Viking Expeditions Cruises – Antarctic Explorer & The Americas (8 Countries) 42 Days

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, is an eclectic combination of Latin and European influences. The tree-lined streets and postcolonial architecture draw on the city’s Spanish, French and Italian heritage, while the many cafés and bodegas and vibrant nightlife are decidedly Argentine. Its barrios, or neighborhoods, exude an intimate atmosphere that belies the city’s size. Full of bohemian flair, historic San Telmo’s cobblestone streets and Belle Époque–style buildings reverberate with the mesmerizing melodies of the tango.

Ushuaia, Argentina
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your charter flight to your embarkation city.  Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Its splendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here. Ushuaia is the capital of and gateway to the celebrated Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire,” named by Spaniards upon seeing the constant flames burned by the indigenous Yámana to keep warm. This largely unspoiled region comprises the large island of Tierra del Fuego and countless Chilean and Argentine islands.

Sail the Drake Passage
Named for 16th-century English privateer Sir Francis Drake, the frigid waters of the Drake Passage stretch for some 600 miles between Cape Horn and Livingston Island in the South Shetland archipelago. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film on our 8K laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula, one of the world’s most advanced venues for learning at sea. This indoor-outdoor experience allows nature to take center stage with its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows that unveil 270° views.

Explore Antarctica
At once ethereal and majestic, Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy wilderness, marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basalt cliffs. These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquility as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea. In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.

Sail the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for being the roughest seas on Earth. Traversing it required braving massive waves, hurricane-force winds and icy conditions that tested the mettle of both sailor and ship. Soak up the views from the Finse Terrace, a unique outdoor lounge area named after a famous mountain plateau in south-central Norway. Relax amid your surroundings in comfort, with heated couches and lava rock “firepits,” allowing you to enjoy the outdoors no matter the temperature, as you admire the dramatic scenery or expansive ocean vistas.

Scenic Sailing: Cape Horn
Rising above the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge, Cape Horn, named for the Dutch city of Hoorn in The Netherlands, is part of the Hermite Islands archipelago. This remote, stark and treeless place is often considered the continent’s southernmost point. Soaring from Hornos Island is an enormous prehistoric-looking massif of Jurassic volcanic rock. Atop, stands its historic lighthouse near the water’s edge. A beacon of assurance and safety for countless sailors since 1991, it is the world’s southernmost traditional-style lighthouse.

Ushuaia, Argentina
The “city at the end of the world” is one of the planet’s most breathtaking destinations; Andean peaks, pristine lakes and boreal forests create a dramatic backdrop, surrounding this captivating coastal town. Although Ushuaia lies more than 600 miles north of Antarctica, the city’s port is still the closest to the “Last Continent” and the starting point for its exploration. The majesty of Antarctica’s landscape attracts visitors seeking adventure, with its packed ice plains, rugged mountains and abundance of wildlife, such as whales, seals and various species of penguin.

Scenic Sailing: Cape Horn
Called Cabo de Hornos in Spanish, Cape Horn is a steep rocky headland located off the southern tip of mainland South America on Hornos Island in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage and where the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans meet. The cape was first rounded in 1616 by Dutch navigator Willem Schouten and Belgian Jacob Le Maire. Navigating the waters around the cape are a challenge because of the area’s treacherous winds, large waves and fierce currents, as well as many icebergs.

Garibaldi Fjord, Chile
The pristine waters of the Garibaldi Fjord weave their way through the Alberto de Agostini National Park in Chile, where the Andes mountain range meets the ocean. The region is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its majestic natural wonders are home to an array of wildlife. Its valley walls are covered with ice and floating icebergs drift along with the bobbing heads of seals and sea lions. The Garibaldi Glacier feeds the waters of the fjord, and this retreating 12 square mile spectacle dwarfs any vessel that passes by.

Explore Chilean Glaciers
The gigantic Patagonian Ice Sheet covered southern Chile in a thick blanket of ice and snow during the last Ice Age. Around 12,000 years ago, rising temperatures caused it to begin melting, carving out the Patagonian landscape as it receded. Today, two vast sections, northern and southern, remain of this ancient ice sheet. Together, they cover more than 5,400 square miles and form the third largest frozen landmass on Earth. At their edges are towering glaciers of blue-tinged ice, whose ever-changing faces create the large icebergs that float in the fjords and channels.

Punta Arenas, Chile
Punta Arenas was founded as a penal colony by Chile in 1848. Nestled amid spectacular mountain vistas on the eastern shores of the Brunswick Peninsula, it played host to mariners crossing the continent by ship. Europeans followed, searching for newly discovered gold and establishing vast swaths of sheep farms locally and throughout the surrounding region. Over time, Punta Arenas became one of Chile’s most important ports as, before the opening of the Panama Canal, it laid on the northernmost transcontinental shipping route.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Punta Arenas
Duration: 3 hours      
Explore the sights of Punta Arenas and sample Chile’s most famous cocktail. Board your motor coach and set out on a panoramic drive through the city, pausing at the Monumento al Ovejero, a beloved landmark that pays tribute to local shepherds. Continue to the Pioneer Cemetery, considered one of the world’s most beautiful, and take a stroll beneath its towering cypress trees as you view the ornate mausoleums, including the final resting place of the last member of the Ona People—now an extinct Indigenous tribe. Visit the Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello, founded by missionaries, and explore exhibits that preserve the legacy of Indigenous Peoples. After, make your way to a scenic viewpoint before heading to Plaza de Armas Muños Gamero, a national heritage site. Enjoy a refreshing pisco sour, a Chilean classic, before returning to your ship.

Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords
A pristine paradise of soaring peaks, countless lush islands teeming with wildlife and a tapestry of glaciers and rivers spilling into shimmering waters, the fjords of Chile are heralded as one of the most rugged and untamed places on earth. The crystal waters are a breathtaking sight as they journey through vast ice fields, towering mountainsides and serene fishing villages that hug tranquil shores against backdrops of dramatic forested hills.

Explore Chilean Glaciers
The gigantic Patagonian Ice Sheet covered southern Chile in a thick blanket of ice and snow during the last Ice Age. Around 12,000 years ago, rising temperatures caused it to begin melting, carving out the Patagonian landscape as it receded. Today, two vast sections, northern and southern, remain of this ancient ice sheet. Together, they cover more than 5,400 square miles and form the third largest frozen landmass on Earth. At their edges are towering glaciers of blue-tinged ice, whose ever-changing faces create the large icebergs that float in the fjords and channels.

Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords
The fjords and channels of Chile were first inhabited by indigenous people who used the wood of the endemic Pilgerodendron uviferum, a conifer tree, to build their canoes and homes. Spanish conquistadors began exploring the region during the mid-16th century, navigating the fjord’s internal passageways to avoid the heavy seas and bad weather of the Pacific Ocean. The harsh climate and declining local populations limited colonial expansion, leaving the fjords sparsely populated—a situation that continues to this day.

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
Puerto Chacabuco is a tiny Patagonian enclave and gateway into the spellbinding beauty of the rugged wilderness. The port was named for the 1817 Battle of Chacabuco, a pivotal moment during the Chilean War of Independence, in which national hero José de San Martín of the Army of the Andes defeated the royalist forces. Jagged rocky peaks with deep-cut gorges, icy-blue glaciers spilling into the sea and pine-green forests clinging to steep slopes dominate this untouched region, one of the most inspiring and breathtaking corners of the globe.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Sailing by Special Operations Boat
Duration: 45 minutes    
Experience the beauty of the Chilean Fjords from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Keep watch for the diverse array of pelagic bird species and marine life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding this striking, rugged landscape. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of birdlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Zodiac Cruise: Puerto Chacabuco
Duration: 1 hour      
Investigate the dramatic scenery of Patagonia during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers amid the stunning Chilean fjords with views over the majestic Andes Mountain range. Admire the rugged and picturesque landscape of your surroundings as you cruise along the crystal-clear waters with a bucolic backdrop of dense forests as you watch for possible wildlife sightings. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Puerto Chacabuco & Surroundings
Duration: 3 hours     
Marvel at the magnificent “Wild West” fjordland coastline of Chile, where the Andes Mountains plunge to the ocean. Situated 250 miles south of Puerto Montt, it is here that the northern Patagonian ice sheets fall into the sea in intense blue splendor. The journey through what is known as the Chilean Patagonia is a truly magnificent experience. The construction of the Carretera Austral roadway now makes the area more accessible for travelers. Your excursion begins with a one-hour journey through beautiful scenery, as you follow the river along the base of a deep, rocky gorge. Your destination is the Rio Simpson National Reserve, where you will take a brief walk down to the river to photograph this rugged landscape. Visit the information center and small museum before heading back to port and your awaiting ship.

Scenic Sailing: Chilean Fjords
The picturesque Chilean Fjords stretch nearly 1,000 miles from Cape Horn at the South American continent’s southern tip to the Reloncaví Estuary just below the city of Puerto Montt. Carved out by receding glaciers starting more than 2.5 million years ago, the fjords are composed of several hundred channels and passages that wind their way past walls of blue ice, dense forests and steep mountain ranges. Its rugged coastline is home to colonies of Magellanic penguins and lazing elephant seals, while its waters welcome dolphins, migrating humpback whales and orcas on the hunt.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Sail Mar Pacífico, meaning “peaceful sea,” dubbed by Ferdinand Magellan when he crossed these waters almost 500 years ago. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.

Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile
Chile’s modern capital of Santiago is one of the largest cities in the Americas. Its impressive neoclassical, neo-Gothic, art deco and other architecture spans several centuries. Santiago’s gateway, Valparaíso, is often compared to San Francisco for its many cerros, or hills. The city prospered as a major port until the opening of the Panama Canal rendered it unnecessary. Quaint Victorian-era architecture recalling its 19th-century affluence and steeply sloped barrios are linked by ascensores, or funiculars, and winding byways. From Los Cerros, the views are spectacular.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Valparaíso & Winery
Duration: 4 hours      
Discover Casablanca Valley’s thriving vineyards and taste delicious, crisp vintages in a unique Chilean winery. There have been vineyards in Casablanca Valley since 1875, but only since the 1980s has the true potential of the valley been discovered. This was when agriculturalists realized that the soils and the conditions were similar to California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys. The Casablanca Valley is oriented in such a way that daily ocean breezes cool the grapes on the vine and result in intensely fruity flavors. Visit a valley winery located and learn about the wine-making process. Enjoy a selection of wines in the cool, sweet-smelling, cask-filled cellars of either Casas del Bosque, William Cole Vineyards or Viñamar. On your return journey to your ship, take a scenic tour of Viña del Mar and immerse yourself in the delightful atmosphere of Valparaíso’s bustling Plaza Sotomayor.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Traverse the world’s largest ocean, which covers almost 64 million square miles. At twice the size of the Atlantic, the Pacific is an ocean of extremes. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, relax in the Warming Cave or take a dip in the Spa Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Iquique, Chile
Iquique enjoys a scenic locale between the Pacific Ocean and the Pampa del Tamarugal, a vast plateau within the Atacama Desert. This bustling city was once part of Peru and grew prosperous from saltpeter mining. It was ceded to Chile in 1883 after the War of the Pacific. Today, Iquique boasts many architectural treasures around its central Arturo Prat Square, from the stately Municipal Theater and the elegant Casino Español to a Gothic and Moorish-style Clock Tower. The city’s well-preserved Georgian-style homes are a picturesque legacy from the 19th-century mining boom.

Shore Excursions – Iquique at a Glance
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes  
Embark on a historical voyage through Iquique with a scenic drive towards Cavancha Beach and Plaza Arturo Prat. Uncover the history of Iquique during a guided tour by motor coach. Journey to Astoreca Palace for a glimpse into the impressive mansions and the privileged life of the nitrate barons, and learn about the region’s saltpeter industry. Afterward, relax during a picturesque drive along the renowned Cavancha Beach, before concluding your visit at Plaza Arturo Prat, the central hub of downtown. View the architectural marvels within the plaza, including the Municipal Theater, a Renaissance-style building and former opera theater. Venture into the Centro Español and see the expansive oil paintings that narrate scenes from Don Quixote’s life. Enjoy a traditional Chilean beverage at this historic establishment before embarking on your journey back to your ship.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Sail the Pacific Ocean, its vast expanse of waters covers more than 30 percent of the Earth’s surface and touches the continents of Asia, Australia, North and South America. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Lima (Callao), Peru
Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizzaro as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or “City of Kings.” It soon grew into the capital of Spain’s Viceroyalty of Peru and established the oldest university in the Americas, the National University of San Marcos. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in South America, Lima’s extravagant collection of architecture spans the centuries: early colonial, Spanish baroque, neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings all adorn the cityscape. The historic center, graced with hundreds of balconies built during the viceroyalty era, is a UNESCO Site.

Shore Excursions – Best of Lima
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes 
Gain a deeper understanding of Lima’s history by viewing its ancient art and exploring its colonial structures. Board your motor coach and drive to the Larco Museum, a colonial mansion built atop a pre-Columbian, 7th-century pyramid. As you walk up to the museum, take in the colorful flowers that populate its garden. Once inside, uncover 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history as you walk through their extensive collections, including Mochica Portrait Bottles and pre-Hispanic gold and silver works. Continue driving through the streets of Lima to Santo Domingo Church. Here, you will see its Rococo-style belltower and wander through its ornate turquoise and gold interior. Finally, stroll to the city’s main square and view the towering Cathedral of Lima and the Presidential Palace before returning to your ship.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
Cross the Pacific Ocean and learn about its fascinating geology, with more than 75,000 volcanoes—many still active—reaching up from its depths. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade Deck or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.

Manta, Ecuador
Manta has long been closely linked to the rhythms of the sea. The city boasts the largest seaport in Ecuador and a bustling fish market brimming with sea bass, tuna and countless other delicacies. Local Manabita fare is a celebrated gastronomic tradition and considered by Ecuadorians to be one of their country’s finest cuisines. Founded as a pre-Columbian trading post known as Jocay, the city is also recognized for its heritage with craft exhibits. But the craft scene really thrives in nearby Montecristi, renowned for its intricate wickerwork and original Panama hats.

Shore Excursions – Manta’s Timeless Traditions
Duration: 4 hours      
Discover Ecuador’s craft industry and gain insight into the traditions that shape its local communities. Drive along the coast of Manta to arrive at the cabuya plant weaving factory. One of the last of its kind, this factory preserves the ancient craft of weaving with this special plant. Observe local artisans as they work, both to create their products and to maintain this tradition. Continue to Montecristi, the birthplace of the toquilla straw hat, also known as the “Panama Hat” after President Theodore Roosevelt wore it to inspect the Panama Canal. Watch as skilled weavers craft these iconic hats and peruse their goods for a keepsake to take home. To round out your understanding of Ecuadorian craftsmanship, enjoy a tagua nut carving demonstration. Often referred to as “vegetable ivory,” this nut can be utilized for many products, from simple buttons to intricate jewelry.

Sail the Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean may have been officially discovered in 1521, yet early civilizations have been traversing these waters since 3000 BC. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in The Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Panama City (Fuerte Amador), Panama
Panama City is a gleaming city of high rises on the Pacific and gracefully blends new and old. At once a rousing tribute to international finance and a rich reminder of a colonial past, it is Central America’s unparalleled cosmopolitan center. The atmospheric Old Town, the Casco Viejo, straddles a peninsula and hosts some of the nation’s most prized cultural and historic treasures, including churches, palaces and plazas. Nearby, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal, conveys ships along its 48 miles to the Caribbean Sea.

Shore Excursions – Panama City by Foot
Duration: 3 hours      
See the Panama City of both yesterday and today during this panoramic city tour. Take a scenic drive through Panama City, a contemporary metropolis of skyscrapers and wide boulevards, then walk along the narrow streets of colonial-era El Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and the French Quarter, founded in 1673. Along the way, listen to tales of gallantry and the pirates who once threatened the city. Visit the promenade of Las Bóvedas, or “The Vaults.” The Spanish built this defensive system to protect the esplanade during the 18th century. It once housed barracks and a prison; today, it is home to an art gallery and restaurant. This site was declared a national monument in 1920, and a 60-foot obelisk topped with a French rooster was erected in French Plaza. Admire the mix of European styles that influence the architecture of the buildings from the colonial era.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Exploration of Panama City
Duration: 6 hours
Enjoy a panoramic excursion to discover the captivating history of Panama City, Panama Viejo and Amador. Meet your guide and journey to Panama’s capital to explore its rich history and breathtaking views. Appreciate the city’s beauty while delving into its heritage as you glimpse the remnants of churches, colonial palaces, bridges and military structures in Panama Viejo. Enjoy intriguing stories shared by your guide, who will recount legends and Panama’s maritime heritage. Relax in comfort as you enjoy a scenic tour of Panama City, navigating the Cinta Costera 3 and the waterfront boulevard. Admire panoramic views of the Bay of Panama and the historic Casco Viejo, Panama’s colonial district. Finally, take a moment to capture the scenery in Amador, an area formed by the four small islands, marking the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Scenic Sailing: Panama Canal
The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, crossing the narrowest stretch of the Isthmus of Panama. A full transit through the 48-mile-long canal takes around eight to ten hours and passes through the Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, an artificial valley that runs through the Continental Divide. An engineering marvel of the 20th century, the crossing passes through a series of locks that lift and lower ships 85 feet from sea level, guided by electric locomotives known as mulas. The Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage and a truly memorable experience.

Sail the Caribbean Sea
Sail through turquoise waters where legends of marauding pirates, swashbucklers
and tales of hidden treasures were born. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your stateroom’s floor-to-ceiling window.

Cozumel, Mexico
The island of Cozumel holds the keys to many of the most intriguing secrets of Mexico’s ancient civilizations. At San Gervasio, pre-Columbian women made offerings to Ix Chel, goddess of the moon and fertility. More recently, the Spanish left marks of their early presence in the colorful colonial architecture and lively traditions of San Miguel and at the scenic lighthouse at Punta Sur. Today, this island off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula attracts as many snorkelers as it does history buffs; the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is the world’s second-largest coral reef system.

Shore Excursions – Don Clemente Charter
Duration: 4 hours      
Set sail on a classic boat to snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean on this half-day excursion. Transfer to the pier, where you will meet your experienced captain and crew, then board the Don Clemente, a renovated charter vessel that first took to the water in 1966. Sit back and relax as you make your way out onto the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea en route to your snorkeling site. Upon arrival, grab your snorkel gear and slip beneath the waves to explore this rich, underwater marine world. Keep watch for colorful fish, loggerhead turtles and rays as you swim above the beautiful coral. Once back on board, you will head to a nearby beach, where you will enjoy time to relax onshore, as well as a delicious tropical-style lunch. Refreshed and appetite sated, you will make the return journey to shore and your ship.

Shore Excursions – Historic Cozumel
Duration: 5 hours    
Immerse yourself in the history of Cozumel during a sightseeing tour to iconic local landmarks. Meet your knowledgeable guide and transfer to El Cedral, the island’s former capital and site of its oldest Mayan ruins, dating back to 800 AD. At the ruins of a Mayan temple, learn how the locals used their secret knowledge of the area to sail to and from the mainland, before visiting San Miguel Church. Here on May 6, 1518, the first Catholic Mass was held by Spanish missionaries in what is today Mexico. Continue to the municipal market, its stalls covered with an array of colorful fruits, vegetables and other wares. Browse the market where you may enjoy lunch (at your own expense), before heading to the main square. Here, you will have free time to explore on your own, followed by the return transfer to your ship.

Shore Excursions – El Pueblo del Maiz: A Mayan Village
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 
Discover the traditions of the Indigenous Mayan people of the Yucatán during an immersive cultural experience. Transfer to Pueblo del Maíz, a cultural park dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Yucatán’s pre-Hispanic cultures. Join your guide for a walk among the traditional huts of a reconstructed village, uncovering rich layers of heritage as you explore. Try your hand at seeding corn, revered in this region, and listen as your hosts share the story of the village’s creation. Next, observe the process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate—a sacred food in Mayan culture—and join a music workshop to discover ancestral music and use ancient instruments to create rhythms inspired by heritage and nature. Learn about the Mayan writing system during a painting activity and cap your day by watching a dance performance that honors ancestral rituals, accompanied by ceremonial music.

Sail the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico has been a witness to much of the history of North and Central America. In 1497, Amerigo Vespucci was purportedly the first European to sail into the gulf’s basin, charting its coast and changing the world map. As you sail, explore our well-curated Library, tucked in a private alcove of the Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.