In Argentina and Chile we will be exploring one of the most untouched and breathtaking parts of the Earth: Patagonia. The majesty and stark beauty of this region has attracted explorers and travellers for decades. Hike through beautiful scenery of Los Glaciares National Park, with its granite pinnacles spiralling upward into the sky from the third-largest ice field on earth and travel by boat on Lake Pehoe amongst the icebergs of Grey Glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers of the Patagonia ice field.

ITINERARY

Day 1: – Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

Arrive in the southernmost city in the world and transfer from the airport to the port for the afternoon embarkation on to the G.A.P Adventurer V. After we have settled into our cabins, the ship sets sail along the scenic Beagle Channel- heading east towards the Drake Passage.

Day 2 - 4: Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands

Our journey across the famous Drake Passage, named after the 16th-century English navigator Sir Francis Drake, is an experience in itself. Our ship is accompanied most of the way by albatrosses – including the magnificent Wandering Albatross – along with an impressive variety of other seabirds. We have a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins and many different species have been encountered in these rich waters over the years. We also cross the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zones.

When land is sighted for the first time in two days (usually late afternoon on March 4) we know we have reached the South Shetland Islands. This impressive group of islands, lying to the north and roughly parallel to the Antarctic Peninsula, is a haven for wildlife. We visit vast penguin rookeries, land on beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and observe wallowing southern elephant seals. We also hope to visit one of the many research bases in the archipelago and look for Antarctica’s only two flowering plants, which thrive here during the short southern summer. A highlight of our visit to the South Shetlands will be sailing through a narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island.

Day 5–7: Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most readily accessible part of the White Continent and has some of the best wildlife and scenery. We have plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways and mountains and can expect to see a wide variety of Antarctic wildlife. Enormous rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Kelp Gulls, Cape Petrels, Snowy Sheathbills and Antarctic Terns are just some of the many birds found here in abundance. We are also likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, while orcas, humpback whales and Minke whales are often encountered at close range.

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, we will certainly feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers. Sailing around the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula we hope to navigate the Antarctic Sound, or ‘iceberg alley’ as it is often called, where huge tabular icebergs drift north from the Antarctic continent. If we are lucky, and weather and ice conditions permit, we plan to land on Paulet Island to see its vast Adélie Penguin rookery. We also plan to visit aptly named Paradise Harbor, or nearby Neko Harbor, where glaciers fill the calm waters with a mind-boggling vista of icebergs; this is where we hope to set foot on the Antarctic Continent itself.

At Port Lockroy, as well as enjoying the thriving penguin colonies, we will visit a former British scientific station that has recently been renovated to serve as one of the most isolated and intriguing museums in the world. The station also acts as a post office and we will have a unique opportunity to send postcards home.

During the voyage we hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways in the world (if they are not choked with pack ice and icebergs); two in particular, the Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers that are so impressive they are a highlight of the trip for many people. On some voyages we sail south of the Lemaire Channel to Petermann Island where Adélie and Gentoo Penguins, Skuas and Blue-eyed Shags nest close to the landing site.

Day 8 –9: 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.

Day 10: Ushuaia

We disembark after breakfast and transfer to your hotel in the city. After checking into your hotel you are free to explore and enjoy the city.

 Day 11 – 12: El Calafate, Patagonia

A short flight takes us over the lofty peaks to El Calafate and the dynamic Moreno Glacier, within Glacier National Park. We may spot condors, eagles, flamingos and rheas in this beautiful landscape. Moreno Glacier is one of the few remaining advancing glaciers on the planet, and you will long remember the sound of ice crashing into the lake waters below.

Day 13-14: El Chaltén / Glacier National Park

From our base in the town of El Chaltén, we take two full-day hikes within Glacier National Park’s northern end, where granite pinnacles spiral upward into the sky from the third largest ice field on earth. We hike to Laguna de Los Tres to fully appreciate majestic Cerro Fitzroy/Chaltén (3441m / 11286 ft) and to Laguna Torre for awe inspiring views of the magical peaks and glaciers. A late afternoon bus returns us to El Calafate on day 14.

Day 15-18: Torres del Paine National Park

We travel south across the border into Chile to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Hiking in this spectacular park is a real treat. The things that you may have heard about the rough beauty of Patagonia will be affirmed by the breathtaking views of the three pink granite “Towers,” French Valley and its glaciers, as well as the region’s unique wildlife, such as vicuña, rheas and Patagonian hares. Travel by boat on Lake Pehoe amongst the icebergs of Grey Glacier, one of the most beautiful glaciers of the Patagonia ice field. You can even hike on Grey Glacier with an optional lesson on ice-hiking.

Day 19: Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia for a day exploring the southernmost city in the world before enjoying one last night on the town and our farewell dinner.

Day 20 Depart Ushuaia. End of tour.

Contact us to join this incredible journey.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore truly unforgettable pristine and seldom-visited wilderness areas
• Enjoy rich and varied wildlife (much of it found nowhere else in the world) including vast penguin rookeries, friendly seals and inquisitive whales in spectacular settings
• Cruise among beautifully sculpted icebergs and glistening glaciers
• Travel in safe, convenient ‘go anywhere’ Zodiac landing craft to remote beaches in otherwise inaccessible areas
• Visit modern scientific research stations and meet their station members
• Learn more about Antarctica with an outstanding team of lecturers and expedition staff
• Travel onboard an ice-strengthened vessel with comfortable accommodations
• Experience excellent onboard cuisine prepared by European chefs
• Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and hike in the Patagonian Andes
• Two full-day hikes within Glacier National Park
• Hike in the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park
• Travel by boat on Lake Pehoe amongst the icebergs of Grey Glacier

DATES & PRICES

Online dates and prices are unavailable for this adventure.
Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with this information.