Day 1: | Departure for Antarctica
In the morning, you will be contacted at your hotel to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for the flight to Patriot Hills, you will be given just under an hour to prepare before being picked up at your hotel by bus. At the airport passengers will pass through security, including x-ray of all hand luggage. As on regular, scheduled flights, no sharp objects may be carried on board in your hand luggage or on your person. Immigration formalities are completed before proceeding to the aircraft, allowing time for photos before climbing on board. After a safety briefing by the flight crew depart Chile for the flight south.
The flight time from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills is approximately 4.5 hours. The initial part of the flight passes over Tierra Del Fuego, or “Land of Fire”, so named by Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan), for the native Yahgan people’s campfires that illuminated its shores. The ocean south of Tierra del Fuego, the Drake Passage, has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild storms, violent winds and heavy seas.
At approximately 60˚ south reach the winter limits of frozen seas. This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in plankton and other tiny creatures that form the base of the food chain for Antarctica’s rich bird and wildlife colonies. Enter the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
At 66˚ south the aircraft will cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral winter solstice. Further south, Antarctic days and nights lengthen until at the South Pole the sun rises and sets only once a year. Continue the flight south and if cloud conditions co-operate, possibly sight tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they calve.
The first sight of the icy continent is Charcot Island close to Alexander Island, at 71˚ south. These islands lie in the Bellingshausen Sea, west of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica. Fly south along the Ellsworths to their southernmost extension, the Patriot Hills, where the runway comes into sight. The wheeled aircraft lands on an area of blue ice that is approximately 2600 ft (800 m) above sea level. The blue ice remains clear of snow due to katabatic winds that funnel down from the mountains with great force. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and directed to the base camp approximately 1/2 mile (1 km) away. Transportation is readily available, but most travellers enjoy walking up to camp as it provides an opportunity to stretch their legs and take photos. Be sure to stay away from the active loading zone at the back of the aircraft, as well as off the ice runway.
At camp you will meet the team’s friendly staff who will show you to your accommodation and settle you down to a welcoming meal. |
Day 2: | Orientation to Patriot Hills Camp, Antarctica
The South Pole group will meet in the morning for an orientation to Patriot Hills and Antarctica. Your guide will brief you on environmental and safety considerations for your time on the ice and update you on logistics and weather for your journey to the South Pole. You will tour camp to discover the intricacies of daily life in Antarctica and hear about the range of activities that are available to enjoy at Patriot Hills. Bring a pen, paper and any questions you may have to the meeting. The rest of the day provides an opportunity to acclimatize to your new surroundings and participate in optional, light activities. We want you to be well rested so that you get the most out of your journey to the South Pole. |
Days 3-7: | Visit to South Pole and Exploring Antarctica
(Days 3-7 on 8 day programme) - Your South Pole flight will take place on the first day that weather and logistics permit. Days before and after the visit to 90° south round out your Antarctic adventure, with opportunities to explore life in and around Patriot Hills camp as well as to enjoy the tranquillity and majesty of Antarctica—experiences you will not encounter anywhere else on earth.
South Pole Flight Day
After breakfast and a final weather check by the pilots and our guide, prepare to pack up and head as far south in the world as humanly possible. While plans are to return the same day, the group will carry sleeping bags, equipment and food on board, in case the weather turns and it is necessary to stop and camp en route. A “typical” South Pole visit is described below. Given the unpredictability of Antarctic conditions and the need to coordinate our visit with South Pole station personnel, exact details and itinerary for your South Pole Flight Day may vary from what is described.
The flight to the pole will take approximately 6 hours from Patriot Hills over the high, polar plateau. Below, you will see wind affected snow called sastrugi, the occasional field of crevasses, and an endless expanse of white. En-route, a stop is necessary at Thiel Mountains to re-fuel the aircraft. The fuel cache marks the approximate half-way point between Patriot Hills and the South Pole. The re-fuelling will last about an hour and will give passengers a chance to stretch their legs before the remainder of the flight. The break will also give everyone a chance to have a snack and a drink. Much of the time today will be spent in the cold, above 10,000 ft (3000 m). It is important to drink lots of fluids and keep energy levels up with high calorie snacks.
As the aircraft approaches 90 degrees south catch sight of the South Pole station in the distance. The United States of America maintains a research station at the South Pole, named the Amundsen–Scott Station in memory of those intrepid explorers.
Land on the groomed skiway and taxi to the parking position near the Amundsen-Scott station. Be sure to bundle up before de-planing, paying particular attention to hands and face. Temperatures at the pole vary from -31 to -13F (-35 to -25C ) and at these temperatures, even the slightest breeze can quickly freeze exposed skin. A pair of lightweight inner gloves helps protect hands while operating camera controls.
The effective elevation of the Geographic South Pole is between 11,000-13,000 ft (3,300-4,000 m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache. Take it slow and steady to help your body cope with these unfamiliar conditions. Your visit to the pole will last approximately 3-4 hours. Given the cold conditions and altitude, this is just the right amount of time to enjoy the experience and fulfil the group’s objectives, without overdoing it.
On arrival, meet with a representative of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) who will escort the group inside the station. As guests of the station passengers may use their washroom facilities and enjoy an informal talk on the science undertaken at this remote and unusual research facility. If the shop is open group members may be able to purchase small souvenirs such as T-shirts, badges, etc. so be sure to bring some US$ cash. The station also has a rubber stamp that you may use for stamping postcards and other items, but please note that postal facilities are not available.
Following the station visit return outside to the Geographic South Pole. Here, at the southernmost point on earth, all 360 lines of longitude meet and beneath your feet the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000m) thick. You are part of a very select and very limited group of people who have journeyed this far south on our planet. Congratulations!
At the Geographic South Pole, there will be time for photographs and for reflection. Imagine how it must have felt to stand here nearly 100 years ago with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions. The distance you have so comfortably travelled in hours, took the early explorers years of planning and months of travel by sled, foot and ski. They stood where you now stand contemplating their achievements and their equally arduous return to the coast.
The completion of this incredible journey will be the return flight to Patriot Hills over the polar plateau. Once back at Patriot Hills camp enjoy a celebration dinner and toast your wonderful achievement—a marvellous story that so few have lived!
Patriot Hills Days
During your stay at Patriot Hills you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish, just let the staff there know. Some outside activities are weather dependent but the guides accustomed to changes in the weather and so have learnt to be flexible and weather resilient. Your guide will organise a daily programme of activities, based on group interests and weather conditions.
Some of the active pursuits you can enjoy include: Snowmachine assisted tours to the local mountains; excursions to view unusual ice and rock formations nearby; an ascent of the Patriot Hills with panoramic views of the Ellsworth Mountain Range; opportunities to learn and practice cross-country skiing; short walking trips across the vast polar landscape; and navigation lessons.
Photographers will enjoy the unusual wind-sculpted snow features, ice pools, dramatic peaks, spectacular open skies and cloud formations, as well as the golden light cast by the midnight sun.
In camp, the experienced staff will share their knowledge of the icy continent, giving talks on diverse themes. You can join the meteorologist for weather observations; learn rope handling skills, track expeditions as they make their way southward; carve snow sculptures, play indoor games and exchange stories with some of the other adventure travellers you meet on your journey. The variety of activities available is only limited by your enthusiasm and imagination. |
Day 8: | Return to Punta Arenas
Day 7 or 8: Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive in Patriot Hills on the scheduled departure day with a new collection of avid explorers and will take off with your group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey. Once the flight is confirmed, our client service staff in Punta Arenas will make hotel reservations on your behalf. In Punta Arenas you will be met at the airport by staff who will arrange for transfer to your hotel and assist wherever possible with any questions you may have.
Please note that you are travelling to an expedition base camp situated in the interior of Antarctica, the most isolated and windiest continent on earth. Every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary but it is offered subject to change at the discretion of staff based on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. You will be accommodated and looked after in Patriot Hills during any flight delays to Punta Arenas.
Days of delay are a normal part of Antarctic travel. DO NOT plan anything important for a minimum of two weeks after your scheduled return. Give yourself time to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments. Our specialist team in the office will be able to advise you regarding booking flights and any accommodation in Punta Arenas as ‘cushion days’ around your tour. |
Note: | No two Antarctic adventures are exactly the same. This is part of the magic and excitement of Antarctic travel. This itinerary is intended to outline general programme objectives and highlight typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline, activities, and program details will vary from trip to trip. |