One of the greatest compliments we can receive is when past travelers come back to us for another adventure in South America. Barbara, Eric, Kathy, and Lenny had done two previous trips with Knowmad, to Easter Island & Patagonia and to the Galapagos Islands. So when they came back looking to go off the beaten track for their third trip, exploring the contrasting deserts of the Atacama in northern Chile and Antarctica, we were really excited to help them plan this awesome multi-generational Chile + Antarctica family adventure.
First they took their adventure north, to Chile’s Atacama desert where they enjoyed a stay at the luxurious Tierra Atacama, basking in the unique beauty of this region. Here they could choose from a variety of options on how to spend their days: climbing volcanoes, horseback riding, hiking throughout the region, or spending a relaxing day at the spa.
Next, they flew to the far south to explore the vast and mysterious ‘White Continent’ of Antarctica. Choosing to forgo the notorious Drake Passage, they flew directly to King George Island. Here they traveled around the famous Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, known for their unique wildlife, including leopard seals and multiple species of penguins. On their expedition boat they enjoyed a variety of on-board activities while passing by glaciers and taking in the astonishing views.
Read on below to learn more about this bucket-list-worthy trip that proves that travel is a lifelong adventure.
Do you want to travel to Chile or Antarctica? We’re regional experts here at Knowmad Adventures and pride ourselves in building custom trips that are a perfect fit for our travelers. If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining several regions in Chile and Antarctica but this particular itinerary doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Chile and Antarctica Trip Specialists at 612-315-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
INCREDIBLE Chile + ANTarctica FAMILY TRIP: ATACAMA, ANTARCTIC EXPLORER + MORE
Day 1 USA – Santiago
You will take an overnight flight from the U.S. arriving in Santiago the following morning.
Day 2 Santiago – Atacama
Arriving in Santiago in the morning, you will be responsible for independently catching your connecting flight to Calama. Upon arrival in Calama you will be met at the airport by a Tierra Atacama representative and taken on the approximately 90-minute drive to their lodge. On your arrival day, as well as each day after, your guide will meet with you to explain the many options of excursions and help you select your activity for the next day. This allows full flexibility to adjust your excursions to how you are feeling that particular day and your personal preferences. There are activities for all interests and abilities, including hikes, walks, bicycle rides, horseback riding, volcano climbs, four-wheeling, and stargazing. All excursions take place in small groups of Tierra guests accompanied by your bilingual guides. And of course, at the end of your excursion you will enjoy returning to the spa, pool, and relaxation of the lodge. You will also enjoy gourmet food and a range of wines and alcohol as part of your adventure inclusive package.
- D – Tierra Atacama
Day 3 Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Atacama.
- B, L, D – Tierra Atacama
Day 4 Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Atacama.
- B, L, D – Tierra Atacama
Day 5 Atacama
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Atacama.
- B, L, D – Tierra Atacama
Day 6 Atacama – Santiago
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Tierra Atacama. After enjoying a leisurely morning at Tierra you will be taken to the airport in accordance with your onward flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, you will independently cross the street to your hotel.
- B, L – Holiday Inn Airport Hotel
Day 7 Santiago – Punta Arenas
In the early morning, you will independently cross the street in accordance with your Quark flight to Punta Arenas. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your departure. On arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be transferred by Quark to the included group hotel. In the afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at your accommodations and you will enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day. Here, you will also collect the boots and parkas that you will need for the following day’s flight and have your luggage weighed.
- B, D – Dreams Patagonia
Day 8 Punta Arenas – King George Island & the Antarctic Peninsula
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship you will be staying on will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.
- B, L, D – Island Sky
Day 9 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you will be alerted to any new sightings. Your team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history, and wildlife of the region.
- B, L, D – Island Sky
Day 10 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo, or chinstrap penguin. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbor to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you will wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that is unrivaled by any other travel experience. Your Expedition Team will be with you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.
- B, L, D – Island Sky
Day 11 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Continue to enjoy daily excursions, on-board activities, and incredible sights and sounds in Antarctica & the South Shetland Islands.
- B, L, D – Island Sky
Day 12 Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
Continue to enjoy daily excursions, o-board activities, and incredible sights and sounds in Antarctica & the South Shetland Islands.
- B, L, D – Island Sky
Day 13 King George Island – Punta Arenas
After your week of exploration, you will say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, explore and enjoy dinner reminiscing about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
- B, L, D – Dreams Patagonia
Day 14 Punta Arenas – Santiago
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas airport for your included return flight to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will be met by your Knowmad Adventures guide, who will accompany you to your centrally-located accommodations. The rest of the day is yours to spend independently at your leisure. Highlights could include the Mercado Central (Chile’s largest fresh seafood market), the historic República & Concha y Toro neighborhoods, eclectic Barrio Lastarria, Parque Forestal, and artsy Barrio Bellavista. One of the former homes of beloved poet and Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda is also located in Santiago, yet another idea for your independent day of exploration in the city.
- B – Singular Santiago
Day 15 Santiago
Enjoy the day at your leisure experiencing the sites, sounds, and food of Santiago. As you independently explore the historic and cultural sites of the city, highlights could include the beautiful park on Santa Lucía Hill, the governmental seat of Palacio La Moneda, the House of Justice, or the National Parliament. Along Plaza de Armas, the main square, you can visit the Cathedral and view the majestic architecture of the Post Office and governmental buildings. Enjoy sightseeing and people watching in this city that has been bustling with life from colonial times to present day.
- B – Singular Santiago
Day 16 Santiago – Wine Country – Santiago – USA
Today, you will be met at your hotel to explore Chile’s wine country, just a short distance from Santiago. First you will visit Loma Larga, where you will find an orchard full of fruit and nut trees, including walnuts, oranges, pears, kumquat, apples, avocado, and ending in an almond orchard. Along the way your guide will provide information about climate, soil characteristics, irrigation, and general needs for growing fruit trees. Then, continue to the vineyard to learn about vine growing, including explanations about planting, pruning, and harvesting methods. Here you will also see the winemaking facility, the underground oak barrel cellar, and finish with a tasting of 4 wines. Round out your time in wine country at one of the most unique wineries in the valley, Bodega Re, where the family-run winery focuses on combining ancient ways of production with today’s knowledge to produce beautiful premium wines. Here you will enjoy a lunch with a tasting of their distinct varieties. After enjoying the scenery of the vineyard you will be taken back to the Santiago airport in accordance with your international overnight flight home.
- B, L & tastings
Day 17 Arrive home.
Hasta Pronto, Knowmad Adventurers
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly-operated trip.
