Nature’s masterpiece: Chilean fjords

In December 2019, I had the unforgettable privilege of exploring the breathtaking Chilean fjords aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration – a brand-new expedition ship, just two months old, that turned this journey into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Even the embarkation on the expedition ship in Puerto Montt is a highlight: a champagne reception and settling into the very spacious balcony cabin set the stage for a perfect start. With an atmospheric sail-away, the ship leaves the port of Puerto Montt – the journey begins!

Day at sea
We use this day to explore the ship and watch whales spotted nearby. For the following day, a surprise call to the remote Puerto Edén is announced.

Puerto Edén – authentic and touching
Puerto Edén, one of the most isolated settlements in southern Chile with only about 90 inhabitants, can only be reached by water. In this place full of tranquility and originality, we stroll along wooden walkways and meet the last Kawesqar Indians, who warmly welcome us and offer handmade souvenirs – authentic, unique, unforgettable. The sun shines, the air is clear, and we feel: this is no ordinary shore excursion, but a moment that stays with you – my personal highlight of the cruise.

Expedition feeling at the Pio XI Glacier
In the afternoon, the mighty Pio XI Glacier awaits – the largest of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. During about an hour of Zodiac cruising along the imposing ice wall, we feel true adventure. Back on board, the crew greets us at the marina with mulled wine and Christmas music – one of many special moments.

Torres del Paine – pure natural wonder
The next day, the HANSEATIC inspiration passes through the approximately 70-meter-wide “Kirke Narrows” – a spectacular passage that only a few ships can navigate. We watch this nautical challenge from the deck and reach Puerto Natales in the evening.

The following day is dedicated to the Torres del Paine National Park, which we reach after a pleasant bus ride from Puerto Natales under partly clear skies and sunshine. The landscape is varied and breathtaking. Large parts of the park are covered by glaciers. The scenery is dominated by imposing mountains, but fjords, vast lakes, marshes, and open grasslands are also part of it. The park’s landmark is the famous Torres del Paine (Towers of the Blue Sky) – three striking, needle-shaped granite peaks rising up to 2,850 meters into the sky.

Alongside the impressive mountain world unfolds an astonishingly diverse flora and fauna: tundra areas, colorful orchids, and extensive forests with cypress, lenga, and olivillo trees. In the wide green pampas, we spot rheas and guanacos, while the majestic Andean condor circles in the sky. This excursion is truly one of the most impressive and grand natural experiences of my life.

Wildlife encounters and Punta Arenas
In Punta Arenas, we head in the morning to the penguin colony on Isla Magdalena – observing hundreds of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat is another highlight of the journey. Hundreds of Dominican gulls also populate the island.

In the afternoon, there is time to explore the charming city of Punta Arenas. The largest city in Chilean southern Patagonia offers sights such as the Plaza de Armas or the cemetery with many immigrant graves.

Finale in Garibaldi Fjord and Ushuaia
To conclude, we cruise through the Garibaldi Fjord. On its waters, many small ice floes drift, created by glacier calving. The ship stops, and we enjoy hot chocolate with a dash of rum on the observation deck while marveling at the magnificent scenery off Garibaldi Glacier.

After passing through the Beagle Channel, our journey ends in Ushuaia with an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park – a worthy farewell to my new favorite destination.