The open roads and mountain trails of Patagonia; an active 'base camp' cruise to Antarctica. This is our ultimate polar adventure. We'd love to make it yours.
Duration
27 days
Duration
All our trips are tailormade and therefore can be extended or reduced to suit you. You'll find a few ideas to extend your trip below, but please do ask about how we can tailor it to you.
Guide Price
£13,960 pp
$18,400 pp
€15,600 pp
n/a
Guide Price
This is a realistic guide price per person, based on you travelling at an optimum time for this holiday. Please see 'What's Included' for full details and contact us for a personalised quotation.
When
Nov-Mar
When
This is a broad indicator of when you might realistically take this holiday. Please do ask us if you'd like to chat through your options in more detail - getting the timing right is important. We'd love to help.
The far south of Patagonia is a dramatic place of wild beauty, where walking trails reveal glacial lagoons, alpine meadows and blue glaciers of unimaginable size and strength. South from here, the next landfall is Antarctica, best experienced by walking along snowy ridges, floating silently among giant blue sculptures of ice and burrowing in to spend the night watching the vast starry sky above.
Enjoy reading this taster itinerary. Please Request Full Details if you'd like to know more, or to discuss how we can tailor this holiday for you.
Arrive in Santiago this morning to be met by your guide and settled into your hotel downtown before you head out to explore on foot. Please note, international flights are quoted separately for this trip.
2 of 27
Day 2 - Travel to Torres del Paine National Park
Travel south to Patagonia early this morning. Pick up your vehicle to drive towards the Torres del Paine Massif, stopping en route for an introductory hike. Stay on the edge of the Torres del Paine.
3 of 27
Day 3 - Walk to a viewpoint of the mountains
Walk up to the Mirador del Serrano for incredible views of the Paine mountains, Glacier Grey and the bends in the Grey and Serrano Rivers.
4 of 27
Day 4 - Visit Glacier Grey by boat
Here in the western side of the park you are close to the glaciers, most obviously Glacier Grey. Today you might like to take a boat ride to the face of the glacier followed by a walk alongside the lake.
5 of 27
Day 5 - Cross the park, walking a wildlife rich trail
Cross Torres del Paine to change hotel, stopping to follow the fauna trail across an area of arid open steppe, where you can see guanacos, foxes, armadillos and perhaps, if you're lucky, pumas.
6 of 27
Day 6 - Walk to the Torres or around Laguna Azul
Walk in the area around the beautiful Laguna Azul. The 5km walk up to the viewpoint of Mirador Masle gives the best views of the famous towers, or you could walk to the towers themselves!
7 of 27
Day 7 - Cross to Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park
Cross the border into Argentina as you make your way towards the town of El Calafate, a comfortable, if uninspiring, springboard to the Los Glaciares National Park, notably Perito Moreno.
8 of 27
Day 8 - Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is dedicated to seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most spectacular tongues of the Patagonian icefield. Go in the quiet of the late afternoon.
9 of 27
Day 9 - Drive north to the incredible Fitzroy mountains
Today's drive will take you to some of Patagonia's most iconic scenery - the staggering jagged skyline of Mount Fitzroy, hike this afternoon.
10 of 27
Day 10 - Private guided hiking in Fitzroy
With your local guide you will hike the stunning trail that takes you to the base of the immense Mount Fitzroy. Look and listen out for the fantastic Magellanic (red headed) woodpecker on route.
11 of 27
Day 11 - Self-guided hiking in Fitzroy
Spend today exploring at your own pace. There are many self-guided trails you can follow or you could drive further up the valley to visit the impressive Lago del Desierto, much depends on the weather in these parts!
12 of 27
Day 12 - Fly to the southernmost city in the world
Drive back south to El Calafate to catch your mid-afternoon flight to Ushuaia, the world's most southerly city and stepping off point for expedition cruises to Antarctica.
13 of 27
Day 13 - Explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park with your guide.
Enjoy a half day guided private tour to walk in the forests of the beautiful Tierra del Fuego Natural Park. This afternoon is yours to explore the town of Ushuaia.
14 of 27
Day 14 - Set sail along the Beagle channel
Since you embark this afternoon, this morning is free for you to return to the national park, or into town, for a last stretch of the legs before boarding this afternoon.
15 of 27
Day 15 - Epic sailing across the Drake passage
Sail across the Drake Passage, the most exposed ocean on the planet. Assuming a relatively decent crossing, this is a time when you enjoy a diverse range of lectures by the team of guides on board.
16 of 27
Day 16 - First ice in the South Shetlands
Another full day at sea, again with expert talks, practical briefings and albatrosses following the boat as you catch sight of the South Shetland Islands and officially enter Antarctica.
17 of 27
Day 17 - Zodiac riding, your link with adventure
Your baptism in Antarctica will no doubt start with a zodiac ride, your daily link between the boat and any activity, as well as one of the most enjoyable activities for spotting wildlife and icebergs.
18 of 27
Day 18 - Get closer to wildlife
Penguins, close at hand, are a constant presence on daily landings. A professional photographer is on board to teach you how best to capture your images of Antarctica’s scenery and wildlife.
19 of 27
Day 19 - Walking to enlarge your horizons
Explore further inland with the snowshoes and gentle mountaineering activities led by your expert guides. Walk up to a high ridge for an even more spectacular perspective on Antarctica.
20 of 27
Day 20 - Spend the night under the stars of Antarctica
Spend a night under the stars in Antarctica, if you are feeling adventurous. Thanks to the right equipment it is not cold but the silence and beautiful light which will stay with you.
21 of 27
Day 21 - Learn about the epic era of Antarctic exploration
Travel back in time for a glimpse of conditions endured by the pioneers of today's scientific researchers as you visit the old British base at Port Lockroy.
22 of 27
Day 22 - Kayak amidst icebergs and wildlife
Kayaking in Antarctica puts you side by side with penguins and humpback whales as you navigate between icebergs. If the conditions are right, there are few things that can beat this experience.
23 of 27
Day 23 - Start travelling back across Drake Passage
Sail away from Antarctica as you cross the Drake Passage north towards Argentina. These are days for reading, learning, sharing, conversing and watch out for wildlife from the deck.
24 of 27
Day 24 - Last day at sea, Neptune will be in charge
Last day at sea as you complete your crossing of the Drake Passage and traverse the Beagle channel to arrive in Ushuaia, normally this evening - timings depend on the state of the seas.
25 of 27
Day 25 - Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast though, to be safe, your flight back to the capital will not be until early afternoon giving you time to enjoy lunch in Ushuaia before you return to Buenos Aires.
26 of 27
Day 26 - Explore Buenos Aires with your guide
Spend the morning with your own guide on a flexible route through the city, getting under the skin of one of the world’s most attractive cities. This afternoon explore more at your own pace.
27 of 27
Day 27 - Fly home or continue exploring Latin America
Your private transfer will arrive at a time to suit you today as you head home or to explore farther into Latin America to catch some warmth before returning home.
1 of 27
Day 1 - Land in Chile, explore Santiago
Arrive in Santiago this morning to be met by your guide and settled into your hotel downtown before you head out to explore on foot. Please note, international flights are quoted separately for this trip.
2 of 27
Day 2 - Travel to Torres del Paine National Park
Travel south to Patagonia early this morning. Pick up your vehicle to drive towards the Torres del Paine Massif, stopping en route for an introductory hike. Stay on the edge of the Torres del Paine.
3 of 27
Day 3 - Walk to a viewpoint of the mountains
Walk up to the Mirador del Serrano for incredible views of the Paine mountains, Glacier Grey and the bends in the Grey and Serrano Rivers.
4 of 27
Day 4 - Visit Glacier Grey by boat
Here in the western side of the park you are close to the glaciers, most obviously Glacier Grey. Today you might like to take a boat ride to the face of the glacier followed by a walk alongside the lake.
5 of 27
Day 5 - Cross the park, walking a wildlife rich trail
Cross Torres del Paine to change hotel, stopping to follow the fauna trail across an area of arid open steppe, where you can see guanacos, foxes, armadillos and perhaps, if you're lucky, pumas.
6 of 27
Day 6 - Walk to the Torres or around Laguna Azul
Walk in the area around the beautiful Laguna Azul. The 5km walk up to the viewpoint of Mirador Masle gives the best views of the famous towers, or you could walk to the towers themselves!
7 of 27
Day 7 - Cross to Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park
Cross the border into Argentina as you make your way towards the town of El Calafate, a comfortable, if uninspiring, springboard to the Los Glaciares National Park, notably Perito Moreno.
8 of 27
Day 8 - Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is dedicated to seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most spectacular tongues of the Patagonian icefield. Go in the quiet of the late afternoon.
9 of 27
Day 9 - Drive north to the incredible Fitzroy mountains
Today's drive will take you to some of Patagonia's most iconic scenery - the staggering jagged skyline of Mount Fitzroy, hike this afternoon.
10 of 27
Day 10 - Private guided hiking in Fitzroy
With your local guide you will hike the stunning trail that takes you to the base of the immense Mount Fitzroy. Look and listen out for the fantastic Magellanic (red headed) woodpecker on route.
11 of 27
Day 11 - Self-guided hiking in Fitzroy
Spend today exploring at your own pace. There are many self-guided trails you can follow or you could drive further up the valley to visit the impressive Lago del Desierto, much depends on the weather in these parts!
12 of 27
Day 12 - Fly to the southernmost city in the world
Drive back south to El Calafate to catch your mid-afternoon flight to Ushuaia, the world's most southerly city and stepping off point for expedition cruises to Antarctica.
13 of 27
Day 13 - Explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park with your guide.
Enjoy a half day guided private tour to walk in the forests of the beautiful Tierra del Fuego Natural Park. This afternoon is yours to explore the town of Ushuaia.
14 of 27
Day 14 - Set sail along the Beagle channel
Since you embark this afternoon, this morning is free for you to return to the national park, or into town, for a last stretch of the legs before boarding this afternoon.
15 of 27
Day 15 - Epic sailing across the Drake passage
Sail across the Drake Passage, the most exposed ocean on the planet. Assuming a relatively decent crossing, this is a time when you enjoy a diverse range of lectures by the team of guides on board.
16 of 27
Day 16 - First ice in the South Shetlands
Another full day at sea, again with expert talks, practical briefings and albatrosses following the boat as you catch sight of the South Shetland Islands and officially enter Antarctica.
17 of 27
Day 17 - Zodiac riding, your link with adventure
Your baptism in Antarctica will no doubt start with a zodiac ride, your daily link between the boat and any activity, as well as one of the most enjoyable activities for spotting wildlife and icebergs.
18 of 27
Day 18 - Get closer to wildlife
Penguins, close at hand, are a constant presence on daily landings. A professional photographer is on board to teach you how best to capture your images of Antarctica’s scenery and wildlife.
19 of 27
Day 19 - Walking to enlarge your horizons
Explore further inland with the snowshoes and gentle mountaineering activities led by your expert guides. Walk up to a high ridge for an even more spectacular perspective on Antarctica.
20 of 27
Day 20 - Spend the night under the stars of Antarctica
Spend a night under the stars in Antarctica, if you are feeling adventurous. Thanks to the right equipment it is not cold but the silence and beautiful light which will stay with you.
21 of 27
Day 21 - Learn about the epic era of Antarctic exploration
Travel back in time for a glimpse of conditions endured by the pioneers of today's scientific researchers as you visit the old British base at Port Lockroy.
22 of 27
Day 22 - Kayak amidst icebergs and wildlife
Kayaking in Antarctica puts you side by side with penguins and humpback whales as you navigate between icebergs. If the conditions are right, there are few things that can beat this experience.
23 of 27
Day 23 - Start travelling back across Drake Passage
Sail away from Antarctica as you cross the Drake Passage north towards Argentina. These are days for reading, learning, sharing, conversing and watch out for wildlife from the deck.
24 of 27
Day 24 - Last day at sea, Neptune will be in charge
Last day at sea as you complete your crossing of the Drake Passage and traverse the Beagle channel to arrive in Ushuaia, normally this evening - timings depend on the state of the seas.
25 of 27
Day 25 - Disembark and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast though, to be safe, your flight back to the capital will not be until early afternoon giving you time to enjoy lunch in Ushuaia before you return to Buenos Aires.
26 of 27
Day 26 - Explore Buenos Aires with your guide
Spend the morning with your own guide on a flexible route through the city, getting under the skin of one of the world’s most attractive cities. This afternoon explore more at your own pace.
27 of 27
Day 27 - Fly home or continue exploring Latin America
Your private transfer will arrive at a time to suit you today as you head home or to explore farther into Latin America to catch some warmth before returning home.
