Antartica XXI - The first Air Cruise to Antarctica
A Lifetime adventure
7 Days / 6 Nights
ANTARCTICA XXI – THE FIRST AIR CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA (7 days / 6 nights)
Chile is one of seven countries worldwide as well in the northern as in the southern hemispheres, to claim parts of the Antarctic their national territory. But the treaty signed in 1959 protects the continent and its neighbouring islands from mineral exploitation and indefinitely suspends all formal discussion of ownership. The Antarctic is a land of extremes, a destination that enthrals all who participate in the exciting voyage to one of the most remote and fascinating natural reserves in the world. The Antarctic with its stunning beauty, incredible colours reflected of the ice, wildlife in full splendour and magnificent sites to visit promises to be an unforgettable experience for travellers in search of an exceptional ambiance. The continent is covered with a cape of ice formed by the constant accumulation of snow in the course of hundreds of thousands of years. The thickest part measures approximately 2,5 miles / 4 kilometres, hidden beneath are mountains, valleys and prairies. Huge ice masses break off on a daily basis, turning into icebergs that can be several miles long. Wildlife in the Antarctic is singular. Due to the fact that the White Continent has no history of hunting, animals are usually fearless of human beings and are actually "intrigued" by their company. Being able to wander amidst thousands of penguins and sea lions makes this place a paradise for photographers. Not to mention being able to view the flight of large southern birds such as Cape petrels, among others, live.
Jumping over Cape Horn and the legendary waters of the Drake Passage, Antarctica XXI offers an exceptional experience to the most inaccessible place on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest and most inhospitable continent – Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying time from Punta Arenas / Chile to King George Island, the largest island of the South Shetland Archipelago, one arrives at the gates of the white continent.
The navigation from King George Island takes six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting the most wonderful places and enjoying the best wildlife sites of the Antarctic. During the whole journey different lectures will be given to introduce and inform about this fascinating continent. We are sure this will be the trip of a lifetime.
For further information please send a mail to autoinfo@protourschile.com
and type antartica xxi in the subject line.
Day 1 Punta Arenas
Arrival at the city of Punta Arenas where you will be met by Antarctica XXI staff, to be later transferred to the selected hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the norms that should be followed in the Antarctic and about the procedures of embarkation and disembarkation. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the José Nogueira Hotel, a centenary French style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition group.
Day 2 Punta Arenas – King George Island
Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats to M/V "Grigoriy Mikheev".
Day 2 San Pedro - Museum - Salt Flats - Moon valley (100 km / 62 mi)
San Pedro de Atacama once was the centre of the Atacama civilization; the museum Padre le Paige in the centre of town has a collection of over 380,000 exhibits, including mummies discovered in the area. We recommend visiting the Salar de Atacama, the largest of the Chilean salt lakes in the morning or early afternoon (100 km/62 mi from)San Pedro, then drive to the Moon Valley. The scenery of the Moon Valley at sunset is impressive and should not be missed.
Overnight in San Pedro. (Breakfast)
Day 3 South Shetland and Antarctic Peninsula
As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey toward the south may include visits to some of the most magnificent spots on the white continent such as: Hannah Point, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands among others. Our adventure will be filled with daily landings and cruises in zodiac boats, selected lectures and an enjoyable time on board.
Day 4 King George Island – Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island where we will disembark in zodiac boats at Fildes Bay by "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base, and head to the "Teniente Marsh" aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. End of the program upon arrival at the airport in Punta Arenas.
Day 11 Ollantaytambo (Sacred valley)
Early departure to Ollantaytambo in order to visit the Urubamba valley (The Sacred valley). Your first stop will be the ruins above Pisac and the market. During the early afternoon you will be able to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will be able to explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.(Breakfast/Lunch)
| Season (mm/dd/yyyy) | Categories | Double | Sgl Supl | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 8990 |
Departures Dates, please ask for special departures
November 2009
25 - 30
December 2009
5 -10 - 15 - 20 - 25
Itinerary: Punta Arenas - Frei Station (King George Island) - Western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula - Frei Station - Punta Arenas.
Highlights: First overnight in Punta Arenas. Southwards flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station. Ship cruise along the Western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Return flight from Frei Station to Punta Arenas.
Program includes: Flights Punta Arenas-King George Island-Punta Arenas, ship cruise, all drinks on board, shore excursions, lectures and entertainment on board, loan of boots for landing in Antarctica, transfers to-from airport/hotel/port according to the program, comprehensive pre- and post-departure information material
Not included: Accommodation and meals other than those included in the program, visa and passport expenses, arrival and departure taxes, communication expenses, laundry expenses, personal insurance, tips
Special payment conditions: To confirm a booking made 120 days prior to the departure date or earlier, a Booking Fee of USD1,500 per person should be made at this time. The Booking Fee falls to USD 750 per person if the total cost of the voyage is lower than USD 5000. The total amount of the cost should be paid no later than 120 days before the date departure. If a reservation is made after 120 days prior to the departure date, the total cost of the voyage must be paid at once in order to have a confirmed reservation.
Cancellation fees:
Cancellation made up to 120 days prior to departure: there will be a full refund of the expedition or program cost less 50% of the booking fee (pre-payment).
Cancellation made between 120 days and up to 60 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 70% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
Cancellation made between 60 days and up to 30 days prior to departure: there will be a refund of 40% of the total cost of the voyage (per person).
Cancellation received after 30 days prior to departure: there will be no refund whatsoever.
Please note: Program subject to changes depending on weather conditions.
The following data must be provided at the time of reservation (voucher can not be issued without this information):
* Full name
* Passport number
* Nationality
* Date of birth
