From Puerto Williams to Valparaíso · South America & Antarctica · 11 nights
This intimate and popular little ship was the first crossover ship in the fleet, reborn as a stylish expedition ship following an extensive refurbishment in 2017.
The lovely Silver Cloud is now part of Silversea’s Expeditions
fleet, with a reduced capacity, an ice-strengthened hull and 18
zodiacs making this one of the most luxurious expedition ships at
sea.
Puerto Williams has the feel of a true frontier town, situated on windswept Navarino Island facing out across the Beagle Channel. It's home to a fishing port and an important Chilean naval base, and is often described as 'the world's southernmost city', although it's debatable whether it's really a city. The surrounding mountains offer a spectacular backdrop for hiking and kayaking, while to the south lies the infamous Drake Passage and, beyond that, the frozen continent of Antarctica.
Perched on the ragged southern edge of Argentina, where the snow-capped Andes fall away into the churning sea, Ushuaia has a frontier town feel to it, and serves as the base for expeditions into the icy waters of Antarctica.
The majestic Águila Glacier lies within the Agostini Fjord at the heart of the Cordillera Darwin in Tierra Fuego, where snow-capped mountains rise up above the watery channels of the Patagonian temperate rainforest.
The weather-beaten city of Punta Arenas is a laid back and welcoming place, in spite of its inhospitable location on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Nearby attractions include penguin colonies and the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine National Park, while beyond the horizon lie the frozen wastes of Antarctica.
The little fishing village of Caleta Tortel hugs the base of a mountain, perched above turquoise waters fed by glaciers. There are no cars or horses in Caleta Tortel - instead, the piers and houses are connected together by a remarkable network of wooden boardwalks.
Puerto Montt is the capital of the Chilean Lake District, spread out around a wide bay against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. This wild region offers a host of outdoor activities, including mountain hikes, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, zip lining and cycling.
Characterful, colourful and a little chaotic, the port city of Valparaíso is scattered across 45 vertiginous hills. Thanks to this difficult topography the city streets are punctuated by steep staircases and funicular elevators, and energetic explorers will be rewarded with wonderful views of the pastel hued buildings that hug the slopes.
