Expedition Chilean Fjords: Natural Spectacles At The Far End Of The Earth

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is a captivating blend of history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it a unique port of call in Argentina. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like centolla and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of nearby Los Glaciares National Park. The best time to visit is during the summer months of December to March, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most stunning.

The Chilean Fjords are a 1,600-kilometer wilderness of glaciers, temperate rainforest, and channels along Patagonia's coast, where tidewater glaciers calve into jade-green waters and Magellanic penguins, condors, and dolphins thrive in one of Earth's last great frontiers. Must-dos include glacier viewing, wildlife observation from the deck, and transiting the Beagle Channel. December through February offers the longest days and mildest conditions in this notoriously unpredictable climate.

The Chilean Fjords are a 1,600-kilometer wilderness of glaciers, temperate rainforest, and channels along Patagonia's coast, where tidewater glaciers calve into jade-green waters and Magellanic penguins, condors, and dolphins thrive in one of Earth's last great frontiers. Must-dos include glacier viewing, wildlife observation from the deck, and transiting the Beagle Channel. December through February offers the longest days and mildest conditions in this notoriously unpredictable climate.

Valparaíso is Chile's UNESCO-listed port city of 42 painted hills, Victorian funicular railways, and one of the world's most spectacular street art scenes, where Pablo Neruda built his hill-top home La Sebastiana. Must-dos include riding the historic ascensores, touring Neruda's house, and feasting on Humboldt Current seafood. October through March offers the warmest, driest weather.

Chañaral Island is an uninhabited rocky sanctuary off Chile's Atacama coast, home to breeding colonies of endangered Humboldt penguins and abundant marine life fuelled by the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current. Must-dos include Zodiac circumnavigation to observe penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and seabird colonies at close range. Expedition ships visit from November through March, when breeding activity peaks and migratory whales pass through the surrounding waters.

Iquique, Chile, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited May through September, when drier conditions prevail and temperatures remain pleasant. Cruise lines including Azamara feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Paracas is a desert peninsula on Peru's southern coast where one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems meets a landscape of dramatic aridity, enigmatic geoglyphs, and ancient textile traditions. Must-dos include a boat tour to the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands, exploring the red sand beach and flamingo bays of the national reserve, and dining on fresh ceviche. Visit year-round in this rain-free climate, with mornings best before the fierce afternoon winds.

Callao, Peru, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited May through September, when drier conditions prevail and temperatures remain pleasant. Cruise lines including Cunard feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.