From: £8,634
From: $11,495
Arrive before 14.00 (2pm) to the city of Punta Arenas where you are met by staff, and transferred to Hotel Cabo de Hornos.
In the afternoon, you meet your expedition mates and receive instructions and guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica, such as the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation.
In the evening, enjoy the welcome dinner.
Please note: You must arrive Punta Arenas at 14:00 hours, at the latest, or you will be listed as a no-show and miss the tour and receive no refund.
Our Antarctic adventure begins today with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
Upon arrival, we explore the around where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located.
Then, it’s our first time on the zodiacs at the beach on Fildes Bay so we can board our expedition vessel, the Ocean Nova.
We cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs.
For company, we have sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.
Our journey southwards may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots on the white continent such as Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands, amongst others. These will be dependent on the conditions at the time.
Our day-to-day adventure is very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats.
At night, enjoy lectures and socialising as wish you a very enjoyable time on board.
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night
(Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.)
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward travels.
Arrive before 14.00 to the city of Punta Arenas where you are met by staff, and transferred to Hotel Cabo de Hornos.
In the afternoon, you meet your expedition mates and receive instructions and guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica, such as the procedures for Zodiac boat embarkation and disembarkation. In the evening, enjoy the welcome dinner.
Please note: You must arrive Punta Arenas at 14:00 hours, at the latest, or you will be listed as a no-show and miss the tour and receive no refund.
Our Antarctic adventure begins today with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
Upon arrival, we explore the around where the Frei Chilean Base and the Bellingshausen Russian Base are located.
Then, it’s our first time on the zodiacs at the beach on Fildes Bay so we can board our expedition vessel, the Ocean Nova.
We cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs. For company, we have sea birds, penguins, seals and whales.
Our journey southwards may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots on the white continent such as Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands, amongst others as well as reaching the Polar Circle. These will be dependent on the conditions at the time.
Our day-to-day adventure is very active, with several daily landings and cruises in Zodiac boats.
At night, enjoy lectures and socialising as wish you a very enjoyable time on board.
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas.Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night
(Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not included in the program.)
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your onward travels.
MV Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer
Stated prices are per person, sharing a cabin. Single supplements apply.
| Vessel | Season | Triples (pp) | Twin/Doubles (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Nova fly-cruises | 2025–26 | USD 11,495 / 13,595 / 15,995 | USD 13,795 / 15,795 / 18,795 |
| Magellan Explorer fly-cruises | 2025–26 | USD 17,995 / 20,995 / 26,995 | USD 15,995 – 38,995 |
Please ask for full dates and price ranges.
Ocean Nova is a modern expedition vessel originally built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the the waters off Greenland.
Refurbished in 2006, her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica.
There is a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, spacious dining room, bar, library, gym and an infirmary.
The ship also has seven Zodiac boats that are used for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Capacity for 67 passengers in comfortable outside cabins.
| Category | Average Size | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabins | 87 sq. ft. / 8 sq. m | One lower single bed |
| Twin Cabins | 106 sq. ft. / 10 sq. m | Two lower beds |
| Triple Cabins | 150 sq. ft. / 14 sq. m | Two lower beds and one upper bed |
All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with chair, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with shower.
Magellan Explorer is a modern expedition vessel custom built for fly-cruises, built in Chile, and launched in 2019.
There are seven cabin types, and all have balconies apart from porthole cabins.
There is a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, spacious dining room, bar, library, gym and an infirmary. The ship also has ten Zodiac boats that are used for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Capacity for 73 passengers in comfortable outside cabins.
| Category | Average Size | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabins | 210 sq. ft. / 19 sq. m | Sitting area and balcony |
| Grand Suite | 480 sq. ft. / 44 sq. m | Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom |
| Penthouse Suite | 360 sq. ft. / 33 sq. m | Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area |
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | 240 sq. ft. / 22 sq. m | Cabin with sitting area and balcony |
| Veranda Cabin | 210 sq. ft. / 19 sq. m | Cabin with sitting area and balcony |
| Porthole Cabin | 200 sq. ft. / 18 sq. m | Cabin with sitting area and porthole |
| Triple Suite | 480 sq. ft. / 44 sq. m | Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area |
All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with chair, a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with shower.
Antarctica 21 cruises are open to almost everyone.
You must be able to endure cold temperatures and living on a comfortable boat, as well as be able to embark/disembark from zodiacs.
None of the walks are strenuous but the unique terrain offers its own challenges. The fitter and more mobile you are before the trip, the more you will enjoy it.
A flexible and positive approach to changes in itinerary and weather are good to bring a long.
Anyone wishing to kayak must have previous kayak experience and be aged 16 years or above.
Excellent international cuisine is prepared for you for every meal aboard, and all dietary requirements can be catered for – please let us know at the time of booking.
Meals are accompanied by a great selection of premium wines, carefully chosen by the Hospitality Team to complement and enhance each meal.
Veteran Antarctic aircraft pilots, experienced sea captains, an international team of polar guides and academics, and a team of seasoned travel professionals come together to create the Antarctica 21 experience.
You travel with at least twelve polar guides.
Professional, experienced, and passionate, they are a well-staffed team of extraordinary leaders and experts.
Charming and engaging, they will make your trip memorable.
A five-week odyssey from Argentina’s vibrant culture to Antarctica’s icy wilderness delivered the ultimate adventure experience.
A superbly run Antarctic voyage delivered calm ice, dramatic seas, surprise landings, and unforgettable moments at the edge of the world.
This amazing fly-cruise Antarctic trip sees you fly over and avoid the notoriously rough seas of Cape Horn and Drake Passage.
The Antarctica 21 programme takes you to one of the most remote places – the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable continent on earth.
Antarctica is a natural wonder that bewitches explorers, scientists and voyagers alike.
There are two itineraries to choose from – an 8-day and a 10-day cruise – for this once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Please contact us for the latest itineraries and read our blog about Antarctica costs, planning, and more.
From: $5210 per person
Duration
10 days
Festival: Carnaval
Fancy dress parades to music.
Location: Nation wide
Festival: Festival de la Venidimia / Grape Harvest
Dancers, performers, Harvest Queen and fireworks
Location: Mendoza
Festival: Tango festival
A celebration of the Tango. Music and dance.
Location: Buenos Aires
Festival: Casabindo Festival
Location: Buenos Aires
Festival: El Dia de Tradicion / Tradition Day
Celebration of Gaucho history and culture
Location: San Antonio de Areco
Availability, speed and cost of internet connection varies per boat.
Cruise ships use satellites to connect. Speed and quality is dependent on weather conditions and your itinerary for the day. At best, expect slow, dial-up type speeds.
You may get enough connection to send a few emails / messages / texts, but uploading heavy pictures, files and web browsing will probably prove difficult.
Similarly, mobile phones will not be in range of satellites.
At present, it’s best to consider yourself out-of-range when on a cruise.
Most cruises leave from Ushuaia in Argentina.
To call Argentina from abroad, or using your mobile phone in Argentina, follow these steps.
Example number: Buenos Aires (0)11 1234-5678, you would dial:
Argentina mobiles start with the number 15. If using your mobile phone to call an Argentine mobile, follow these steps.
Example number: Buenos Aires mobile 15-8765-4321, you would dial:
If taking a mobile phone with you, check roaming rates with your operator before leaving – they can be very high.
A good way to avoid expensive charges is to bring own unlocked tri- or quad-band phone to Argentina and then buy an inexpensive SIM chip with a local number. These are available in many kiosks and locutorios and offer ability to make cheap calls as well as affordable data for the internet.
Correo Argentino is the national, state-run postal service.
In order to get the most out of any tour we classify as ‘easy‘, you should be in good physical condition.
It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for any tour, since it is a subjective matter.
However, for tours as easy, expect to be active during the day, carrying only your day-pack.
Hikes/tours may involve some ascents, descents, stairs etc. Biking, rafting or kayaking at this level will be 2-4 hours maximum, with pauses.
Andean Trails can book all your international and domestic flights for this trip and for UK passengers; we have full ATOL bonding and can book flights with most airlines.
International flight prices are variable and usually can only be guaranteed at the time of booking. If you would like to upgrade to business or first class, or even arrive at an earlier date/depart at a later date we can also arrange this for you.
Typically, you fly to a country’s capital city and then overnight there or make a connecting flight (if available) to your next destination.
Please contact us for flight advice especially if you do make a connection on the same day. It is important to purchase a through ticket and not separate tickets for connections, so that you are covered for any delays. Passengers with separate tickets that are delayed run the risk of having to buy an entirely new ticket to continue their journeys.
Please note all airline schedules are subject to change and are out of our control.
Almost all flight tickets are now e-tickets. Any that are not will be handed to you on arrival in South America – this is most common for flights on smaller planes in Amazon areas such as Guyana/Bolivia.
The final travel instructions we send you some 2-3 weeks before departure will list the latest flight times, flight numbers etc as well as list your e-ticket numbers and booking reference code (6 characters i.e. GB75RK). This is what you will need to check in with.
Depending on the airline, we can reserve some seats for you at the time of booking your international flights with us.
If we cannot reserve seats at the time of booking, you have to wait for online check in to open (usually 24-72 hours before departure).
To check in online you will need to go to the website of the airline you are travelling with, and have your e-ticket number/booking reference to hand. Click check in online, enter your details, and choose your seat.
Some flights will allocate seats at the check in desk at the airport and some may not allocate seats at all.
The United States (USA) has an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which all travellers to and via the USA must complete BEFORE travel to/via its airports and shores.
More information can be found on their ESTA website.
Passengers who have not completed the form will be denied boarding.
Before you begin this application, make sure that you have a valid passport and credit card available.
This application will only accept the following credit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover (JCB, Diners Club).
Read our blogs about Buenos Aires’ restaurants and the best food experiences, plus where to eat in Patagonia.
| Main dishes | |
|---|---|
| Asado | Roast cooked on open fire |
| Parrillada | Mixed grill of roast meat, offal, chorizo (spicy sausage) & morcilla (black pudding) |
| Churrasco | Thick grilled steak |
| Bife de chorizo | Rump steak (not to be confused with the chorizo sausage) |
| Bife de lomo | Fillet steak |
| Choripán | Chorizo (spicy sausage) in a bread roll |
| Puchero | Stew |
| Carbonada | Onions, tomatoes and minced beef |
| Bife a caballo | Steak topped with fried egg |
| Arroz con pollo | Rice, chicken, egg, vegetables and sauce |
| Puchero de gallina | Chicken, sausage, maize, potatoes and squash cooked together |
| Empanadas | Pasties with fillings such as beef, chicken, cheese or tuna |
| Milanesa de pollo | Chicken escalope (good value) |
| Milanesa | Veal escalope (good value) |
| Ñoquis | Gnocchi potato dumplings |
| Locro | Thick stew of maize, white beans, beef, sausage, pumpkin and herbs |
| Desserts | |
| Almendrado | Ice cream rolled in crushed almonds |
| Dulce de zapallo | Pumpkin in syrup (usually eaten with cheese) |
| Dulce de leche | Very popular soft, pale fudge |
| Dulce de batata / membrillo | Sweet potato or quince preserve, served with cheese |
| Postre Balcarce | Cream and meringue cake |
| Alfajores | Maize-flour biscuit sandwich filled with dulce de leche or jam |
| Media lunas | Croissants served at breakfast, either dry (de grasa) or rich and fluffy (de mantequilla) |
| Drinks | |
| Vino | From cheap and cheerful upwards, Argentine wines are consistently good |
| Cerveza | Mainly lager-style beer, often served with a small snack such as peanuts |
Argentina’s neighbours are Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.
The central region of Argentina is the rich plain known as La Pampa.
There is jungle in the extreme northeast while the southern half of Argentina is dominated by the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia.
The western border with Chile is along the rugged Andes mountains, including Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. Close to Aconcagua lies Mendoza, an area famed for its fine wine production.
The western Cuyo regions at the base of the Andes are mostly rocky desert.
Most Antarctic cruises embark and disembark in Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, allowing access to the South Pole, South Georgia and also the Falkland Islands.
Argentina is a land of contrast.
Nothing states this better than the fact it features the highest point in the South America, Aconcagua, and the lowest, Salinas Chicas, 40m below sea level.
Its vastness – it is the eighth largest country in the world – and diversity are just part of the appeal. A fantastic culture of fine wine and dining sits alongside its adventurous and beautiful landscapes.
The local’s cheery disposition and fantastic word plays add to the enjoyment of being in this fascinating country.
The name Argentina derives from argentinos, the Ancient Greek diminutive (tinos) form for silver (argentos), which is what early Spanish explorers sought when they first reached the region in the sixteenth century.
There are distinct regions of Argentina, from the Andean culture of the North West to the rancho lifestyle of the plains of Patagonia to the eternally seductive Buenos Aires.
Learning a few words of Spanish can really ingratiate you with the locals you’ll encounter, adding to the enjoyment of your holiday. Below are some basics to get you started.
| Greetings | |
|---|---|
| Good morning | Buenos días |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| Good afternoon | Buenas tardes |
| Good bye | Adiós |
| Most frequently asked questions (theirs) | |
| Where are you (plural) from? | ¿De dónde eres (son)? |
| What time is it? | ¿Qué hora es? |
| Where have you come from? | ¿De dónde vienes? |
| Give me (frequent, unwelcome question) | Dáme / regálame |
| Most frequent questions (yours) | |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto vale? |
| What is this place called? | ¿Cómo se llama este lugar? |
| What’s your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| Do you have a map? | ¿Tienes un mapa? |
| In the street / places | |
| Where can I find a currency exchange? | ¿Dónde encuentro una casa de cambio? |
| Where is there a cash machine? | ¿Dónde hay un cajero automático? |
| Where is the underground/subway station? | ¿Dónde está la estación de metro/subte (Buenos Aires)? |
| Where can I find a taxi? | ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi? |
| Where can I find a supermarket? | ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un supermercado? |
| Where is the hospital? | ¿Dónde está el hospital? |
| Where can I find a restaurant? | ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un restaurante? |
| In the hotel | |
| What floor am I on? | ¿En qué piso estoy? |
| Where are the elevators/lifts? | ¿Dónde están los ascensores? |
| How do I access the Internet? | ¿Cómo puedo acceder a Internet? |
| How do I call for room service? | ¿Cómo llamo para el servicio de habitación? |
| How do I call down to the front desk? | ¿Cómo llamo a la recepción? |
| In the restaurant | |
| A table for two/four please | Una mesa para dos/cuatro, por favor |
| I would like to drink… | Me gustaría tomar… |
| May I see a menu? | ¿Puedo ver la carta / menú? |
| I would like to order… | Me gustaría pedir… |
| Can you bring me the check/bill please? | ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor? |
| Emergency | |
| I need help. | Necesito ayuda. |
| I have lost my passport. | He perdido mi pasaporte. |
| Someone stole my money. | Alguien robó mi dinero. |
| I have been robbed. | Me han robado. |
| I need to call the police. | Necesito llamar a la policía. |
| I need to call the (country) Embassy. | Necesito llamar a la embajada de (country). |
| Help! | ¡Socorro! |
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
When planning for the extreme climatic conditions encountered in the Antarctica, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create. To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers.
Layers should have the following qualities:
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
For the extreme cold, we recommend a 3-layer scheme:
Note: Campers and kayakers will need additional items, please ask for details.
Argentina’s monetary unit is the “Argentina Peso”.
Argentina has had several years of economic instability and with a previous government there were tight exchange controls. It is currently experiencing high inflation and devaluation of the currency.
These have now been relaxed so payments with debit and credit cards are accepted. However, there is still a significant number of places that do not accept payment by card. Make sure you have enough cash or che3ck that cards are accepted before placing any orders.
For payment by card you will be asked for proof if identity so carry a photo or scan of your passport title page.
However, there may be controls on ATM withdrawals (possibly a max of AR 1000 / GB 50 per day and you may well be charged substantially for each withdrawal). ATMs can also be unreliable and we have had several reports of “empty” cash machines. We suggest that you have enough cash to cover your needs, especially in more remote areas.
ATM debit/credit cards are now widely used in major restaurants, hotels and shops (with fees).
Take US dollars with you (preferably new notes or at least unmarked and undamaged notes) in smaller denominations of 10s, 20s and maybe some 50s. Do not take USD 100 bills as they are unlikely to be accepted.
On arrival to Argentina , at the airport/border, exchange US dollars so that you have some local peso. Some businesses, particularly in tourist spots may accept payment in US dollars – ask first.
Click here for the current exchange rate.
Peso banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 pesos
Peso coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos, 1 peso, 2 pesos
Don’t forget to read out tipping guide to Argentina.
Argentina has a world famous culinary and wine reputation.
There are more and more top-end restaurants almost everywhere, and you can easily spend USD 100pp and more on meals.
Prices vary greatly, below is a rough guide to what you can expect to pay in Argentina.
Beer/soft drink: USD 4
Menu del dia: USD 10-15
Coffee: USD 2
Bottle of wine: From USD 15 upwards
Beer/soft drink: USD 5-7
Main dish: USD 20 upwards
Coffee: USD 3
Bottle of wine: From USD 20 upwards
220 volts (110v in some hotels), 50 Hz, in both Chile and Argentina, and aboard most boats.
Most cameras, phones and computers are dual or multi voltage and probably won’t need a convertor – please check before leaving.
Some items you may bring, such as hairdryers, may need a convertor. They may short if you use them without the correct convertor.
Most boats take the two pin, round-pronged Type C plug show below. Onward travel to Chile or Argentina requires more plug types.
Argentina uses Type i (I) plugs, although some Type C plugs can be found in older buildings and bathrooms.
Chile uses Type C as above and Type L plugs.
Most of Argentina is a relatively safe country to travel around. However, we still recommend that in large towns and cities you take certain precautions (see below). Argentina is, overall, among the safest countries in South America.
However, in Buenos Aires, muggings and opportunistic crime – although not common – do occur.
In Buenos Aires and other big cities, ‘distraction muggings’ sometimes happen in quiet streets, in the daytime as well as at night. We suggest that you take the following precautions:
We strongly suggest that everyone planning to travel to Argentina visits their local doctor/travel clinic prior to departure for the latest vaccination information.
Anti-malarial protection (chloroquine) is recommended only in risk areas. Malaria risk in Argentina is low, and confined to northern rural areas along the borders with Bolivia (lowlands of Jujuy and Salta provinces) and Paraguay (lowlands of Corrientes and Misiones provinces). It is exclusively in the benign vivax form, and no risk exists in Buenos Aires or Patagonia In the UK, contact the Malaria Reference Laborator. North Americans should contact the Centers for Disease Control.
UK and USA citizens do not require a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist.
Please ensure your passport has at least six months remaining validity.
On presentation of a valid UK or USA passport you will be granted a 90-day stay in the country.
All non-UK nationals should check with their nearest Argentine consulates for the latest visa and fee information.
All requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Antarctica is going to be cold, whenever you go – the question is more what you want to see.
The season runs Nov-March and is the only travel window as the ice has broken up enough to let ships pass.
November is very cold and the best time to see pristine ice and snow and huge icebergs.
December-January are the most popular times to visit. There are up to 20 hours’ sunshine every day, and the relative warmth (temperatures hover around freezing) make for perfect conditions for seal pups and penguin chicks.
As you move from January towards February the chicks here fledge and many more whales start to arrive. February is warm and means you may be able to cross the Antarctic Circle.
March sees the continent head back towards sub-zero temperatures as the long nights draw in. Water is clear and good for diving/seeing whales.
Then the ice freezes over once more and Antarctica is impossible to visit April-Oct.
A five-week odyssey from Argentina’s vibrant culture to Antarctica’s icy wilderness delivered the ultimate adventure experience.
A superbly run Antarctic voyage delivered calm ice, dramatic seas, surprise landings, and unforgettable moments at the edge of the world.
