Nature as far as the eye can see – unspoilt, unbelievable, unforgettable. Visit wild Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego on this new route with the HANSEATIC nature: from the breathtaking expanse of pristine steppe to imposing mountain and glacier landscapes. See whales, sea lions, seals and penguins at the most exciting time of the year with wildlife activity wherever you go. This includes the “gateway” to Argentina’s south coast: Puerto Madryn. Moving encounters await you on the neighbouring Valdes Peninsula, which is rich in wildlife: the tour to the natural paradise of the Valdes Peninsula with whale watching* will give you the chance to see southern right whales, pampas hares, Magellanic penguins and elephant seals. Alternatively, get to know the penguins of Punta Tombo and the palaeontology museum*: around two million Magellanic penguins nest here, and the dinosaur remains are equally spectacular.

Spot numerous seabirds, such as cormorants and herons, on the Islas Vernaci, which you will explore in the Zodiacs if the authorities allow. The small harbour of Puerto Deseado was a port of call for famous seafarers such as Magellan and Drake. Discover pure nature on the Ria Deseado*, its protection zone a habitat for dolphins and other creatures. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin* and track down guanacos, American rheas and Darwin’s rheas in Patagonia’s hinterland.

Stanley, the small capital of the Falkland Islands, exudes British charm. One of the planet’s most remote archipelagos, this is an animal paradise and home to over 60 species of bird – for example, albatrosses on Saunders Island. On Carcass Island, Magellanic and gentoo penguins create an impressive scene before you cruise through the Strait of Magellan as the sun sets.

The colonial splendour of Punta Arenas is followed by a panoramic view of snow-covered mountain peaks on a flight to Torres del Paine National Park*. Go on a hike in Magallanes National Reserve* and explore the rich vegetation of lenga and coihue forests. Or experience the glacier waters on a picturesque kayak trip in the Strait of Magellan*. With magical moments behind you, unimaginable discoveries lie ahead in Tierra del Fuego: the Marinelli Glacier sits majestically on Bahia Ainsworth – an impressive scene that will put you in the mood for your cruise through Chile’s southern island and fjord world.

After a Zodiac tour to the mighty foot of the gleaming blue Garibaldi Glacier, your route will continue through the Beagle Channel with a passage through “Glacier Alley”: several glaciers line the famous waterway where, with luck, humpback whales will make an appearance.

Your curiosity will know no bounds during two eventful days on the hidden and seldom-visited Isla de los Estados. The HANSEATIC nature is the first Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship to be given special permission to visit this uninhabited world of wonders, where the Zodiacs will take you ashore: Antarctic southern beeches and large ferns adorn the rugged mountain chains, and fjords stretch deep into the island’s interior. You will have plenty of opportunities to spot black-browed albatrosses, rockhopper penguins and sea lions. The Faro de San Juan de Salvamento can be found on a rocky outcrop: hike to the small “lighthouse at the end of the world”, made famous by Jules Verne, or to the rockhopper penguin colony in Bahia Franklin – just two of the many adventurous and enchanting experiences on this expedition.