Ushuaia + Antarctica
The mystique of the White Continent has envoked travel inspiration in adventure travelers for centuries. From floating turquoise icebergs to walking amongst curious penguins and being dwarfed by the massive peaks of the Antarctandes, there are no words to appropriately describe the feeling of immersing into this harsh, yet beautifully unique destination.
Our custom created expedition will start and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the Fin del Mundo (End of the World). Ushuaia is a destination all on its own. This area of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia is surrounded by seemingly endless peaks, azul glacier lakes and flanked by the expansive Beagle Channel, which serves as the gateway to Antarctica. Guests will be welcomed and enjoy the first few days at the 5-Star Arakur Hotel & Spa. Perched on a hilltop above Ushuaia, this property is known for its stunning view and privileged location. In true Peru Eco Expeditions fashion, Daniel and I have curated custom activities from Ushuaia to showcase the best of this region. Guests will trek through the Patagonian Andes, dine on the famed centolla (Southern king crab) with views of the Beagle Channel, partake in scenic nature hikes and enjoy a few more of our special touches that will make for a memorable journey. The expedition will all the while be supporting local family owned and operated businesses.
The journey will then continue to Antarctica aboard Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer, a luxury all suite small cruise ship. After embarkation in Ushuaia, the first two days of the polar expedition will be crossing the infamous Drake Passage. During this time, scientific lectures will be conducted in the ship’s lecture theater and guests are more than welcome to enjoy the on board amenities as well as visit the many observation decks and lounges. The first land in sight will be the South Shetland Islands and from there the voyage will continue to the Antarctic Peninsula. The next four days will be dedicated to a complete immersion into Antarctica. With multiple zodiac cruises per day, landing excursions and close encounters with marine wildlife, guests will truly feel a part of this otherworldly landmass and the surrounding Southern Ocean. There is truly nowhere else in the world quite like Antarctica and one must experience it firsthand to feel its magic. After the exploration of the White Continent has concluded it will then be time to depart. The ship will make its way back through the Drake Passage, past Cape Horn and return to Ushuaia. After disembarkation, guests will enjoy a farewell brunch at a special location on the Beagle Channel with views of Chilean Southern Patagonia in the distance. A champagne toast will conclude this bucket list trip and guests will depart Ushuaia having made lifelong memories!
*Please note that January & February are the peak months of summer in Antarctica. This is when the temperature is the warmest, there is the best chance to have calm conditions crossing the Drake Passage and the continent as well as its offshore islands are filled with wildlife. However, with that being said, Antarctica is always unpredictable!
Itinerary Overview / (12) Days
Day 1: Arrival Into Ushuaia & Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Tierra del Fuego Exploration
*Trek to a Turquoise Lake
*Dine on Centolla (Southern King Crab) on the Beagle Channel
*Nature Hike to a Waterfall
*Dessert at an Organic Farm
Day 3: Martial Glacier & Embarkation on World Explorer
*Hike Martial Glacier
*Lunch at Tea House
*Exploration of Ushuaia Downtown at Leisure
*Depart for Antarctica
Day 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 5: Crossing the Drake Passage & Arrive to the South Shetland Islands
Day 6: Antarctica Exploration / Zodiac Expeditions
Day 7: Antarctica Exploration / Zodiac Expeditions
Day 8: Antarctica Exploration / Zodiac Expeditions
Day 9: Antarctica Exploration / Zodiac Expeditions
Day 10: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Day 12: Disembarkation, Farewell Brunch & Departure from Ushuaia
*Expedition can be fully customized and/or paired with other South American destinations.
Ushuaia Hotel:
Prior to embarking for Antarctica, guests will stay at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Spa. This resort is renowned for its large indoor/outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. Arakur is located within the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, which boasts 100 hectares of protected native forests with hiking trails leaving directly from the hotel.
Quark Expeditions:
Peru Eco Expeditions has partnered with Quark Expeditions to operate this experience. The reason that we chose Quark Expeditions for Antarctica is for their expertise in the polar regions, their sustainability policies as well as being one of the founding members of the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). Daniel & I absolutely loved being guests aboard the World Explorer as it was just the right amount of luxury merged with adventure to make our journey to Antarctica as comfortable as it was memorable. We have created a custom expedition that melds the best of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia with Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent Antarctic Cruise.
Antarctic Explorer – Discovering the 7th Continent:
Antarctic Explorer Brochure
Antarctica Cruise Ship – World Explorer:
Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe the World Explorer. Not only is it among Quark Expeditions’ fastest ships in their fleet, but it is also one of the finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation. The personal space is exceptional. Every suite has either a private walk-out or French balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers plenty of public areas to unwind in after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge for quiet contemplation and full skyline views, the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat, and the library for more intimate relaxing and reading. Presentations and discussions are facilitated in a dedicated lecture theater. Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor track and hot tubs, a small gym and a sauna, plus a spa with changing rooms, showers and lockers.
Please click the link for additional information:
World Explorer
Included Services:
– Organization of the Expedition
– Expedition Escort – Daniel Bustamante, Owner of Peru Eco Expeditions
– (2) Nights in 5-Star Hotel in Ushuaia
– (9) Nights Aboard the World Explorer
– Private Transportation in Ushuaia
– All Meals Starting with Dinner on Day 1 to Brunch on Day 12
– Additional Hot Beverage Station, Selected Soft Drinks & House Wine During Dinner on Cruise
– All Activities Listed in the Itinerary
– Zodiac Excursions & Polar Plunge in Antarctica
– Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Toast
– Scientific Lectures
– Quark Expeditions Parka To Keep
– Mud Boots & Trekking Poles for Usage During Shore Excursions
– L’Occitane Onboard Bathroom Amenities
– Photographic Gallery of Antarctic Expedition
– All Taxes
Non-Included Services:
– International Flights to/from Argentina
– Domestic Flights to/from Ushuaia
– Mandatory Travel Insurance
– Personal Expenses
– Staff Gratuity
– Payment Processing Fee
Group Size:
Minimum (10) Guests
Expedition Price:
*Pricing is dependent on travel dates and cabin category.
*Please contact us for pricing.
Enhancements – Additional Antarctic Activities (2023 Season):
$295.00 USD – Stand-Up Paddle Board in Antarctica / (1) Excursion
$295.00 USD – Paddling in Antarctica/ (1) Excursion
$295.00 USD – Camping in Antarctica / (1) Overnight Onshore Camping
$995.00 USD – Sea Kayaking in Antarctica / Multiple Outings – Weather Permitting
Give Back:
It is of the utmost important to us to give back to the community in which we will be visiting. We ask that everyone who joins the expedition to bring an article of warm clothing with them, either new or used (good condition), to be donated to the local homeless shelter. The weather in Ushuaia can be extremely harsh during the winter months and warm clothes are always in need.
Notes:
– All activities in Antarctica are subject to weather and ocean conditions, which are unpredictable and can change at any time.
Private Departures:
– Peru Eco Expeditions exclusively operates private expeditions that are personally escorted.
