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In reality, Patagonia needs little introduction. Five centuries of unending exploration, of myths, legends, tragedies and triumphs have burned the image and aura of Patagonia deeply into our collective consciousness. Patagonia is the southernmost end of the American continent, the Uttermost Part of the Earth”, Finis Terrae. Untamed wild lands where the unrelenting wind, La Escoba de Dios - the Broom of God - roars out of the west leaving the earth barren and immaculate. Patagonia is the scene of the some of the world’s greatest adventures. But in this day and age, Patagonia is no longer terra incognita, and although blank spots still sprawl across the map, the greater portion of Patagonia is now accessible to the average tourist.

Patagonia is more than just Torres del Paine. As much as Torres del Paine deserves its worldwide acclaim, other regions in Patagonia – the wilderness of the Carretera Austral, for example, or the seldom-visited expanses of Tierra del Fuego – are equally if not more impressive. And what all these regions have in common is a sense of authenticity, a sense that it is a place where adventure still happens – and that it will remain so for a long time to come. After all, this is Patagonia – and all myths arise for a reason.

Josh Howel

GLACIARS AND PATAGONIA
5 days/ 4 nights program FROM US$ itinerary and rates
Puerto Natales is located on the fjord called "Ultima Esperanza" which means literally "Last Hope Fjord". Its location between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine National Park close to the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina makes it the perfect stepping stone to explore lakes with big icebergs, waterfalls, rivers and Torres del Paine National Park.

EXPLORA PATAGONIA
5 -9 days programs FROM US$ 2.476 details and rates
It’s located in the heart of Patagonia, in the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Strategically set on the shore of Lake Pehoé, Explora´s Hotel Salto Chico was conceived as an exploration base site, offering refined comfort and the best gear ideally suited to explore Patagonia. Visitors at Explora can choose between a wide range of daily explorations and 21 alternatives according to weather conditions, guests’ preferences, duration and difficulty. By foot, horseback, car or boat, visitors will be accompanied by expert bilingual guides

PATAGONIA CONNECTION
4 - 7 day programs FROM US$1540 itineraries and rates
An excursion for one complete day aboard the comfortable catamaran Patagonia Express (programs vary from 1,4 or 7 days) will take you to the amazing glacier in San Rafael Lagoon which flows from a height of 3.000 meters in the Andes Mountains. During the trip you will enjoy pleasant sailing while reclining in the wide lounge chairs on the first deck in addition to tasting the exquisite Chilean food and wines in the bar-restaurant on the upper deck. Upon entering the lagoon, you will be astounded by the falling detachments of ice from the glacier that scatters multicolored icebergs in the water being it possible to get a close-up view of them aboard the excursion boats.

SKORPIOS II
7 days/6 nights program FROM US$1150 itinerary and rates
This ship takes you to explore the Northern Icefields of Patagonia, starting from Puerto Montt and navigating in the San Rafael Lagoon and The Quitralco Fjord. Built in the companies ship factory in 1988, it has 55 cabins with a capacity, based on double, of 110 passengers and that it can be increased to 160 rooms based on triple or quadruple cabins. It also counts, with matrimonial cabins and beautifully decorated suites. All cabins have a private bathroom, in-house telephones, environmental music, and closed TV circuit. Its main dinning room can assist up to 160 passengers in one shift and it is completely equipped with a giant screen projector, closed circuit TV system and music for parties. It also counts with two bars, San Rafael and Quitralco (smokers/non smokers), with a capacity of 60 passengers each. Its wide decks allow you to rest on our beach chairs; passengers have free access to the control bridge and motor room. The gastronomy on board is international and mainly based on shellfish and fish, with a stable menu and open bar service.

SKORPIOS III
6 days/4 nights program FROM US$1630 itinerary and rates
This ship takes you to explore the Southern Icefields of Patagonia, starting from Puerto Natales and navigating through The Pio XII and Amalia Glaciars and The Calvo Fjord Glaciar. This motor vessel, built in our own boat shops during the years 94/95, is equipped with the most advanced technology and under the "Super Class" service. Its fine and elegant cabins are equipped with low beds, refrigerator/bars, TV and music, with stereo surround sound, safety-deposit boxes, in-house telephones, and well -appointed private bathrooms. Its beautiful and elegant dinning room has a capacity for 125 passengers, with large screen projectors, professional system of recording and editing videos. The prow bars, with modern and young decoration, and the stern bar, with a classic English style, have the capacity for 60 passengers each, with large TV screen and surround sound.

MARE AUSTRALIS
4 - 5 day programs FROM US$1150 itinerary and rates
The Mare Australis counts with several services like lounge, dining rooms and shops, and the cabins are equipped with low beds, private bathrooms, independently controlled A/C, heater, lock box, closet and large windows to enjoy the beautiful views. With Mare Autralis you will have the opportunity to explore not only the Patagonia but Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. The Patagonian Circuits offer you an opportunity to explore the best of Patagonia, combining the Torres del Paine National Park, with El Calafate and its impressive Glacier Perito Moreno, together with sailing 3 or 4 nights on the Expedition Cruise. The tours shown here are only suggestions, and there are a number of alternatives depending on the port of departure (Punta Arenas or Ushuaia), the port of arrival, and duration of the cruise.

VIA AUSTRALIS
5 Days/4 Nights program FROM US$1.400 itinerary and rates
The Via Australis is an expedition cruise that arranges sea voyages from Punta Arenas to Usuaia through the Magellan Strait and Tierra del Fuego. On the way you have the opportunity to see canals, bays and fiords in addition to glaciers, and typical flora and fauna of the area. The Via Australis has 64 cabins which are equipped with low beds, private bathrooms, independent heating, a safe, closet and panoramic windows to enjoy the landscape. It has a total capacity for 136 passengers. This cruise ship will start operating on November 2005.

CATAMARANES DEL SUR
4 days/3 nights program FROM US$ 1396 details and rates
Board the catamaran in Puerto Chacabuco and join an adventurous journey to one of the southernmost wonders in the world. Bordering isles, channels and fjords, you will reach the Laguna San Rafael National Park, a world biosphere reserve which spans over 1,742,000 acres and boasts the renowned San Rafael Glacier. Catamarán Iceberg Expedition takes you to magnificent spots in the region of Aysén, viewing beautiful scenery comfortably seated inside or, if you prefer, out on the deck in closer contact with Nature. In keeping with the magnificent surroundings, gourmet cuisine is also available onboard and, the large saloon on the second deck offers spectacular sights and a full bar where you can also enjoy fine Chilean wines.