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 the Drake 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 portaged and distances are not great.

In Antarctica you are part of a unique ‘Basecamp’ active cruise. On these departures you spend time anchored in certain parts of the Antarctic Peninsula in order to explore from a base.

Alongside the standard wildlife shore excursions, you are able to join in more active excursions such as kayaking, snow shoeing, hiking, overnight camping, photography classes and even some easy mountaineering.

The cost of all of these activities is included in your cruise, all are optional.

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 Plancius we assume a twin cabin with private facilities. All cabins are external and have a porthole. Upgrades are available as are triple and quadruple cabins at a lower price if that is relevant.

Please contact Pura for more information on available cabins and prices.

How independent?
The Chilean part of this holiday is offered as a stand alone small group holiday. It is likely that you will be one of only a small number who are combining Chile with Antarctica.

This being the case, 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 M/V Plancius you will join a completely different group. On board your ship you will be with up to around 100 other guests. Shore landings are made in zodiacs designed for 15 people.

Who is it for?
In general this holiday attracts people in their 50s/60s, though we also have some in their 30s/40s. 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.

Both Pura and M/V Plancius are members 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 membership.

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 advice on Chile and Antarctica

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Chile and Antarctica.

Official Government website

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

Prepare for your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Chile, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advice 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 see weather forecasts 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 book travel services for pre-departure, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Whilst we don’t include international flights on this holiday as standard, we can book them for you if you like. We always help you to find the best flight deals for your holiday. This might be using our contracted airline rates or by using our flight consolidators or by looking online.

To get an idea of flight prices to Chile see Kayak, Expedia and Opodo.