Learn more about what to expect on this Chile walking and Antarctica holiday including group size, when to go and how comfortable you can expect to be.

Itinerary

Photos

Dates & prices

Holiday info

Maps & more

Video

Further information

When should I go?
The best time of year to visit Patagonia is October to April. You are likely to experience cold evenings and mornings but mild daytime temperatures.

Weather in the Atacama can change at any time. Rains come in January, February and March (Bolivian winter affects this part of Chile). Nights are cold due to the altitude of the area 2,000m – 4,000m.

Cruises to the Antarctic run between November and March to take advantage of the long summer days as well as the calmer sea conditions in Drake’s Passage.

How active?
Some high altitude walking in the Atacama but these are ‘return to base’ so you can choose not to walk on these days.

Reasonably strenuous walks over five consecutive days in Patagonia but your bags are portages and distances are not great.

In Antarctica shore landings are generally relaxed affairs with some walking but nothing very strenuous.

How comfortable?
First class small hotels with twin/double en suite rooms throughout except four nights in Patagonia’s mixed, communal refuges.

Your luggage is portaged in Torres del Paine making the pace of this walk very relaxed and comfortable.

On M/V Antarctic Dream we assume a double/twin cabin on the Amundsen Deck. All cabins are external and have portholes or windows. Facilities are very comfortable and spacious (94ft²/10m² cabins).

You can upgrade to the larger cabins of the Shackleton and Cape Horn decks if you prefer. Please contact Pura for more information on available cabins and prices.

How independent?
You will be part of a small guided group, 12 maximum whilst on mainland Chile.

In Punta Arenas and Ushuaia you will be at leisure to enjoy exploring independently.

On board the Antarctic Dream you will be with around 78 other guests. Shore landings are made in zodiacs designed for 15 people.

Who is it for?
In general this holiday attracts people in their 40s through 50s/60s, though there’s no barrier to younger and older. There is usually a 60:40 mix of couples and solo travellers.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits. To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

• Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive.

Small groups in Antarctica minimise any impact on the wildlife.

You must wear boots that we provide on shore at all times. These are cleaned and disinfected by staff before and after all shore visits to ensure that no ‘alien matter’ is transferred onto the shore.

Antarctic Dream is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic. See www.iaato.org for more information on the responsibilities associated with full membership.

The Antarctic Dream is wholly Chilean owned and therefore more of the benefit from your trip stays in the region.

Expert guides and leaders know how best to minimise the impact of any landings. They will also educate you as to how to behave, particularly on shore.

What makes our Antarctic Cruise different?

Pura Aventura is an associate member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

As members of IAATO we are committed to procedures and guidelines that ensure appropriate, safe and environmentally sound travel to the Antarctic.

On this vessel, since there are under 100 passengers, there is no limit to the length of shore landings and you will get more from your time on shore.

Expert leaders are able to make shore landings more reliably giving you the most time possible on land, experiencing the wildlife.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Chile. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Chile and Antarctica

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Chile and Antarctica. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Chile and Antarctica by visiting their official governement websites.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Chile, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Chilean Peso currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Chile and Antarctica, visit Wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Chile selection and Antarctica selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Chile with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.