From the Arctic to Antarctica

Embark on a drive through the picturesque Chilean countryside to visit the Rio Simpson National Reserve. Board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey, passing by lush forests, cascading waterfalls and towering mountains. The construction of the Carretera Austral roadway now makes this area more accessible for travelers, allowing for further exploration into these once remote landscapes. Your one-hour drive traces the shoreline of the Rio Simpson along a rocky valley. Stop at the Rio Simpson National Reserve, a protected area established in 1984 to protect and conserve the surrounding ecosystems. Here, you will take a brief walk down to the river to photograph this rugged landscape. Visit the information center to learn about the local flora and fauna before heading back to port and your awaiting ship.

Experience the beauty of the Chilean Fjords from the water during a ride in a Special Operations Boat. Board your vessel from the ship’s shell door landing, with assistance by a member of Viking’s Expedition Team. Once securely on board, lines will be untethered, and your thrilling journey will begin. Keep watch for the diverse array of pelagic bird species and marine life that inhabit the shoreline and waters surrounding this striking, rugged landscape. Your highly maneuverable vessel will allow you to reach less accessible locations along the water’s edge. Knowledgeable specialists will be on hand to explain the natural world that surrounds you and to alert you of birdlife in the area. At the end of your excursion, your Special Operations Boat will return you and your fellow travelers to your ship.

Investigate the dramatic scenery of Patagonia during an exhilarating Zodiac ride. Board your Viking Zodiac and set off from your Expedition ship with a small group of fellow travelers amid the stunning Chilean fjords with views over the majestic Andes Mountain range. Admire the rugged and picturesque landscape of your surroundings as you cruise along the crystal-clear waters with a bucolic backdrop of dense forests as you watch for possible wildlife sightings. Your Expedition team will answer any questions you may have along the way, as well as share stories and insights. At the end of your excursion, your Zodiac will return to your ship.

Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you journey along the pristine fjords, reaching less accessible locations along the water’s edge and keeping watch for local wildlife.

Be captivated by stunning mountain scenery on a visit to the Rio Simpson National Reserve and Coyhaique city. Depart the dock by motor coach for the Environmental Information Center in the Rio Simpson National Reserve. Enjoy a brief walk to the river for a view of the rugged, yet majestic scenery of the Andes Mountain range. The area is well known for its spectacular fly-fishing and as home to the national flower of Chile, the beautiful Chilean bellflower. Travel alongside the Rio Simpson, heading across the Andes through a varied landscape. See snowcapped mountains, fjords and waterfalls brimming with vegetation and abundant birdlife as you continue your journey to Coyhaique. Located at 1,476 feet, the city is the mountainous region’s capital. Savor delicious, traditional refreshments at a local restaurant before returning to your ship.

Discover the wild beauty of Chilean Patagonia in the valleys, lakes and waterfalls of Aikén del Sur Park. Witness unlimited natural beauty such as the placid, transparent blue waters of Lake Riesco, the 72-foot-high Old Man’s Beard waterfall, and flora and fauna galore during your visit. On arrival, you will visit the information center for an introduction from your guide before you set off along gravel nature trails. Take a break at scenic sights that are dotted around the park and allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery while listening to the sounds of indigenous birds, the chucao, nestling in the forest. At the end of your tour, head to the quinchoto enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue-style lamb feast, cooked over a wood-fueled fire pit, before returning to your ship.

Ride among some of the world’s most wild and beautiful landscapes on this Patagonian horseback trail. Covering an area of more than 40,000 acres, the Rio Simpson Valley offers spectacular scenery with a varied landscape of clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls and swamps that are home to a myriad of Patagonian wildlife. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through a rocky gorge to a local farm, where your horses will be waiting. After a briefing from your guide, you will set off on a two-hour ride through stunning natural landscapes as you follow the Rio Simpson. Back at the farm, you will be served locally crafted cheeses and smoked Simpson salmon, a delicious end to a perfect Patagonian escapade.

Kayak through the wilderness of an isolated Andean valley in the Northern Patagonia region. Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Aysén region to Lake Los Palos. Upon arrival, you will receive a safety briefing before climbing into your kayak and paddling up the western shore of the lake. Marvel at the mix of rivers, lakes and forests that make up this stunning landscape. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the lake’s clear, placid waters as you paddle north to the mouth of the Tabo River. Admire the local birdlife, including kingfishers, eagles and many species of ducks. Depending on water levels, you may stop for a short walk to explore the surrounding forests before navigating to a small island covered in endemic vegetation. Here, you can relax and enjoy a light snack before paddling back to the pier and returning to your ship.

Enjoy a fly-fishing excursion to a region of untamed rivers and stunning wilderness. Numerous rivers descend from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean along the spectacular coastal bays of southern Chile. Learn firsthand why these fish-abundant waters attract fly-fishing enthusiasts to this renowned area every year. Meet your experienced guide before embarking on a scenic drive along the Simpson River while admiring the dense forests, towering mountains and mighty rivers that make up the wilderness of northern Patagonia. Your guide will provide all the necessary fishing gear, offer tips and help with your casting technique, rowing and photo-taking. Explore the runs, deep pools and shoreline banks of the Simpson, Mañihuales or Aysén Rivers. With a little luck and patience, you might hook one of the large rainbow or brown trout that call these waters home.

Explore the untamed natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia during a leisurely walk through Aikén del Sur Park. On arrival, you will visit the information center for an introduction from your guide before you set off along a nature trail. Meander through a vibrant ecosystem of trees, moss and lichens, lush ferns and shrubs as you pass such spectacular scenery as the 72-foot-high Old Man’s Beard waterfall. Stop to see the twisted trunks and branches of cinnamon-colored arrayan trees, which can reach heights of 55 feet and 400 years in age. Keep watch for the indigenous red-breasted chucao and listen for the sounds of the black-throated huet-huet, with its distinctive call resembling the yelp of a small dog. At the end of your tour, head to the quincho to enjoy traditional refreshments, before returning to your ship.