Antarctica

The ancient cultures and fascinating human history that reverberates throughout Latin America stand in stark contrast to the vast, uninhabited, icy landscapes of Antarctica. While the latter offers the world’s most unique and untouched environment, the diversity and vibrancy of the South American continent, with its wonders both natural and manmade, provides the perfect footnote to an epic polar journey. 


BUENOS AIRES & TRADITIONAL ESTANCIAS
With many international flights connecting through Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city is an ideal place to break your journey. We are able to offer a range of accommodation from centrally located tourist class hotels to boutique properties across the city. Take in the colourful streets of La Boca, Recoleta’s café culture, the revolutionary Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada.  Within easy reach of Buenos Aires, discover life on the pampas on a typical Argentine ranch. We heartily recommend a short stay or daytrip to either Estancia El Ombu de Areco or Estancia Dos Talas; both properties date from late-colonial times. Meander through the impressive grounds, saddle-up for a sortie by horseback, or simply relax with a cool drink by the pool. 

2-night estancia package from: £377 per person


LOS GLACIARES EXPLORER
The Perito Moreno glacier is a stunning 5km long wall of jagged blue ice spilling from the South Patagonian Icefield into Lake Argentino, not far from El Calafate. El Chalten lies 220km from El Calafate at the foot of the majestic granite peaks of Mount Fitzroy and Cerro Torre.  

Outline Itinerary
Day 1 arrive into El Calafate, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore.
Day 2 full day excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier, starting with an easy two-hour walk off the beaten track to the glacier’s North face before a half-hour boat trip along the ice edge. 
Day 3 early morning transfer to Puerto Bandera. Cruise to the Upsala, Onelli and Spegazzini Glaciers. Walk through woodland to Onelli Bay before the transfer back to your hotel.
Day 4 private transfer to meet the bus for your 3½ hr journey to the mountain town of El Chalten.
Day 5 enjoy a full day hiking to Laguna de Los Tres with a local trekking guide.
Day 6 day at leisure.
Day 7 transfer to the bus terminal for the journey back to El Calafate.

Prices from: £541 per person 


IGUAZU FALLS 
Iguazu’s National Park boasts a thundering 250 separate falls which straddle 2km in length between Argentina and Brazil. The park also boasts a fascinating sub-tropical forest full of exotic animals, birds and insects.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1 arrive into Puerto Iguazu and transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Note - hotels are located 18km from the falls.
Day 2 pick up from your hotel for a private tour to the Argentinean side of the falls. Take a little train from the Visitor’s Centre to the paths running close to the falls. Wander the upper walk (45 mins) and lower path (1½ hrs), and enjoy spectacular views of the 'Devils Throat'. Return transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 morning transfer to the Brazilian side of the falls, offering a panoramic view via an easy 1 hr walk. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your onward flight. 
 
Prices from: £207 per person


ADVENTURE IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Many of our Antarctic voyages start and end at the world’s most southerly city of Ushuaia, an ideal opportunity to explore this dramatic setting on the doorstep of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1 arrive into Ushuaia, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 visit historic Harberton Farm; board a zodiac through the Beagle Channel to Gable Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch before a 3-hr walk around the island. Continue by zodiac to the Magallenic penguin rookery on Martillo Island; also home to albatross and sea lions. Return transfer to hotel.
Day 3 full day excursion exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park. Enjoy a 3½ hr walk along the coastal park through lush forests, reaching Lake Roca in time for lunch. Take to inflatable canoes for an easy downstream paddle before alighting at the beautiful Lapataia Bay for the return transfer.
Day 4 at leisure to explore then transfer to the airport or join your Antarctic cruise.

Prices from: £377 per person


PATAGONIA HIGHLIGHTS
Pair the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier with the towering granite peaks, windswept steppes and azul lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1 arrive in El Calafate and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 full day excursion to the immense Perito Moreno glacier, including a boat trip and time to explore the walkways in front of the ice face.
Day 3 full day drive into Torres del Paine National Park, passing through the windswept steppes of Patagonia.   
Day 4 enjoy a full day guided tour taking in the highlights of the park in view of the stunning peaks of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Visit lakes, waterfalls and other scenic attractions. 
Day 5 reach Lago Grey and sail across to the towering glacier walls. Further exploration of the park including ice-trekking on Glacier Grey and catamaran cruise on Lago Pehoe.
Day 6 full day transfer to El Calafate for a final night stay.
Day 7 transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Prices from: £1,030 per person

EXTENSIONS IN CHILE 
Please contact or team to discuss your individual requirements. Itineraries subject to change, prices available on application.

SANTIAGO’S CENTRAL VALLEY & WINELANDS
From Santiago, the Maipo Valley runs deep into the Andes, reaching impassable gorges and rugged scenery. The area is also a birders paradise and an ideal place to watch Chile’s endemic birds in their typical chaparral environment. The area is also a wine enthusiast’s delight. Day excursions are available for those wishing to retreat to the peace and quiet of this area from Santiago and enjoy a vineyard visit, trekking, horse riding or rafting.

CHILEAN FJORDS
If ice and glaciers make your pulse race then you may wish to consider a cruise amongst the Chilean Fjords. Departing from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales there are many possibilities for small ship cruising on Patagonia’s glacial lakes. Options vary from daily boat excursions out to the glaciers to 5 or 6 night cruises through ice-choked waterways.

ATACAMA DESERT  
In nothern Chile, the ochre colours and vast landscapes of the Atacama Desert are simply astounding. Sparkling salt flats, geothermal hot springs and geysers are an added attraction, and watching the sun set over the Valle de la Luna shades the dramatic landscape in a firey outer-worldly glow. 
 
EASTER ISLAND  
Easter Island was discovered in 1722 and has proven to be a source of fascination ever since. Located around 4000 km west of the Chilean coast; ‘Rapa Nui’ is reached by flights from Santiago to the island’s main town of Hanga Roa. Many have sought to unravel the legends and chronicles surrounding Rapa Nui’s moai statues – spell-binding archaeological remnants of the island’s past.