Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas 11/23/2024
Start your adventure in styleYour trip starts with an overnight stay in Santiago, Chile’s energetic cultural center. Packed with museums, beautiful architecture, and restaurants, the city checks all of the boxes you’d expect of a South American capital. You’ll see that sites and attractions abound, so you’ll only be limited by time, not choice. If you have time, head to the Mercado Central fish market to sample the classic Chilean seafood stew, caldillo de congrio.With so much on offer, if you feel you need more time to explore the capital of Chile, we recommend coming a few days early, and joining one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
DESCRIPTION
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
|
11/23/2024 |
11/23/2024 |
Pia Glacier
Pia Glacier 11/24/2024
Island adventuresYou’ll leave Santiago early in the morning and fly to Punta Arenas, the largest city in Chilean Patagonia. This is a place of old world, romantic charm, where discovery lies around every corner. It’s also one of the southernmost cities in the world.Your expedition ship MS Maud awaits. A mandatory health and safety session will be held for everyone after boarding. Afterward, you will meet some of the crew and the Expedition Team, who will be your guides, hosts, and travel companions.
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11/24/2024 |
11/24/2024 |
Cape Horn
Cape Horn 11/25/2024
Be amazed by this natural wonderNothing can prepare you for this wild and remote wonderland. Admire the serenity of this maze of waterways, surrounded by islands, glaciers and steep mountains.??If weather and wildlife allow, we will attempt a landing in a tranquil glacial valley.In a secluded corner of Glacier Alley, the enormous Pia glacier cascades out of the mountains toward the sea, creaking and cracking along the way. This colossal river of ice often calves into the ocean, so keep a lookout for enormous splashes and listen to the mysterious noises the glacier makes.
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11/25/2024 |
11/25/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 11/26/2024
At the bottom of South AmericaIf it’s a clear day as we pass through the Beagle Channel, you may be able to see towering Mount Darwin, part of the southernmost range of the Andes mountains.At the tip of South America lies the legendary Cape Horn. It was a major milestone in the old clipper routes that connected Europe with the Far East and Oceania. Most are unaware of the true extent of its historical significance. This is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful waves that are made even stronger by swirling westerly winds.The notoriously turbulent waters make it impossible to guarantee a landing here. But if conditions are favorable on the day, and the weather is stable enough to dock on the island, you can be among a select few in the world to set foot on it.From Cape Horn, it’s a clear shot to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. The Passage was named after the English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it by chance in 1578 when heavy winds forced his ship south, proving (unintentionally) that open water existed below the southern tip of Chile.The Drake Passage is famous for its high winds, large waves, and strong currents. As you can imagine, it was perilous for the old sailing ships who dared to cross it. Even though the waters of the Drake Passage are usually rough, they can also be incredibly still. This dual nature has won the Passage two nicknames: ‘The Drake Shake’ or ‘The Drake Lake’. No matter the state of the sea, our modern MS Maud was built for these conditions and worse, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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11/26/2024 |
11/26/2024 |
Half Moon Island
Half Moon Island 11/27/2024
At the bottom of South AmericaIf it’s a clear day as we pass through the Beagle Channel, you may be able to see towering Mount Darwin, part of the southernmost range of the Andes mountains.At the tip of South America lies the legendary Cape Horn. It was a major milestone in the old clipper routes that connected Europe with the Far East and Oceania. Most are unaware of the true extent of its historical significance. This is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful waves that are made even stronger by swirling westerly winds.The notoriously turbulent waters make it impossible to guarantee a landing here. But if conditions are favorable on the day, and the weather is stable enough to dock on the island, you can be among a select few in the world to set foot on it.From Cape Horn, it’s a clear shot to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. The Passage was named after the English sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it by chance in 1578 when heavy winds forced his ship south, proving (unintentionally) that open water existed below the southern tip of Chile.The Drake Passage is famous for its high winds, large waves, and strong currents. As you can imagine, it was perilous for the old sailing ships who dared to cross it. Even though the waters of the Drake Passage are usually rough, they can also be incredibly still. This dual nature has won the Passage two nicknames: ‘The Drake Shake’ or ‘The Drake Lake’. No matter the state of the sea, our modern MS Maud was built for these conditions and worse, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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11/27/2024 |
11/27/2024 |
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At Sea
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11/28/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 12/03/2024
Enjoy an experience like no otherForget everything you’ve ever experienced before. No matter how high your expectations, Antarctica will exceed them. Holding 90% of the world’s ice in an area twice the size of Australia, it’s massive in every sense of the word. Enormous ice shelves the size of countries and icebergs tower over our ship. Glaciers cascade down through the mountains toward the shore, where they finally meet the sea, sometimes in spectacular displays of calving.This white continent is home to an estimated 12 million penguins across seven species. Impressive statistics don’t do Antarctica justice, though. Numbers don’t capture its magnitude and magnificence, and words fail to describe the sensation of personally seeing a colony of several thousand penguins. It is a special place that you really have to see to believe.It will be the height of summer when we arrive in Antarctica, which means towering icebergs glistening in the midnight sun and penguin colonies thronged with hatchlings. You’ll also see many seals, whales, and seabirds. Keep an eye out for skuas, shearwaters, and possibly even albatrosses.Your Expedition Team will guide you on landings to get you closer to this incredible world of ice and wildlife. We’ll spend seven days exploring the frozen continent with no fixed itinerary, attempting landings at several possible sites. After sailing these waters for so many years, we know the best places to go and what to do. Working with or around the weather and sea ice, we’ll make the most of each day to create a truly authentic adventure.
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12/03/2024 |
12/03/2024 |
Deception Island
Deception Island 12/04/2024
Enjoy an experience like no otherForget everything you’ve ever experienced before. No matter how high your expectations, Antarctica will exceed them. Holding 90% of the world’s ice in an area twice the size of Australia, it’s massive in every sense of the word. Enormous ice shelves the size of countries and icebergs tower over our ship. Glaciers cascade down through the mountains toward the shore, where they finally meet the sea, sometimes in spectacular displays of calving.This white continent is home to an estimated 12 million penguins across seven species. Impressive statistics don’t do Antarctica justice, though. Numbers don’t capture its magnitude and magnificence, and words fail to describe the sensation of personally seeing a colony of several thousand penguins. It is a special place that you really have to see to believe.It will be the height of summer when we arrive in Antarctica, which means towering icebergs glistening in the midnight sun and penguin colonies thronged with hatchlings. You’ll also see many seals, whales, and seabirds. Keep an eye out for skuas, shearwaters, and possibly even albatrosses.Your Expedition Team will guide you on landings to get you closer to this incredible world of ice and wildlife. We’ll spend seven days exploring the frozen continent with no fixed itinerary, attempting landings at several possible sites. After sailing these waters for so many years, we know the best places to go and what to do. Working with or around the weather and sea ice, we’ll make the most of each day to create a truly authentic adventure.
|
12/04/2024 |
12/04/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 12/05/2024
Enjoy an experience like no otherForget everything you’ve ever experienced before. No matter how high your expectations, Antarctica will exceed them. Holding 90% of the world’s ice in an area twice the size of Australia, it’s massive in every sense of the word. Enormous ice shelves the size of countries and icebergs tower over our ship. Glaciers cascade down through the mountains toward the shore, where they finally meet the sea, sometimes in spectacular displays of calving.This white continent is home to an estimated 12 million penguins across seven species. Impressive statistics don’t do Antarctica justice, though. Numbers don’t capture its magnitude and magnificence, and words fail to describe the sensation of personally seeing a colony of several thousand penguins. It is a special place that you really have to see to believe.It will be the height of summer when we arrive in Antarctica, which means towering icebergs glistening in the midnight sun and penguin colonies thronged with hatchlings. You’ll also see many seals, whales, and seabirds. Keep an eye out for skuas, shearwaters, and possibly even albatrosses.Your Expedition Team will guide you on landings to get you closer to this incredible world of ice and wildlife. We’ll spend seven days exploring the frozen continent with no fixed itinerary, attempting landings at several possible sites. After sailing these waters for so many years, we know the best places to go and what to do. Working with or around the weather and sea ice, we’ll make the most of each day to create a truly authentic adventure.
|
12/05/2024 |
12/05/2024 |
Cape Horn
Cape Horn 12/06/2024
Relax and reflectAfter seven unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Maud turns back north and takes you safely back across the Drake Passage. The Expedition Team will recap experiences from the frozen continent and prepare you for our last stop in Chilean Patagonia.We’ll spend approximately two days crossing the Drake Passage, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on what you’ve seen and done. If you’re feeling invigorated after last week’s activities and landings, perhaps work out in the gym. It’s a perfect time to work up an appetite and try some more of the delicious dishes in the restaurants.
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12/06/2024 |
12/06/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 12/07/2024
Relax and reflectAfter seven unforgettable days in Antarctica, MS Maud turns back north and takes you safely back across the Drake Passage. The Expedition Team will recap experiences from the frozen continent and prepare you for our last stop in Chilean Patagonia.We’ll spend approximately two days crossing the Drake Passage, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on what you’ve seen and done. If you’re feeling invigorated after last week’s activities and landings, perhaps work out in the gym. It’s a perfect time to work up an appetite and try some more of the delicious dishes in the restaurants.
|
12/07/2024 |
12/07/2024 |
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas 12/08/2024
Cruising through paradiseFresh from our Antarctic experience, and having completed the second Drake Passage crossing, we’ll spend one last day in the Chilean Fjords. Admire the serenity of this maze of waterways, surrounded by islands, glaciers, and steep mountains. If the sea and weather conditions allow, your Expedition Team will attempt a landing.If not, enjoy the fjords from on deck. You might spot wildlife such as Magellanic penguins and maybe even elephant seals along the coastline. If you’re lucky, you can catch sight of dolphins and several whale species that are known to explore these waters.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
-
Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
DESCRIPTION
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
|
12/08/2024 |
12/08/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
