Chile Glacier Cruise and Patagonia Trek
This most picturesque of Patagonia tours combines several days visiting the highlights of Torres Del Paine National Park and a five-day cruise through Chile’s Southern Ice Fields aboard the M/V Skorpios III. This Chile tour gets up close and personal with several of the most famous glaciers in and around the Torres del Paine National Park, including Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal, Herman, and the Fiordo Calvo area. This is an outstanding Patagonia trip that you will never forget.Most Popular Chile Trips & Tours
Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Australis Glacier Cruise & Patagonia Hiking | $6,560 | 12 Days | Mt. Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier |
Chile Triangle | $6,845 | 12 Days | Chile's most famous regions, Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine National Park |
Classic Patagonia & Torres del Paine | $6,425 | 10 Days | Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, Classic Treks to Mt. Torre and to Mt. Fitz Roy |
Lake District and Chiloe Island | $2,995 | 7 Days | Myths and legends in Chiloe Island, Lake District, Llanquihue Lake and majestic Osorno Volcano |
- DAY 1 PUNTA ARENAS – TORRES DEL PAINE
- Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile you will meet your driver for a five-hour jounrey through the Southern Patagonian pampas to your Torres del Paine National Park accommodations, then take the evening to get settled and learn more about the various Patagonia hiking options and other excursions in this stunning region.
- DAYS 2 – 4 (3 DAYS) TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
- Spend these days touring Torres del Paine National Park and nearby areas of interest. Select from a number of Patagonia adventures, each lead by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. Hike up to the base of the giant Towers of Paine, horseback ride through the Enchanted and Ascencio Valleys, trek around the brilliant blue Lake Nordenskjold, visit the archeological sites, or enjoy any number of other activities for any activity level and interest. After full days exploring the area, return each evening to your comfortable accommodations. (B,L,D)
- DAY 5 TORRES DEL PAINE– PUERTO NATALES
- Enjoy a leisurely morning in Torres del Paine before your transfer to Puerto Natales, where you’ll spend the night. (B)
- DAY 6 PUERTO NATALES - EMBARK ON CRUISE
- Today, transfer to the pier where the Skorpios III disembarks. Once onboard, start with an orientation and safety update related to the boat. The Skorpios III will sail at 1 PM travelling up the Almirante Montt Guld. By 4:30 PM you’ll arrive at Caleta Jaurez in Guardramiro Fjord where you’ll visit a colony of elephant seals. Continue sailing passing along numerous fjords including the Angostura Kirke, Morla Vicuña, Unión Collingwood and Sarmiento Channels. (B, D)
*Embarkation begins at 10:30 AM and the ship departs by 1 PM.
- DAY 7 PITT CHANNEL & GUILLARD GLACIER
- This morning enter the Guillard Fjord to access the glacier of the same name, where you will have the opportunity to disembark and hike in this beautiful and remote setting. After lunch set out in small boats to explore the glacier’s many channels. In the evening the boat will turn south on its return journey with many glaciers and fjords yet to explore. (B, L, D)
- DAY 8 AMALIA GLACIER TO FIORDO DE LAS MONTAÑAS
- On day three the Skorpios III will reach the Amalia Glacier. Enjoy panoramic views of the glacier from the ship as you savor your breakfast, then get ready for a post-breakfast hike up to a viewpoint for a closer look. Explore the nearby beach, brush and rocky terrain on your way to the mirador, where you can see the Amalia in all its splendor. You’ll return to the ship for the trip to the next glacier.The Brujo Glacier is another place you debark to get a better view, weather permitting. Enjoy the afternoon cruise up to the Fiordo Calvo, where the boat will set anchor and you’ll board a special smaller boat, the Capitán Constantino, to explore the Fernando, Capitán Constantino, and Alipio glaciers up close. After dinner, the Skorpios III will depart for the next stop on your cruise: the Fiordo de Las Montañas. (B, L, D)
- DAY 9 FIORDO DE LAS MONTAÑAS TO GOLFO ALMIRANTE
- At the Fiordo de las Montañas, you’ll be able to see four glaciers that travel down from the Cordillera Sarmiento toward the ocean. After breakfast you’ll visit the Alsina glacier’s bay on one of the smaller exploration boats, taking in the sweeping mountain range that surrounds it. Afterward you’ll return to the Skorpios III to continue up the Fiordo de Las Montañas toward the Bernal Glacier. For the last leg of the trip to reach the Bernal Glacier, you’ll hike through a small rainforest to a glacier-fed lagoon near the front and lateral moraines at the front of the glacier, whose water no longer makes it to the sea. Touch the ice of this glacier and watch it contract before you return to the ship. As you board, you can watch the crew replenish the boat’s water supply with crystal-clear, pure water from a nearby waterfall. The boat will continue on its journey in the afternoon through the Fiordo de Las Montañas, and you’ll be able to see the Herman and Zamudio Glaciers from the boat. In the evening, the boat will reach Angostura White Glacier. Load into exploration boats to sail among the islands and rocks, catching glimpses of the local wildlife. That night you’ll enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner and dancing as the boat sails along Golfo Almirante. (B, L, D)
- DAY 10 RETURN TO PUERTO NATALES – PUNTA ARENAS – SANTIAGO
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Punta Arenas, a three-hour drive, for your flight to Santiago. (B)
*Disembarkation from the ship will occur between 8 and 9:30 AM
Weather
When to Visit- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Santiago & Surrounding Vineyards - The fertile heartland, this midland area of Chile enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with maximum temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C) in January and 50°F (10°C) in July. The rainy season lasts from May to August. Evenings and nights can be cool, even during the summer.
General Patagonia - The area south of Puerto Montt and Chiloé covers about 30% of the total land area of Chile. It is a rugged, mountainous region of tremendous beauty. Westerly winds and storms often drop enormous amounts of snow and rain on the seaward slopes. In the Magellanes and Tierra del Fuego areas, temperatures in summer average 52°F (11°C). Dampness and wind chill can make it feel cooler so layered clothing and good waterproof gear are musts. The weather year-round is highly unpredictable, and in summer be prepared for incessant winds that lessen in the winter. In the shoulder season months, November and March, winds are not likely to be as strong as during the peak of summer.
Torres Del Paine - The weather is famously unpredictable in this area and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours. Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect temperatures ranging between 50° F (10° C) and 70° F (20 ° C) with the occasional hot day of 78° F (25° C). Temperatures can drop to zero at night, and high winds are common in this area. Travelers should be prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions and pack accordingly. Good head-to-toe, breathable waterproof clothing is essential.
SANTIAGO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 54-85 | 0.0 |
FEB | 54-84 | 0.1 |
MAR | 52-80 | 0.2 |
APR | 47-72 | 0.5 |
MAY | 40-64 | 2.3 |
JUN | 40-58 | 3.1 |
JUL | 37-57 | 3.0 |
AUG | 38-61 | 2.1 |
SEP | 40-65 | 1.1 |
OCT | 45-71 | 0.5 |
NOV | 47-77 | 0.2 |
DEC | 51-82 | 0.2 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUERTO MONTT | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 48-66 | 3.6 |
FEB | 47-67 | 3.7 |
MAR | 47-64 | 3.9 |
APR | 43-60 | 5.6 |
MAY | 42-56 | 9.2 |
JUN | 39-51 | 8.8 |
JUL | 37-50 | 9.0 |
AUG | 38-52 | 8.2 |
SEP | 38-52 | 5.7 |
OCT | 38-52 | 4.8 |
NOV | 43-60 | 0.5 |
DEC | 46-63 | 4.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUNTA ARENAS | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 43-57 | 1.4 |
FEB | 44-57 | 1.1 |
MAR | 51-54 | 1.6 |
APR | 39-49 | 1.6 |
MAY | 35-44 | 1.7 |
JUN | 31-39 | 1.3 |
JUL | 29-38 | 1.3 |
AUG | 31-41 | 1.3 |
SEP | 32-46 | 1.1 |
OCT | 36-50 | 0.9 |
NOV | 40-53 | 1.1 |
DEC | 42-56 | 1.2 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
SAN PEDRO ATACAMA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 50-76 | 0.9 |
FEB | 50-75 | 0.2 |
MAR | 48-73 | 0.1 |
APR | 44-70 | 0.1 |
MAY | 38-66 | 0.0 |
JUN | 33-61 | 0.0 |
JUL | 33-61 | 0.0 |
AUG | 35-64 | 0.0 |
SEP | 40-69 | 0.1 |
OCT | 43-72 | 0.1 |
NOV | 46-74 | 0.1 |
DEC | 48-75 | 0.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
EASTER ISLAND | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
JAN | 68-81 | 2.8 |
FEB | 68-81 | 3.3 |
MAR | 68-80 | 3.8 |
APR | 66-77 | 4.8 |
MAY | 64-74 | 6.0 |
JUN | 62-72 | 4.2 |
JUL | 60-70 | 4.1 |
AUG | 60-70 | 3.7 |
SEP | 60-71 | 3.4 |
OCT | 61-73 | 2.7 |
NOV | 63-75 | 2.9 |
DEC | 65-78 | 3.4 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Maps

Chile Glacier Cruise & Patagonia Trek
- Pricing
- 2 Travelers$6,457
Domestic Airfare:
$395 Airfare: Santiago/Punta Arenas/Santiago (subject to change) - Included in tour cost
- Naturalist guide while on cruise
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All hotel accommodations
- All listed activities
- English-speaking certified guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
- Meals as indicated
- Southern Explorations pre-departure services
- Excluded from tour cost
- Airport taxes, international and local
- Domestic airfare within South America
- International airfare to and from Central & South America
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
Chile Glacier Cruise & Patagonia Trek
- Trip Dates
- Contact us for available departure dates October through April.Available
- Puerto Natales
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
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- Torres del Paine
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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One Day
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Chile’s best white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Cool-loving reds such as Pinot Noir and SyrahOne Day -
10 Hours $305El Morado National Park
Hiking, Bird Watching
Soak in natural pools of varying temperaturesOne Day -
10 Hours $260Visit the Pacific Coastal city of Valparaiso
Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurantOne Day -
11 Hours $490100+ year old vines
Lunch Viu Manent Winery
Wine tastingOne Day -
13 Hours $615Mythical Strait of Magellan
Tierra del Fuego
Unique King Penguin ColonyOne Day -
4 hours $185Santa Rita Winery
Maipo Valley Wine Region
Chilean Wine TourOne Day -
4 Hours $120Historic Santiago sites
Plaza de Armas
Presidential Palace
Mercado Central - Sea Food Market
MuseumsOne Day -
12 Hours $355Wine Tours and Coastal views
Catrala Vineyard
Outstanding White Wines
Pinot Noir
SyrahOne Day
Multi-Day
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4 Days $2,530Pristine areas in the Araucania RegionMulti-Day
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5 days $3165Cape Horn National Park
Beagle Channel
Penguins
Glacier AlleyMulti-Day -
2 Days $895Colchagua is known as the “King of Chilean Red Wines” and a must-visit for aficionados of vino tintoMulti-Day
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4 Days $1190Visit all highlight areas of the Island
Local Rapa Nui guidesMulti-Day -
Matetic Vineyard
Casa Marin Vineyard
Loma Larga VineyardMulti-Day -
4 & 5 Days $2,320Experience archaeological wonders, offering breathtaking and unique viewsMulti-Day
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5 Days $2375Amalia Glacier
El Brujo Glacier
Calvo Fjord
Montonas Fjord
Burnal Glacier
Pitt Channel and Guillard Glacier
More.....Multi-Day -
4 Days $3,070Chile’s Northern Patagonia
Picturesque villages and dramatic landscapes
Chiloe culture and traditionsMulti-Day -
4-5 Days $2,935Torres del Paine National Park
Explore all highlights
Outstanding LodgesMulti-Day -
2 Days $1200Viña del Mar
Drink wine at Catrala Vineyards
ValparaisoMulti-Day -
Stay at the Vik Guest House after a day of unforgettable wine tasting and toursMulti-Day




Vira Vira was awesome - it was the perfect start to the perfect trip. Michael and his family are totally hands on and committed to creating a top notch experience for their guests. The property, the food, the excursions, the attention to detail - we could not find a single fault with anything. It literally felt like we were their personal guests. Everyone else staying there seemed very satisfied as well. Two thumbs up! Dimple (Honk Kong) (Custom Chile)
The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels. - Sharon McRae (Torres del Paine/Galapagos Islands)
Our experience from our first exploratory call to the Seattle office was excellent. Prompt and courteous responses and they accommodated our specific needs for a combined Patagonia and Galapagos trip. I cannot think of anything that was not satisfactory. I recommend Southern Explorations highly. -Lyn Arscott (Patagonia & Galapagos Island Cruise)
Basically the trip was perfect. Our wishes about big things were totally fulfilled, like exploring Rio Brian, going up Valle del Silencio, etc. Our wishes for small things (low sugar, low gluten, good photo opps) were exceeded. It was a totally excellent trip. Your ability to deal with the unexpected was amazing .. weather, my injuries, our changing our minds. It was an amazing trip! And SE agent gave us all kinds of good advice before we left. -Brian & Lynne Collins, USA (Chile)
Our words to describe our trip are Spectacular, Exciting, and Remote! We got to see basically everything we had hoped for, and more! - Ann Huston, California (Patagonia)Thank you for a wonderful introduction to South America and excellent vacation. We will be returning to other SA venues in the coming years and will be sure to contact Southern Explorations for assistance. -Gordon McPhee, South Carolina (Chile & Argentina)
This was a trip of a lifetime. The highlight was the Explora Lodge with unbelievable hikes and horseback riding. Also, the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. - Kyle Craig, Colorado (Patagonia)
“The Southern Explorations team did a fantastic job helping us plan our Galapagos adventure in 2011 and our Torres del Paine/Australis Magellan Straits cruise 2015. They were extremely helpful in planning our trips and quickly responded to each of our questions. We will definitely seek their services to assist in any future travels.” - Sharon McRae (Cruceros Australis + Hotel Las Torres)
Our experience planning a trip to Patagonia in South America with Southern Explorations exceeded my highest expectations! Everything was incredibly well organized, the hotels they booked for us were very nice, the guides and people who transported us all spoke our language (English). When my husband got very sick and we had to alter our plans, they were on top of rebooking flights and canceling excursions, and handled all of the logistics for us. I would highly recommend the services provided by Southern Explorations, and will certainly use them for all future travel planning that we do!! - Kristi Holland, Alabama (Patagonia))
Our two sons, ages 19 & 22, said it was the best trip they'd ever been on. (And we've been to southern Africa game camps, New Zealand, Galapagos, numerous SCUBA diving vacations all over the globe, not to mention dozens of other less dazzling spots around the world and the US). (Patagonia) is really gorgeous. Jorge (Guide) was exceptional--just perfect for us! The tents are fantastic--lots of room to put huge backpacks inside along with lots of other gear--kudos on the tents. La Tercera (estancia) was marvelous and charming--we're so glad you planned two nights for us there. The food by Carmen was the best we ate on our entire trip to Chile--really extraordinary both nights!
- Chile - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I choose an itinerary?A: We offer a variety of pre-planned tours online and we’d love to design a custom trip just for you. Take a look at what we have online then call an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the trip that best fits your timeframe, budget and interests.Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion but we can add extensions before and after.Q: When is the best time to go to Chile?A: Chile can be visited year-round, although the southern regions are generally best visited in the Spring, Summer and Fall, which run from October through April. Northern Chile, due to its high desert, is pleasant to visit year round. Central Chile, in the Andes, becomes a skiers paradise from late-June to mid-September. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the best timing for your preferred tour.Q: What is the weather like in Chile?A: Chile is a long country, spanning many climatic zones, and offers weather systems ranging from warm, high desert to cold tundra. Patagonia is famous for having “all four seasons in one day,” while the Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth. Contact an Adventure Travel Coordinator today to discuss the weather on your trip.Q: What is a typical day like in Chile?A: The typical day varies widely from trip to trip, but all tours will have full days with guided exploration. There is time for rest and relaxation, as well as independent exploration of the cities and towns you visit. Due to the remote nature of Chile’s most scenic areas, some long travel days will be required.Q: How much time do we need to visit Chile?A: Although we have trips as short as 5 days, we highly recommend spending at least 7 days in Chile, and ideally 12. Chile has many fascinating regions and some of the most beautiful areas are quite remote, requiring extended travel time.Q: How far in advance should I book?A: As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning a trip at three to nine months in advance, but if you want to stay at very specific luxury hotels or travel over a holiday we recommend planning nine months to a year in advance.Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.Q: Do you use certified guides?A: The guides on all of our tours are experienced, fluent in English and hold a degree in a related field. The guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid. We tend to use the same guides as they are accustomed to the trips we offer and understand the Southern Explorations commitment to quality.Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?A: We primarily work with 4-star hotels in Chile and the occasional 3-star property that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties and all-inclusive lodges. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations’ staff member.Q: Do tours include airfare?A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price is listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to Chile.Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.Q: How will I do laundry during the trip?A: Patagonian hotels charge very affordable rates for doing a guest’s laundry. You will also have access to laundry facilities on most days in major cities. Some of the Patagonian experiences will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with only a river or lake as a water supply. Some locations have washing facilities where guests may do laundry. Bring biodegradable soap if you wish to do your own laundry. Please refer to the full itinerary or contact us for details.Q: I’ve heard Patagonia is very remote. What if I have a medical emergency on the trip?A: Some of our trips take passengers into some primitive wilderness areas. Our guides are trained in wilderness first-aid. To ensure the safety of our travelers, our guides are linked with outside services 24 hours a day in all locations to provide assistance when necessary. Though our guides carry extensive first aid equipment for minor ailments, injuries and accidents, they cannot handle serious medical conditions, and passengers are advised to obtain health or travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. There are small hospitals in the Patagonia region, some with 24-hour medical assistance that can deal with minor injuries and illnesses. In the rare event of an accident or broken bone, passengers would be evacuated from the wilderness area (probably by horse) and continue on the long drive out. Helicopters are available for emergencies but cannot fly during high winds. Any passengers with a medical condition or using medication should discuss this with us prior to travel.