safety of passengers, preserve the environment or due to the extraordinary circumstances, acts of god or force majeure. In view of the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change.
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
This cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina and continues via the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas, Chile. You will see massive glaciers flowing into the sea, colonies of elephant seals, and cormorants, and disembark in Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay, and Magdalena Island to walk among an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. 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: Ushuaia
Check in at the Cruceros Australis office in Ushuaia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cruise-ship boarding from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 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 Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. We have just embarked on a Great Adventure! (D)
Day 2: 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, Coigues, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Gunther Pluschow Glacier
In the afternoon, we view awe-inspiring Gunther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region's pioneering German aviator. Then we sail to Chico Sound, where we disembark in Zodiacs to observe majestic Piloto and Nena glaciers from the sea. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Magdalena Island/Punta Arenas
Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins that we can watch during our walk to a lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. The island's penguins migrate in April; as a replacement we visit Marta Island, to observe a sea lion colony. After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
Single
Double
Triple
B Cabins
n/a
$1,139
$1,119
A Cabins
n/a
$1,609
$1,589
AA Cabins
$2,579
$1,689
$1,669
AAA Cabins
$2,709
$1,779
n/a
Single
$2,069
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 23, 30; Oct 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31; Dec 19; Mar 20, 27; Apr 3. High Season: Nov 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28; Dec 2, 5, 9, 12, 26; Jan 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; Feb 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27; Mar 3, 6, 10, 13. Special Pricing: December 23 and 30 Departures have Special Pricing. Call for Availability and a Quote.
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas 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 Ushuaia, Argentina 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.
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Cruise on Mare or Via Australis
Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Cruise on Mare or Via Australis