with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at USF
There are places in the world that simply have to be seen to be understood. Patagonia is one of them.
Join OLLI-USF for an extraordinary Holland America Line journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱, traveling through a region renowned for its towering mountains, immense glaciers, remote waterways, fascinating wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
Departing March 6, 2028, this 15-day South American adventure offers a wonderfully comfortable way to experience a part of the world that can otherwise be challenging to explore. Unpack once and let the scenery come to you as we journey through the spectacular landscapes of southern Argentina, Patagonia and the Chilean fjords.
Along the way, every destination offers something new to discover—from South American culture and maritime history to geology, ecology, exploration and the remarkable forces of nature that created this rugged landscape.
More Than a Cruise — It’s a Journey of Discovery
Patagonia has long captured the imagination of explorers, naturalists and adventurous travelers.
Here, mountains meet the sea, glaciers descend toward brilliant blue waters, and communities have adapted to life in one of the world's most remote environments.
For OLLI-USF travelers, this journey offers the opportunity to experience those places while sharing the discoveries with a community of fellow lifelong learners.
Spend your days exploring fascinating destinations, watching extraordinary scenery unfold from the ship, and learning more about this remarkable corner of South America. Then return to the comfort and amenities of Holland America Line at the end of each day's adventure.
Why You'll Love This Patagonia Adventure
🏔️ The Landscapes of Patagonia — Experience a region famous for dramatic mountains, windswept coastlines and vast wilderness.
🧊 Glaciers & Chilean Fjords — Cruise through spectacular waterways carved by ice and surrounded by some of South America's most impressive scenery.
🐧 Wildlife & Nature — Southern South America is home to fascinating marine and birdlife, with opportunities to encounter species unique to this part of the world.
Experience Argentina — Discover the culture, history and character of Argentina as your South American adventure begins.
Discover Chile — Journey through Chile's remarkable southern landscapes before concluding your adventure in Santiago.
🧭 Follow in the Footsteps of Explorers — Discover a region shaped by centuries of exploration, maritime history and human determination.
📚 A Natural Classroom — Patagonia offers fascinating opportunities to learn about geology, glaciers, ecology, wildlife, culture and history.
🚢 See More in Comfort — Cruising makes it possible to experience remote fjords, waterways and communities that can be difficult to connect on a traditional land vacation.
🤝 Travel with the OLLI-USF Community — Share the discoveries and memories with fellow travelers who are just as curious about the world as you are.
This Isn't Your Everyday Vacation
Imagine waking up and looking outside to discover a landscape of mountains and glaciers.
Watching ice-carved fjords pass quietly alongside the ship.
Standing at the southern reaches of South America and realizing just how far you've traveled.
Discovering cultures, wildlife and landscapes completely different from those you know at home.
And then sharing those experiences over dinner with people who understand exactly why you wanted to see this extraordinary part of the world.
Patagonia isn't simply somewhere you visit. It's somewhere you experience.
Your South American Adventure Awaits
15-Day South America Pathways: Chilean Fjords & Glaciers
Holland America Line
Embarking March 6, 2028
Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 → Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱
Cabins starting from $2,729 per person
Group space and current pricing are limited and subject to availability.
Ready to Discover Patagonia?
→ View the Full Itinerary & Pricing
Or contact Armadillo Travel Adventures with questions about the cruise, cabin options, travel protection, airfare, or preparing for your journey.
Lynne Cook Gannon - OLLI Travel Opportunities Committee
Whether Patagonia has been on your bucket list for years or this is the first time you've considered traveling to the southern reaches of South America, Armadillo Travel Adventures is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us with questions about cabin options, airfare, pre- and post-cruise stays, travel protection or reserving your place with the OLLI-USF group.
Don't just read about the edge of the world. Come experience it with OLLI-USF.
Go beyond the familiar. Discover the extraordinary.
🏔️ Where exactly is Patagonia?
Patagonia is a spectacular region at the southern end of South America shared by Argentina 🇦🇷 and Chile. Known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, windswept landscapes and remote wilderness, it is one of the most dramatic and sparsely populated regions in the world.
🌤️ What will the weather be like in Patagonia in March?
March is early autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Conditions can vary considerably throughout the journey, particularly in Patagonia, where the weather is famously changeable. Layers are key! Plan for cool temperatures, wind and occasional rain, along with milder conditions in Buenos Aires and Santiago. Armadillo Travel Adventures will provide more detailed packing guidance before departure.
🧊 Will we actually see glaciers?
Yes! Scenic cruising through the Chilean fjords and glacier regions is one of the highlights of this itinerary. You'll have opportunities to experience dramatic ice-carved landscapes and glaciers from the comfort of the ship. Exact viewing conditions can always be affected by weather and local conditions.
🐧 Will we see penguins?
Patagonia is home to several species of penguins, and wildlife-focused shore excursions may provide opportunities to see them depending on location, season and availability. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings can never be guaranteed—but this is certainly a wonderful part of the world for wildlife lovers.
🚢 Why is a cruise a good way to experience Patagonia?
This is one of the biggest advantages of this itinerary. Patagonia is enormous, remote and geographically challenging to explore by land. Cruising allows you to travel through the Chilean fjords and remote southern waterways while returning each evening to the comfort of your ship. You can experience dramatically different destinations without repeatedly packing, changing hotels or navigating long overland journeys.
👥 Do I have to be an OLLI-USF member to join the trip?
Not at all! While this is an OLLI-USF travel opportunity, you do not have to be an OLLI-USF member to join us. Friends, family members, neighbors and fellow travel enthusiasts are welcome.
Invite a friend, bring a family member or encourage your favorite travel companion to come along. You'll also have plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with other curious travelers throughout the journey.
The more, the merrier—come experience South America together!
🧳 Is this trip appropriate for travelers with limited mobility?
Cruising provides a comfortable way to experience this remote region, but accessibility can vary significantly by port and shore excursion. Some destinations may involve uneven terrain, walking, steps or transportation that isn't suitable for every mobility level. If you have mobility concerns, please speak with Armadillo Travel Adventures before booking so we can discuss your individual needs and help identify appropriate options.
💰 What is included in the advertised cruise price?
Cruise fares begin at $2,729 per person, based on double occupancy and the applicable cabin category. Your exact price and inclusions will depend on the stateroom selected and any Holland America Line promotions available at the time of booking. Armadillo Travel Adventures can provide a personalized quote before you make your reservation.
✈️ Is airfare included?
Unless specifically included in your individual reservation, airfare is not included in the advertised starting cruise fare. Because this journey begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina and ends in Santiago, Chile, flights will require a multi-city itinerary rather than a simple roundtrip ticket. Armadillo Travel Adventures can assist with coordinating your international flights and any pre- or post-cruise accommodations.
🏨 Should I arrive in Buenos Aires before embarkation day?
For an international cruise of this nature, arriving before embarkation day is strongly recommended. It provides a cushion for potential flight disruptions and gives you an opportunity to experience Buenos Aires before beginning the cruise. Information about recommended pre-cruise arrangements can be provided as the trip approaches.
🛡️ Is travel protection included?
No. Travel protection is not included in the cruise fare and is highly recommended. Holland America offers its own protection option for eligible Holland America arrangements, or Armadillo Travel Adventures can provide quotes from preferred travel protection partners based on your eligible total trip cost, potentially including airfare, hotels and other prepaid nonrefundable arrangements.
🛏️ Can I choose my cabin?
Yes, subject to availability within the group inventory and Holland America's current inventory. Armadillo Travel Adventures can help you compare cabin categories and locations to find the option that works best for you.
📅 When should I book?
If Patagonia is on your bucket list, earlier is better. Group space and specific cabin categories are limited, and pricing and availability can change as the sailing fills. Booking earlier generally provides a better selection of stateroom locations and gives you plenty of time to plan the rest of your South American adventure.
🌎 Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help! Contact Armadillo Travel Adventures with questions about the itinerary, cabin options, airfare, pre- and post-cruise arrangements, travel protection or reserving your place.
Don't just dream about Patagonia. Come experience the edge of the world with OLLI-USF.