Patagonia & Antarctica: A Grand Adventure
Patagonia and Antarctica – two of the most remote, untamed frontiers on earth, bound into one extraordinary odyssey. This is no typical journey: it’s a heady mix of wilderness and indulgence, where glacier treks, wilderness hikes, and Zodiac landings on ice-cloaked shores are punctuated by moments of sheer luxury.
From the belle époque grandeur of Buenos Aires to the endless white horizons of Antarctica, this journey sweeps through some of the planet’s most arresting landscapes. One afternoon, you might find yourself riding across the Patagonian steppe; the next, sailing through Antarctica’s ethereal fjords, where penguins waddle across the ice and whales ghost through the inky depths.
Every adventure we design is entirely bespoke, tailored to your pace, passions and sense of adventure. Consider this your invitation to the ultimate expedition.
Enquire NowWHEN TO TRAVEL
December – February
HIGHLIGHTS
- Traverse the southernmost reaches of South America, from the stately boulevards of Buenos Aires to the wilds of Patagonia and the dreamlike icescapes of Antarctica
- Stay in a collection of properties as striking as the landscapes they inhabit: a Patagonian lodge so remote it can only be reached by boat, a private cabin in Torres del Paine with your own personal 4×4 and driver, and a boutique expedition vessel navigating the White Continent
- Encounter nature at its most staggering: ice trek across the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, hike beneath the spires of Mount Fitz Roy, sail through Antarctica’s fjords and encounter its enigmatic wildlife
DAYS 1 & 2: BUENOS AIRES
Your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, where the city’s grand European-style architecture and sultry, slow-burning energy make for a captivating introduction. You’ll be whisked straight to the Palacio Duhau, a glorious belle époque mansion with a refined air.
Spend the first evening at Don Julio Parrilla, the city’s definitive temple to beef, where the ribeye is formidable, the Malbec quaffable, and the atmosphere reliably lively. Afterwards, a well-mixed cocktail is in order at Tres Monos or Florería Atlántico, both within easy reach.
The following morning, head out on a private city tour with a local historian to discover a few of the capital’s many neighbourhoods, from the elegant avenues of Recoleta to the crumbling bohemian enclaves of San Telmo. By night, step into the intoxicating world of tango, beginning with a private lesson before heading to a milonga, where locals of all ages take to the floor. The music is live, the atmosphere electric, and the night often long – though you’ll want to save some energy for the adventure ahead.
Discover Buenos Aires
DAYS 3-5: EL CHALTÉN
Next stop, Patagonia. A morning flight whisks you to El Calafate, and from there, it’s a spectacular drive to El Chaltén. The town, a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, is framed by jagged peaks and endless sky.
You’ll spend three nights at Aguas Arriba Lodge, a remote retreat on the shores of Lago del Desierto, accessible only by boat or foot. Days here are for high-altitude treks – most notably the legendary Laguna de los Tres hike, where Fitz Roy’s granite spires rise like a cathedral – but also fly-fishing and riding.
Discover The Glacier Region
DAYS 6-7: EL CALAFATE
Onward to Eolo, an estancia-style lodge set in the vast expanse of the Patagonian steppe, where the silence is broken only by the wind. The drive back to El Calafate is a scenic immersion into this otherworldly landscape.
Here, adventure is on the doorstep. Spend your first afternoon riding out across the wild plains, cycling through the windswept terrain, or head out on foot to the trails.
The next morning, it’s time for a glacial encounter of the most thrilling kind: ice trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier. Crampons strapped on, you’ll traverse the ice, exploring deep crevasses and listening to the occasional crack as the glacier shifts and heaves.
Explore El Calafate
DAYS 8-10: TORRES DEL PAINE
A 4.5-hour drive south crosses the border into Chile, where Torres del Paine National Park looms large on the horizon.
Your base for three nights is Awasi Patagonia, a collection of private villas perfectly positioned for exploring this wilderness of granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and roaming guanacos.
Over two and a half days, Awasi’s expert guides will tailor the experience to your liking – perhaps a hike into the Valle del Francés, a boat ride across Lago Grey to the looming walls of its glacier, or a lesser-known trail where pumas prowl and condors glide.
Explore Torres del Paine
DAYS 11-17: PUNTA ARENAS & ANTARCTICA
From the dramatic peaks of Patagonia, it’s a four-hour road transfer south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Antarctica where you’ll be spending the night.
The following morning, the Magellan Explorer awaits. Skip the treacherous Drake Passage crossing with a charter flight directly to King George Island, where you’ll board the vessel and set sail into the Southern Ocean.
The next five nights are a blur of icy horizons and encounters with Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife. You’ll navigate through the channels and fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula, where icebergs drift like floating sculptures and vast colonies of Adélie and gentoo penguins waddle along the shorelines. Daily excursions by Zodiac or on foot bring you face to face with elephant seals lounging on the ice, minke whales cutting through the waves, and, if fortune allows, the ghostly presence of an orca pod. There’s the opportunity to kayak amid the ice floes, hike up snowy ridges or even, for the brave, take a polar plunge into the frigid waters.
As the expedition draws to a close, fly back to Punta Arenas for a final evening, then head to Santiago to connect to your homeward flight.
Discover AntarcticaIntrigued by this expedition through Patagonia and Antarctica? Reach out to our travel specialists about designing your own bespoke journey.
