There are trips you take… and then there are journeys that truly take you to the edge of the map.
I’m currently traveling through Patagonia on a National Geographic–led expedition with Lindblad Expeditions, and from the moment the adventure began, it was clear this would be something extraordinary.
Patagonia sits at the southernmost tip of South America, divided by the towering Andes Mountains and shared by Chile and Argentina. It’s a place known for its dramatic landscapes—massive glaciers, jagged peaks, wild fjords, and some of the most abundant wildlife on the planet. Penguins, whales, seals, and soaring condors all call this remote region home.
Over the next two and a half weeks, we’ll be hiking, kayaking, and exploring by zodiac, immersing ourselves in one of the most beautiful and untouched places on Earth.
Sunshine in Santiago
Our journey began in vibrant Santiago, and the city welcomed us with what might have been one of the most perfect weather days imaginable.
From the rooftop pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, the view stretched across the city to the snow-capped Andes Mountains. After weeks of winter back home, I can’t tell you how exciting it felt to finally put on a tank top and soak up the sunshine.
Santiago is filled with beautiful green spaces, sculptures, and lively outdoor dining. We enjoyed dinner al fresco while sipping Chile’s iconic welcome drink—the Pisco Sour—as the sun dipped behind the mountains.
But our next destination would take us far beyond the bustle of the capital.
Ushuaia, El Fin del Mundo (The End of the World)
The remote city of Ushuaia sits at the southern edge of South America in the wild archipelago of Tierra del Fuego—a region known as the Land of Fire.
With a population of about 90,000, Ushuaia is the southernmost city on Earth. Travelers arrive here from all over the world, and some adventurers even drive the entire length of the Americas—from Alaska—just to reach this final destination.
A catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel gave us our first glimpse of Patagonia’s dramatic scenery: snow-dusted peaks, windswept islands, and icy waters stretching toward Antarctica.
Then we saw it—our home for the next 2½ weeks: the beautiful expedition ship National Geographic Resolution.
Into the Wild Fjords
Patagonia wastes no time showing off its wild side. During one expedition, we had the rare privilege of visiting an uncharted fjord and glacier—something so unusual that even the ship’s crew was buzzing with excitement. Our expert guides had to scout the landing area before we could step ashore.
Our first zodiac ride brought us face-to-face with Patagonia’s raw beauty. Towering cliffs rose above us while glaciers carved their way through the landscape.
One of the highlights was spotting an Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world. These magnificent birds can weigh up to 33 pounds and stretch their wings more than 10 feet across. Seeing one glide effortlessly across the Patagonian sky was unforgettable.
Then there was something even more unexpected—a humpback whale skeleton along the shoreline. It’s believed the whale died within the last few years, though no one knows whether it became trapped in shallow water or drifted here after dying in the open sea.
Moments like these remind you how wild and untamed this region truly is.
Within a single fjord—sometimes within an hour—the weather and scenery can shift dramatically: sunlit mountains, misty glaciers, and dark clouds rolling across icy waters.
Life on an Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Resolution was specifically designed for journeys like this. Fully stabilized and built to polar-class standards, the ship is capable of navigating some of the most remote waters on Earth.
And while we’re exploring rugged wilderness by day, the onboard experience feels wonderfully luxurious.
The ship also serves as a floating classroom. Experts offer daily lectures on photography, glaciers, wildlife, history, and the region’s indigenous cultures. A National Geographic photographer is onboard to help guests capture the perfect shot, and the ship even offers a complimentary photography gear locker with lenses and camera bodies available for use.
An undersea specialist uses a remotely operated vehicle to explore waters up to 1,000 feet below the surface, revealing a hidden world most travelers never get to see.
Meanwhile, Base Camp keeps everything organized with lockers for boots and expedition gear, and specially designed boarding platforms allow guests to easily launch zodiacs and kayaks for daily exploration.
And after a full day of adventure? The ship’s dining rivals any luxury cruise, from breakfast buffets to à la carte meals—and even a seven-course chef’s table experience.
Home in the Wilderness
One of the biggest surprises has been the staterooms themselves.
For a journey lasting nearly three weeks, space matters—and the rooms aboard the National Geographic Resolution are beautifully designed and surprisingly spacious. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and there’s plenty of closet and drawer space to hold everything needed for an 18-day expedition.
It’s the perfect place to rest after a day spent exploring glaciers, fjords, and some of the most remote landscapes on the planet.
Patagonia is a place that humbles you with its scale and wildness. Every fjord, glacier, and wildlife encounter feels like discovering something new.
