Some places are best experienced by car, others from the train window. Chile is worth exploring from the sea. Thousands of kilometers of rugged coastline, a labyrinth of fjords, mountains rising straight from the ocean, and glaciers accessible by road create one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. A cruise on the luxury Scenic Eclipse allows you to reach places traditional sightseeing tours simply cannot.
This is an option for those who value privacy, an intimate atmosphere, and the highest standard of travel. The Scenic Eclipse accommodates just 200 guests, offering a level of comfort more reminiscent of an exclusive hotel than a typical cruise ship. The journey takes you from Valparaíso to Ushuaia, through the most beautiful corners of Chilean Patagonia, the legendary Straits of Magellan, and the Cape Horn area.
The cruise begins in Valparaíso, one of South America's most iconic cities. Colorful houses perched on hills, historic elevators, street art, and the atmosphere of the old port make the first day a memorable one. After sailing, the ship heads south toward the Chilean Lake District.
The following days take us to Puerto Montt and the island of Chiloé. This region is home to green hills, active volcanoes, UNESCO-listed wooden churches, and small fishing villages. Chiloé has lived its own life for centuries, and its local culture and legends are as fascinating as the surrounding nature.
The most spectacular part of the cruise begins as we enter the Chilean fjords. Towering granite walls plunge vertically into the ocean, with dozens of waterfalls cascading between them, and the sparkling blue tongues of glaciers glistening in the distance. Thanks to its small size, the Scenic Eclipse can reach areas completely inaccessible to large cruise ships.
One of the greatest experiences is the Pío XI glacier – the largest glacier in South America and one of the few in the world that continues to grow. The several dozen-meter-high wall of ice is impressive, both from the deck of a ship and during expeditions in Zodiac inflatable boats. In certain weather conditions, helicopter flights over the fjords are also available, as are expeditions in the Scenic Neptune bathyscaphe, which offer a glimpse of the underwater world of Patagonia.
The ship sails through the historic Strait of Magellan and calls at Punta Arenas, a city that for decades was one of the world's most important ports. It's an excellent base for exploring Chilean Patagonia, its penguin colonies, and Torres del Paine National Park.
One of the highlights of the cruise is passing the legendary Cape Horn. For centuries, it has been the greatest challenge for sailors circumnavigating South America. Weather permitting, guests can admire one of the most iconic landmarks in world sailing.
The cruise ends in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. For many travelers, this is the beginning of another expedition—to Antarctica or Argentine Patagonia.
Scenic Eclipse sets the standard for ultra-luxury travel. All suites feature private balconies and butler service. Onboard are nine restaurants serving international cuisine, the extensive Senses Spa, swimming pools, a fitness center, and intimate bars and lounges.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats, kayaks, two Airbus H130 helicopters, and a Scenic Neptune submersible. A team of biologists, geologists, historians, and experts specializing in polar regions oversee safety and the expedition's program. This makes each day not just a journey but also a fascinating lesson in nature and history.
CARTER® organizes luxury cruises to Chile, including business or first class flights, private transfers, stays in top hotels in Santiago or Valparaíso before the cruise, and the option to extend the program with trips to the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine National Park, Easter Island or an expedition cruise to Antarctica.
This is one of the most extraordinary journeys you can take in South America – a combination of spectacular landscapes, the highest level of comfort, and places that only a small number of travelers reach each year.
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