South America

Lakes Crossing, Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

16 Days, Selected Departures. From USD $7,941$6,441pp.
Details

Overview

Dive into the heart of South America with this extraordinary adventure! From Buenos Aires' vibrant tango streets to the serene shores of Bariloche, experience the stunning Lakes Crossing into Chile. Then, set sail on an awe-inspiring 9-day expedition through Patagonia’s majestic fjords, glaciers, and wildlife-rich waterways. Highlights include the breathtaking San Rafael Glacier, the rugged Strait of Magellan, and the picturesque Beagle Channel. This journey seamlessly blends cosmopolitan culture with the untamed wilderness of Patagonia, promising unforgettable moments at every turn.

Save up to US$1000 pp

Book by 31st March 2025

Itinerary Highlights

  • Take a tour of the Buenos Aires city’s most famous places and enjoy insights that only a local guide can provide.
  • Experience one of Argentina’s best known contributions to culture – the Tango. Enjoy a traditional Argentinean meal while watching the spectacular show.
  • Explore two of South America’s premier adventure destinations: Bariloche in Argentina and Puerto Varas in Chile.
  • Cross the Andes by boat! Travel through the spectacular lake country of Chile and Argentina, enjoying the rich green hues of "Emerald Lake" and magnificent views of the Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes.
  • Cruise and visit the seaport and explore the area, with its many fjords, islands, and channels
  • Cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges
  • You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels during your fjords cruise!

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires
  • Day 2: Buenos Aires: San Telmo and La Boca City Tour / Dinner & Tango Show
  • Day 3: Buenos Aires: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
  • Day 4: Fly Buenos Aires to Bariloche
  • Day 5: Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift
  • Day 6: Lakes Crossing Bariloche to Puerto Varas
  • Day 7: Puerto Varas Day at Leisure
  • Day 8: Transfer to Puerto Montt Port and Embarkation
  • Day 9: Puyuhuapi Channel
  • Days 10: San Rafael National Park
  • Day 11: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
  • Day 12: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel
  • Day 13: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
  • Day 14: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
  • Day 15: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
  • Day 16: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation and transfer to Ushuaia Airport

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary

  • Add on a few extra days to explore Uruguay.
  • Enjoy another day at leisure in Buenos Aires to soak up the atmosphere, explore its museums, do some shopping or take a trip to the Tigre Delta.
  • Take a day trip or an overnight stay in an estancia in the legendary Pampas region just outside of Buenos Aires.
  • Add a stopover in Peulla to break up your lakes crossing trip.
  • Take a spectacular trip down the ‘Ruta de los siete lagos’ between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes.

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 - Buenos Aires: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.


Day 2 - Buenos Aires: San Telmo and La Boca City Tour / Dinner & Tango Show

San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.

We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).

Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.

On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.


Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.

*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along other passengers. We suggest to upgrade to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable time.


Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 - Buenos Aires: Recoleta & Palermo City Tour

Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture. We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita's tomb can be found.

We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires' largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars, and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.

* Please note entry to Recoleta Cemetery is an additional cost for foreign visitors. Entry during the tour is optional.


Breakfast included.

Day 4 - Buenos Aires: Depart Buenos Aires / Arrive in Bariloche

Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.


Arrive in Bariloche
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.


Breakfast included.

Day 5 - Bariloche: Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift

Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift
You'll begin your half day morning adventure with a drive along the Nahuel Huapi lakeshore on the San Pedro Peninsula. At Playa Bonita, you'll enjoy views of Huemul Island before continuing your journey. You'll hop aboard a chair lift at Campanario Hill and ride to the top for impressive views of the region—Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, El Trébol lagoon, San Pedro, Victoria Island, Otto, López, Goye and the Catedral hills, and the town of San Carlos de Bariloche.

You'll resume your journey to Llao Llao Peninsula, with its hilltop hotel and San Eduardo Chapel—architectural jewels of the region. The lakeside Pañuelo Port is the starting point for many lake excursions. Cross the bridge over Angostura River, which joins Nahuel Huapi Lake with Moreno Lake, and enjoy views of López Bay at the base of López Hill. At Panoramic Point, take time to view Moreno Lake and Llao Llao Peninsula before crossing the bridge over Moreno Lake and beginning your return to Bariloche.

This afternoon will be at your leisure. Bariloche is a chocolate-lover's heaven, so we recommend heading to Calle Mitre where dozens of chocolate shops offer tasty little morsels of artisan chocolate.


Breakfast included.

Day 6 - Bariloche: Bariloche to Puerto Varas Lakes Crossing / Transfer from Lakes Crossing Office to Hotel

Bariloche to Puerto Varas Lakes Crossing
Today you'll travel across land and lakes, by buses and boats from Bariloche to Puerto Varas in Chile. During the crossing you will have stunning views of the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes. By late morning you will arrive at Peulla with time for lunch and/or a short walk before continuing on to the Petrohue pier. Finally you will take a shared bus transfer to Puerto Varas. Your day of travel ends around 9pm upon arrival in to Puerto Varas. If you wish to arrange a faster private transfer from the pier to Puerto Varas town (arriving at approximately 7.30pm), please speak with your travel designer.

** Lakes crossing include a free transfer in Bariloche from the hotel to the port for the following hotels only **
Hotels: Panamericano, Edelweiss, 3 Reyes, Inacayal
Av. Bustillo km. 2,5 *Ref. Design Hotel –Villa Huinid Hotel
Av. Bustillo km. 7 *Ref: Nido del Cóndor Hotel –Rochester Hotel –Lirolay Hotel


Transfer from Lakes Crossing Office to Hotel
You will be transferred from the Lakes Crossing Office back to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

If you are staying at Hotel Cabañas del Lago or Cumbres Hotel Puerto Varas, then this transfer from the pier to your hotel is included with your Lakes Crossing ticket. If you are staying at other hotels in Puerto Varas, then we will organise a transfer from the office to your hotel.


Breakfast included.

Day 7 - Puerto Varas: Puerto Varas day at leisure

Puerto Varas day at leisure
Today you can explore Puerto Varas at your own leisure.


Breakfast included.

Day 8 - 16 - Puerto Varas: Transfer to Puerto Montt Port / Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: From Puerto Montt to Ushuaia

Transfer to Puerto Montt Port
Today you will be privately transferred from your hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt port.


Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: From Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
A 9-day wilderness experience in Southern Chile and the Patagonia Ice Field. Visit the San Rafael Glacier, Puerto Eden, Madre de Dios Island, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, and the Beagle Channel.

Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation
Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.



Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel
We continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As we cruise and explore the area, we see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 3: San Rafael National Park
Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile's Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
As we sail south, we cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells us about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini. We also learn about the region's biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel
If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress, they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture. We continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
We embark on a Zodiac excursion to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile's natural mystique. As we sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, we explore the waters of the fjords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. We follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If we are lucky, we may be able to spot humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. We may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. We will sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation
Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.

Breakfast included.


Day 16 - Ushuaia: Depart Ushuaia

Depart Ushuaia
Our representative will pick you up from the port and transfer you to the airport.


Breakfast included.

Selected Departures

SeasonTypeFromSpecial Offer
08 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025 USD$6441ppExpand to view offers
Package including Triple CabinUSD $7941ppUSD$6441ppSave up to US$500, Save up to US$1000
Package including Porthole CabinUSD $8441ppUSD$6891ppSave up to US$550, Save up to US$1000
Package including Veranda CabinUSD $8941ppUSD$7341ppSave up to US$600, Save up to US$1000
Package including Deluxe Veranda CabinUSD $9441ppUSD$7791ppSave up to US$650, Save up to US$1000
Package including Deluxe SuiteUSD $10541ppUSD$8781ppSave up to US$760, Save up to US$1000
Package including Penthouse SuiteUSD $10941ppUSD$9141ppSave up to US$800, Save up to US$1000
Package including Single Veranda CabinUSD $10941ppUSD$9141ppSave up to US$800, Save up to US$1000
28 Mar 2026 - 12 Apr 2026 USD$6571ppExpand to view offers
  • Departure 28 Mar 2026 will do this itinerary in reverse. You will start in Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia, board your cruise and follow the same route towards Puerto Montt. Then you will continue with the lakes crossing and finish in Buenos Aires. The land portion of this itinerary is flexible and we can adapt your preferences to the arrangements before and after the fjords cruise.
Package including Triple Cabin

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Porthole Cabin

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Veranda Cabin

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Deluxe Veranda Cabin

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Deluxe Suite

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Penthouse Suite

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

Package including Single Veranda Cabin

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Eurobuilding Hotel

Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal

Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago

Puerto Montt, Chile - Magellan Explorer

What’s included?

  • Flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche and Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

Land Section:

  • Accommodation with private facilities 
  • English speaking guided tours
  • Transfers
  • Meals as specified

Fjords Cruise - Magellan Explorer:

  • Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
  • Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.
  • Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
  • Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.
  • Loan of waterproof boots for landings, landing fees, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.
  • All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

What’s not included?

Land Section:

  • Airport entrance/departure taxes/hotel taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Fjords Cruise - Magellan Explorer:

  • Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Gratuities.
  • Visas for Chile, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

Notes

  • Departure 28 Mar 2026 will do this itinerary in reverse. You will start in Buenos Aires, fly to Ushuaia, board your cruise and follow the same route towards Puerto Montt. Then you will continue with the lakes crossing and finish in Buenos Aires. The land portion of this itinerary is flexible and we can adapt your preferences to the arrangements before and after the fjords cruise.
  • Note: the itinerary presented above is for reference. As for any expedition cruise, our route will be subject to weather conditions and the requirements of the Chilean authorities.
  • Optional Activities during your cruise
    • Sea Kayaking: US$895 per person (We recommend booking the Sea Kayaking program upon reservation of your sea voyage).
  • Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. 

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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