Antarctica, Chile & the Americas | 48 Days | Viking Polaris Cruise

Arrive in Argentina’s vibrant capital and check into your hotel. Buenos Aires is a dynamic blend of Latin and European influences, with tree-lined streets and stunning colonial architecture reflecting Spanish, French, and Italian heritage. The city’s cafés, bodegas, and lively nightlife showcase its unmistakable Argentine spirit. Each barrio (neighborhood) has a unique charm, creating an intimate feel despite the city’s vast size. In historic San Telmo, cobblestone streets and Belle Époque buildings echo with the mesmerizing rhythms of the tango.

After breakfast, check out and board your charter flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Nestled between the Beagle Channel and the Andes, it exudes an adventurous atmosphere, serving as the gateway for Antarctic explorers. Ushuaia is the capital of the legendary Tierra del Fuego ("Land of Fire"), named by Spanish explorers after seeing the fires lit by the indigenous Yámana people. This remote, untamed region includes the large island of Tierra del Fuego and countless Chilean and Argentine islets.

Named after 16th-century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, these frigid waters stretch 600 miles between Cape Horn and Livingston Island. While crossing, enjoy your ship’s amenities—take in the fresh ocean air with a walk on the promenade or start your day with a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

A land of ice and majesty, Antarctica has fascinated adventurers for centuries. Here, icebergs shimmer in tranquil bays, and towering snow-capped mountains rise from rugged basalt cliffs. Experience moments of serenity as fur seals lounge on floating ice, and feel the thrill of nature’s power as glaciers calve dramatically into the sea. These nutrient-rich waters attract an array of marine life, including humpback, fin, and massive blue whales, which often approach expedition ships.

Trace the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an immense underwater mountain range longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas, and the Andes combined. As you sail, indulge in international cuisine—choose from diverse flavors at the World Café, dine al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace, or savor regional specialties at The Restaurant.

A rugged and remote paradise, South Georgia boasts stunning landscapes of towering peaks, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines. Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1775, the island has played a key role in exploration history. Sir Ernest Shackleton first navigated these waters in 1916 and returned in 1921. Today, South Georgia remains one of the most untouched places on Earth, inhabited only by an extraordinary array of wildlife, including king penguins, albatrosses, and elephant and fur seals.

Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Captain Cook, who claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. Onboard, attend expert-led lectures or watch an immersive film in The Aula, an advanced learning venue featuring a retractable 270° panoramic screen that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding seascape.

This British Overseas Territory consists of nearly 800 islands. On East Falkland, visitors can enjoy traditional British hospitality in cozy pubs or admire the charming Victorian-era stone church. Despite its remote location, the Falklands are home to five species of penguins, including king, gentoo, and Magellanic, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Home to some of the region’s most striking coastal cliffs, this island was established as a sheep farm in 1879. Today, it is still family-owned by the Napier family, who warmly welcome travelers. West Point Island is also an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, sheltering Falkland steamer ducks, black-browed albatrosses, and rockhopper penguins.

Sail the legendary waters where Sir Ernest Shackleton once navigated his doomed Endurance expedition in 1915. Spend a relaxing day at sea, soaking in breathtaking views from your stateroom veranda.

Set against a backdrop of Andean peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests, Ushuaia is a breathtaking destination. Although it lies over 600 miles from Antarctica, its port remains the closest gateway to the "Last Continent." Explorers and adventure seekers are drawn to its stunning ice fields, rugged landscapes, and diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, and penguins.

At the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn marks the convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Part of the Hermite Islands, this stark and wind-swept outpost has been a beacon for sailors for centuries. A historic lighthouse stands at the island’s highest point, providing a guiding light since 1991.

Travel through one of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes on Earth, where towering glaciers cascade into deep blue fjords. From the pristine waters of Garibaldi Fjord to the awe-inspiring Southern Patagonian Ice Field, this journey showcases the wild beauty of Chile’s rugged coastline.

Cross the vast Pacific, the world’s largest ocean, and relax in the Finse Terrace, an inviting outdoor lounge featuring heated seating and volcanic rock firepits, perfect for admiring the open sea.

From Iquique’s dramatic Atacama Desert landscapes to Lima’s colonial grandeur, experience a diverse mix of history and natural wonders. Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts stunning Spanish baroque architecture and intricately designed balconies from the colonial era.

Journey across the Pacific before navigating the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. Witness firsthand the intricate system of locks that raise and lower ships 85 feet as they cross between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Explore Cozumel’s vibrant marine life and Mayan history before sailing across the Gulf of Mexico, retracing the routes of early explorers like Amerigo Vespucci. Enjoy world-class amenities onboard, including fitness facilities, gourmet dining, and enriching lectures.

Arrive in sunny Florida and bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Extend your journey with optional post-cruise experiences or explore Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, art scene, and lively waterfront.