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Trip Inspiration

Southern Exploration: 13 Days in Patagonia + Antarctica

Remote Adventure on Two Continents

Few places in the world inspire the thoughts of remote and rugged wilderness better than Patagonia and Antarctica. Your exploration of the deep southern hemisphere brings you to Torres del Paine. the undisputed heart of Chilean Patagonia. Experience the true essence of the region with awe-inspiring excursions designed to immerse you in Patagonia's beauty and culture. This exceptional journey of discovery doesn't stop here, however. You will continue to Antarctica to further your exploration, but on this unique trip you fly across the Drake Passage, avoiding its rough waters and delivering you to the continent in two hours, rather than two days. Enjoy your time on the seventh continent, where your only neighbors will be the towering glaciers, floating icebergs and lively marine animals.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • One night at the cosmopolitan Ritz Carlton hotel in Santiago
  • Four nights at Explora in breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park
  • One night in Punta Arenas to prepare for your Antarctica adventure
  • Five nights on the Magellan Explorer in the heart of Antarctica
  • One final night in Punta Arenas before departing Chile

Activities

  • Privately guided touring in the lively city of Santiago, Chile
  • Patagonian exploration with unrivaled vistas, rugged landscape and spectacular wildlife
  • Comfortably cross the Drake Passage by air and be one of the few to land on the ‘icy continent’
  • Antarctic discovery on water – by Zodiac or kayak – or on land – by snowshoe, ski, or on foot
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Patagonia and Antarctica might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Santiago, Chile

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival in Santiago, you will be met for your private transfer to the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where you will stay for one night, including breakfast.

After some time to freshen up, you will be met for your half-day city tour. Santiago de Chile is fast becoming the place to be. Its tranquility, stability, green areas, and cleanliness are all factors that surprise and delight their visitors and the quality of life, cultural and culinary offerings make it a highly desirable city. The uptown areas of the city are famed for their avant-garde architecture and laid-back pace of life, but the administrative center is the real heart of the city. It is home to the Government Palace (La Moneda), the splendid Plaza de Armas square, its cathedral, and countless other historical landmarks, while pedestrian boulevards lead to numerous museums and leafy plazas. Local neighborhoods combine commercial and culinary highlights, state-of-the-art architecture, and night life. The tallest building in South America – designed by Cesar Pelli – looms over the city and offers a viewing platform that is a must on a clear day. A visit to one or two of Santiago’s parks offers areas to bike, walk, or simply sit quietly to enjoy the view.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Ritz Carlton Meals: N/A

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Day 2

Santiago to Torres del Paine

This morning you will be met for your private transfer to the Santiago Airport for your commercial flight to Punta Arenas.

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be met for your shared transfer to Explora Torres del Paine. Accommodations will be reserved for four nights including all meals, local drinks and shared activities. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore the area around the lodge.

Over 500 years after the arrival of the first European seafarers in Patagonia, the words to describe the area are still the same: exotic, faraway, vast, infinitely beautiful, wild, and indomitable. Situated in the heart of the National Park, the Torres del Paine Mountains are one of the main attractions of the region and an icon of Chilean Patagonia. The immensity of the ice floes, the majesty of the mountains and the expanse of the lakes are a constant source of wonderment.

Explora offers a variety of guided hikes and activities, as diverse as your preferences. Every evening before dinner, the guides will share with you the activities scheduled for the following day and assist you with choosing the best excursions according to your individual interests and abilities. Activities have difficulty levels ranging from easy to expert, half day to full day in Torres del Paine National Park. All excursions are shared with other camp guests, in the company of an English speaking guide.

Explora Torres del Paine Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 3 - 5

 

Torres del Paine

Spend your days enjoying the activities on offer at Explora Torres del Paine. All meals will be served at the hotel or with your activities.

Torres del Paine National Park is in the heart of Patagonia. The area is known for its beautiful rivers and lakes, its towering mountains, and breathtaking glaciers that demand exploration. You will be actively introduced to some of the great scenery of South America, from hiking to the famous Towers to looking down over Grey Glacier.

Explora Torres del Paine Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas

This morning you will be met for your transfer to Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas. Accommodations will be reserved for one night in a Standard Room, including breakfast.

In preparation for your tomorrow’s voyage to Antarctica, you will attend a briefing that provides important information about your trip and reviews the essential guidelines for all Antarctic visitors. Later, you will gather for a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow adventurers while enjoying a typical regional menu.

Cabo de Hornos Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 7

Punta Arenas to King George Island

(Embark Magellan Explorer)

This morning your Antarctic adventure begins! You will start with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands.

As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

AboardMagellan Explorer Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 8-11

 

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.

Each day, disembark by zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.

No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team sets the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience each time.

While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island, the Lemaire Channel or many other magnificent places.

Evenings aboard can be spent in the library or swapping expedition stories with your fellow travelers.

AboardMagellan Explorer Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12

King George Island to Punta Arenas

(Disembark Magellan Explorer)

Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas.

Upon arrival, transfer to Cabo de Hornos. Accommodations will be reserved in a Standard room for one night, including breakfast. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Cabo de Hornos Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

Depart Chile

Today you will be transferred with fellow guests to the Punta Arenas Airport where you will check-in for your commercial flight to Santiago.  Upon arrival in Santiago, make your way to your connecting international flights home.

Overnight Flight Meals: Breakfast

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