Patagonia and Antarctica Explorer

Arrive in Santiago
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Chile's capital city is surrounded by an extraordinary set of snow-capped Andean mountains to the east and a smaller coastal range to the west. It is truly a beautiful sight. The city offers one of Latin America's most cosmopolitan, vibrant and artistic city centres so your stay here is sure to be an exciting one.

Exclusive Santiago Tour
Let us introduce you to the classic city we know and love on this 6 hour tour exploring the city's most popular sights along with some of our personal favourites. Chile´s rich cultural heritage comes to life as we visit the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the spectacular Cerro Santa Lucia, where the city was founded in 1541.

We continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal hill for a panoramic view of Santiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We'll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high rise buildings and classy boulevards before we offer you a choice of the activities designed to enhance your Santiago experience.

You'll be given the option (you can decide on the day) to visit the picturesque Los Dominicos craft market where we can walk through the artisan village and enjoy a tasty empanada at one of the outdoor cafés, discover Santiago's impressive pre-Columbian museum, explore the historic Lastarria Neighbourhood or take a walking tour through the Mercado Central, Chile's largest fresh seafood market where you can try some of the local cuisine on offer. If you'd like to visit all these places then just let us know in advance and we can extend your tour to do this.

On completion of the tour you'll be returned back to your hotel and have free time to further explore the city at your leisure.

* As an alternative to this traditional city tour, we can also offer the city tour as a walking or bike riding tour. Let us know if you'd like more details on these options.

Breakfast included.

Depart Santiago
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

EcoCamp Torres del Paine - Wildlife Safari
This unique trip takes you through Torres del Paine's highlights and lets you enjoy the best of the park's flora and fauna on treks with your specialist guide. You’ll explore scenic landscapes such as rivers, glaciers, mountains, and wildlife by day and at night, you’ll relax in Eco Camp’s domes with delightful food and wine.

EcoCamp Wildlife Safari: Day 1
The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, you can start your trip in Calafate**. En route we make a couple of stops - first in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we enjoy a hearty local lunch before continuing on to EcoCamp. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

**For El Calafate transfers, clients will be picked up around 7:00-7:45am (to be confirmed on the night before) from their hotel to the bus station in El Calafate. From there, clients will catch the public bus to Puerto Natales (approx 4-5hr travel time). Stop in Puerto Natales for lunch and meet the Ecocamp representative who will transfer guests to Ecocamp. Arrive to the camp at approximately 4:30-5:00pm.

Lunch and Dinner included.

EcoCamp Wildlife Safari: Days 2-3
During your stay, EcoCamp's specialist guides take you on different adventures and wildlife watching trips through Torres del Paine's most treasured sights. You’ll experience nature at close quarters as you witness the incredible sight of guanacos roaming along the river banks, foxes trotting in the distance, vivid blue icebergs floating on Grey Lake and the fierce Patagonian wind rushing through the plains.

Each day you will have an opportunity to choose between easy or more active excursions. Please note that only certain excursions are offered on certain day, according to the EcoCamp timetable.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

EcoCamp Wildlife Safari: Day 4
We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch your flight to Santiago. Those heading to Argentina will board an earlier transfer heading to the border.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Torres del Paine hotel to El Calafate Hotel via Cerro Castillo border
Today you will take the shared transfer from your hotel to the Cerro Castillo border in Argentina, where you will change cars and then be transferred to your hotel in El Calafate.

Breakfast included.

Perito Moreno Glacier incl. Nautical Safari
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel for your excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in South America and one of Patagonia's only advancing glaciers. The glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 metres above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino and a total ice depth of 170 metres.

You'll go first to the glacier's less frequented north face to marvel at its splendour. You'll observe and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Your guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park, and then we'll continue on to the footbridges and take a break to enjoy the surroundings. You'll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from a closer viewpoint.

After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we'll drive back to Calafate where you will spend the evening.

**For those after something a little more adventurous, we can offer a ‘Mini trekking' excursion where you hike into the core of Perito Moreno Glacier and experience its surreal beauty. Let us know if you'd like more details on this excursion.

Breakfast included.

Depart El Calafate
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Arrive in Ushuaia
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Ushuaia, the world's most southern city, is located in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego, on the shores of the Beagle Channel with the spectacular snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon. It's a great place to visit before setting off to other areas of Patagonia or starting a cruise to Antarctica.

Breakfast included.

Tierra del Fuego National Park Hike and Canoe Tour
We depart from your Ushuaia hotel by minibus and head to Tierra del Fuego National Park with your guide and small group. Upon arrival, stop at Bahia Ensenada (Ensenada Bay) to enjoy beautiful views of the Beagle Channel before undertaking your hike up the easy coastal path.

Your guide will choose the route—either the Pampa Alta or Senda Costera—depending on conditions and interests of the group. Pampa Alta, a 3-mile (5-km) trail that lasts approximately two hours, offers gorgeous vistas as well as bird watching. Senda Costera (Coastal Path) is a popular 4-mile (8-km) trail that takes you along the coast for about three hours. As you follow your guide, you'll learn about the geography of the area as well as the nature and wildlife found in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Note the diverse flora and fauna, such as Antarctic beech, and perhaps find traces of ancient Yámanas settlements.

When you reach your destination at Lago Roca (Roca Lake), enjoy a complimentary lunch in the forest setting. Dine on chicken breast en papillote (baked in foil) with tomato and cheese, accompanied by mineral water, wine and soft drinks.

After lunch, your guide will prepare your small group for the 1.5-hour canoe ride down the Lapataia River, which brings you to Lapataia Bay and the Beagle Channel. The remote bay, nestled amid snow-capped mountains, is a great place for spotting waterfowl such as ducks, geese and plovers that inhabit this region at the ‘end of the world'!

Your tour culminates here at the Panamerican Highway, where you'll hop aboard your minibus for the return trip to Ushuaia with drop-off at your hotel.

Please note, this tour doesn't operate on Saturdays.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Hotel to Port (own arrangements)
Today you will make your way from your hotel to the port. Walking distance can be around 10min depending on which hotel you are staying. Alternatively, please ask us if you would prefer we book you a transfer.

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Onboard our strong, ice-classed expedition vessel, Ocean Victory, we are sure to get close to the dramatic coastlines. Zodiac cruising and shore landings are an important and considerable part of the planned itinerary, enabling all expedition guests to set foot several times on the Antarctic continent, as well as the many surrounding sub-antarctic islands. Departing Ushuaia in Argentina, we cross the mighty Drake Passage en-route for the South Shetland Islands, making Zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, research stations and fascinating lookouts along the way. Continuing southward, deep into the inlets of Antarctica, we pass the famous Gerlache Strait, where 3000-ft ice cliffs rise straight out of the still water. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in so few days. When Ocean Victory returns to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, depending on weather conditions, we might pass close to the mythical Cape Horn - the southermost point on South America; a celebrated maritime landmark.

Day 1: Ushuaia
In the afternoon, we board our ship, Ocean Victory. Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.

Dinner included.

Days 2-3: At Sea - Drake Passage
Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage - a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties. While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard our expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-know for its abundance of birds.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 4-5: South Shetland Islands
Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and be marveled by the captivating landscapes we will encounter along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 6-7: Antarctic Peninsula
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiplies by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds along our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more. The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favourable both for the ship to access the areas, and for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Days 8-9: At Sea
We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travelers equally passionate for discovering the world, enjoy the lectures by our expedition on board, visit our shop or relax at leisure on our ship’s facilities, designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing time.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10: Ushuaia
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return home.

Breakfast included.

Arrive in Buenos Aires
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country's largest city, is undeniably one of Latin America's hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city's combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) – work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.

San Telmo and La Boca City Tour
This morning's excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit of 'San Telmo', the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art.

We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the 'Cabildo (old town hall) and the presidential palace 'Casa Rosada' (pink house).

Next we visit ‘La Boca', the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts.

On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires' many great museums or do some shopping.

Dinner & Tango Show
Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surrounds while you indulge in delicious Argentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel.

*Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along other passengers. We suggest to upgrade to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable time.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Recoleta & Palermo City Tour
This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture. We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita's tomb can be found.

We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires' largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars, and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.

* Please note entry to Recoleta Cemetery is an additional cost for foreign visitors. Entry during the tour is optional.

Breakfast included.

Depart Buenos Aires
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Breakfast included.