Chilean Patagonia and Antarctic Express

Welcome to Santiago! Upon arrival at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and English-speaking assistant and driven approximately 30 to 40-minute to Santiago. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 30 to 40-minute transfer to the airport where you will check-in for your flight to Puerto Natales. Upon arrival to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport, you will be met by your private driver and English-speaking assistant and driven approximately 20 to 30 minutes to your Puerto Natales hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the town. 

Nestled on the shores of the picturesque Ultima Esperanza Sound, Puerto Natales in Chile is a gateway to the extraordinary landscapes of Patagonia. Surrounded by soaring mountains, pristine fjords, and vast glaciers, this charming town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Embark on breathtaking hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, where jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and thundering waterfalls create a mesmerizing backdrop. Explore the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers by boat, marveling at the towering ice walls and the abundant wildlife that call these icy realms home. Back in town, immerse yourself in the warm hospitality and vibrant culture, savoring delicious seafood and regional specialties. Puerto Natales is an enchanting destination that invites you to experience the untamed beauty of Patagonia and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 3-hour drive to your hotel in Punta Arenas. Explore Punta Arenas at leisure before preparing for your expedition. Then get ready for your welcome dinner and briefing about Embarkation Day with your Quark Expeditions crew. (D) 

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only two hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival.  Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, make your way to the shore, before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula! (B, L, D) 

Antarctica stands out as one of the most evocative places on Earth, its allure impossible to fully capture in words alone, beckoning to be experienced firsthand. The excitement escalates with each land excursion, particularly the inaugural Zodiac landing, an unforgettable moment where setting foot on a penguin-dotted beach offers an intimate encounter with the continent's unique wildlife. Each landing varies depending on weather conditions, yet promises fresh sightings and photographic opportunities daily, gradually acquainting you with the distinct characteristics of Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins. Whether cruising in a Zodiac in search of whales and icebergs or trekking to a penguin rookery, each day unfolds with new marvels, from the thunderous echoes of calving glaciers to the exhilaration of witnessing apex predators like leopard seals and orcas in their natural habitat. Our dedicated Expedition Team will ensure your safety while using their wealth of knowledge to inform you about the region's glaciology, history, and wildlife, promising an enriching and unforgettable expedition. (B, L, D) 

Crossing the Antarctic Circle is both a memorable experience and impressive achievement, as few travelers reach so far south. If conditions allow us to cross this famed latitude of 66°33 ´ S, we’ll toast the first explorers who ventured here, and you can raise a glass and take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world visited by very few people. This is raw Antarctica, home of the midnight sun, Weddell seals, and your best chances of encountering sea ice – the foundation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. (B, L, D) 

If you haven’t had your fill of Antarctic wildlife and icebergs by now, you’ll surely be satisfied by the time you return to King George Island. You will continue to explore by Zodiac or on land as you travel north along the western Antarctic Peninsula.  Your Expedition Team will always be on the lookout for species of seabirds, seals and whales that may have eluded you on your journey south. (B, L, D) 

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your two-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your group transfer to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy an evening on your own, in the city or at the hotel to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica. (B) 

After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 30-minute transfer to the airport where you will check-in for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and English-speaking assistant and driven approximately 30 to 40-minute to Santiago. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B) 

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Andes Mountains, Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the city's rich heritage through its charming colonial architecture, bustling markets, and fascinating museums. Visit iconic landmarks like Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and Santa Lucia Hill for panoramic views of the city. Immerse yourself in the local culture by indulging in delicious Chilean cuisine and sampling world-class wines from nearby vineyards. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby attractions like Valle Nevado and Cajon del Maipo offer opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. With its warm hospitality, vibrant neighborhoods, and breathtaking surroundings, Santiago is a captivating destination that promises a memorable experience for every traveler. 

Check out of your hotel and meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for the approximate 30 to 40-minute transfer to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport where you will check-in for your onward flight.