ITINERARY: 20 DAYS
OCT. 23-25: U.S./BUENOS AIRES,
ARGENTINA
Fly overnight to Buenos Aires and check
into the Caesar Park Hotel. Explore the city’s
Beaux-Arts palaces, the bohemian quarters of
La Boca and San Telmo, and the famous bal-
cony forever associated with Eva Peron. The
next day, embark the National Geographic
Explorer. (B, L, D on Oct. 25)OCT. 26-29: AT SEA/BAHÍA BLANCA/VALDÉS
PENINSULA
After a day at sea, dock in Bahía Blanca
and head to the Parque Provincial Ernesto
Tornquist to view the fl ora and fauna of the
pampas. Another day of sailing brings us to
Valdés Peninsula, a World Heritage site where
southern right whales come to mate and
calve in October. Observe these endangered
creatures and then venture inland to spot
guanacos, armadillos, and more. (B, L, D Daily)OCT. 30-NOV. 1: BAHÍA BUSTAMANTE/
PUERTO DESEADO/AT SEA
In Bahía Bustamante, a vast family-owned
estancia (ranch) that stretches from the
Patagonian steppe to the coast, we’ll go on
hikes; look for whales; and encounter colonies
of Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and
elephant seals. The next day, travel in small
boats into the Reserva Natural Ría Deseado,
a submerged estuary that is home to the rare
black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin. Later,
learn of the famous explorers who passed
this way at the museum in Puerto Deseado.
Then spend a day sailing Argentina’s southern
coast. (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 2 AND 3: PUNTA ARENAS,CHILE/
TIERRA DEL FUEGO
In Punta Arenas, visit museums and enjoy
an optional hike in the forest reserve on
the rolling hills above the town. Continue to
the newest and largest protected area on
Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park. We
have special permission to visit the private
reserve, which spans 1,160 square miles and
harbors rich wildlife, including the guanaco,
the endangered culpeo fox, and the Andean
condor. (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 4–7: THE CHILEAN FJORDS/PUERTO
NATALES/TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL
PARK
Venture into the fj ords of the honeycombed
Chilean coast, set against the spectacular
backdrop of the Cordillera Darwin range,
and explore by ship, by Zodiac, and on foot.
Drop anchor in Puerto Natales and drive
to the Torres del Paine National Park, a
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Spend a day
discovering this magnifi cent park with our
experts and local guides. Then return through
the fj ordlands, searching for humpback
whales, Peale’s dolphins, and rare Chilean
dolphins. Cruise deep into the fj ords of the
western Strait of Magellan to see tidewater
glaciers. (B, L, D Daily )NOV. 8 AND 9: BEAGLE CHANNEL/
YENDEGAIA/CAPE HORN
Sail the Beagle Channel to Yendegaia, a
stunning wilderness that covers more than
95,000 acres on Tierra del Fuego. We’ve
received special permission to explore the
reserve, a former cattle ranch that hosts
beech forests, wild rivers, and abundant
wildlife. The following day, we round Cape
Horn, the southernmost tip of South America,
and, weather permitting, take Zodiacs ashore
for panoramic views. (B, L, D Daily)NOV. 10 AND 11: USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/
BUENOS AIRES/U.S.
Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city
in the world. Take a charter fl ight to Buenos
Aires and connect to your overnight fl ight
home. (Nov. 10: B, L)TRIP DETAILS
DATES: 2014: Oct. 23–Nov. 11
EXPEDITION COST:
Category 1 $15,950
Located on Main Deck with porthole
Category 2 $16,990
Located on Main Deck with window
Category 3 $17,990
Located on Main Deck with window
Category 4 $18,850
Located on Upper and Veranda Decks with
window
Category 5 $22,860
Located on Upper Deck with balcony
Category 6 $25,990
Located on Upper and Veranda Decks—suite
Category 7 $29,990
Located on Upper Deck—suite with balcony
See National Geographic Explorer photos
and deck plan on page 61. Prices are per
person, double occupancy.
For a single cabin, add $4,250 in Category
2 and $4,490 in Category 3. Airfare is not
included in the expedition cost. Round-trip
economy airfare between Miami and
Buenos Aires is $1,200 (subject to change).
Charter airfare is $395 (one-way Ushuaia/
Buenos Aires, or vice versa).
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Add a three-day post-trip extension to Iguazú
Falls or a four-day post-trip extension to Easter
Island. Additionally, you may add a two-day
pre- or post-trip extension to Buenos Aires,
which may also be combined with either of the
other two extensions. Please call for details.Magellanic penguinsCALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-966-8687 25
SOUTH AMERICA