Patagonian Explorer

Argentina and Chile by Land and Sea

Featuring a Four-Night Cruise Aboard the 210-guest Ventus Australis or Stella Australis

16 days from $11,082 / Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Nov. 4–19, Dec. 2–17, 2023 & Jan. 7–22, Feb. 8–23, Mar. 11–26, Oct. 31–Nov. 15, Dec. 2–7, 2024

Venture to the southernmost reaches of South America, exploring the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia. Board a comfortable expedition ship to encounter the glaciers and wild islands of the Chilean fjords on a four-night cruise. Then spend two days in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, discovering gem-like lakes and stunning mountain vistas. Bookend your experience with visits to three wonderful cities: Buenos Aires, Santiago, and the World Heritage site of Valparaiso.

Highlights Include

Buenos Aires: Capture the essence of Argentina’s capital while spending time in captivating neighborhoods, visiting a renowned tango house, and taking a backstage tour of the Teatro Colón.

Cruising the Chilean Fjords: From Ushuaia, Argentina, cruise the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn National Park, as well as remote fjords and bays. Watch for sea lions, Antarctic fur seals, and Magellanic penguins; and go ashore to explore glaciers and forests.

Torres del Paine National Park: Spend two days immersed in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its twisting mountain peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and thunderous waterfalls. Explore the park on a variety of walks and hikes, and keep your eye out for some of the park’s 106 species of birds and 26 species of mammals.

Santiago: Take a city tour of this sophisticated Chilean capital. See an excellent collection of indigenous art and artifacts at the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Valparaiso and Chile’s Wine Country: Enjoy a private tour and tasting at a renowned winery in Chile’s Casablanca wine country. Continue to the culture hub of Valparaiso and stroll the historic port, a World Heritage site.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Don Wilson (Jan.)–senior scientist and curator emeritus at Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. Allen Glazner (Feb.) and Wayne Ranney (Mar.)–geologists.

Amazon River Cruise

Featuring Lima and a Round-trip Cruise from Nauta Aboard the 36-guest Zafiro

9 days from $5,495 Oct. 7–15, 2023 & Feb. 10–18, Mar. 2–10, 2024

Exploring the mysterious Amazon River Basin—one of Earth’s most exotic natural realms and our planet’s largest rainforest ecosystem—is an unforgettable and once-in-alifetime experience. Witness a spectacular variety of lush flora and extraordinary fauna during daily expeditions by excursion boat and on nature walks. As you discover this enthralling world of verdant tropical waterways and rainforests, learn about the relationship the local villagers have with their environment as well as the critical global issues of biodiversity and sustainability.

Highlights Include

Lima and Iquitos: Tour the historic center of Peru’s capital city, a World Heritage site, and vibrant Iquitos, an important rubber boom city in the 19th century.

River Exploration: In an authentic atmosphere of exploration, cruise past the confluence of the Río Ucayali and Río Marañón—the legendary inception of the Amazon River—where the primeval calls of birds and wildlife echo across the rainforest. Far removed from civilization, cross into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the largest wetlands refuge in the world. Here, cruise along sinuous tributaries and serpentine blackwater rivers and see rare indigenous wildlife as well as the Victoria amazonica waterlilies, which can grow nine feet in diameter.

Tropical Wildlife: Gain close-up views of gray and pink Amazon River dolphins, red howler and squirrel monkeys, monk sakis, sloths, and other animals. Walk through forests where the number of butterfly species climbs into the thousands, and see colorful large-billed toucans, blue-and-gold and scarlet macaws, kites, hawks, jabiru storks, and the distinctive hoatzin.

River Villages: Visit villages along the shore, accompanied by your local guides. You’ll learn about the ribereño people who live here and their special relationship with the Amazon, meet a local shaman who explains indigenous medicinal plants, and watch preparations of a traditional meal.

Zafiro: Launched in 2015, this deluxe small river ship is ideal for traveling on the Amazon with its modern comforts (including air-conditioned cabins), spacious public areas, and superb service. The delightful top deck features a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, which serves as a hub for lectures, while the outdoor bar is ideal for stargazing. Find more details on our website.

Port charges are an additional $395 per person. Space reserved for 36 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts Nina Zitani (Oct.)–naturalist with expertise in biodiversity and conservation. Ed Smith (Feb./Mar.)–former biologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo.