Argentina to Antarctica Hike & Cruise Adventure

Both the Patagonia and Antarctic season runs during the austral summer which is late October to late March.

For Antarctica, each month brings something different in terms of wildlife. If you have any specific interest in certain wildlife let us know and we can advise the best month. Antarctica is a very physical place, from the wild southern ocean crossing to the massive ice flows and high mountains. Nature dominates and as such, weather is always unpredictable but rarely as cold as you may think.

The climate in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) is cool and usually dry and rarely below freezing.

In October and November Patagonia is in spring time and the Antarctic peninsula will be at its most pristine and dramatic with plenty of fresh snow and huge icebergs. Photographers tend to prefer this time of year as the snow becomes less pristine later on in the season by nests and droppings and the icebergs start to reduce in size. Pack ice will prevent access to some landing sites so some shore landings may need to be cancelled and/or rescheduled.

Penguins, seals and seabirds can be seen courting at this time of year with plenty of rituals on display. The spring flowers are in bloom across South Georgia, and it is the best chance to see emperor penguins in the Weddell sea.

Days are already long as the sun rises around 06:00 and sets about 20:30 extending to around 23:00 by the end of November. Drake Passage crossings tend to be rougher early in the season, though impossible to predict at any time.

In December it's high summer and there is plenty of wildlife activity. Penguin eggs start to hatch, first in the Falklands and South Georgia, and then on the peninsula by the end of the month. Southern elephant seals can be seen guarding their pups. Seabirds are abundant. The average temperature on the peninsula rises so that days are comfortably well above freezing and night-time temperatures are only just below freezing. The sun sets for only three hours a night on the peninsula, reaching almost 24 hour daylight by the solstice.

January through to February is the peak season for both Patagonia and Antarctica. Temperatures are still a few degrees above freezing during the day and darkness still falls for only three-four hours per night. January is often the peak time for penguin lovers, you'll see chicks galore, while seal pups are very active in the water.

By February you have more chance of seeing whales and the penguins start to fledge. Fledgling gentoo penguins are a particular highlight.

In March the average temperature cools a little more, though daytime temperatures tend to still stay above freezing. March is the best month to see whales and orcas as they start to migrate north. If you are very lucky you might see the Aurora Australis. Icebergs are now smaller than at the start of the season, though still very impressive and you can often explore deeper as the pack ice has broken up. In Patagonia, fall hues begin to turn the forests red.

PATAGONIA
You can see the specific hotels and lodges we use for this trip by sending an enquiry, but +3* to 4* is the level you can expect. All are on the smaller side so you will always have a strong sense of place.

ANTARCTICA
The ships we use for this trip are each built on a human scale. Comfortable but not at all luxurious, with just over 100 guests on board there is time to develop an informal group atmosphere. Each ship has plenty of communal space between the restaurant, bar area and observation deck so you have space to roam. Once in Antarctica, sitting out on deck can be just wonderful.

With under 100 people landing, small ship passengers have fewer restrictions on time and movement when on shore, as well as making landing and boarding operations quick and smooth. A further advantage comes when the weather or the icebergs block one of the programmed landings, being small and agile opens many more alternatives than if you were on a larger ship.

Our standard itinerary is based on a twin cabin with a porthole and a private bathroom. Upgraded, and downgraded cabins are available. As with any expedition boat in these waters, facilities are robust and practical rather than luxurious. These ships were typically previously used for research purposes.

PATAGONIA
This is conceived of as a vacation that has you out in the great outdoors, with your boots on most days. That said, there are lots of options for you to vary the level of activity as you go.

In El Chaltén, we encourage you to undertake one of the longer walks to reach some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery. The hike to Laguna de los Tres to Fitz Roy is 25km. There are many shorter trails to follow though. Days in summer are long so you can take all day to finish a walk - it's not a race!

ANTARCTICA
This part of your journey is active but is resolutely not about frenetic adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Most of our clients on this trip are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. But for anyone who loves the great, truly great, outdoors and being active, this is undoubtedly one of our finest adventures. The advantage of this particular expedition is that all activities are included - most other cruises charge for activities. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. It is open to all (advanced mountaineering is the one exception - see below)

Kayaking is in calm waters and is at a level suitable for anyone from beginner up. There is little in this world to beat the quiet splashing sound of the paddles breaking the heavy silence of Antarctic waters.

Snow shoeing is fairly gentle but requires rather more concentration than you might imagine – it’s very easy to tread on your shoes and tip yourself over! Once mastered though, it’s a fantastic sensation to crunch over the top of deep snow.

Photography - there is a professional photographer on board and this is a great opportunity to learn. The landscapes and wildlife are simply amazing and a photographer’s dream – even total beginners find themselves keen to perfect their photos.

Mountaineering is probably best thought of as high level roped walking – crampons are worn but this is not Chris Bonnington stuff, more of a human mule train along the ridges of Antarctica. That’s not to make it sound like a trudge, you are walking in the most extraordinary pristine and remote place on earth so the views are beyond most people’s imagination.

Sleep out under the stars - often referred to as "camping", but there is no tent! This is a unique opportunity to sleep out on the peninsula. After dinner your guides will take you to shore where you dig your snow-bed. There is not much more to it really but it is a one-off experience to spend the night out here and is fun. The night skies, dusk and dawn are incredible. All equipment including four season sleeping bags is included. You return to the ship for breakfast.

Advanced mountaineering is limited to a small group of six people and is offered only once per trip and only for people with previous experience bringing their own mountaineering boots. Crampons are provided.

07:30: Wake up call

08:00: Breakfast

09:00-12:30: Morning activities

12:30: Lunch

15:00 -18:00 Afternoon activities

18:45: Guide briefing for the next day

19:30: Dinner

This part of the world has the power to change the way we look at the world and our place in it. People who visit often find it hard to explain but nature dominates to such an extent that as humans we feel totally humbled by it and very small. It is an extraordinary place. It will stay with you.

The cruise section of the trip is a fixed itinerary that will run as per program with the flexibility to adjust to any given conditions of weather, sea or ice. The Captain is in charge of the itinerary and the Expedition Leader will adapt the captains' decisions in the best interest of the passengers, but you have to expect changes in a place like Antarctica.

The land section of this trip is completely flexible and can be tailored to in a number of ways. It's best to give us a call to chat through your ideas and options.