Sailing southwards along the Argentinian coast, the sea life is diverse and fascinating, with the opportunity to see whales, elephant seals and penguins around Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula. As you reach the Tierra del Fuego archipelago you explore the extraordinary channels, islands, and colourful towns such as Ushuaia, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the National Park.

Some Patagonia cruise itineraries focus specifically on Chile, gliding along the fjords to view the immense glaciers, with the mighty Andes dominating the horizon. Towards the end of the voyage, it is worth travelling up into the mountains to see the beautiful Chilean Lake District around Bariloche, or explore the pretty coastal town of Puerto Montt.

Most Patagonia cruises finish in the picturesque seaside city of Valparaiso, just a couple of hours' drive from Chile's capital, Santiago de Chile, which merits a short stay. A few continue up the coast to Lima, particularly at the beginning or end of the season which runs from October to March. Adventurous travellers might take the chance to venture into the Atacama desert, or fly to Bolivia to visit Lake Titicaca and continue to Peru and Machu Picchu.