Patagonia and the White Continent
An itinerary combining the best of Patagonia with a cruise to Antarctica...
A once in a lifetime itinerary, combining the beautiful landscapes of Patagonia with a 10-day cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula. We have found that most clients heading to Antarctica are looking to combine it with an active trip to southern Chile and Argentina. This itinerary does just that, starting in Santiago then whisking you down to the Torres del Paine for 4 days of hiking in one of South America’s most famous National Parks before crossing over the Andes to El Calafate to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. You then fly to Ushuaia to join the cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula before flying back up to Buenos Aires for a few nights of culture, good wine and steak before flying home.
Santiago
Met on arrival into Santiago airport and transferred to the CasaSur Charming Hotel to stay for 3 nights on a B&B basis. Located in the district of Barrio Italia with its restaurants, boutiques and antique furniture shops this small, family-run guesthouse is the perfect base for a couple of nights exploring all that Santiago has to offer.
Torres del Paine
In the morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for the flight to Puerto Natales. Met by shared transfer to Patagonia Camp to stay for 4 nights on an all-inclusive basis, including daily activities in small groups with other guests. Located on the southern border of the Torres del Paine, Patagonia Camp’s peaceful lakeside location is hard to beat after a busy day of hiking in the National Park.
El Calafate
Today you will transfer across the border to the town of El Calafate in Argentina. Staying at Hostería Blanca Patagonia with its sweeping views of Lago Argentino, you will have a full day tour to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier the following day. One of the largest glaciers in South America, the Perito Moreno is also one of the few glaciers in the Southern ice fields that is still growing rather than receding. Includes a full day tour with an hour’s boat trip to the glacier’s south wall on day 9.
Tierra del Fuego
In the morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Ushuaia, otherwise known as the city at the end of the world. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to Hotel Tierra de Leyendas to stay for the night on a B&B basis. Relax in the hotel enjoying the views of the Beagle Channel or take a half-day excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Ushuaia
Today you will set sail for Antarctica! Arriving at port in Ushuaia in the afternoon, you will be greeted by the boat’s Expediition Team and lecture staff. After dinner, the ship will set sail through the Beagle Channel and scenic Mackinlay Pass past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant and Sea Lion colonies.
Drake Passage
Sail south through the Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Spend time on deck with the team of lecturers looking out for whales and spotting a variety of seabirds, such as black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. A full program of lectures will be offered as well.
The length of the journey across the Drake Passage will depend on sea conditions but you are expected to approach the South Shetland Islands towards the end of Day 3. A group of twenty islands and islets first sighted by Captain William Smith of the brig Williams in February 1819.
Antarctic Peninsula
Arriving at the white continent, you will be left mesmerised by spectacular iceberg sculptures and calving glaciers. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the ship’s Expedition Team will put together a program of zodiac excursions and explorations to visit penguin rookeries, whale feeding areas, seal wallows and seabird colonies as well as scientific research stations and historical sites of interest. Stopping points may include the picturesque Neko Harbour, the striking Lemaire Channel with its towering rock faces and specactular glaciers or Wilhemina Bay, a popular area for Humpback Whales. Visit Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adelie Penguin colonies, and observe groups of Weddell, Elephant and Crabeater seals resting next to predatory Leopard seals and the agressive Antarctic Fur Seal. Those who are lucky may also get a glimpse of Minke Whales and Orcas.
Drake Passage
Leaving Antarctica you will head north across the Drake Passage. Join the lecture staff and guides on deck as you catch your last glimpses of Antarctica and its stunning wildlife.
Buenos Aires
Arriving into port in Ushuaia early in the morning you will be met after breakfast and transferred to the airport for the morning flight to Buenos Aires. Thrust back into the world of a buzzing city with culture, art and museums to see you’ll have three days exploring the fantastic city that is BA. Stay at the quirky Hotel Clásico for 3 nights on a B&B basis. Includes a half-day city tour on day 22.
Fly home
After more than three weeks in the southern hemisphere it’s time to return home. You’ll be met and transferred to Buenos Aires International Airport Ezeiza for your flight back to London or elsewhere.
Please note that the above is on a B&B basis unless otherwise shown and the cost does not include international flights.
