Chile's Wild Pacific: Patagonia, Juan Fernández and Easter Island

Arrive in Puerto Montt and embark the ship.

Spanning 750,000 protected acres in Chilean Patagonia, Pumalín National Park is one of the last areas harboring unusual alerce forests. These huge trees compare in size and age to California redwoods, with some specimens dating back around 2,000 years. The Pumalín Project was established in 1995 by the late American conservationist Doug Tompkins, who wanted to preserve some of the remaining virgin forest in Chile. Walk through the forest with naturalists, visit a hidden waterfall or climb along a rushing stream and look for forest birds along the trail. In the afternoon, head for the Golfo de Corcovado in search of Magellanic penguins, sooty shearwaters, dolphins and—with luck—whales.

Spend the day exploring Chiloé Island, known for its unique palafitos—colorful fishermen’s houses precariously built on stilts along the water’s edge—as well as its wooden churches, collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town of Castro has shops and a large open-air market where the Chileans show their wares, such as alpaca sweaters and lapis jewelry. You may choose a trip to Chiloé National Park to see its forests, wetlands and wildlife, with a selection of longer or shorter walks. Alternatively, visit some of the welcoming small communities that dot the countryside and learn about their traditional rural way of life.

Spend the day at sea editing photos alongside your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor or listening to a lecture from a member of the expedition team. Visit the bridge to spend some time watching for wildlife along the coast or take advantage of the wellness area on board.

Explore the rugged coastline of Mocha Island with exceptional close-up access to sea caves, rocky outcrops and wildlife-rich shores. Search for seabirds, sea lions and dolphins while navigating the island’s remote waters. Hike through windswept landscapes and native forests that offer a deeper perspective on the island’s unique ecology.

Explore the shores of Isla Santa María by Zodiac to get a rare glimpse at one of Chile’s lesser-visited island ecosystems. Observe seabirds, sea lions and migrating species along the island’s rugged Pacific coastline. Land ashore for a coastal hike through rolling landscapes, fishing settlements and native vegetation shaped by centuries of maritime tradition and isolation.

Spend the day exploring Valparaíso, one of South America’s most colorful and culturally vibrant port cities. Weave through the city’s historic hills, lively markets and maze-like streets lined with celebrated murals, cafés and restored funiculars overlooking the Pacific. Learn more about the maritime heritage and architectural character that earned Valparaíso UNESCO World Heritage status.

Spend the day at sea, attending expert talks from your expedition team, relaxing with a book in the lounge or taking in the ever-changing ocean views from the bridge and observation deck. As the ship makes its way across the Pacific, keep watch for whales and other marine life that may surface in these vast waters.

Explore one of the South Pacific’s most remote and storied islands, long celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, endemic wildlife and connection to the legend of Robinson Crusoe. Echoing the spirit of classic expedition voyages to the archipelago, the day combines Zodiac exploration along rugged volcanic coastlines with guided walks through lush forests, scenic ridgelines and the island’s small maritime community of San Juan Bautista. Naturalist guides interpret the island’s extraordinary biodiversity, including rare endemic plant and bird species found nowhere else on Earth, while sharing the history of early explorers, shipwrecks and resilient island culture.

Remote and rarely visited, Alejandro Selkirk Island offers a true expeditionary experience at the outer edge of the South Pacific. Conditions permitting, guests explore the island’s dramatic volcanic coastline exclusively by Zodiac, navigating beneath towering cliffs, sea caves and rugged headlands shaped by wind and ocean over millennia. The surrounding waters are rich with seabirds and marine life, and your naturalist guides will interpret the island’s extraordinary isolation, endemic ecosystems and connection to the legendary castaway history of the Juan Fernández Archipelago.

Enjoy time at sea, attending expert presentations, connecting with fellow travelers and taking advantage of the ship’s exceptional amenities. Relax in the sauna or infinity hot tubs, visit the bridge for wildlife sightings and take in the vast expanse of the Pacific as your expedition team shares insights into the islands and cultures ahead.

Explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues—the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation as you visit burial sites, quarries and intricately carved ceremonial altars.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, connect to late-night homebound flights.