Senior travel in Patagonia: Why cruising is the best option

The wild, untamed wilderness of Patagonia is a destination that should definitely be on your bucket list. With everything from vast, verdant grassland to majestic glaciers, the landscape in Patagonia is nothing short of breathtaking. What’s more, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, with no cell reception, no internet, and complete tranquility – somewhere you can truly get back to nature. However, if you’re in your later years, it’s possible you might be put off by some reports; after all, Patagonia is famous for grueling hikes and unpredictable weather. Although this is certainly true, there’s more than one way to experience Patagonia – and one of the best is by boat. In this article, we explain why cruising Patagonia is a great senior travel option.

Cruising Patagonia

Getting to the heart of Patagonia is challenging – but the journey is certainly worth it. There are flights to Santiago or Buenos Aires from most major international airports in the United States and Europe. From there, you need to navigate from the Chilean or Argentinian capitals to Patagonia. However, once you’re there, it’s doubtless that your experience will be unforgettable – especially if you choose to cruise the Chilean fjords. Australis offer one-way and roundtrip routes from Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile. Once you reach “the end of the world”, the luxury of the cruise ships is a welcome conclusion to a long journey. However, the adventure is really just beginning, as the ships set off into the Southern Icefield. 

From the deck of the cruise ship, you can witness some of Patagonia’s most breathtaking sights. For instance, as part of the Darwin’s Route itineraries, you can cruise down the famed Beagle Channel. Here, you’ll see the imposing Pía and Garibaldi Glaciers as well as acres of rich green Magellanic forest. However, what is truly exceptional is the shore excursions – and what makes the cruises perfect for senior travel is that these outings cater to all abilities. If some passengers are embarking on a trek that you may find challenging, the expedition staff will divide the groups by fitness level. Either way, you’ll encounter some of the most spectacular landscape you’ve ever seen.

Zodiac adventures

Australis cruises are also fully equipped with a fleet of Zodiac boats. This allows you to journey deeper into the Patagonian wilderness, accessing some of the world’s most remote locations by sea. For instance, many passengers cite an excursion to Cape Horn as a highlight of their trip. Weather conditions allowing, you can board one of Australis’s Zodiac boats to explore the rugged cliffs of the headland. Steeped in history and natural wonders, the point where the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans meet is an unforgettable trip. Plus, if your hiking legs aren’t what they used to be, you can do it all from the comfort and safety of one of Australis’s Zodiacs.

Senior travel with Australis

Australis ships are tailor-made for exploring Patagonia in luxury. After a full day’s exploring, you can enjoy an informative lecture from our expert guides or a drink at the bar with new friends. Whichever you choose, cruising with Australis is a great option for senior travel – allowing you to tick the rugged wilderness of Patagonia off your bucket list with all the creature comforts you could ever need. For more information, or to check out prices, download our brochure here.