Departing from Punta Arenas in Chile, this tour provides a unique opportunity to visit the most remote location on the planet – the South Pole – a place synonymous with the heroism and sacrifice of the golden age of exploration. Staying at a base camp in the heart of Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to explore the epic landscapes on a range of activities and experience living in the world’s last true wilderness.
This journey allows travellers to fly to the South Pole, which is one of the most evocative geographic locations in the world and perhaps the ultimate destination for those with an explorers’ sense of adventure.
Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Union Glacier. Land on a blue-ice runway located at a location of 79º south, which is just 1,100kms from the South Pole.
From this base in the foothills of the Ellsworth mountain range, immerse yourself in the enormity and desolate beauty of Antarctica’s interior as you await the opportunity to fly to the Pole itself aboard a specially equipped ski aircraft, a DHC-6 Twin Otter. The day of your flight to the South Pole is not pre-determined as it depends on weather conditions and logistics.
Your stay at Union Glacier can be as energetic or relaxed as you wish with activities on offer generally only limited by enthusiasm and imagination. Active pursuits include cross-country skiing, hiking, climbing, camping trips and snow-machine assisted tours taking you out into the scenic peaks nearby.
They are complemented by more leisurely indoor activities including lectures about Antarctica and exploration. Photographers are sure to appreciate the unusual wind-sculpted snow features, ice pools, dramatic peaks, spectacular open skies and cloud formations, as well as the golden light cast by the austral summer.
Good to know
Suited to those in good health with an average level of fitness, this itinerary is adventurous without being strenuous. The South Pole is at an effective elevation of about 12,000 ft (3,700m) and expect some light walking at altitude.
Itinerary
Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Union Glacier. The flight time is approximately 4.5 hours. Union Glacier camp is located 8km from the runway at the base of Mount Rossman. On landing, you will be directed to a heated passenger terminal where you will pick up a shuttle service to the camp. On arrival at camp you will settle in and enjoy a welcome meal.
During your stay in Antarctica, you’ll have multiple days to explore Union Glacier. A typical day in Antarctica begins with breakfast, followed by a meeting with a guide. Your guide will let you know the range of activities that are available and will want to hear about your interests in order to tailor the daily programme to you. Meanwhile, meteorologists will carefully monitor the weather conditions and find the best day for your South Pole Flight.
The flight to the South Pole takes approx 6 hours and will take place on the first day that weather and logistics permit. The remaining days will be spent participating in optional activities from Union Glacier. Perhaps your day will be spent on a visit to Elephant’s Head for photography and hiking, ice climbing at Charles Windscoop, or simply enjoying the tranquillity and majesty of this incredible continent.
Your flight to the Pole affords views over a vast expanse of high polar plateau punctuated by the occasional field of crevasses. Landing at the Pole for your 3-4 hour visit you’ll experience temperatures ranging from -25 to -35°C. On arrival you will visit the USA’s Amundsen-Scott research station and will stand at the Geographic South Pole.
Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive in Union Glacier on the scheduled departure day for the final leg of your Antarctic journey, back over the ice to Punta Arenas.
Prices
What's Included
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Return flights between Punta Arenas and Union Glacier Camp
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Return flights between Union Glacier Camp and the South Pole
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Accommodation in expedition tents
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All meals
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Activities at the camp
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Transfers between Punta Arenas and airport for Antarctic flights
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Pre-departure briefing in Punta Arenas
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £50333
5 Nights
Dec
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Jo
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Salsa dance in Cuba
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Shark species swam with
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
