Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

You will arrive in Punta Arenas two days before your scheduled departure to the Antarctic. Once settled into your hotel get in touch with our staff who will arrange a convenient time to meet and give you information on Punta Arenas and surroundings.

Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, its prosperity has risen and fallen with that trade. Today Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world; it will be the starting point for your adventure.

Flight Preparations
The following day is busy with flight preparations. In the morning, you are invited to join us for an Antarctic presentation followed by refreshments. The presentation will include information on your flight south, the current weather situation and what to expect on your arrival in Antarctica. This will be the trip of a lifetime and we want to ensure that you are well prepared to enjoy it to the fullest. There will be time to ask any questions you may have. After the presentation we will agree a time to check your Antarctic clothing to ensure nothing has been inadvertently forgotten and then collect your checked baggage for loading on to the aircraft ready for departure the following day. It is important to ensure that your baggage complies with international air transport regulations and as with all flights no hazardous goods such as fuels may be packed in your checked bags and no sharp objects may be carried on board in your hand luggage or on your person.

Please also note that in exceptional circumstances, if logistics permit and weather is exceptional, we may depart the evening PRIOR to our scheduled departure date.

No two Antarctic adventures are exactly the same. This is part of the magic and excitement of Antarctic travel. The itinerary below is intended to outline general program objectives and highlight typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline, activities, and program details will vary from trip to trip.

Day 1

Departure for Antarctica

In the morning, we will call you at your hotel to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for our flight to Patriot Hills, you will be given just under an hour to prepare before being picked up at your hotel. At the airport we will pass through security, including x-ray of all hand luggage, we then complete immigration formalities and proceed to our aircraft, the Ilyushin-76, the hardy Soviet Plane ideal for weather conditions in Antarctica. There will be ample time for photos before climbing on board. After a safety briefing by the flight crew we will fly south

Flight path to Patriot Hills

The flight time from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills is approximately 4.5 hours. The initial part of our flight passes over Tierra Del Fuego, or “Land of Fire”, so named by Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan), for the native Yahgan people’s campfires that illuminated its shores. The ocean south of Tierra del Fuego, the Drake Passage, has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild storms, violent winds and heavy seas.

At approximately 60˚ south we reach the winter limits of frozen seas. This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in plankton and other tiny creatures that form the base of the food chain for Antarctica’s rich bird and wildlife colonies. We are now entering the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

At 66˚ south we cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral winter solstice. Further south Antarctic days and nights lengthen until at the South Pole the sun rises and sets only once a year. Continuing our flight south if cloud conditions co-operate below us we may see tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they calve.

Our first sight of the icy continent is Charcot Island close to Alexander Island, at 71˚ south. These islands lie in the Bellingshausen Sea, west of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica.

We fly south along the Ellsworth Mountains to their southernmost extension, the Patriot Hills where we catch our sight of the Patriot Hills Camp and then our runway comes into sight.

First slight of Patriot Hills Camp isolated in the middle of Antarctica

The runway is a blue ice strip located at the bottom of the mountains

The wheeled aircraft lands on a naturally occurring “blue-ice” runway that is approximately 2600 ft (800 m) above sea level. The blue ice remains clear of snow due to katabatic winds that funnel down from the mountains with great force. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and directed to our camp approximately 1/2 mile (1 km) away.

Transportation is readily available, but most travellers enjoy walking up to camp as it provides an opportunity to stretch their legs and take photos. Be sure to stay away from the active loading zone at the back of the aircraft, as well as off the ice runway.

Walking to Patriot HIlls Camp

Welcome to Patriot Hills Camp

Patriot Hills is the only private camp operating in the Antarctic. The camp is located near the southern end of the Ellsworth Mountains range at 80º S, 81º W, about 600 nautical miles from the South Pole - the nearest neighbors.

At the camp you will meet our friendly staff who will show you to your accommodation and settle you down to a welcoming meal in the "Dining Tent” which is the heart of the camp in Antarctica. It has a complete kitchen and dining area and serves as a regular gathering place for guests to meet staff and others and enjoy tea and coffee while discussing the day’s adventures.

“On the ice” our cooks prepare wonderful delicacies from their diverse menus. Three meals a day are served and snacks and beverages are available on an ongoing basis. Food is flown in from Punta Arenas, Chile – including fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, a variety of beers and Chilean wines.

This is your first night in Antarctica. The camp can comfortably house up to 60 visitors insulated tents specially designed for camp needs with insulated floors in the larger models. Heaters are available but most tents are naturally heated by the midnight sun.

Day 2

Orientation to Patriot Hills Camp, Antarctica

The South Pole group will meet in the morning for an orientation to Patriot Hills and Antarctica. Your guide will brief you on environmental and safety considerations for your time on the ice and update you on logistics and weather for your journey to the South Pole. You will tour camp to discover the intricacies of daily life in Antarctica and hear about the range of activities that are available to enjoy at Patriot Hills. Bring a pen, paper and any questions you may have to the meeting. The rest of the day provides an opportunity to acclimatize to your new surroundings and participate in optional, light activities. We want you to be well rested so that you get the most out of your journey to the South Pole.

Scenes from around Patriot Hills Camp

Camp Communications Room The Washing Tent

Days 3-6

Visit to South Pole and Exploring Antarctica

Your South Pole flight will take place on the first day that weather and logistics permit. Days before and after the visit to 90° south round out your Antarctic adventure, with opportunities to explore life in and around Patriot Hills camp as well as to enjoy the tranquility and majesty of Antarctica - experiences you will not encounter anywhere else on earth.

South Pole Flight Day

After breakfast and a final weather check by the pilots and our guide, we pack up and head as far south in the world as humanly possible. While we plan to return the same day, we will carry sleeping bags, equipment and food on board, in case the weather turns and we need to stop and camp en route. A “typical” South Pole visit is described below. Given the unpredictability of Antarctic conditions and the need to coordinate our visit with South Pole station personnel, exact details and itinerary for your South Pole Flight Day may vary from what is described.

Getting ready to fly from Patriot Hills to the South Pole

The flight to the pole will take approximately 6 hours from Patriot Hills over the high, polar plateau. Below, you will see wind affected snow called sastrugi, the occasional field of crevasses, and an endless expanse of white. En-route, we will stop at Thiel Mountains to re-fuel the aircraft. The fuel cache marks the approximate half-way point between Patriot Hills and the South Pole. The re-fuelling will last about an hour and will give us a chance to stretch our legs before the remainder of our flight. The break will also give us a chance to have a snack and a drink. Much of our time today will be spent in the cold, above 10,000 ft (3000 m). It is important to drink lots of fluids and keep energy levels up with high calorie snacks.

The sastrugi created by the wind

As we approach 90 degrees south we will catch sight of the South Pole station in the distance. The United States of America maintains a research station at the South Pole, named the Amundsen–Scott Station in memory of those intrepid explorers.

The Amundsen-Scott Station from the air

We land on the groomed skiway and taxi to our parking position near the Amundsen-Scott station. Be sure to bundle up before leaving the plane, paying particular attention to hands and face. Temperatures at the pole vary from -31 to -13F (-35 to -25C) and at these temperatures, even the slightest breeze can quickly freeze exposed skin. A pair of lightweight inner gloves helps protect hands while operating camera controls.

Amundsen-Scott Station

The effective elevation of the Geographic South Pole is between 11,000-13,000 ft (3,300-4,000 m). You may feel the effects of altitude, including shortness of breath and mild headache. Take it slow and steady to help your body cope with these unfamiliar conditions. Our visit to the pole will last approximately 3-4 hours. We find that given the cold conditions and altitude, this is just the right amount of time to enjoy the experience and fulfill our objectives, without overdoing it.

On arrival, we will be met by a representative of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) and escorted inside the station. We will have a chance to use their washroom facilities and enjoy an informal talk on the science undertaken at this remote and unusual research facility. If the shop is open we may be able to purchase small souvenirs such as T-shirts, badges, etc. so be sure you bring some US$ cash. The station also has a rubber stamp that you may use for stamping postcards and other items, but please note that postal facilities are not available.

Following our station visit we return outside to the Geographic South Pole. Here, at the southernmost point on earth, all 360 lines of longitude meet and beneath your feet the ice is almost 10,000 ft (3000m) thick. You are part of a very select and very limited group of people who have journeyed this far south on our planet. Congratulations!

The Flag Marking the true Geographic Pole

The Ceremonial South Pole a few yards away Geodesic Dome in the background

The ceremonial South Pole is surrounded by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty Nations. You can see the dome of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in the background. Data from a GPS is used to mark the exact placement of 90 degrees south latitude. Each marker is about 12 feet long, but about two-thirds of it gets pounded into the ground. The markers are only left up for a few years before they are stored away in the South Pole Station.

Here are images of the "true" South Pole Markers going back to 1996 and a bonus bicentennial marker

1975/76 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009

At the Geographic South Pole, there will be time for photographs and for reflection. Imagine how it must have felt to stand here nearly 100 years ago with only the sound of the wind and an endless expanse of white stretching northward in all directions. The distance we so comfortably travelled in hours, took the early explorers years of planning and months of travel by sled, foot and ski. They stood where we now stand contemplating their achievements and their equally arduous return to the coast

Amundsen first man to mark the Geographic South Pole December 14, 1911

IMAGES OF THE SOUTH POLE THE MODERN BUILDINGS SET IN THE WILDERNESS

AST/RO with COBRA sun-shield

Sunset at the South Pole Flags of Antarctica Treaty Nations

The Geodesic Dome

The completion of this incredible journey will be the return flight to Patriot Hills over the polar plateau.

Leaving the South Pole flying over the Geodesic Dome

Stunning view of the Plateau from the Plane

Once back at Patriot Hills camp we will enjoy a celebration dinner and toast our wonderful achievement. We have journeyed overland to the pole and in so doing, joined an elite group who have challenged the "real Antarctica" of polar explorers.

Celebration dinner at Patriot Hills Camp

At Patriot Hills camp you can rest and recover from the expedition, or you can take part in a number of activities that will be going on around camp. You can hear, first hand, the experiences of other adventure travellers and climbers as they return from their own expeditions within the white desert. The choice is entirely yours.

Patriot Hills Days

During your stay at Patriot Hills you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish, just let us know. Some outside activities are weather dependent but we are accustomed to changes in the weather and so have learnt to be flexible and weather resilient. Your guide will organize a daily program of activities, based on group interests and weather conditions. Some of the active pursuits you can enjoy include:

Snow machine assisted tours to the local mountains; excursions to view unusual ice and rock formations nearby; an ascent of the Patriot Hills with panoramic views of the Ellsworth Mountain Range; opportunities to learn and practice cross-country skiing; short walking trips across the vast polar landscape; and navigation lessons. Photographers will enjoy 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 midnight sun.

In camp, our experienced staff will share their knowledge of the icy continent, giving talks on diverse themes. You can join the meteorologist for weather observations; learn rope handling skills, track expeditions as they make their way southward; carve snow sculptures, play indoor games and exchange stories with some of the other adventure travellers you meet on your journey. The variety of activities available is only limited by your enthusiasm and imagination.

The glory of the Antarctic can be seen all round the Camp

Day 21

Return to Punta Arenas

Fly back to Punta Arenas. In Punta Arenas you will be met at the airport by our staff who will arrange for transfer to your hotel. We will assist wherever possible with any questions you may have.

Please note that you are travelling to an expedition base camp situated in the interior of Antarctica, the most isolated and windiest continent on earth. Every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary but it is offered subject to change at the discretion of our staff based on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. You will be accommodated and looked after in Patriot Hills during any flight delays to Punta Arenas.

Days of delay are a normal part of Antarctic travel. DO NOT plan anything important for a minimum of two weeks after your scheduled return. Give yourself time to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.