Expediton to the Darwin Range Patagonia, Chile

From: November 20, 2025
To: November 26, 2025
Status: Get Ready to Explore

Number of days/nights:

7 days 6 nights

Location:

Almirantazgo Sound, Magallanes Region, Chile

Participants:

Maximum 8 in shared double cabins

Photography Experience Level:

Open to all levels

Physical Fitness Level:

Easy, suitable for all levels

Guiding Team:

Guy Wenborne and Capitan Pablo

Expedition Transport:

Boat-based navigation

Expedition start and end:

Punta Arenas, Chile

A Journey to the Edge of the World

At the southernmost reaches of the Americas, where the land breaks apart into a labyrinth of ice and sea, lies one of the most untouched and enigmatic landscapes on Earth—the Darwin Range. Rising from the depths of the Alberto de Agostini National Park, this remote stronghold of glaciers, fjords, and ancient forests is a place where time dissolves, where the forces of nature reign supreme, and where the only footprints are those of the wind.

It is in this realm—where the Andes Mountains submerge into the wild southern ocean, where towering peaks stand defiant against the relentless winds, and where ice flows like rivers of frozen time—that we embark on an extraordinary expedition by sea.

For six days, aboard our intimate expedition vessel, we will navigate the silent fjords, tracing the paths carved by ancient glaciers, venturing into the depths of Patagonia’s last frontier. Here, the world exists in its purest form, untouched, untamed, and overwhelmingly beautiful.

 

Through the Ice-Laden Fjords

Our journey will take us through a dreamscape of water, stone, and ice, where the elements have sculpted a terrain both ethereal and unforgiving. We will sail through Parry Fjord, Ainsworth Fjord, Brooks Fjord, Gabriel Channel, and the legendary Strait of Magellan, following the whisper of the tides through this kingdom of ice.

Beneath towering cliffs draped in mist, we will witness nine colossal glaciers, each a frozen testament to the slow, patient hand of time. Their walls of blue and white crack and sigh, sending echoes across the fjords as ice calves into the dark, icy waters below.

Yet, amidst this grandeur, there is also a stark reminder of the fragility of our planet. The receding lines of these ancient glaciers bear silent witness to the profound changes sweeping across our world—evidence of a warming climate that is reshaping even the most remote and untamed landscapes. Here, one can see climate change etched into the ice itself, a story told in retreating glacial fronts and newly exposed rock faces that had been buried under ice for thousands of years.

The landscape is a palette of impossible colors—deep sapphire blues in the ice, glacial whites that glow under the southern sun, emerald forests clinging to the cliffs, and brooding storm-cloud grays stretching across the horizon. The sky, ever-changing, paints the scene anew with each passing hour, a canvas of shifting light and shadow that transforms this wilderness into a photographer’s paradise.

 

A Sanctuary of Silence and Life

Though seemingly desolate, these lands are alive with creatures that have made the harsh wilderness their home. The air is laced with the cries pelagic birds, their wings slicing through the winds that sweep across the water. Condors ride the sea level thermals above the cliffs, their vast shadows drifting over the land.

With patience and luck, we may glimpse the mysterious leopard seal, a silent hunter of the glacial waters, or encounter southern elephant seals, their massive forms basking in solitude on remote, icy shores.

This is a place where life and stillness intertwine, where the silence is broken only by the rush of waterfalls, the crack of ice, and the murmur of the sea against the hull of our vessel.

 

Life Aboard the Expedition Vessel – M/V Alakush

Our floating base camp for this adventure is the M/V Alakush, an 18 meters (60 feet) steel-hull vessel equipped with two 240hp engines. The boat features a 270° panoramic lounge,  a lower deck with six double cabins, each fitted with bunk beds shared with fellow explorers, one shared shower for all passengers, there toilets and an expedition zodiac for safe shore landings.

Every night, we will find shelter in a well-protected cove, allowing for comfortable rest. We will disembark every day to explore on foot, immersing ourselves in the landscape. Whether from the deck or on land, the colors, ice formations, and vast panoramas will provide endless inspiration

With an experienced captain, a seasoned guide with deep knowledge of the area, and a crew well-versed in Patagonian navigation, we ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

And because adventure and comfort should go hand in hand, we will also enjoy delicious meals, both onboard and during our land excursions—including traditional Patagonian cuisine, featuring lamb barbecue, fresh seafood, and fine wines to accompany our journey.

 

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey to the Edge of the World

This is not just a trip—it is an odyssey into one of the last truly wild places on Earth.

A land where glaciers carve their way through ancient fjords, where the air is crisp and pure, and where the only footprints you will find are those left by the wind.

Whether you are a passionate photographer, nature lover, or adventurer, this expedition will transport you to a world few have seen, where the raw power of nature reigns supreme.

 

Beyond the Darwin: Exploring Chile’s Natural Wonders

For those wishing to extend their journey in Chile, we offer customized travel experiences to some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations like the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine.

Let us know if you’d like to add an extension to your trip, and we will craft a personalized package to ensure an unforgettable continuation of your Chilean adventure.

WHAT TO BRING

  • We will send you a list of what to bring and details on the specific Expeditions before the start date.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • One night in a Hotel in Punta Arenas the day before departure and on the return of the Boat trip
  • Airport transfer in Punta Arenas
  • All land and sea transportation during the trip
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, traditional lamb barbecue, and dinner)
  • Accommodation onboard the M/V Alakush (shared double cabins)
  • Professional photography guidance and personalized support throughout the expedition
  • A lot of fun…..

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to and from Santiago and to and from Punta Arenas (we can arrange internal flights for you)
  • Internaltional medial and evacutation insurance (required from all participants)
  • Anything else not listed as included

Payment Details

For cost and payment information, please contact us via the form or our WhatsApp

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Gallery

Enrique Huanca Pairo

Guest Guide

Born in an Aymara family, Enrique calls the Arica and Parinacota region (the Chilean Altiplano) his home. He has over 27 years of experience in adventure tourism, working as a mountain and trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the Altiplano environment. He has completed training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), the Patagonia Guide School, and the Peruvian Guide School, holds a WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certification. Enrique is also a Chef graduated in International Gastronomy.

Andres Puiggros

Guest Expedition Leader

Agricultural Engineer by profession and nature photographer by passion, I have found in the Arica and Parinacota Region the perfect blend of both worlds. I arrived in Arica in 2007, and since then, I’ve devoted myself to exploring its most remote and stunning landscapes — from the lush valleys and fertile foothills to the majestic and mystical highlands.

Traversing the driest desert in the world while discovering hidden sanctuaries of pure and diverse nature is an experience I invite everyone to live. The region’s biodiversity is astonishing and distinct from the rest of the country, shaped by our unique climatic and geographical conditions. From the pristine night skies of the altiplano, the vastness of the desert, the grandeur of Lake Chungará, to the singular native flora species — this region offers endless opportunities to capture its natural richness through photography. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Email: andres.puiggros@gmail.com

Andel Alexa Paulmann Mast

Guest Expedition Leader

After years working as a designer, Andel decided to merge her greatest passions: nature, photography, and art. Since 2011, she has dedicated herself fully to nature photography, specializing in landscapes. She guides photographic expeditions and workshops, delivers lectures, serves as a juror in various photography competitions, and teaches photography courses. Between 2014 and 2019, Andel worked with Natphoto, and in the summer of 2015, she served as a photographer and guide in Antarctica. Her photographic work has been showcased in several individual exhibitions, and she has participated in numerous group exhibits. She founded the Facebook group “Bosques Nativos de Chile” (Native Forests of Chile) to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of Chilean native forests, and her photographs have contributed to books dedicated to nature and conservation. Andel represented Chile along with fellow photographers in the World Photographic Cup, participated in a photography Biennale in China, and won third place in photography at the International Art Biennale in Argentina.

Andel is deeply committed to landscape conservation and aims, through her work, to inspire awareness about the beauty and vital need to protect natural landscapes, particularly those that remain pristine.

Sebastián Wilson León

Guest Expedition Leader

Sebastián is a distinguished photographer based in Santiago, Chile specializing in architectural and landscape photography. His work is recognized for its exceptional clarity, precise composition, and evocative use of light and shadow. Sebastián’s architectural photography highlights the design and form of structures globally, while his landscape work captures the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. Featured in numerous publications, his images demonstrate a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for his subjects. Sebastián worked with Natphoto as teacher and workshop guide for several years. For more than 10 years he’s dedicated to education, sharing his expertise through workshops, podcasts and seminars and in particular asLightroom instructor. His photography is a testament to his passion and skill, consistently delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant images.

Carolina Peric

Client Happiness Alchemist

Carolina Peric’s journey has been shaped by a rich tapestry of global experiences. She began her career as a flight attendant, traveling the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her adventurous spirit led her to Singapore, where she spent nine years working as a relocation specialist, helping families navigate the challenges of settling into a new country. Beyond logistics, she provided invaluable support in making transitions smooth and stress-free. Her time in Cambodia further deepened her global perspective, as she contributed to housing projects, making a meaningful impact on local communities.

With a passion for people and seamless experiences, Carolina now brings her expertise to Southern Light Photo Expeditions. As the force behind back-office operations and client relations, she ensures every journey runs flawlessly. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, combined with her organizational skills and problem-solving mindset, makes her an invaluable part of the team. Whether managing logistics or building lasting relationships, she is dedicated to making every expedition a truly enriching adventure.