Chile/Argentina
Glaciers, Fjords & Channels: A Voyage Around Cape Horn
Program No. 24891RJ
See More Photos
Participant Reviews
Based on 6 Reviews
SHOWING
Mariano and Christian were not only expert guides, but personable and fun. They interacted with us throughout the tour getting to know each participant and answering our questions. Mariano also demonstrated how to make and drink Yerba Mate while standing in the aisle on a moving bus. Each night at dinner both men would join participants at the table.
The tour included experiences like an Argentine farm with gauchos on horseback, folk singing, dancing and a traditional asado (bbq or cookout). Plus an opportunity to pet the horses and see the chickens.
Penguins on the Falkland Island beach, penguins on an Island in the straits of Magellan, condors in the remote countryside of Punta Arenas, and an avenue of glaciers in the straits of Magellan Chilean Patagonia.
Another wonderful Road Scholar adventure where we engaged with new friends from all regions of the USA .
— Review left June 15, 2026
I give it 3 STARS because it was a nice trip, but it didn't live up to the Road Scholar standard of "the best of the university experience" because there were very few experts known "for the depth of their knowledge about a destination or subject". The local guides were trained by the tourist bureau. So, nothing special. Holland America did provide some excellent on board lectures and excursions. Their penguin excursion on the Falklands was exceptional. Many of the RS excursions entailed long bus rides.
The best Road Scholar excursions were the local young chef's tour of the Farmer's Market in Chile where we learned all about local seafood and vegetables. This was followed by a feast at his family's house. In Argentina, the best excursion was the gaucho ranch where we experienced music, farm animals and cowboys, as well as the ubiquitous wine and grilled meat.
— Review left March 18, 2026
We had a great time on this tour and totally recommend it!
— Review left March 11, 2026
Road Scholar trip along with Holland America Cruise line.
Carolina and Marcel-the Road Scholar leaders-had a large group of 34 people to manage. They did a very good job overall and listened to feedback from the group. Like wearing their red RS shirts and using the Road Scholar flag in outings with crowds of people. They negotiated corrections to programming that Holland America messed up. They also provided good lectures on their respective countries and on the region in general. (Carolina-Argentina and Marcel-Chile).
That being said there were several museum outings where all of the information on the exhibits (signs with information in the exhibit) were in Spanish. We did not get a lot out of it as most could not read the information. It would have been much better if the local guide took us around and highlighted that the exhibit was conveying to the group. Otherwise, it was sort of a waste. The stop in Chocabuco (SP?) the bus ride was too long and while the museum was nice, please see the above comment.
In most of the stops where we had lunch ways too much food was provided and was more like a large dinner. We also had meals on the ship as well which also provided a lot of food. That being said the off boat excursions were interesting and gave you a better feel for the country we were in. The Tango place, Gaucho ranch, Condor and penguin island visit and eating in Pablo’s house with his family were very nice.
The Holland America experience was also very good and we would travel with them anytime. All in all it was a great trip and we had a nice group as well.
— Review left March 10, 2026
Despite my dislike of cruise ships, this was a fabulous trip. Great opportunities to explore Patagonia and meet and greet local people. Loved watching the condors and penguins and learning how to chart the ship's course. The expertise and warmth of our group leaders made each day a delight.
— Review left December 25, 2025
I would do it again. Went by too fast.
— Review left December 22, 2025









