Overview
Fiordo de las Montañas, Chile Cruise Port
Fiordo de las Montañas, also known as the Fjord of the Mountains, is a spectacular natural channel in Chilean Patagonia, located west of Puerto Natales within the Alacalufes National Reserve. This narrow fjord stretches approximately 66 kilometers from north to south and is flanked by the Cordillera Sarmiento and Cordillera Riesco mountain ranges. Its remote location and dramatic scenery make it a standout destination for expedition-style cruises navigating the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Cruising through Fiordo de las Montañas offers an immersive experience into one of the most untouched regions of South America. The fjord is dotted with glaciers that have calved from the surrounding ice fields, creating a surreal landscape of floating ice, steep cliffs, and misty peaks. Wildlife sightings, including sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds, add to the allure, while the silence and scale of the environment evoke a deep sense of wonder and solitude.
Top Things to Do in Fiordo de las Montanas, Chile
Scenic Glacier Viewing from Deck
Witness towering ice formations and calving glaciers from the comfort of your cruise ship.
Tip: Have your camera ready during early morning light for the most dramatic shots.
Zodiac Excursion into Hidden Coves
Explore narrow inlets and glacial bays via small boat for a closer look at the fjord’s geology.
Tip: Dress warmly and waterproof—Patagonian weather can shift quickly.
Wildlife Spotting Along the Fjord
Look out for sea lions, Andean condors, and dolphins as you cruise through the channel.
Tip: Bring binoculars for better views of cliff-nesting birds.
Photography of Cordillera Peaks
Capture the rugged beauty of the Cordillera Sarmiento and Riesco ranges rising above the fjord.
Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance contrast.
Glacier Interpretation Session Onboard
Join naturalists for a talk on the fjord’s glacial history and environmental significance.
Tip: Ask questions about climate change’s impact on the region’s ice fields.
Quiet Reflection on Deck
Take time to absorb the silence and grandeur of this remote wilderness.
Tip: Bring a journal to record your impressions—this is a once-in-a-lifetime setting.
