Something Special-Australis Cruceros
Patagonia is a land that defies easy description—it is truly special. When discussing this region, one must first grapple with its sheer, overwhelming scale. I haven't focused on it too much previously simply because it is an enormous territory. To put it in perspective, Patagonia is larger than more than 80% of the nations on this earth! There is an almost infinite amount to see and explore within its boundaries.
However, amidst the vastness, I did want to share something truly unique and close to my heart: Australis Cruceros Cruises.
My connection to Australis is personal. A significant and cherished part of my own honeymoon was spent cruising with Australis, and the experience remains a highlight of my travel memories.-----The Patagonian Planning Predicament.Before I delve into the specifics of the cruise, I want to preface this with a key observation. I am a strong advocate for independent travel. I founded Counsel Travel with the very mission of empowering people to plan their own trips, offering support as much or as little as they require
That said, there is a very specific, recurring issue that separates the dream of a self-planned Patagonian adventure from the reality. About ten times a year, I receive a desperate call from someone who has meticulously planned their own trip, only to hit a monumental roadblock: figuring out how to get between the two prime Patagonian gateway cities, Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile.
Looking at a map, the conclusion seems obvious: “There has to be a direct flight connecting those two points.” But a quick search reveals the harsh truth—there isn't. I encourage you to check Google Flights yourself if you are skeptical. The infrastructure simply doesn't support a direct, convenient aerial connection across this critical stretch of the Andes and the Strait of Magellan.
The alternative is the bus route. While the two cities are less than 400 miles apart as the crow flies (or as the majestic Andean Condor soars), the driving route is a labyrinthine journey that requires crossing international borders, navigating multiple ferries, and looping around geographical obstacles. The actual distance you must drive stretches to nearly 800 miles, often consuming an entire day or more of precious vacation time. It's a logistical nightmare that often catches independent travelers completely off guard.-----Australis: The Essential Patagonian Passage
This is precisely where Australis Cruceros offers not just a travel solution, but a transformative travel experience. Australis is, without question, the best and most elegant way to travel between these two crucial Patagonian hubs.
More importantly, it solves a fundamental truth about exploring this region: much like Alaska, a significant portion of Patagonia's most spectacular and untouched beauty can only be experienced from the water. The fjords, the towering glaciers, the isolated bays, and the Strait of Magellan—the historical route of explorers—are inaccessible by road.
The Australis cruises chart a course through this legendary seascape, providing comfortable transport while simultaneously acting as an expedition ship, allowing you to witness the pristine wilderness of Tierra del Fuego and the iconic Cape Horn, ensuring you don't just pass through Patagonia, but truly experience it’s true heart. Some of the high points include landing at Cape Horn, viewing the Pia Glacier, visiting Magdalena Island penguin colonies, and daily zodiac excursions with expert guides.
