Take Flight To Antarctica

You will begin your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Valparaiso, a pretty bohemian portside city just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Santiago. Spend a couple of days exploring the steep streets by cable car, taking in the colourful buildings and lively markets, and enjoying the excellent dining scene here.

You will spend two nights at Casa Higueras, a charming family-run boutique hotel located above the port on Cerro Allegre, just a five-minute stroll to the nearest funicular station.

After flying south to Chile’s southern tip, this afternoon is time for introductions. Once you have settled into your hotel in Punta Arenas you will be given a briefing of your exciting adventure ahead. In the evening, get to know your fellow Antarctic adventurers during a delicious typical Patagonian meal. 

Get your adventure boots on, today is the day your Antarctic adventure really begins. You will take a short two-hour flight to the South Shetland Islands. During this flight you will be passing over Cape Horn, considered the most southerly point of South America and part of Chile’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago. You will carry on over the Drake Passage, renowned for its rough waters, being thankful you are in the sky and not on the water, before touching down on King George Island. Once you have landed you will have a 20 minute walk, which will take you between Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station, to your zodiacs which will then transport you to your expedition vessel. 

During the next few days you will be exploring the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Heading out on zodiacs you will be able to get up close and personal with sea birds, penguins, seals and whales, both on the water and land. While you are out exploring you will be joined by expert polar guides who will be able to answer all your questions and take you to the best spots for prime wildlife watching. In addition to the abundant wildlife you will be able to witness dramatic ice-filled fjords and striking icebergs, which are an awe-inspiring feat of nature themselves. 

Back on board the ship you will have the opportunity to attend captivating lectures and presentations covering your experiences in Antarctica. This will enable you to become so well informed you yourself will feel like an expert by the time you return home. Don’t forget to take time out to sit back, relax and enjoy the views.

No itinerary is the same, with a team of experts mapping out the voyage in accordance with the forever-changing environment, therefore your experience will be unique. Taking advantage of what is available, your guides will make sure you get the most out of your adventure and visit a variety of sites, which may include Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy and Deception Island, to name a few.

Today you will return to King George Island and say your goodbyes to Antarctica as you fly back to Punta Arenas. Upon arriving you will be transferred back to your hotel where you will spend one night before taking your onward flight to Santiago.

Today you will have time for some R&R before flying home the following day. You will spend your last night back at the beautiful The Singular Santiago. If you wish to continue your adventure, speak to a travel expert about the possibilities – why not head west and discover the vineyards in Chile’s Rosario Valley and stay at the beautiful La Casona at Matetic Vineyards.