Patagonia and Antarctica : The Ultimate Expedition

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Summary

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Patagonia & Antarctica: The Ultimate Expedition

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Duration

17 Days

Starts In

Buenos Aires

Route

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 17-day adventure, beginning in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, where tango, rich culture, and historic neighborhoods set the perfect stage. Head south to El Calafate, home to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and the spectacular landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. Continue your journey to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where you’ll explore pristine wilderness through unforgettable hikes at the “End of the World.” Then, embark on an Antarctic expedition, cruising the Beagle Channel and immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of untouched icy landscapes and incredible wildlife. Your journey concludes back in Buenos Aires, leaving you with cherished memories from this extraordinary exploration.

2025 Sailings

January 18, 22, 31

February 9,18,19

March 11,16

November 4, 6, 15

December 1, 10, 17, 19, 27

2026 Sailings

January 5, 14, 23

February 8, 17, 18, 26

17-day/16-night package featuring Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia & a 11-day Antarctic Expedition on Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Explorer. Includes 3 total nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in El Calafate, and 1 night in Ushuaia at the accommodation of your choice, 11-day Antarctic Ocean Expedition, sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary, all meals on board the expedition and private arrival and departure transfers.

Includes

Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Cruise Cabin accommodation: at category shown in the itinerary
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Domestic flights; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
International flights
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1

Arrival – Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon your arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver and English-speaking assistant. They will escort you on a comfortable 40-minute to 1-hour drive into the heart of Buenos Aires. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to unwind, explore the city at your own pace, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture with a tango show.

Day
2

Day 2

Buenos Aires – El Calafate

After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for a transfer of approximately 20 minutes to 1 hour to the airport, where you will check in for your flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival at El Calafate’s Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, your driver and assistant will greet you and drive you approximately 20 to 30 minutes to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Day
3

Day 3

El Calafate

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest and most stunning glaciers in the world. Venture into the Patagonian Andean Forest, stopping at the iconic Curve of Sighs, where you'll be treated to your first breathtaking view of this magnificent natural wonder. Walk along wooden catwalks that bring you closer to the glacier, offering multiple panoramic viewpoints to marvel at its sheer size and beauty. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that will leave you with lasting memories of the awe-inspiring power of nature.

Day
4

Day 4

El Calafate - Ushuaia

After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 30 minutes to an hour transfer to the airport where you will check-in for your flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival to the airport, you will be met by your private driver and English-speaking assistant and driven approximately 20-minutes to your hotel in Ushuaia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day
5

Day 5

Ushuaia

Spend a full day in Ushuaia, a charming yet vibrant port town located at the southernmost tip of South America. Indulge in some handcrafted chocolate at a local café or explore the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park. Spanning 63,000 hectares, this park is home to one of the most beautiful Sub-Antarctic forests in the world, featuring lush greenery in the summer, vibrant reds and browns in the autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter. Along your journey, you'll pass the Pipo River, Panoramic Point, Roca Lake, Ovando River, Green Lagoon, and Black Lagoon, culminating at the serene Lapataia Bay. If you prefer, join a pre-departure briefing at your hotel to prepare for your upcoming expedition to Antarctica the following day.

Day
6

Day 6

Ushuaia - Embarkation – Beagle Channel

Embarkation will take place in the late afternoon, marking the beginning of your extraordinary journey. Your vessel will then set sail down the historic Beagle Channel, which cuts through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the far south of South America. As you depart, feel the excitement and anticipation building—the next time you see land, you’ll be stepping onto the world’s southernmost continent!

Day
7

Day 7

Crossing the Drake Passage

Your days at sea are filled with engaging presentations from your Expedition Team, covering topics such as photography, wildlife, glaciology, and the region’s fascinating history. Between sessions, enjoy time on deck, keeping an eye out for wildlife, or relax with fellow travelers over a drink at the bar, sharing stories and excitement as you venture further into the Southern Ocean.

Day
9

Day 9

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Upon reaching the 7th Continent, you will be overcome with a sense of reverence and awe, as few places on Earth are as untouched and enduring as Antarctica. This experience is beyond words, and you’ll begin to understand why this region has long captivated explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica, something new or unexpected unfolds, ensuring that your expedition will be a unique, personal adventure.

Your days will be filled with Zodiac excursions, exploring glaciated bays, channels, and landing sites. Your Expedition Team will guide you at each landing, whether you're hiking across the Antarctic landscape, visiting a research station, or observing chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguins. Keep an eye out for Weddell, fur, crabeater, and leopard seals, along with curious whales, including humpbacks, minkes, and possibly orcas while cruising in the Zodiac. Each excursion will introduce new creatures and provide endless photo opportunities.

Amid the peaceful silence of Antarctica, moments of activity will become unforgettable memories—such as penguins squabbling over pebbles or the thunderous crack of a calving glacier.

Every day will bring something different, thoughtfully planned by your Expedition Team to inspire and educate you about the extraordinary beauty of this frozen wilderness.

Day
13

Day 13

Crossing the Drake Passage

As you journey back across the Drake Passage, take the final opportunity to savor the fresh Antarctic air. Spend time on deck, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales, while enjoying informative presentations from your Expedition Team. Reflect on and celebrate the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared during your exploration of Antarctica

Day
15

Day 15

Disembarkation – Ushuaia – Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning, and will bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The group departure transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 20-minute to 1-hour transfer to the hotel of your choice in Buenos Aires. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the capital some more.

Day
16

Day 16

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, beckons travelers with its intoxicating blend of European elegance and Latin American spirit. Known as the "Paris of South America," this cosmopolitan city exudes a captivating energy that can be felt in its bustling streets, lively plazas, and passionate tango music. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and architectural marvels as you stroll through neighborhoods like Recoleta and San Telmo, marveling at the grandeur of iconic landmarks like the Teatro Colon and the Recoleta Cemetery. Indulge in the city's culinary delights, savoring mouthwatering steak, traditional empanadas, and sipping on mate, Argentina's beloved herbal tea. Buenos Aires is also a haven for art enthusiasts, with its world-class museums and galleries showcasing the works of renowned artists. From the colorful La Boca district to the modern skyscrapers of Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires is a city that delights the senses and invites visitors to embrace its passionate and lively spirit.

Day
17

Day 17

Buenos Aires – Departure

Check out of your hotel and meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for a comfortable 40-minute to 1-hour transfer to Ezeiza International Airport, where you'll check in for your onward flight.

Dates & Prices

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Patagonia & Antarctica: The Ultimate Expedition Tour Detail Page

Includes

Excludes

Day 1

Arrival – Buenos Aires

Day 2

Buenos Aires – El Calafate

Day 3

El Calafate

Day 4

El Calafate - Ushuaia

Day 5

Ushuaia

Day 6

Ushuaia - Embarkation – Beagle Channel

Day 7

Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 9

South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Day 13

Crossing the Drake Passage

Day 15

Disembarkation – Ushuaia – Buenos Aires

Day 16

Buenos Aires

Day 17

Buenos Aires – Departure

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