| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 24th24 | NovNov | 202323 | Valparaiso, Chile, embark on the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
| Valparaíso's dramatic topography—45 cerros, or hills, overlooking the ocean—requires the use of winding pathways and wooden ascensores (funiculars) to get up many of the grades. The slopes are covered by candy-color houses—there are almost no apartments in the city—most of which have exteriors of corrugated metal peeled from shipping containers decades ago. Valparaíso has served as Santiago's port for centuries. Before the Panama Canal opened, Valparaíso was the busiest port in South America. Harsh realities—changing trade routes, industrial decline—have diminished its importance, but it remains Chile's principal port. Most shops, banks, restaurants, bars, and other businesses cluster along the handful of streets called El Plan (the flat area) that are closest to the shoreline. Porteños (which means "the residents of the port") live in the surrounding hills in an undulating array of colorful abodes. At the top of any of the dozens of stairways, the paseos (promenades) have spectacular views; many are named after prominent Yugoslavian, Basque, and German immigrants. Neighborhoods are named for the hills they cover. With the jumble of power lines overhead and the hundreds of buses that slow down—but never completely stop—to pick up agile riders, it's hard to forget you're in a city. Still, walking is the best way to experience Valparaíso. Be careful where you step, though—locals aren't very conscientious about curbing their dogs. This colourful city is the Chilean capital's bohemian cousin, a place that draws artists, poets, painters, and nature lovers in equal measure. A maze of staircases and alleys, eclectic restaurants and elegant Victorian architecture have earnt it a UNESCO World Heritage listing. And then there's the eye-popping street art - at every turn of a corner, a new, larger-than-life painting awaits. Begin this voyage the way you intend to continue it - on a high. Toast the start of your journey with a glass of champagne as you board Scenic Eclipse, before meeting the world-class crew and expert Discovery Team who will guide you through some of the world's most remote regions. It's their encyclopaedic knowledge and passion for this region that brings the destinations you're visiting to life. The Discovery Team are experts in navigation, geology, glaciology, photography, marine biology, history, ecology and more... Plus they all come with fascinating back stories. Each day you can talk to them one-on-one or hear from them in fascinating group lectures and discussions in the Discovery Yacht's state-of-the-art theatre. That might be an Enrichment Lecture on the seabirds you'll soon witness, or a hands-on tutorial about how to use your smartphone to capture the perfect photo. Please book your flight to arrive into Santiago prior to 12:00 PM. |
| 25th25 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 26th26 | NovNov | 202323 | Puerto Montt, Chile | | |
| For most of its history, windy Puerto Montt was the end of the line for just about everyone traveling in the Lake District. Now the Carretera Austral carries on southward, but for all intents and purposes Puerto Montt remains the region's last significant outpost, a provincial city that is the hub of local fishing, textile, and tourist activity.Today the city center is full of malls, condos, and office towers—it's the fastest-growing city in Chile—but away from downtown, Puerto Montt consists mainly of low clapboard houses perched above its bay, the Seno de Reloncaví. If it's a sunny day, head east to Playa Pelluco or one of the city's other beaches. If you're more interested in exploring the countryside, drive along the shore for a good view of the surrounding hills. A busy town in the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Montt sits near the end of the Pan-American Highway - this epic stretch of road begins in Alaska and continues to Ushuaia in Argentina. Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Andean Alps and Patagonian fjords, so your stop here will be full of anticipation; around the corner lie gorges, far-flung islands, snow-capped volcanoes, and windswept shores. Freechoice: Volcano Osorno and Petrohué: The Petrohué Waterfalls are a series of turquoise cascades that tip over basalt rocks with drama. The setting is made even more magical by the backdrop: often tipped with snow, conical Osorno Volcano was made for postcards. You will reach the halfway mark at 1,200 metres, to take a walk and enjoy impressive vistas over the Petrohué Valley. Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar : Take a deep dive into the allures of Puerto Montt, founded by German settlers in 1853. Tour the town before venturing to Lake Llanquihue, the largest in Chile, also backdropped by Osorno Volcano. A parade of highlights follows, including a tour of Puerto Varas, for views over mirror-like Lake Llanquihue; and a stop at Frutillar, an atmospheric German-style village. Back on board Scenic Eclipse, settle into your luxurious accommodation. Your suite cocoons you with comforts, the design throughout is elegant and spacious. Take a steam shower using your suite's ultra-luxury amenities, curl up with a birding book in your reading alcove, getting acquainted with the creatures you'll soon spot. Or simply open your suite doors to relax on your verandah while taking in the dramatic landscapes as you make your way toward some of the world's southernmost reaches. |
| 27th27 | NovNov | 202323 | Castro, Chile | | |
| Bright, wooden huts teeter on stilts over Castro's estuary waterfront, inviting you into a patchwork of colour that’s sure to brighten any day. These traditional palafitos give the warmest of welcomes, as you prepare to experience Chile at its most vibrant. Castro has faced something of a tumultuous past, having been hit by a by a succession of earthquakes and fires - the most recent a devastating earthquake in 1960. But this city is incredibly resilient, and today the capital of Chiloe Island makes for a fantastic base for exploring the archipelago that surrounds it. You may wish to begin your day with positive vibes, joining a Yin Yoga class with the Discovery Yacht's Wellness Coach. Feeling Zen, it's time to step ashore. The island of Chiloé is a special part of the world, home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed wooden churches, vast woodlands and small farming communities where weekly markets show off local wares. The main town of Castro is a blend of architecture, particularly along the waterfront where wooden houses sit on stilts. But it might just be your setting that steals the scene, with a fjord on the east and a national park on the west. Freechoice: Churches of Chiloé and city of Castro: If you're an architecture enthusiast, you'll enjoy spending time inspecting two of Castro's 16 World Heritage-listed chapels. Jesuit missionaries arrived here in 1608, and over 160 years set about building a staggering 150 churches and chapels, among them today's highlights: the Church of Chonchi and the Cathedral of Castro. Horseback Riding at Chiloé National Park: If you prefer the wind in your hair, the countryside that surrounds Castro is best explored on horseback. This is the ultimate way to become one with your surrounds - in a fashion that is custom to the locals. Discovery: Cucao Chilo é National Park: A wild and wonderful place dominated by Valdivian rainforest, Chiloé National Park is like nature writ large. Lace up your walking shoes to meander through this lush expanse, taking in waterfalls, coastal dunes and all manner of wildlife that call the tepu forest home. After a day of exploration wave goodbye to Castro with a cocktail at the Panorama Bar, then recap the wildlife you've seen at the daily Critter Club. When it's time to ease into the evening with your new friends and share today's adventures, make your way to dinner in one of the all-inclusive restaurants. Perhaps a fine-dining degustation at Lumiere - begin with champagne and oysters at the bar before proceeding to your table, where the menu and wine will transport you straight to France. |
| 28th28 | NovNov | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 29th29 | NovNov | 202323 | Chilean Fjords, Chile | | |
| Strewn through the coast of Chile, these beautiful fjords are world renowned for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. Snow-capped volcanoes nestle majestically alongside rolling valleys of ice and frosty glaciers. Rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery not to mention diverse and profuse wildlife abounds – expect to watch whales from the deck, see playful Magellan Penguins and perhaps even spot the rare Andean Condor. Affectionately named “The End of the World” by the Spaniards who discovered the region in eighteenth century in a quest to Christianise South America, these extraordinary waterways not only encompass a medley of jagged mountains and iceberg strewn bays, but feature a kaleidoscopic spectrum of unexpected colour that offers photographic opportunities like no other destination. Wake up reinvigorated after a good night's sleep on your signature Scenic Slumber Bed, having made the most of the pillow menu at your disposal the previous night. Then, begin your day with a workout , a barista coffee brought by your butler, and breakfast in the Yacht Club. You will need your energy, as you're about to enter one of the most spectacular pockets of southern Chile and won't want to miss a minute, whether glimpsed from your private veranda, the Observation Deck or Sun Lounge. If the conditions allow, today you'll explore the fascinating car-free town of Tortel, built almost entirely of wood. Explore the labyrinthine maze of boardwalks that ring the bay and snake down the mountainside, your setting made even more special by the backdrop of ferns lichen and wild mosses. Throughout your voyage you will have the opportunity to experience your Discovery Yacht's two helicopters^, offering an unrivalled bird's-eye view over the glaciers and gorges of Patagonia. There's also the option to dive below the surface the custom-built submersible, Scenic Neptune II. As fascinating as the landscape is above ground, below the surface, another world awaits. Talk to the pilots to find out what your underwater encounter might entail. Discovery: Board your Zodiac for a landing in Tortel. Be welcomed by a local folklore group and enjoy some live music while tasting empanadas and pisco sours. |
| 30th30 | NovNov | 202323 | Chilean Fjords, Chile | | |
| Strewn through the coast of Chile, these beautiful fjords are world renowned for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. Snow-capped volcanoes nestle majestically alongside rolling valleys of ice and frosty glaciers. Rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery not to mention diverse and profuse wildlife abounds – expect to watch whales from the deck, see playful Magellan Penguins and perhaps even spot the rare Andean Condor. Affectionately named “The End of the World” by the Spaniards who discovered the region in eighteenth century in a quest to Christianise South America, these extraordinary waterways not only encompass a medley of jagged mountains and iceberg strewn bays, but feature a kaleidoscopic spectrum of unexpected colour that offers photographic opportunities like no other destination. Navigating southern Chile's fjords is a complex task - the surrounding geography is rugged, dotted with islands, and carved by channels and estuaries. Join your Discovery Team on the Observation Deck at sunrise to fully appreciate the immensity of the task and the beauty of the landscape as your skilled Captain guides Scenic Eclipse through the English Narrows. Be sure to keep watch for diving petrels, steamer ducks and dolphins while you sip steaming mugs of coffee paired with breakfast treats. Or see how it's done first-hand by visiting your Captain and crew at the Open Bridge, where they will also share details on how they navigate Scenic Eclipse through this complex and narrow channel. Celebrate the day in one of your yacht's all-inclusive nine bars and lounges. Make tonight the night you visit the Scenic Bar & Lounge, where more than 100 whiskeys from around the world are available. Discovery: If the weather permits, you'll have the chance to board a local catamaran or your Discovery Yacht's zodiacs and cruise into the Laguna San Rafael National Park via a narrow opening, revealing jaw-dropping views of ice through a 16-kilometre fjord, not to mention the San Valentin Glacier and the Pio XI glaciers, both jagged crowns of compressed snow the colour of an Ice Mint. Your Discovery Team is on call to lead more active excursions this afternoon including kayaking and zodiac excursions through the fjords. |
| 1st01 | DecDec | 202323 | Chilean Fjords, Chile | | |
| Strewn through the coast of Chile, these beautiful fjords are world renowned for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. Snow-capped volcanoes nestle majestically alongside rolling valleys of ice and frosty glaciers. Rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery not to mention diverse and profuse wildlife abounds – expect to watch whales from the deck, see playful Magellan Penguins and perhaps even spot the rare Andean Condor. Affectionately named “The End of the World” by the Spaniards who discovered the region in eighteenth century in a quest to Christianise South America, these extraordinary waterways not only encompass a medley of jagged mountains and iceberg strewn bays, but feature a kaleidoscopic spectrum of unexpected colour that offers photographic opportunities like no other destination. Today, you're cruising the Strait of Magellan, a navigable sea route separating mainland South America to the north and Tierra del Fuego to the south. It's considered the most important natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, discovered, and first traversed by the Spanish expedition of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, after whom it is named. The Strait notoriously difficult to navigate, but it's shorter and smoother than using the Drake Passage, the alternative in these southern reaches. Magellan's fleet took 38 days to cross the Strait. You have a day here to cast your imagination back to the golden days of exploration. Today's Enrichment Lectures in the Theatre reveal the importance, and yet fragility, of the landscapes you're cruising past. Listen to your Discovery Team's Marine Biologist discuss where marine pollution comes from, and what we can all do about it, then spread your wings for an insightful lecture on the birds of southern Chile. With an unrivalled choice of dining experience, Elements is the main restaurant, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko's Asian Fusion, which also features a sushi bar and private Night Market experience (by reservation on board). Or journey to France at Lumiere, replete with a champagne bar. With a guest-to-crew ratio of close to one-to-one, you will enjoy the most attentive service at sea. |
| 2nd02 | DecDec | 202323 | Punta Arenas, Chile | | |
| Impenetrable forests, impassable mountains, and endless fields of ice define Chilean Patagonia, and meant that the region went largely unexplored until the beginning of the 20th century. Located in the southernmost part of the country, this area is still sparsely inhabited, though you will find a few populated places—like the colorful provincial city of Punta Arenas, which looks like it's about to be swept into the Strait of Magellan. Some unique wildlife, particularly colonies of elephant seals and penguins, call this breathtaking topography home. To the north is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, the country's most magnificent natural wonder, and whose snow-covered peaks seem to rise vertically from the plains below. The vistas, such as the fantastic Avenue of the Glaciers, are breathtaking; along this stretch of the Beagle Channel, you can pass six tremendous glaciers all within a stone's throw of each other.Cruise SightsPunta Arenas. Founded a little more than 150 years ago, Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) was Chile's first permanent settlement in Patagonia. Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the central square, is surrounded by evidence of that early prosperity: buildings whose then-opulent brick exteriors recall a time when this was one of Chile's wealthiest cities. The newer houses here have colorful tin roofs, best appreciated when seen from a high vantage point such as the Mirador Cerro la Cruz. Although the city as a whole may not be particularly attractive, look for details: the pink-and-white house on a corner, the bay window full of potted plants, parking attendants wearing the regional blue and yellow colors, and schoolchildren in identical naval pea coats that remind you that the city's fate is tied to the sea.The Museo Naval y Marítimo extols Chile's high-seas prowess, particularly concerning Antarctica. Its exhibits are worth a visit for anyone with an interest in ships and sailing, merchant and military alike. Part of the second floor is designed like the interior of a ship, including a map and radio room. Pedro Montt 989. Admission charged.Housed in what was once the mansion of the powerful Braun-Menéndez family, the Museo Regional de Magallanes is an intriguing glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy provincial family at the beginning of the 20th century. Lavish Carrara marble hearths, English bath fixtures, and cordovan leather walls are among the original accoutrements. The museum also has an excellent group of displays depicting Punta Arenas's past, from the first European contact to the town's decline after the opening of the Panama Canal. The museum is half a block north of the main square. Magallanes 949. Admission charged.The resplendent 1895 Palacio Sara Braun is a national landmark and an architectural showpiece of southern Patagonia. Designed by a French architect, the house was built from materials and by craftsmen imported from Europe during the four years of construction. The city's central plaza and surrounding buildings soon followed, ushering in the region's golden era. Noteworthy are the lavish bedrooms, magnificent parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and hand-painted ceilings. Don't miss the portraits of Braun and her husband José Nogueira in the music room. Afterwards, head to the cellar for a drink or snack in the warm public tavern (a good portion of the mansion is leased to a hotel). Plaza Muñoz Gamero 716. Admission charged.Commonly referred to simply as "El Salesiano," the Museo Salesiano de Maggiorino Borgatello is operated by Italian missionaries whose order arrived in Punta Arenas in the 19th century. The Salesians, most of whom spoke no Spanish, proved to be daring explorers. Traveling throughout the region, they collected the artifacts made by indigenous tribes that are currently on display. Av. Bulnes 398. Admission charged.Isla Magdalena. Punta Arenas is the launching point for a boat trip to the Isla Magdalena to see the more than 100,000 Magellanic penguins at the Monumento Natural Los Pingúinos. A single trail, marked off by rope, is accessible to humans. The boat trip to the island, in the middle of the Estrecho de Magallanes, takes about two hours. Make sure to bring along warm clothing, even in summer; the island can be chilly, particularly if a breeze is blowing across the water.Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Some 12 million years ago, lava flows pushed up through the thick sedimentary crust that covered the southwestern coast of South America, cooling to form a granite mass. Glaciers then swept through the region, grinding away all but the ash-gray spires that rise over the landscape of one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena, now the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (established in 1959). Snow formations dazzle along every turn of road, and the sunset views are spectacular.Among the 2,420-square-km (934-square-mi) park's most beautiful attractions are its lakes of turquoise, aquamarine, and emerald green waters. Another draw is its unusual wildlife. Creatures like the guanaco (a woollier version of the llama) and the ñandú (resembling a small ostrich) abound. They are used to visitors and don't seem to be bothered by the proximity of automobile traffic and the snapping of cameras. Predators, like the gray fox, make less frequent appearances. You may also spot the dramatic aerobatics of a falcon and the graceful soaring of the endangered condor. The beautiful puma is especially elusive, but sightings have become more common. Admission charged.Pingúinera de Seno Otway. The road to this penguin sanctuary begins 30 km (18 mi) north of Punta Arenas. Magellanic penguins, which live up to 20 years in the wild, return to their birthplace here every year to mate with the same partner. For about 2,000 penguin couples—no single penguins make the trip—home is this desolate and windswept land off the Otway Sound. In late September, the penguins begin to arrive from the southern coast of Brazil and the Falkland Islands. They mate and lay their eggs in early October, and brood their eggs in November. Offspring hatch between mid-November and early December. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of one of the downy gray chicks that stick their heads out of the burrows when their parents return to feed them. Otherwise you might see scores of the ungainly adult penguins waddling to the ocean from their nesting burrows. They swim for food every eight hours and dive up to 100 feet deep. The penguins depart from the sound in late March. Note that the sanctuary is a 1-km (1/2-mi) walk from the parking lot. It gets chilly, so bring a windbreaker. Admission charged.Reserva Nacional Laguna Parillar. This 47,000-acre reserve lies west of Puerto Hambre, a tranquil fishing village, and is centered around a shimmering lake in a valley flanked by hills. It's a great place for a picnic, and there are a number of well-marked paths that offer sweeping vistas over the Estrecho de Magallanes. About 2 km (1 mi) west of Puerto Hambre is a small white monolith that marks the geographical center of Chile, the midway point between Chile's northern port Arica and the South Pole.Cruise ShoppingWool may no longer be king of the economy, but vast flocks of sheep still yield a high-quality product that is woven into the clothing here. Leather products are also common, but the prices are not necessarily low. About 3 km (2 mi) north of Punta Arenas is the Zona Franca (Av. Bulnes). This duty-free zone is where people from all around the region come for low-priced electronics and other consumer items. Strengthened hull. Forward bow thrusters. An electronic Azipod propulsion system and oversized zero stabilisers - these are just a few of the state-of-the-art features and technology that make your journey into Punta Arenas smooth and safe. Right on the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is a magnet for wildlife lovers and history buffs. You only need to tour the city to get a feel for how significant it is in history, with its grand European architecture nodding to its role during the California Gold Rush. Freechoice: Punta Arenas on Foot: Today's Scenic Freechoice excursions are all exciting, and include a walking tour of Punta Arenas that highlights the city's history - including a lookout with views over the Magellan Strait that shaped the future of this part of Chile. Magellans Discovery and Nao Victoria: The Salesian Museum is home to a full-size re-imagining of Ferdinand Magellan's ship, the Nao Victoria, right down to replica usable navigation instruments. Fittingly, you'll later have the chance to stand atop Cerro la Cruz lookout for views over the very same Strait that Magellan crossed all those centuries ago. Patagonian Estancia Experience: Exploring this working estancia on the slopes of Palomares mountain, established by French Irish immigrants in the early 20th century, is an exclusive experience. Learn about life on the land before sitting down to a traditional barbecue, with plenty of Chilean wines and pisco sours to refuel on. |
| 3rd03 | DecDec | 202323 | Chilean Fjords, Chile | | |
| Strewn through the coast of Chile, these beautiful fjords are world renowned for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. Snow-capped volcanoes nestle majestically alongside rolling valleys of ice and frosty glaciers. Rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery not to mention diverse and profuse wildlife abounds – expect to watch whales from the deck, see playful Magellan Penguins and perhaps even spot the rare Andean Condor. Affectionately named “The End of the World” by the Spaniards who discovered the region in eighteenth century in a quest to Christianise South America, these extraordinary waterways not only encompass a medley of jagged mountains and iceberg strewn bays, but feature a kaleidoscopic spectrum of unexpected colour that offers photographic opportunities like no other destination. Today Scenic Eclipse will navigate the fjord-threaded Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Hanging off the bottom of Patagonia, the region represents nature at its most raw and isolation at its most extreme. This is one of the most extensive fjord systems in the world, with kelp forests, channels and estuaries providing shelter for dolphins, sea lions and Magellanic penguins. When not covered in ice, the shore is a unique mix of temperate and Sub-Antarctic flora, from deciduous beech trees to edible calafate berries. Your Discovery Team knows how to best manage the environment during your visit and will explain the intricacies of the fragile ecosystem. Back on the yacht you can decode the day at the Critter Club - the ideal place to remind you just how special this part of the world is. Discovery: Join your Discovery Team to get close to southern Chile's coastline in a zodiac. This is the ultimate way to spot wildlife - on land and in the water - while gaining in-depth knowledge of the landscape thanks to your talented, eagle-eyed guide. |
| 4th04 | DecDec | 202323 | Chilean Fjords, Chile | | |
| Strewn through the coast of Chile, these beautiful fjords are world renowned for being one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. Snow-capped volcanoes nestle majestically alongside rolling valleys of ice and frosty glaciers. Rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery not to mention diverse and profuse wildlife abounds – expect to watch whales from the deck, see playful Magellan Penguins and perhaps even spot the rare Andean Condor. Affectionately named “The End of the World” by the Spaniards who discovered the region in eighteenth century in a quest to Christianise South America, these extraordinary waterways not only encompass a medley of jagged mountains and iceberg strewn bays, but feature a kaleidoscopic spectrum of unexpected colour that offers photographic opportunities like no other destination. Begin the day with a yoga class, followed by a soak in the heated vitality pool, with the endless horizon your backdrop. Your active start to the day means you can reward yourself by calling on your butler to bring breakfast to your room as you venture toward yet more fjords: Seno Garibaldi and Pia. If there was ever a part of the world to make you feel humbled by nature, this is it. Returning to the ship, the only thing you need to decide is which bar or lounge to move to, making the most of the truly all-inclusive beverage menu, including premium wines and spirits. For a dose of sunshine, retire to the Scenic Bar & Lounge, order a cocktail, glass of wine or a whiskey, and let your cares drift away. Discovery: Get ready in your discovery attire and join your Discovery Team for Zodiac cruising near the Seno Garibaldi and Seno Pia glaciers. Sit in silence and listen for the crack or thunder of a calving. If you're wanting a more active adventure, enjoy kayaking around the bergy bits. |
| 5th05 | DecDec | 202323 | Cape Horn, Chile | | |
| There will be a buzz of excitement on deck today thanks to the chance to land on Cape Horn. A sheer rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent Drake Passage, raged by winds, docking here is often impossible. But you're in good hands with your expert Captain and crew - and state-of-the-art technology of Scenic Eclipse. As you approach, you'll notice the lonesome lighthouse-keeper's dwelling - home to a single family of five - and a memorial by Chilean sculptor José Balcells, featuring the silhouette of an albatross. Make sure you head to the Observation Deck for an ideal vantage point or enjoy the comforts of your private balcony to take in every moment navigating this incredible region. Today could also be the day for some downtime in the expansive Senses Spa. Choose to indulge in a range of treatments and wellness experiences , including massages and facials, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, and pedicures. Alternatively, take time out on one of the thermal lounges; your limbs will thank you later. This is a part of the ship you could easily lose track of time in. In addition to the gym, treatment rooms and thermal lounges, you can make the most of temperature-controlled pools; women's and men's saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges; and specialist experience showers that do wonders for your mood. |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202323 | Ushuaia, Argentina, disembark the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
| At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park). Ushuaia is almost the end of the Earth, and today it's the end of your Scenic Eclipse voyage. You'll leave with not only a camera full of photos, but endless memories of life-changing exploration, not to mention countless new friends. You'll be with them for a little while longer on your included flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 08:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. |
