Patagonia & Antarctica Wilderness Adventure

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.

City 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.

Valparaiso, Vina del Mar & the Vineyards
Today we will head over to the coast and explore one of the most fascinating cities in Chile; Valparaiso. ‘Valpo', as it is fondly known by locals, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and it is not difficult to see why. Picturesque architecture and multi-coloured urban housing spread out over more than forty hills, creating one of world's most eclectic, unique cities.

We will visit the downtown area with its new government house, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria, the cathedral and the harbour area. Afterwards we take a funicular up into the hills where there is a fantastic collection of brightly painted houses and a fantastic view over the city (funicular not included). We enjoy coffee in one of the many cosy restaurants before we enjoy a stroll through the labyrinth of colourful streets lined with impressive street-art. You can also visit the former home of Pablo Neruda (entrance fee not included) and learn a little more about this famous Chilean poet.

From Valparaiso we'll head to the fashionable coastal resort city of Viña del Mar where we can admire the famous city ‘flower clock' and visit the Main Square, which offers an ampitheatre that hosts the Viña del Mar International Song Festival every summer.

We include time for lunch and on the way back to Santiago we will explore the Casablanca valley with its famous orchards, citrus groves, grape plantations and wonderful mountain backdrops. For those interested in tasting some of the local produce a visit to a local vineyard can be arranged (any wine tasting will be paid for locally). We return you back to your hotel in Santiago where you have the evening at your leisure.

Please note: All services are offered as private except the wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. This tour will be shared with a group of up to 25 people.

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.

Transfer to El Calafate
One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to your hotel in El Calafate.

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
Leaving Ushuaia city Southwest, we will travel through national route number 3, towards Tierra del Fuego's National Park.
Along the eleven kilometres that separate the entrance of the Park and the city of Ushuaia, we will make a stop near the Centro Hípico (Riding Club), where we will enjoy some excellent panoramic views of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia`s Peninsula and Bridges`, Willie's and Les Eclauriers' Islands.
After crossing River Pipo's bridge, next to Ushuaia's Golf Club, we will arrive at the End of the World Station. Those passengers that would like to board the End of the World train will be able to take that optional tour. The rest of the group will await them at the end of the train trip.
We continue our drive for 2 more kilometres and enter the National Park, an area reserved to protect the Subantartic Forest and its native flora and fauna.
From this spot we will be able to take a glimpse of both Redonda and Estorbo Islands.
Through a path surrounded by Lenga forests and peats, we will reach Lake Roca, a glaciar lake, with a surface of 5.50 square kilometres, and framed by mountains and forests, where we can likely be able to see different native birds.
We will have around 30 minutes time to be at the services area.
The last part of the excursion leads us to Lapataia Bay. Along the way we will cross Cormorants Islands, get to see other peats and also visit a beaver dam.
Once in Lapataia Bay, besides the marine coast, rich in molluscs and mussels, we will find traces of the ancient native settlers that used to live in the region. We will have some time to walk through the footbridge, from which we will be able to take photographs and enjoy the feeling of being at the end of the world.
From this spot, the end of National Route number 3, we will begin our journey back to the city of Ushuaia.
Duration: 4.5 hrs.

Breakfast included.

Transfer from Hotel to Port
Today you will be picked up from your hotel by our representative and transferred to the port.

Classic Antarctica
Vivid emerald, violet tints, intense blue and crimson light—the Antarctic is anything but a world of white desolation. Join us on a true adventure to a world of immense scale and visual splendour. Passing huge icebergs in the flat calm of a polar morning will reshape the way you look at your world. Encounter huge whales, enormous rookeries of penguins and stunning landscapes few have ever witnessed. This 11-day expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Arrive into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, at any time (transfer included). Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people such as ourselves cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina. Overnight in a hotel (included).



Day 2: Embark ship in Ushuaia
Today we will embark on the G Expedition. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping, an optional excursion to Tierra Del Fuego National Park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel.

Please note that while it is our intention of adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3-4: Cross the Drake Passage
Our adventure begins with an 800 mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The G Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded never ending fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day we cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer sub-antarctic water moving in the opposite direction. It is the largest biological barrier on earth and is marked by a change in temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The north flowing Antarctic waters predominantly sink beneath southward moving sub-antarctic waters. While further south associated areas of mixing and upwelling create an ocean very high in marine productivity. When we pass this zone, we have entered the most nutrient rich waters on the earth- the Southern Ocean.

Wandering, Black-browed and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Prion's and Cap Petrels are among some of the species of seabirds that may join us in our journey as we cross into Antarctica.

As we make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where we meet our guides, ship's crew and expedition staff. We also begin the lecture and information sessions to learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
This is what we've all been waiting for - a chance to explore step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next 4 days we will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. Our goal is to attempt 2 excursions per day while we navigate through the area but our itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions that we encounter.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, whales are seen in great numbers, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous seabirds trail in our wake. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, we will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the Bridge or the deck of the ship, as we thread our way along the continent, you'll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

The continent itself is roughly circular with a spindly arm, called the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching northwards towards Tierra del Fuego. South America is the nearest landmass, some 600 miles away. Considerably larger than either the United States or Europe, and twice the size of Australia, the continent is surrounded by a frozen sea that varies in area from one million square miles in summer to 7.3 million square miles in winter. Ninety-five percent of the continent of Antarctica is ice covered and contains the freshest water on earth - about 70 percent of all fresh water on earth in fact. The highest point in Antarctica is Vinson Massif, with an altitude of 16,864 feet above sea level; the lowest point is the Bentley Subglacial Trench at 8,200 feet below sea level, located in West Antarctica. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents at about 7,500 feet about sea level.

Antarctica is a continent of superlatives. It is the coldest, windiest, driest, iciest and highest of all the major landmasses in the world. It is the continent with the longest nights and the longest days. The coastal areas we visit have some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. It is also one of the last true wilderness, also the largest wilderness areas left on earth – largely unchanged since the first sealers, whalers, and early explorers first landed on its inhospitable shores less than two centuries ago. The lowest temperature ever recorded anywhere on earth, -89.2°C, was recorded on July 21, 1983, at Vostok Station. Winds have been recorded at 200 mph in the interior of the continent and the average annual water precipitation in the interior is only about 50 mm.

Whales
Thanks to the abundance of the small, shrimp like krill as the basis of the food chain, many species of whales make the water south of the Antarctic Convergence their summer home. Some of the species found in the frigid southern waters include: the Humpback Whale who consumes over a ton of krill each day; the Southern Right Whales easily identified by the whitish callosities on the jaws and forehead; the Sperm Whales made famous in Moby Dick; the Killer Whale which is actually not a whale at all but the largest of the dolphin family; the Sei Whale which can achieve speeds up to 55 km/h over short distances; the playful Minke Whales very common in the peninsula area; and the Fin Whale who can attain a length of 25 to 27 meters making them the second largest whales.

Penguins
The common name for all flightless, aquatic birds, penguins are only found south of the equator. Penguins have been grouped into 18 species and 6 genera, with most making their homes in Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands, though others are native to the coasts of Australia, South Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands. Penguins are speedy and agile swimmers, but extremely slow on land. The regions we visit aboard G Expedition are inhabited by 6 different species including the giant King Penguin who can grow up to 1 meter in height (found only on South Georgia Island); the Adelie Penguin named after French explorer Dumont d’Urville’s wife; the Chinstrap Penguin identified by the distinctive black line connecting the black cap to below the chin; the Gentoo Penguin with its orange bill and white flash above and behind its eyes; while the most numerous it is the most difficult to see the Macaroni Penguin (Only on South Georgia Island) who number roughly 12 million and are easily identified by the orange tassels meeting between the eyes; and the Rockhopper Penguin (We will see only in Falkland Islands) who are similar to the Macaroni in appearance but slightly smaller and have yellow tassels.

Historical Figures
Some of the bravest and best known explorers have sailed south in search of adventure and recognition. James Cook, the most travelled explorer of his time, was the first to circumnavigate Antarctica and the first to cross the Antarctic Circle. Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole and reached the pole on December 14, 1911. Captain Robert Falcon Scott, famous for being 35 days late, arriving at the South Pole on January 17, 1912 only to find the dark green tent and a note left by Amundsen. All 5 men in the Scott expedition perished on their way back from the pole. The best-known adventurer would have to be Sir Ernest Shackleton. On his attempt at the South Pole his ship, Endurance, was captured by pack ice in the Weddell Sea on January 19, 1915. The ship was destroyed by heavy ice, forcing he and his men to travel over the ice and sea to Elephant Island. However, because the island was uninhabited, Shackleton and 5 others made the 1300 km voyage for help to South Georgia, amazingly arriving at Stromness Harbour whaling station on May 20, 1916.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9-10: Return via the Drake Passage
Today we leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching and whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by our expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia. Remember, the best way to experience the wildlife of the Drake Passage is to be on deck keeping a look out for Albatross, Prions, and Whales!

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 11: Disembark in Ushuaia
And so our adventure comes to a close. We'll say our goodbyes as we disembark in Ushuaia in the morning. You will be transferred either to the airport or to a central location in Ushuaia.

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.

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.

Breakfast included.

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

Breakfast included.