“Antarctica was always on Dennis’ bucket list. I went along knowing that he really wanted to go. Only once the trip was booked did I actually start doing my own research. The more I read, the more fascinating Antarctica seemed and the more excited I became. One will see things they have never seen before; they will be amazed by the unbelievable and beautiful landscapes, the vastness, the stillness, and the pristine nature of the region. One needs to see Antarctica to appreciate how splendid, majestic, and almost surreal it is. The wildlife was spectacular and plentiful. Whales and seals swam right up to the zodiac, where we could practically touch them. The penguins walked right up to us.
Krista was really great in helping us navigate the different boat and expedition options, helping us choose what best suited our interests. We were so happy she guided us to Quark Expeditions, their Crossing the Antarctic Circle itinerary, and the Ultramarine ship choice. It was not like a cruise at all.
A favorite was taking a helicopter and landing on a pristine area where no man had ever been; we could truly appreciate the majesty of the area. I loved placing my foot in snow that had never been touched by any human in history. We went kayaking, walked on ice floes, and even did a polar plunge. While larger ships do not typically allow landings, we went exploring by zodiac disembarking frequently, getting to walk on the continent. The up-close views of the area, access to the region on this ship, and expedition were incredible. The food was also excellent; there was even a chef who made fresh bread daily, and the dining manager made sure all our needs were met.
The Ultramarine was great: well-equipped with amenities like a spa and gym. They had a range of international guides and staff, our cabin was roomy and comfortable, and we had a chance to visit the bridge and sit in the captain’s chair.
We’re so glad we decided to cross the Antarctic Circle, as it was really special. It’s incredible to think that this is something that has been done by very few in world history. Celebrating it with champagne on the deck of the Ultramarine, surrounded by pristine beauty, is something we won’t forget.
Combining Antarctica and Patagonia into one trip works great. I really enjoy hiking so stopping off at El Chaltén. Hiking Laguna de los Tres and the base of Mount Fitz Roy was spectacular. We also walked on the Perito Moreno Glacier and witnessed it calving off massive ice chunks.
This is a trip for people looking for an extraordinary and unique adventure. It’s for people looking for experiences you can’t have anywhere else in the world, where few people have gone before.
All three of our trips with Knowmad have been exciting and exceeded our expectations and we’ll be taking our fourth trip to Peru later this year. Krista listens to what we really enjoy and crafts itineraries to really reflect our interests. The local guides have all been excellent. All the expedition leaders were well informed, helpful, and exceptional.”
– Suzette and Dennis, soon-to-be four-time Knowmad travelers
Suzette and Dennis are lovely, expert travelers. They seek out intimate and unique experiences and love to learn about and participate in local culture. Dennis likes more luxurious accommodations and relaxed adventures, while Suzette is inspired by being physically active. Knowmad’s Antarctica and Patagonia Specialist, Krista, thrives on helping them find the perfect balance in their travels.
Below is their Antarctica and Patagonia combo trip itinerary.
ULTIMATE ANTARCTICA AND PATAGONIA ADVENTURE
DAY 1 USA – Buenos Aires
Take an overnight flight, arriving in Buenos Aires the following morning.
DAY 2 Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, you will be taken to your accommodations by your Knowmad guide.
- No meals – MINE Hotel, Palermo Room
DAY 3 Buenos Aires – El Calafate – El Chaltén
Transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver to the airport. In El Calafate, transfer with your Spanish speaking-driver on the ~3 hour drive to El Chaltén. After your arrival, you will be given a briefing by a guide on your upcoming activities and ideas for your day of leisure.
- B – Hosteria Senderos, Premium Room
DAY 4 El Chaltén & Los Glaciares National Park
Enjoy a full-day guided trekking adventure to the Laguna de los Tres vantage point for a view of the Fitz Roy massif (weather permitting). Ascend until the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy come into view. Continue towards Laguna de los Tres until you arrive at the old moraine ridge with views of the gorgeous laguna.
Hike details: 13 miles, ~8-9 hours, moderate to difficult hiking
- B, box L – Hosteria Senderos, Premium Room
DAY 5 El Chaltén
Enjoy the day exploring independent hikes in the area. For mountain views, take the short hike to the Los Cóndores & Las Águilas viewpoints, or for birdwatching, the 3-km walk to Río de las Vueltas lenga forest.
- B – Hosteria Senderos, Premium Room
DAY 6 El Chaltén – El Calafate
In the afternoon. transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver on the ~3.5-hour drive to El Calafate, stopping along the way for photos of the landscape.
- B – Posada los Alamos, Standard Room
DAY 7Perito Moreno Glacier
Transfer ~1 hour to board the ferry for your glacier-trekking excursion (today in shared group). At the glacier, guides will lead you on a 1-2 hour circuit hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots for the use of crampons. Stroll through the forest back to solid ground. Enjoy your box lunch before exploring the various viewpoints of Perito Moreno with your small group.
- B, box L – Posada los Alamos, Standard Room
DaY 8El Calafate – Ushuaia
Transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver to the airport. In Ushuaia, transfer with a Knowmad guide to your accommodations.
- B – Cilene del Faro, Superior Room
Day 9Ushuaia
Today, you will be transferred to the pier to board your vessel. As the ship sets sail in the late afternoon, you will begin your Antarctic journey, passing through the historic Beagle Channel.
- B, D – Quark Ultramarine, Explorer Suite
Days 10-20 Antarctica
While you cross the Drake Passage, your days at sea will be filled with presentations led by your Expedition Team on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. You can also spend time on deck looking for wildlife or chatting with your shipmates over a drink at the bar.
After two days, you will reach the continent of Antarctica. Each day, you will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels, and landing sites, visiting penguin rookeries, scouting for whales, and searching for seals. Your expedition team will care for you at each landing, whether you are exploring the Antarctic terrain, visiting a historical research base, or consorting with penguin colonies. Zodiac and ship cruising can offer opportunities to view some of the larger local marine wildlife. Eventually, if conditions allow it, you will cross the famed latitude of 66°33 ́ S, where you can toast to the first explorers and experience raw Antarctica, home to the midnight sun. Then, you will begin your trek back north, all the while searching for wildlife on your Zodiac excursions before recrossing the Drake Passage back to Ushuaia.
- B, L, D – Quark Ultramarine, Explorer Suite
DAY 21 Ushuaia – Buenos Aires
In the morning, disembark your cruise and transfer with your expedition group to the Ushuaia airport. In Buenos Aires, transfer with your Knowmad guide to your accommodations.
- B – Loi Suites Recoleta, Studio Executive Room
DAY 22 Buenos Aires – USA
Enjoy a guided half-day exploration of Buenos Aires, visiting neighborhoods such as San Telmo and La Boca. You will also explore the Recoleta district which includes South America’s most opulent cemetery. Afterwards, transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver to the airport for your overnight, international flight home.
- B
DAY 23 USA
Arrive home.
Interested in creating your own Antarctica and Patagonia adventure? Give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] today!
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.
