Cruise M/N Ventus Australis: Argentina, Chile departing from Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, is a gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. This historic city offers breathtaking views of the Strait of Magellan and snow-capped mountains. Explore its streets lined with colorful buildings, its museums and its unique cemetery. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to nearby national parks, where glaciers, wildlife and steppe landscapes await you.

Chile's Ainsworth Bay is a must for Patagonia cruises. It's located in Alberto de Agostini National Park, where glaciers tumble into emerald waters. It's a prime spot for observing maned sea lions and cormorants, and for hiking to glacier viewpoints. The bay offers breathtaking tranquility, interrupted only by the crunch of moving ice.

The Pia Glacier in Patagonia's Beagle Channel is an impressive natural spectacle. This glacier, accessible by cruise, offers close-up views of its bluish walls and icefalls. The surrounding mountains and forests provide a splendid backdrop. Hiking excursions in the surrounding area allow you to discover the local wildlife and Patagonia's magnificent landscapes.

Glaciers Avenue, in Patagonia's Beagle Channel, is an extraordinary maritime route dotted with awe-inspiring glaciers. Each glacier, with its own character and unique beauty, offers a spectacle not to be missed. Cruises allow you to admire these giants of ice from the comfort of the boat. The region is also rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for marine and bird watching.

Cape Horn, at the southern tip of South America, is a legendary place for sailors. This cape, often swept by violent winds and rough seas, offers a unique sailing experience. Cruisers can admire the stark beauty of this meeting point between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Cape Horn is an emblematic stopover for those seeking an authentic maritime adventure.

Wulaia Bay, located on Navarino Island in Chilean Patagonia, is an important historical site for the indigenous Yámana people. This tranquil stopover is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with dense forests, mountains and blue waters. Guided hikes reveal the region's rich history and biodiversity. A visit to the anthropological museum offers an insight into Yámana culture. It's an ideal place for history and nature lovers looking for an authentic, educational experience in an unspoilt natural setting.

The port:

The port of Ushuaia, located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, is the main gateway to the wonders of Tierra del Fuego. Just a few hundred meters from the city center, the port makes it easy to explore the world's southernmost city. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the cold waters of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia offers a unique and captivating cruising experience, right in the heart of wild and unspoilt landscapes.

What to visit in Ushuaia

Ushuaia abounds in natural and historical sites. The Musée du Bout du Monde, retracing the history of indigenous peoples and explorers, is a must-see. For nature lovers, the Tierra del Fuego National Park offers breathtaking landscapes of forests, lakes and mountains. A visit to Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, often referred to as the "lighthouse at the end of the world", is a memorable adventure. For a cultural experience, Ushuaia's Maritime and Prison Museum offers an insight into the city's penitentiary history.

What to visit in the area

Around Ushuaia, boat trips on the Beagle Channel offer spectacular views of local wildlife, including colonies of sea lions and seabirds. For hiking enthusiasts, the Martial Glacier trails offer exceptional panoramic views of the city and the canal. A visit to the Harberton Farm, the oldest in the region, provides an insight into the way of life of the first settlers. Finally, for total immersion in untouched landscapes, itineraries to Antarctica often depart from Ushuaia, offering spectacular cruising experiences.