Antarctic Frontier Voyage
Length: 11 Days/10 Nights from US
Season: November – March
Land Cost: from $28,500
Southwind now invites you to experience the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula—where massive icebergs, sculpted glaciers, and gracious penguins welcome the few who venture this far south. Our new journey combines expert-led exploration with the comfort of boutique expedition vessels, offering an intimate window into Earth’s last great frontier.
Day-By-Day-Itinerary:
DAY 01: USA / SANTIAGO
Depart home on an overnight flight to Chile’s capital.
DAY 02: SANTIAGO
Arrive early in Santiago, clear customs, and meet your guide for a private transfer to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood. This afternoon, take a 4-hour introductory tour of the capital. Visit historic downtown and Constitution Square, home to the Presidential Palace—an iconic neoclassical building. Continue to San Cristóbal Hill Park for panoramic views of the city and Andes, reached by cable car. At the base lies Bellavista, once home to poet Pablo Neruda, with tree-lined streets, boutiques, and galleries—ideal for finding lapis lazuli. Continue to Esculturas Park in Providencia, with riverside paths, modern sculptures, gardens, and views of the Costanera Center. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening, with dining options on-site or nearby.
DAY 03: SANTIAGO / PUNTA ARENAS / AIR-CRUISE PROGRAM
After breakfast, meet your private guide and transfer to the airport with check-in assistance for the flight to Punta Arenas. Located on the Strait of Magellan, this is one of Chile’s main ports and is considered by many to be the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by Antarctica21 staff and escorted to town and the Cabo de Hornos Hotel. A convenient transfer from the hotel to the nearby Explorers House is available where you are expected to arrive by 2pm for your Antarctica program check-in, join a mandatory 1.5 hours briefing that provides important information about your Antarctic air-cruise schedule. Later at 7pm, gather for a welcome dinner. Return transfer to your hotel. (B,D)
DAY 04: PUNTA ARENAS / ANTARCTICA
After a hearty breakfast, followed by a shared transfer from the hotel to the airport for departure formalities. You’ll embark on an exclusive two-hour chartered flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands—a gateway to Antarctica admired by scientists and explorers for its striking isolation and pristine beauty. As you exit the aircraft, the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Transfer vehicles will escort you to the shore, just a short distance away, where you board Zodiacs that will take you to your boutique expedition vessel. (B,L,D)
DAYS 05-08: ANTARCTICA DISCOVERY
Enjoy four unforgettable days exploring Antarctica’s pristine wilderness—by Zodiac, on foot, or kayak. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating icy fjords and towering icebergs alongside penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Each day, disembark by Zodiac with expert guides to explore the polar landscape. Onboard, appreciate educational presentations and panoramic views from the lounge as you share adventures with fellow travelers. No two journeys are alike; the Expedition Team adjusts the route daily to maximize opportunities and create a unique experience. While itineraries vary, you’ll visit multiple sites showcasing the region’s diverse environment. Stops may include the South Shetland Islands—20 islands forming Antarctica’s northern gateway. Wildlife sightings may feature Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins, plus elephant, fur, leopard, and crab-eater seals. Watch for humpback, minke, and orca whales, and birdlife such as kelp gulls, Antarctic terns, giant petrels, and storm petrels. (B,L,D)
DAY 09: ANTARCTICA / PUNTA ARENAS
Return to King George Island by ship and bid farewell to Antarctica before transferring to the airfield and boarding your chartered flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival on the mainland, transfer to your centrally located Cabo de Hornos Hotel in the city. (B)
DAY 10: PUNTA ARENAS / SANTIAGO
After a leisurely breakfast and some time at leisure for personal explorations, transfer to Punta Arenas airport for your onward flight to Santiago or another destination. Upon arrival in Santiago, check in for your overnight flight home. (B)
DAY 11: HOME
Arrive back in the US.
ESTIMATED AIRFARE: budget approximately $350-$450 per person for the round-trip local flights with LATAM (Santiago-Punta Arenas-Santiago). Chartered round-trip flights to Antarctica are included.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2026/27 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, travel insurance, and other info.
Let your Southwind Travel Consultant tailor a South American experience that complements and elevates your Antarctic expedition.