Expan Experience: Australis Cruise through Tierra del Fuego

Imagine sailing to the ends of the Earth , where the wind whispers tales of explorers and ancient glaciers reflect the vastness of the sky . Setting sail on an Australis Cruise can take you on a unique journey between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas , where the wild nature of Tierra del Fuego and the Patagonian fjords unfolds in all its splendor.

Héctor Gatica , National Sales Supervisor of Expan Tours , tells us in this new edition of Expan Experience about his journey through the most remote waters of Patagonia , discovering its fauna , its islands , immersing himself in the fascinating history of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and genuinely connecting with the last frontier of the world.

An expedition cruise

This isn't a massive Caribbean cruise that can accommodate thousands of passengers . Instead, it offers a personalized experience with a maximum of 220 people on board.

"The cruise was a FAM trip with the invitation of Crucero Australis , a tour of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas , with the objective of getting to know the main tourist attractions of the city of Ushuaia and sailing from Tierra del Fuego through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas ."

The ship has comfortable facilities, though without the luxuries of a spa or swimming pool . The cabins are comfortable, with very comfortable beds , and the common areas include lounges on all decks, the most popular being the Darwin Lounge on the fifth and top deck, where the bar is located and which attracts travelers from all over the world.

On the first deck, Patagonia Deck , the ship's only restaurant serves breakfast , lunch and dinner in a cozy atmosphere.

Excursions in Tierra del Fuego

The main attraction of the cruise is the opportunity to take daily excursions to iconic places in this area at the end of the world .

Each day, activities are organized in two formats: Zodiac boat trips for glacier viewing and land excursions for hiking and more in-depth explorations. For example, in Wulaia Bay and at Eagle Glacier , travelers can choose from different trekking routes, depending on their level of difficulty .

An important point to note is that the excursion to Magdalena Island , one of the most anticipated by travelers eager to observe the region's penguin colonies , can only be done on the cruise that departs from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and not departing from Chile .

"The tour includes the historic Beagle Channel , which separates Argentina from Chile and has been the scene of border disputes such as the Beagle Conflict . This maritime passage is not only of great geopolitical importance, but also offers spectacular landscapes and It is one of the three interoceanic passages linking the Pacific and the Atlantic ."

What to see in Ushuaia

The proximity between Ushuaia and Puerto Williams is remarkable, although these two cities contrast sharply in terms of tourist infrastructure . Ushuaia is a city that thrives on tourism, with nearly 90,000 inhabitants, compared to just over 2,000 in Puerto Williams. Both vie for the title of "The Southernmost City in the World."

"Before embarking on the cruise , Ushuaia offers several attractions that make a two- or three- night stay worthwhile. Among them, the End of the World Train stands out, a historic and picturesque journey. You can also take a catamaran excursion on the Beagle Channel , which includes a visit to Martillo Island , where you can observe penguins and, with luck, spot orcas . Lake Fagnano is another must-see destination."

In addition, although it is more difficult, at certain times of the trip it is possible to spot whales , depending on the time of year , which adds an extra thrill and excitement to the journey .

One of the most anticipated parts of the trip is the visit to Cape Horn , the southernmost lighthouse in the world and a site of great symbolic importance for sailors . However, landing is only possible if weather conditions permit.

"The Australis Cruise offers different routes for travelers : Ushuaia – Punta Arenas , Punta Arenas – Ushuaia , and one-way options in both directions. Those who can afford a round trip have the advantage of a second opportunity to visit Cape Horn , a destination many consider the main attraction of the journey."

Recommendations for experiencing this in Tierra del Fuego

The best time to take this trip is between September and April . However, it's recommended to choose the off-season months, such as September and April , to find more affordable fares .

"Another important tip is to arrive at the departure city at least one or two days in advance to avoid unforeseen flight delays . The route between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas is especially recommended, as it allows you to visit Magdalena Island ."

To reach the cruise embarkation point, it's important to consider transportation options based on your departure city. If the cruise begins in Punta Arenas , you can reach it from Santiago via a direct flight . However, if the departure point is Ushuaia , the best option is to fly with a connection to Buenos Aires , as there are no direct flights from Santiago .

"Another option is to travel by bus from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia , a journey of approximately 12 hours which, although long, is quite comfortable , with tourists from all over the world . Interestingly, when comparing the total travel time between the air and land options, the difference is not significant, and this land route allows you to appreciate spectacular landscapes ."

For those wishing to enhance their Patagonia experience , combining the Australis Cruise with a visit to Torres del Paine is an excellent option. From Punta Arenas , there are comfortable and frequent buses to Puerto Natales , making it easy to connect to this world-renowned national park .

The Australis Cruise represents one of the most authentic and enriching experiences for nature and history lovers. With expert guides, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique connection to Patagonia , this journey is a dream come true for those seeking a transformative adventure at the end of the world .

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