Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords

[bobhoge]

We traveled from Ushuaia, Argentina (at the southern tip of South America) up the Pacific coast of Chile to Conception, Chile. We traveled with Lindblad Expeditions http://expeditions.com on the MS Endeavour, a 100 passenger small ship. There were 9 naturalists/guides/leaders with us so there was always someone knowledgeable to ask if you had a question.

The area is quite diverse with glaciers, fjords, mountains, islands, small towns, several National Parks, many strange birds and animals.
The Torres del Paine National Park is spectacular. The Towers (very rugged new mountain peaks) were never completely clear of the clouds, but still made for neat photos.
Much of the area is a rainforest so we saw a lot of rain and clouds. Be sure to take something to cover your gear.
Our small ship went up several fjords. Our Chilean Pilot did not think any passenger ship had ever gone up one of the ones we explored. We got off the ship using 10 passenger Zodiacs to go ashore and hike or use the kayaks on board. I have posted some of our photos in the appropriate sections. See them here:
Birds and Animals
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1965
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1963
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1961

Landscapes
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1952
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1953
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1954

Flowers & Plants
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1950
https://www.nikoncafe.com//forums/viewtopic.php?t=1951

If you have any questions be sure to ask!

More photos from the trip are posted here:
http://bob-nan.smugmug.com/gallery/455599

Bob & Nan

 

[DMcG]

There's some really nice shots there Bob, thanks for sharing them.

I reached Ushuaia by land, overlanding down through Argentina and bits of Chile from Bolivia several years ago. I still have it in mind to go back and tour round the Patagonian fjords at some point - although possibly in the reverse direction you did - and possibly link it up with a trip to the Falkland Islands if logistics permit.

Thanks for reminding me how fantastic it is down that way.

 

[bobhoge]

The Falklands are good

The Falklands are good, Antarctica is unbelievable, South Georgia is off the charts!!
I have not written up that trip yet, but some of our photos are here if you would like a preview:
http://bob-nan.smugmug.com/Travel/53730
You might want to check with Lindblad. In February/March 2006 they should do a Falklands - South Georgia - Antarctica Trip followed by the Patagonia - Chilean Fjords trip written up here. Note: you can get 10% off both trips if you book back-to-back, plus only one airfare (and one beat-up on long flights).
Maybe the reverse in October/November 2006, not sure.
Bob