
8 Things to Know for Your Antarctica Cruise Packing List
When packing for travel to the most remote place on earth, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
Our guide to combining Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica! Here are our activity, hotel, restaurant, and planning recommendations.
Traveling to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can immerse yourself in the vast and wild nature of these remote destinations. For many travelers, the idea of planning such an epic trip to either of these two places is daunting.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry. You can plan a trip to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica fairly easily. We have created a quick guide to help you hit these two bucket-list destinations on the same adventure, making the most of your time in Southern Chile.
What will you see in Patagonia & Antarctica? Here’s a quick list of possibilities:
Here is what we will cover in this guide to combining Patagonia and Antarctica:
Chilean Patagonia is home to magnificent ice fields, stunning forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. Kayak through the Strait of Magellan, practice fly fishing, or horseback ride through the vast pampas and estancias. Look overhead for a condor sighting and keep your eyes open for a glimpse of pumas. If you see one of these stealth animals, count yourself lucky.
Hike in Chile’s most famous national park, Torres del Paine, a true Patagonian highlight. You can marvel over its granite towers, which come into view after walking through a magnificent forest and enjoy pure crystal water straight from glacier springs. There are many routes to choose from that range in difficulty and duration, including multi-day hikes like the W or O Treks. If you are short on time, try a day trip to Torres del Paine National Park for park highlights, which is an excellent option as no matter how long or short, this national treasure will still amaze you.
We explore all facets of this wild continent during an Antarctica expedition. View dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, and a myriad of sea birds. All our Antarctic adventures give you ample time to see the wildlife that makes the White Continent its home.
One of the best Antarctica adventures is gliding through Antarctica’s waters on a sea kayak. With icebergs surrounding you, and wildlife playing inquisitively around your boat, you’ll see the White Continent as you’ve never imagined.
Alternatively, stay on land and hear the crisp white snow crackle as your snowshoes help you glide along untouched terrain. Or grab your walking poles as we hike through to the best vantage points each landing has to offer.
Antarctica is known for its scientific studies and unique ecological environment. You have a chance to get hands-on experience participating in different scientific projects with our Citizen Science Program during your Antarctic expedition. Please review all of our Antarctic Adventures, and then plan your trip the way you want it.
Travel to Patagonia and Antarctica starts in the same city, Punta Arenas, Chile. Since you have come so far already for your Antarctic trip, checking off two continents and enjoying the seventh wonder of the world – Torres del Paine National Park – makes a lot of sense and is worth the detour.
Getting to Punta Arenas, Chile is a 4.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile. Alternatively, you can enter by land via Argentina. Depending on how you plan your trip, you can do a pre or post-Patagonia visit.
We fly across the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas and land on the ground in King James Island after a quick two-hour flight to get to Antarctica. From there, you set sail on one of our small expedition ships and enjoy exploring the Antarctic peninsula for the remainder of your time.
Before or after your journey to Antarctica, you can reach Patagonia in the following ways. Many high-end hotels, like Singular Patagonia, offer all-inclusive packages in Patagonia that include the pick-up and drop-off at Punta Arenas. These hotels also include daily meals and adventure excursions in and around Torres del Paine National Park.
The nice drive to Torres del Paine is 4.5 hours from Punta Arenas, with opportunities to stop and even stay in places like Puerto Natales, Chile along the way. If you’re looking for a quicker experience and a more economical option, you can take a bus or private day tour to the park. For more hotel recommendations, see below.
We recommend at least 4 days / 3 nights in or around the Torres del Paine National Park to fully take advantage of the stunning landscape and adventure activities it has to offer. In total, travelers can spend 11 days to 3 weeks combining Antarctica and Chilean Patagonia.
Antarctica21 has four air-cruise options and durations to choose from:
If you are interested in planning your trip to Antarctica, you can book a call with us for guidance or review our brochures for more information. Below you will find more helpful information to begin planning your trip.
Where to Start Planning Your Antarctic Trip?
Fly & Cruise to Antarctica
How to Choose the Best Antarctic Expedition Cruise?
Get Inspired
Other Things to Consider
Hotel Cabo de Hornos
An icon in Punta Arenas, centrally located between the Strait of Magellan and the city’s main square.
Hotel Rey Don Felipe
Four-star hotel in a modern building with an architectural design inspired by the traditions and history of the Province of Magallanes.
Hotel José Nogueira
In 1982 it was declared a national monument, the Sara Braun Palace is the most characteristic building in Punta Arenas, and part of it is now a hotel.
Hotel Ilaia
An 8-room boutique hotel with a simple and minimalistic design that honors the Patagonian ancestry and roots.
The Singular Patagonia
Classic elegance with a privileged surrounding of natural beauty and history. Now a luxury hotel and museum that has a history as the cold storage Frigorífico Bories.
Remota Patagonia Lodge
A world-class refuge designed to live and feel Patagonia where nature is always the main stage. The hotel is inspired by the old Patagonian shearing sheds tilted by the wind.
Vinnhous
This historical house began as a cafe and small hostel and transformed into a sophisticated hostel with a vintage atmosphere.
Kau Lodge
A cozy 1980s hotel that was renovated in 2011. Styled with rustic lenga wood and natural fabrics on the banks of a fjord.
Tierra Patagonia
Nestled between mountains, pampas, and Lake Sarmiento, the hotel has a subtle style that blends seamlessly into the magnificence and untamed Torres del Paine National Park.
Explora Patagonia
Perfect for outdoor travelers wishing to fully explore the geography and wildlife of Patagonia in an ideal location inside Torres del Paine National Park.
Awasi Patagonia
Outside of Torres del Paine National Park in a private reserve, it has 14 villas and the main lodge. Each villa includes a private guide and vehicle for a tailor-made adventure experience.
Patagonia Camp
Upholding sustainable principles, the hotel comprises beautifully-designed yurts using eco-friendly methods sprawled across native forests overlooking Toro Lake and the Torres del Paine Massif.
Whether you plan to combine Patagonia and Antarctica in one trip or only Antarctica, we can assist you with your Antarctic fly and cruise expedition. We can also help with arrangements in Punta Arenas, your first stop before arriving at the White Continent. Book a call with us or view our brochures for more information on our upcoming travel seasons.
Antarctica is like no other place on Earth and we invite you to explore it with us. Complete this short form to receive a customized quote from our team and start planning your Antarctic air-cruise today!