11 Epic Reasons Why You Need To Visit The Chilean Fjords At Least Once Before You Die

Packed full of creaking glaciers amid an army of exotic marine life, a cruise through the breathtaking Chilean fjords is fast becoming a must on any South American itinerary. The epic four-day journey plies the remote southern waters between Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. Here are 11 reasons why you should visit for yourself.

It’s the end of the world

Chile’s expansive fjords stretch all the way to the country’s southernmost tip, a scarcely explored region that really is the end of the line.

You’ll be cruising in comfort…

Sunrise in the Chilean fjord, South America

While you travel from A to B

Most travelers make their way to southern Chile on a stuffy plane or an overnight bus. But on a multi-day cruise through the fjords, there is absolutely no doubt you’ll be arriving in style.

There are penguins galore…

Spotting your favorite flightless bird is all too easy, an experience made all the more enchanting as your wander through an epic colony some 4,000 strong.

And plenty of elephant seals too

These jolly ocean-going creatures flock to the fjords en masse to laze around on its hidden beaches after feasting on an oversized meal.

Whale watching is superb at times…

In December, orcas provide lucky travelers with a fearsome spectacle as they cruise the icy waters on the hunt for hapless seals. Meanwhile, pods of humpback whales can be spotted leaping out from the depths as they migrate through the region from December until May.

While dolphins ply the water all year round

Dolphins, on the other hand, are rather fond of the fjords and have decided to stick around. Don’t be surprised to see them playfully jumping up and down alongside the ship at any time of year.

Glaciers abound…

Yet the fjords biggest attraction are its epic glaciers which creak and groan at seemingly every turn. Keep an eye out for mammoth calving icebergs as they breakaway into the sea.

The Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia

Especially in Glacier Alley

With more individual ice avalanches than your tour guide will care to mention, this monumental glacial region is among the most magnificent frozen sites on earth.

Cruising in Glacier Alley, Patagonia, Argentina

And there are plenty of pristine forests to admire as well

But not everything in these sparse remote lands has frozen solid, for there are plenty of quintessential Patagonian forests and lakes to admire as well.

Get off the boat and hike to explore them up close

The more active among us needn’t settle for watching from afar, as opportunities abound to disembark the ship and explore these pristine surroundings on foot.

Puerto Chacabuco in Chile, South America

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.