Hapag-Lloyd Cruises South America: 15 nights from Valparaiso with Hanseatic Inspiration
Dec 5, 2025

Puerto Montt

Puerto Natales

The city of Puerto Natales is located 247 km north-west of Punta Arenas. Swans and black-necked gulls will welcome visitors from the misty pier, a symbol of this provincial capital that lives on livestock and tourism.

Puerto Natales is the capital of the province of Ultima Esperanza and is located on the edge of the Senoret canal and in front of the Patagonian Andes.
It is the gateway to splendid natural landscapes, such as the famous park of Torres del Paine, the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument and the Glacier National Park.
From the gentle slope on which the city has settled, wecan see the cordillera of Riesco and the massive snowdrifts on Paine. The city has 15,500 inhabitants and is the starting point for the main tourist excursions in the region.
It currently has a remarkable tourist infrastructure with different types of pubs, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, hotels, hostels, casinos, museums and a wide range of travel agencies that offer tours to satisfy every tourist.
Visitors can discover the rural habits of Patagonia, while enjoying the comfort and quality of the tourist service.

 

Strait Of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan is a navigable route in Chile immediately south of the South American mainland. The strait can be argued to be the most important natural passage between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, but it is considered a difficult route to navigate due to the inhospitable climate and the narrowness of the passage.

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is a small Chilean town located in one of the southernmost areas in the world. Its geographical position, located within the basin of the Río Las Minas river, has meant that the city has been a crossroads of peoples given its long-standing position as a hub for trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The importance acquired by the port over the centuries has made trade one of the main sources of sustenance for the city, however, one of the developing sectors is tourism, mainly international. This is mainly due to the beauty of the natural landscape that attracts a large number of tourists every year and to its history rich in different cultures and traditions that blend perfectly creating a perfect combination.

Punta Arenas is also the ideal starting point for discovering the surrounding areas such as: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, the Strait of Magellan and Antarctica. If you are a nature lover and you like to immerse yourself in the surrounding environment, a walk along the Costanera del Estrecho is what is right for you!

This road that runs along the coast, allows you to observe the marine landscape on one side and the unique beauties of the city such as the Monument to the Ancud schooner on the other. If you are a history lover, a visit to the two city museums is an unmissable experience that will allow you to take a dip back in the history of Punta Arenas. The Museo Regional de Magallanes and the Museo Nao Victoria will offer you a unique view of local history since its origins.

Inside the Nao Victoria Museum, you can also observe close copies of some of the ships that crossed the Strait of Magellan, with the possibility of also entering them with the feeling of setting sail together with the old sailors.

Considering the importance of the port, the best way to reach Punta Arenas is on board a cruise ship. Choose a cruise that departs from Punta Arenas or has the city as a stop to enjoy the uniqueness of its panorama and tourist attractions or as a starting point to explore the surrounding areas! What are you waiting for? Visit our profile and choose the cruise that best suits your needs!

Ushuaia

Known for being the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, located on the southern coast of the Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego, is nestled between the Beagle Channel and the mountains behind it. This mix of mountains and sea creates a unique landscape that will undoubtedly leave you speechless and will allow you to carry out different types of activities from the most relaxing to those that require more effort, but don't worry you will be rewarded by the uniqueness of this landscape!

The name of the city derives from an ancient language, now extinct, traditionally spoken by the local populations, the Yaghan language, and means Bay at the end of the world given its geographical position. Considering that Ushuaia is located in the southern hemisphere, it must be taken into consideration that the seasons are reversed.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the beaches of Ushuaia, the ideal time to visit the city is from November to March, which correspond to our spring and summer months. I recommend you always keep a plan B in mind because the weather at this time of year changes very quickly and the risk that a sunny day turns into a rainy one is very high! If, on the other hand, you want to reach the city during the winter months, you can devote yourself to winter sports and visit the various museums scattered throughout the city.

Historical Charms of Ushuaia

Ushuaia, located in Argentina, holds a fascinating history as the southernmost city in the world. Originally established as a penal colony in the late 19th century, Ushuaia has transformed into a thriving hub for adventure tourism and scientific research. The city's past as a remote outpost adds to its allure, with remnants of its penal colony history visible in landmarks like the Presidio.

Diverse Climate of Ushuaia

Ushuaia experiences a cool-temperate climate influenced by its southern location near the Antarctic Circle. Summers are mild with long daylight hours, perfect for exploring the surrounding mountains and Beagle Channel. Winters bring snowfall and colder temperatures, creating a winter wonderland for skiing and snow activities. The ever-changing weather adds to the charm of this unique destination.

Top Attractions and Places to Explore in Ushuaia

Ushuaia offers a plethora of attractions that showcase the beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park for stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the End of the World Train. Explore the Maritime Museum to learn about Ushuaia's maritime history and Antarctic expeditions. Don't miss a boat tour to see penguins, sea lions, and glaciers up close in the Beagle Channel.

Local Cuisine: Authentic Flavors of Ushuaia

Ushuaia's culinary scene highlights fresh seafood from the surrounding waters and traditional dishes influenced by indigenous cultures. Taste king crab, known locally as centolla, grilled Patagonian lamb, and hearty stews like locro. Sample regional specialties such as calafate berry desserts and enjoy a traditional mate tea ceremony. The fusion of flavors reflects the unique heritage of this southern city.

Embark on an Unforgettable Cruise from Ushuaia

To enhance your Ushuaia experience, consider booking a cruise departing from this gateway to Antarctica. Cruises from Ushuaia offer unparalleled opportunities to explore the White Continent, witness majestic icebergs and wildlife like penguins and whales in their natural habitat. Booking a cruise from Ushuaia guarantees an unforgettable journey to one of the most remote and pristine regions on Earth.