Traveling to Antarctica on an expedition cruise is one of those experiences that begins long before you board.
One of the first questions that arises when planning the trip is: which itinerary should I choose?

While all cruises departing from Ushuaia (Argentina) and the Magallanes region (Chile) feature the Antarctic Peninsula as the main
highlight, there are several alternatives. Some are shorter and focus on the northwest
of Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands; others seek to go further south, crossing the Antarctic Circle or incorporating
sub-Antarctic destinations such as the South Atlantic Islands.

The Classic Itinerary: Ushuaia – Antarctic Peninsula

This is the most traditional way to reach the Seventh Continent.

The journey begins in Ushuaia (Argentina) and, after navigating the Beagle Channel and crossing the Drake Passage, you reach the
South Shetland Islands and subsequently the Antarctic Peninsula.
Once in Antarctica and its surrounding islands, between 1 and 2 landings and Zodiac excursions are carried out daily, depending
on the number of passengers on the cruise and the weather and ice conditions. Here you can find
Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals, along with
fur seals and elephant seals.
The usual duration of these itineraries is 10 to 11 days, depending on the chosen program, making it an especially
interesting alternative for those with limited time.

The Antarctic Circle

Located at approximately 66°33′ South latitude, this is the primary goal for many travelers.

Like the 10-day itineraries, these cruises visit the South Shetland Islands and the northwest of the peninsula; however,
they continue southward, seeking to reach a latitude that few humans have ever visited, offering an experience
without equal.
These trips require a minimum of 12 to 14 days, and it is important to consider that the itinerary may not always be followed
exactly, as weather and ice conditions can affect navigation. Nevertheless, the goal of reaching the polar circle
is guaranteed, except in cases of force majeure.
Beyond the symbolic value of crossing this imaginary line, pushing further south can mean encountering higher
ice concentrations, more remote landscapes, and an even greater sense of adventure in an almost alien environment.

Antarctica and the Weddell Sea

Another possibility for those seeking a more exploratory experience is to combine the Antarctic Peninsula with the
Weddell Sea. This region lies to the east of the Peninsula and features a landscape defined by vast expanses of
ice, tabular icebergs, and large colonies of Adélie penguins.
At the start of the Antarctic season, from November to December, it is possible to find Emperor Penguin
colonies, though reaching them is not feasible every year, even on ships equipped with helicopters
to search for them.
Navigation in this area depends heavily on ice conditions, so Antarctic itineraries should not be interpreted
as rigid routes; in Antarctica, the weather and the ice are part of the journey.

Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands

A wildlife paradise comparable to the Galápagos Islands
For those with more time, there is a completely different alternative: combining Antarctica with the great
sub-Antarctic destinations of the South Atlantic.
With a duration ranging from 18 to 23 days, this type of trip is ideal for animal lovers, as the sub-Antarctic
islands are home to species such as Gentoo, Magellanic, Rockhopper, and King penguins, as well as
South American fur seals and southern elephant seals. In addition to these species, which are perhaps
the most iconic, birds such as albatrosses, petrels, sheldgeese, and ducks can also be seen on these islands.
After visiting the South Atlantic islands and their incredible variety of wildlife, the crowning glory of these itineraries is reaching
the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia.

Fly & Cruise Itineraries

Avoiding the fearsome Drake Passage
Fly & Cruise programs allow you to fly from the Magallanes Region (Chile) to King George Island in Antarctica and
board the cruise ship there to begin your exploration of the seventh continent.
These itineraries have the advantage of being shorter for those with limited time—between 6 and 8 days—and they
also avoid sailing through the Drake Passage, which can take between 1.5 and 2 days in one of the
roughest seas in the world.
Some programs may also offer the option to sail in one direction and return by plane, or vice versa.

Which itinerary to choose?

The answer to this question depends primarily on what kind of Antarctic experience the traveler is looking for. The
options are varied, and here we are only describing the main ones. Contact us so we can advise you on your next
adventure.