Expedition . 02. soutel
Ruta Kawésqar
Southern Ice Field Expedition · Skorpios III · 10 Days / 9 Nights
— nomadic seafarers who navigated these channels for millennia — this is the most complete
expedition Southel operates. Glaciers of 10,000 years, Torres del Paine, and the Strait of Magellan.
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Departure
Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ)
Season
October – April
Format
Private & Semi-private · 1–6 travelers
OVERVIEW
A Journey Through the End of the World
The Southern Ice Field — Campo de Hielo Sur — is the third-largest freshwater reserve on Earth. Access exists only by sea. The Skorpios III is one of the few vessels authorized to navigate these waters, entering fjords that no road has ever reached.
What Southel adds is the complete context: the city of Punta Arenas at the start, Estancia Mercedes and Torres del Paine at the end, and the Strait of Magellan wildlife on the final day. Not just a cruise — a complete Patagonian expedition.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Punta Arenas
Private airport transfer · City orientation · Southel welcome briefing
Day 2 — Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales → Embarkation
Private van transfer (3 hrs) · Board Skorpios III 09:30 · Departure 12:00 noon
Days 3–6 — Navigation — Southern Ice Field
Glaciar Guillard · Glaciar Amalia · Fiordo Calvo · Glaciar Bernal · Fiordo de las Montañas · On-board lectures · Excursions by zodiac and on foot · Full board included
Day 7 — Disembarkation → Estancia Mercedes
Disembark Puerto Natales · Transfer to Estancia Mercedes · Traditional lamb asado lunch · Views toward Torres del Paine massif
Day 8 — Full Day — Torres del Paine National Park
Private guide and vehicle · Cueva del Milodón · Lago Pehoé · Salto Grande · Laguna Amarga viewpoint · Lunch included · Return to Punta Arenas
Day 9 — Wildlife Day — Strait of Magellan
OPTION A: Whale Watching — Parque Francisco Coloane (humpback whales, Chilean dolphins) | OPTION B: Isla Magdalena — 60,000+ Magellanic penguins
Day 10 — Departure
Private transfer to Punta Arenas International Airport · End of expedition
What Is Included
Includes / Excludes
Included
- Private transfers Punta Arenas (arrival and departure)
- Private van Punta Arenas ↔ Puerto Natales
- 5-day cruise aboard Skorpios III — Atenas Double Exterior Cabin
- All meals on board (Days 2–7)
- All glacier excursions and on-board lectures
- Maritime port tax (USD 80/person)
- Private 4x4 vehicle + guide (Days 7, 8, 9)
- Lunch Torres del Paine (Day 8)
- Estancia Mercedes visit and lunch (Day 7)
- Whale watching or Isla Magdalena (Day 9)
Not Included
- International flights to/from Punta Arenas
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Torres del Paine entrance fee — USD 38/person
- Cueva del Milodón entrance — USD 20/person
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Pricing & Availability
From USD 2,950 per person (Low Season) · From USD 3,170 per person (High Season)
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Q: What is the Ruta Kawésqar?
A: A 10-day private expedition from Punta Arenas, Chile, combining a 5-night cruise through the Southern Ice Field aboard the Skorpios III vessel with a full day in Torres del Paine National Park and a wildlife day in the Strait of Magellan.
Q: How do I get to Punta Arenas?
A: Punta Arenas International Airport (PUQ) receives direct flights from Santiago de Chile (approx. 3.5 hours via LATAM, Sky, or JetSmart). Southel arranges all ground transfers once you arrive.
Q: Is this expedition suitable for solo travelers?
A: Yes. The Skorpios III cruise operates with other guests on board. All land-based days are fully private with your dedicated Southel guide and vehicle. Contact us for solo supplement pricing.
Q: What is the best time of year for this expedition?
A: December–February (High Season) offers maximum daylight and peak wildlife activity. October–November and March–April (Low Season) offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors.
Q: What does the price include?
A: The price includes all cruise costs aboard Skorpios III, all meals on board, maritime port tax, private transfers, private guide, Estancia Mercedes lunch, Torres del Paine guided day, and choice of whale watching or Isla Magdalena on Day 9.
CONTACT
Plan Your Ruta Kawésqar Expedition
Every expedition is different. Tell us your travel dates, group size, and what matters most to you — we will build the right program around you.