| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 16th16 | FebFeb | 202323 | 1 night accommodation before your cruise, staying in Buenos Aires | | |
| 17th17 | FebFeb | 202323 | Ushuaia, Argentina, embark on the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| 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). Your journey begins as you fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The crew will warmly greet you as you seamlessly board Scenic Eclipse. Settle into your luxurious suite and acquaint yourself with the world-class facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Toast the start of your voyage as you sail away from South America and cruise through the Beagle Channel. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains of Tierra del Fuego from the comfort of your private verandah. |
| 18th18 | FebFeb | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 19th19 | FebFeb | 202323 | Falkland Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | | |
| Remote and sparsely populated, the Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover's paradise. You will visit several of the outer islands, where large colonies of penguins and albatross thrive. Fur seals and elephant seals roam sandy beaches, while the surrounding waters are home to whales and dolphins. During your time in the Falkland Islands, you will also be likely to visit Stanley, the capital of the archipelago on East Falkland. Since its colonisation in the 18th century, the ownership of the Falkland Islands has been clouded in controversy between French, British, Spanish and Argentina. In 1982, the Falklands War resulted in this remote outpost and the islands remain part of the British Commonwealth. This town offers a unique British outpost feel as you meander through its central streets. Visit an array of local shops and see incredible landscapes such as the Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, or maybe even stop in at an English pub to share a pint with the friendly locals. |
| 20th20 | FebFeb | 202323 | Falkland Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | | |
| Throughout your time in the Falkland Islands, you will see why it is considered one of the wonders of the far Southern Hemisphere. Admire the windswept green hills and clear waters that lap the white sand beaches that could be mistaken for a much more tropical location. Walk along beautiful beaches, wander through tussock grass or sit atop a cliff and ponder the views. The photographer in you will feel the joy as your camera gets a workout. Overflowing with natural beauty, the Falkland Islands is home to an army of penguins and birdlife. The world's largest population of Gentoo penguins is found here, in addition to other penguin species such as King, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Sit on the beaches and watch as they waddle along, interacting with each other. You can also find the black- browed albatross, plus the Cobb's wren and the Falkland's flightless steamer duck which are both endemic bird species. Your expert Discovery Team, comprised of biologists, historians, geologists and other leading specialists, will be sure to educate you on the local flora and fauna, making the most out of your time in the Falklands. Freechoice: Enjoy a tour of the small capital either by foot or coach with an expert local guide for a closer look at the Islanders' daily life in this rugged, remote but beautiful location. Alternatively, visit the key sites of the Falklands War on a Battlefields Tour, delving into the events that led up to the 1982 battle while admiring the views of the Island. |
| 21st21 | FebFeb | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 22nd22 | FebFeb | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 23rd23 | FebFeb | 202323 | South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | | |
| South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour. South Georgia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. During your time here, the expert team on board Scenic Eclipse will design a unique itinerary around weather and ice conditions to show you South Georgia's immense wildlife and stunning landscapes. A 3,000-metre mountain range forms the spine of the long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Despite being such a small outpost in the vastness of the South Atlantic, the sea around South Georgia is one of the liveliest areas on Earth. While it remains permanently uninhabited by humans, it is home to an abundance of wildlife, including king penguins, albatross, as well as elephant and fur seals. Subject to weather and ice conditions, Fortuna Bay is possible landing site while in South Georgia. Offering both teeming wildlife viewing and a wonderful panorama from its beach of jagged summit peaks and the remarkable expanse of the Konig Glacier, it is home to a large population of king penguin, Antarctic fur seal, elephant seal, brown skua, giant petrel, and Antarctic tern. This site's varying tundra and curious penguins and seal pups will likely provide some of the best pictures of your voyage. In Salisbury Plain, visit the world's second largest king penguin colony, with more than 250,000 of them. The impressive sights and sounds that you will experience are beyond any photo or video. Be in awe before the amphitheatre of snowcapped mountains looking down on the colony, as the penguins put on a show nesting, breeding and moulting on the shores. Large amounts of elephant and fur seals are also found along the 3km long pebble beach, moving between the clusters of wildlife. Another potential landing is the deserted whaling village of Stromness, the saving grace for Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions. After a gruelling 36-hour hike through the South Georgia Mountains, Shackleton was helped by the Norwegian whaling station manager at this remote outpost of civilisation. Listen as your expert Discovery Team leader shares stories from the past as you admire the structures from afar. Discovery: Equipped with a fleet of custom-built Zodiacs and kayaks, your discovery excursions will take you to the places of you could only dream of before. Discovery: Equipped with a fleet of custom-built Zodiacs and kayaks, your expert Discovery Team will take you on enlightening excursions that put you close to South Georgia's stunning wildlife and nature. |
| 24th24 | FebFeb | 202323 | South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | | |
| South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour. Your expedition of South Georgia could also visit some of the below locations. Weather and ice conditions permitting, while in South Georgia, you may also explore the settlement of Grytviken. Grytviken is also the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. As you stand in the cemetery, you'll feel the emotional connection to this legendary character, as if history came alive. Visit his grave, learn about his famous expedition and make a toast, paying respects to the great explorer. You can still see the remnants of the old whaling stations, with some ships left rusting around the bay and other abandoned outposts. Now that hunting is history, these islands have remarkable ecological recovery, withwildlife populations rebounding. A hidden gem located at the southeastern-most extremity of South Georgia, Cooper Bay offers various inlets and crevices along the rocky shores. Explore by Zodiac while watching for Giant petrels and brown skuas as they soar around above, or look into the kelp forests for playful fur seals. Onshore, admire the many seals as you climb a short but steep hill to find a macaroni penguin colony hidden among tussock grasses. Drygalski Fjord is one of the most scenic areas of South Georgia. The narrow channel is a reminder of the powerful glacier that shaped this land. Sheer, snow-covered walls lined the fjord on either side as icebergs and bergy bits gently float by Scenic Eclipse as you watch from the Observation Terrace. The Risting Glacier looms at the end of the fjord, so make sure you listen for a thundering crack that indicates a huge block of ice is falling into the water. Drygalski Fjord is also the main breeding area in South Georgia for snow petrels, so use your binoculars to find these as they blend into the white cliffs. Discovery: Enjoy all-inclusive discovery excursions on Zodiacs and kayaks guided by your Discovery Team specialist. |
| 25th25 | FebFeb | 202323 | South Georgia Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | | |
| South Georgia is a breathtaking destination of towering snow-covered mountains, mighty glaciers, and low-lying grasslands that attract an astounding concentration of wildlife. It is possible to find Southern fur seals, Southern elephant seals and a variety of albatross species including Black-browed, Light-mantled Sooty, Grey-headed and the spectacular Wandering Albatross, plus thousands of King and Macaroni Penguins. South Georgia is also linked to the early Antarctic explorers. Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1775, but perhaps more famous is Ernest Shackleton’s arrival in 1916 following the sinking of his ship Endurance. Shackleton’s grave and the whaling museum at Grytviken are highlights, as would be a visit to one of the King Penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain or Gold Harbour. With nicknames including "Serengeti of the Southern Ocean' and "Galápagos of the Poles', South Georgia is a top spot for wildlife photographers from all over the world. Recognised for being home to some of the world's largest concentrations of king penguins, South Georgia will leave you in awe . Look along the black sand beach and witness a sea of black, white and bursts of yellow and orange, admiring as they stand, squabble, and curiously investigate. Listen as they loudly sing to each other. In addition to king penguins, you will also find gentoo, Macaroni penguins, and other glorious birdlife like the majestic wandering albatrosses, which you can see gliding on gusts of wind, over the choppy waves. One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next day you may visit another beach dotted with thousands of fur or elephant seals. You'll be stunned by the numerous wildlife you'll see. Discovery: During the days spent in South Georgia, the Discovery Team plans to go ashore at several possible places to take you closer to the incredible wilderness and wildlife. They will also explain how important the landscape is for the breeding and survival of different species on the island. |
| 26th26 | FebFeb | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 27th27 | FebFeb | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 28th28 | FebFeb | 202323 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | | |
| Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas. Arriving in Antarctica for the first time is unlike anything you have experienced before. Welcome to a challenging, unpredictable, and stunningly beautiful environment that always finds a way to surprise you. Open your floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and step out onto the private verandah of your suite. See icebergs of different shapes and sizes sculpted by nature, majestic, glaciated mountains towering out of the ocean thousands of meters tall and enjoy the search for spotting penguins, seals, and whales. A truly unique way to wake up and start your day of discovery. At the heart of your Antarctic Voyage is the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team. With up to 20 members, it comprises leading experts in their fields, including diverse qualifications fromscience to geology, botany, history, photography, archaeology, anthropology, marine biology and glaciology. They will answer your most curious and technical questions and be with you throughout every moment of your journey. Included in your Expedition Voyage are incredible activities such as Zodiac excursions, landings and hikes. You can also go kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, which will become some of your favourite activities in Antarctica. Gliding along the water is peaceful and being at the same level as the icebergs is both a humbling and powerful experience. An expert guide is with you for any questions you may have, although it is the perfect time to embrace the silence and be in the moment. Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around. |
| 1st01 | MarMar | 202323 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | | |
| Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas. Board your Zodiac and feel the fresh, crisp air on your face as you cruise towards the 7th continent. Hear the snow crunch under your boot as you prepare for what the landing has in store. Each new encounter will fill you with awe. Witness wildlife in their natural habitat, with no fear of humans, or see historic sites scattered on the shoreline. Antarctica is truly a land of wonder. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, a host of choices throughout your Expedition Voyage are open and dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and specialist Discovery Team, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, making the most of 18-20 hours of daylight. Everywhere you go in Antarctica, you are surrounded with endless opportunities to capture images on camera. Whether getting up close to seals by zodiac, walking through penguin colonies or onboard Scenic Eclipse cruising past spectacular glaciers, be sure to have your camera ready to capture these amazing moments. For an additional cost, today could be the day you take your seat in our custom-built submarine^ and delve below the ocean waters in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could also choose to soar above in one of two on board helicopters^ for a unique view of this spectacular region. Discovery: Continue exploring the Antarctica with your experienced team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions andcruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations or step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around. |
| 2nd02 | MarMar | 202323 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | | |
| Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas. Remarkable wildlife encounters await during your time exploring Antarctica. Eight species of penguins can be found in Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, with around twelve million penguins living on the Peninsula. Going on shore to witness a penguin colony is an unforgettable experience. Close your eyes to get the full experience as you approach. Smell will be the first sense to be awakened, with the not-so-sweet odour announcing that you are nearby. Hear their mighty calls getting louder as you get closer to shore. Watch on as they go about their day, clumsily waddling along and interacting with each other. Penguins that you may see on the Peninsula include Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and the very rare Emperor penguins. Whales are another powerful creature that you may encounter during your voyage, and you'll find their gentle movement calming and impactful. Feel the anticipation of the first sighting of the blow of water shooting into the air, to finding where the second will come from, and seeing their giant body surface for another breath. It could be the back of a minke, the hump on a humpback or the dorsal fin of an Orca. You may be on Scenic Eclipse, watching from the comfort of the Observation Lounge, in a Zodiac with an experienced Discovery Team member, or lucky enough to experience this from their level in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Antarctica is also a birdwatcher's paradise, drawing more than 40 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels, storm petrels, blue-eyed shags, diving petrels, cormorants, sheathbills, skuas, gulls and terns. Discovery: Explore Antarctica with your expert Discovery Team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around. |
| 3rd03 | MarMar | 202323 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | | |
| Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas. Ice is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Antarctica, but you will soon find out that it is much more than an endless white landscape. Portal Point is a potential landing site. Previously a British refuge hut, you will get the opportunity to walk up to see panoramic views from the snow-covered mountains surrounding you, looking over the ice filled ocean back to the ship that made all this possible. Sit down in the snow and take a moment to be still. Lemaire Channel is an iconic location in Antarctica, so photogenic it was nicknamed "Kodak Alley'. If your voyage is able to weave through the channel, make sure you set your alarm and embrace the cool air on the Observation Terrace. Pass through the 11-kilometre-long channel, just 700 metres wide at its narrowest point, and be amazed at the dramatic rocky mountains rising beside the ship and icebergs passing by close enough to see them glowing blue under the surface. Nestled in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, Deception Island is full of history, and is also one of the only places in the world that ships can sail directly into the centre of a submerged caldera of an active volcano. Scenic Eclipse can squeeze through a rocky gap into the peaceful waters of the horseshoe-shaped harbour. The island is also home to a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of chinstrap penguins. Walk along the ash-covered beaches. Standing at the entrance of Fournier Bay is Mount Francis, the tallest mountain in Antarctica. There may be the chance to visit a working scientific base and discuss life in these harsh conditions with the staff. You can also explore the remnants of a derelict whaling station and a vacant British base or climb to the rim of a volcanic crater. Enjoy the opportunity to visit areas alive with wildlife such as penguins, seals, and whales. If conditions are favourable, we may cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66°33' South. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless 'pinch me" occasions when the scenery is so impressive, you'll have to be reminded that this dream came true. Congratulations, you have made it to Antarctica. Discovery: Continue exploring the Antarctica with your experienced team. Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions. Cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, step onto shore to view vast penguin rookeries and seals. Kayak or stand-up paddle board around icebergs and hear the ice cracking and whales feeding all around. |
| 4th04 | MarMar | 202323 | Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica | | |
| Remote and otherworldly, Antarctic is irresistible for its spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers, and for the possibility of up-close encounters with marine mammals and the iconic penguins. The Antarctic Peninsula – the main peninsula closest to South America – has a human history of almost 200 years, with explorers, sealers, whalers, and scientists who have come to work, and eventually intrepid visitors coming to enjoy this pristine and remote wilderness. It is a region of protected bays, unscaled snow-capped mountains, vast glaciers and a few places where whalers or scientists have worked. Just as irresistible are the many Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguin colonies, the seals basking on ice floes, the whales and orcas. Be sure to pack your swimmers. For many, the polar plunge is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a rite of passage for people on an expedition to Antarctica. Once throughout your voyage, Scenic Eclipse will stop, and the team will set up the marina ready for the brave people who want to jump into the freezing Antarctic waters. Excitement will spread through the Discovery Yacht, and you will start hearing the contagious nervous laughter. As you stand on the edge ready to jump, you will start to feel the adrenaline rush while your second guessing whether this was a good idea. When you jump, the moment before you hit the water will feel like it goes forever, just before you feel the cold water travelling up your body. This chilly dip will be invigorating, exciting, and surprisingly refreshing. If you're skipping the polar plunge, make sure you find a good viewing location with a cup of hot chocolate as you feel the chills of everyone coming out of the waters. Discovery: Enjoy a Scenic Discovery excursion, perhaps going with a group of new friends to cruise on the Zodiacs around ice formations, kayak, or stand-up paddle board in search of the impressive wildlife. |
| 5th05 | MarMar | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 6th06 | MarMar | 202323 | At Sea | | |
| 7th07 | MarMar | 202323 | Ushuaia, Argentina, disembark the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| 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). Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew. Disembark after breakfast to fly to Buenos Aires for a three-night stay. |
| 7th07 | MarMar | 202323 | 9 nights accommodation following your cruise, staying in Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro | | |
| 16th16 | MarMar | 202323 | Check out of accommodation | | |
