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Australis Fjords of Tierra del Fuego: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise

Australis Fjords of Tierra del Fuego: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise

Patagonia
5 Days
From USD 1,955

Overview

The Australis Fjords of Tierra del Fuego sails the reverse direction of the Patagonian Explorer — departing from Punta Arenas, Chile and arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina 5 days later. The route covers the Strait of Magellan, the remote forests and Marinelli Glacier at Ainsworth Bay, the hanging glaciers of Pía Fjord, the continuous ice panorama of Glacier Alley along the Beagle Channel, a weather-dependent landing at Cape Horn, and the Yaghan heritage site of Wulaia Bay before final disembarkation in Ushuaia. The cruise is operated by Australis with fixed schedules and onboard accommodation. Southwind coordinates the land sequence around it: private transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to the port, any pre-cruise days in Punta Arenas or Torres del Paine, and the onward connection from Ushuaia to El Calafate, Tierra del Fuego National Park, or international departure after disembarkation.

  • Punta Arenas Pre-Cruise Extension: Torres del Paine is 3 hours from Punta Arenas by private transfer — a private Torres del Paine tour of 3 to 5 days before embarkation is the most natural pre-cruise addition, with lodge dates coordinated around the fixed departure.

  • Ushuaia Post-Cruise Extension: The cruise ends in Ushuaia — a private Ushuaia extension of 2 to 3 days covering Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and Estancia Harberton connects naturally without any additional city transfers.

  • Cross-Border Gateway Logistics: Arrival into Punta Arenas (PUQ) via Santiago and departure from Ushuaia (USH) via Buenos Aires — two countries, two airports, coordinated as a single itinerary with private transfers at both ends.

  • Direction Choice: Travelers deciding between this cruise and the Patagonian Explorer (same route in reverse) should consider their broader itinerary — this direction suits travelers arriving from Torres del Paine in Chile and continuing into Argentine Patagonia after Ushuaia.

Trip Highlights

The signature moments that make this journey unforgettable.

  • Cruise through the remote fjords and channels of Patagonia

  • Reach the legendary Cape Horn (weather permitting)

  • Witness glaciers descending from the Darwin Mountain Range

  • Explore historic Wulaia Bay and its indigenous heritage

  • Observe wildlife such as penguins, seabirds, and marine life

  • Enjoy daily guided landings and Zodiac explorations

  • Navigate the scenic Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley

  • Experience one of the most untouched natural regions in the world

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and check-in in the afternoon at the port of Punta Arenas. Boarding begins later in the day, followed by a welcome briefing and introduction to the crew. The ship sets sail southbound through the Strait of Magellan, marking the start of your Patagonian expedition.

Day 2

The day begins with a visit to Ainsworth Bay, located near Marinelli Glacier. Here, you can join a guided walk through native forest landscapes while observing local birdlife and vegetation. Later, the expedition continues to Tuckers Islets, where you may spot Magellanic penguins and other seabirds depending on the season.

Day 3

Navigation along the Beagle Channel leads to Pía Fjord, where you disembark for a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint facing the impressive glacier. In the afternoon, the ship sails through Glacier Alley, a stretch of coastline where several glaciers flow dramatically from the mountains into the sea.

Day 4

If conditions allow, a landing is made at Cape Horn, one of the most iconic and historically significant maritime landmarks in the world. Later, the expedition visits Wulaia Bay, a site rich in cultural history. A guided hike through the forest leads to a scenic lookout point with expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5

Arrival in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast on board, passengers disembark, concluding the expedition.

Southwind Experience

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  • Accommodation onboard for 4 nights

  • All meals during the voyage (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

  • Open bar at scheduled times

  • Guided shore excursions and Zodiac landings

  • Bilingual expedition guides and onboard presentations

  • Access to expedition equipment for landings

  • Airfare (international or domestic)

  • Pre- and post-cruise transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal expenses (laundry, boutique purchases, etc.)

  • Any additional services not listed above

To begin this expedition, travelers should arrive at Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), located in southern Chile. The airport is well connected with domestic flights from Santiago de Chile and offers access for international travelers via connections through major South American hubs.

  • Arrival Flight: Passengers travel from their city of origin to Santiago (SCL) or another regional hub, and then take a connecting flight to Punta Arenas (PUQ), where the cruise embarkation takes place.

  • Departure Flight: At the end of the journey, travelers disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina. From Ushuaia Airport (USH), flights operate to Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP), where passengers can connect with international departures or continue their travels within Argentina.

What our travelers say

S

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless.

S

Sameer Phanse

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

F

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The agency proved to be extremely professional. During the long transfer, in an impeccably clean and perfectly maintained vehicle, Mr. Fernando was very attentive to ensure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this agency for organizing your trips to South America. Only 5 stars because I can't give more!

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

E

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

How to Customize This Itinerary

Enhance your Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Australis journey by discovering even more of the remote landscapes and cultures at the southernmost tip of South America before or after your cruise.

  • Add a few nights in Punta Arenas to explore this historic city on the Strait of Magellan, the gateway to your expedition and a place rich in maritime heritage.

  • Spend time in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, where you can explore its scenic surroundings, visit local museums, and enjoy views of the Beagle Channel.

  • Add a few nights in El Calafate to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Explore El Chaltén and enjoy world-class trekking to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

  • Stay in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) to experience its breathtaking granite peaks and Patagonian wildlife.

  • Disembark in Ushuaia and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park and hike through pristine forests, rivers, and coastal landscapes at the end of the world.

  • All Southwind itineraries are 100% customizable we tailor travel dates, experiences, and accommodations to match your interests and travel style.

Let's plan your adventure!

Customize your adventure!

Share your trip plans, and we'll tailor it to your needs and budget. Our local experts are ready to craft the perfect journey for you.

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