Duration
14 DaysStarts In
SantiagoRoute
Santiago , Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Punta Arenas
Embark on a mesmerizing 14-day journey through Chilean wonders and the icy realms of Antarctica. Start in the vibrant city of Santiago, where you'll immerse yourself in culture, history, and culinary delights. Then, venture north to San Pedro de Atacama, a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Atacama Desert, with its surreal salt flats, colorful lagoons, and towering volcanoes. Next, Punta Arenas beckons with its rich maritime heritage and stunning vistas of the southernmost reaches of South America. Finally, brace yourself for the ultimate adventure as you board a flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, the launchpad for your 8-day expedition to Antarctica. Prepare to witness towering glaciers, majestic icebergs, and incredible wildlife in one of the planet's most remote and pristine wildernesses. This unparalleled journey promises unforgettable experiences and indelible memories that will last a lifetime.
2025 Sailings
December 10, December 15
2026 Sailings
January 4, March 15
Land and Cruise Program - Scheduled departures - 14-day/13-night package featuring Santiago, Punta Arenas & an 8-day Antarctic Expedition on Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Explorer. Includes 5 total nights in Santiago and 2 nights in San Pedro de Atacama, 8-day Antarctic Ocean Expedition, sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary, all meals on board the expedition and private arrival and departure transfers.
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Santiago Airport for your flight to Punta Arenas (PUQ), the gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your pre-cruise hotel, where you can settle in and prepare for the exciting Antarctic Cruise ahead. Spend the day at leisure, taking in the charm of Punta Arenas, a historic city located on the Strait of Magellan. You can visit local museums, stroll along the waterfront, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning Patagonian landscapes. By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day. Overnight in Punta Arenas.
Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica offers a quick two-hour journey across the iconic Drake Passage, while your ship approaches King George Island. Enjoy your first view of the stunning Antarctic landscapes as your plane descends over the South Shetland Islands. Upon landing, head to the shore and board a Zodiac for a transfer to your ship, where your Antarctic Peninsula adventure will begin!
Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, a destination so unique it must be experienced firsthand. The vast, untouched landscape of the Antarctic Continent is truly indescribable, offering a perspective that only your own eyes can fully appreciate.
As your Captain and Expedition Team search for whales and seabirds, you’ll be kept informed of every new sighting. Our expert guides will enrich your journey with in-depth presentations on the region’s glaciology, history, and wildlife, along with photography tips to help you capture stunning memories.
The highlight of your adventure is the daily excursions. Your first Zodiac landing, where you'll step ashore among thousands of penguins, offers a rare and intimate wildlife experience in Antarctica. Each landing is unique, shaped by weather conditions, but all offer new sightings and incredible photo opportunities. Before long, you'll be able to distinguish between Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins.
One day, you might cruise by Zodiac in search of whales and icebergs; the next, you could be hiking to a penguin rookery. From the dramatic sound of a calving glacier to spotting apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in action, every day will fill you with excitement and a deep sense of adventure.
With your Expedition Team guiding you every step of the way, you’ll gain valuable insights into the remarkable places you visit, making this once-in-a-lifetime journey even more unforgettable.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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