Cost per person is $27,995
Single supplement is $0
Join us on a once in a lifetime journey to Antarctica and South Georgia, following in the footsteps of famed explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton. See whales, penguins, seals, albatross and so much more.
This unique adventure created especially for us flies from the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, thereby we avoid the infamous Drake Passage. We then board our comfortable Expedition vessel, the MV Magellan Explorer.
The Ecotours group size is limited to 30 individuals. The boat holds 76 guests.
In keeping with the principles of responsible ecotourism:
We will make a donation to help conserve the Antarctic.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.
This is an ecotour that will make a difference to you and to the places we visit.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, March 7, 2026 to Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Availability — Trip FULL and closed to enrollment
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile
Plan your arrival to Punta Arenas today for any time prior to 3pm.
You will be met and transferred to the Cabo de Hornos Hotel for our Welcome Dinner.
Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel (D)
Day 2: Punta Arenas / start Air-Cruise
Our Antarctica21 hosts will welcome us at the Explorers House in Punta Arenas, Chile at 2pm, where we will attend a mandatory briefing that provides important information about your air-cruise and reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. At Explorers House, we will enjoy local gastronomy as you meet your fellow adventurers. We will spend the night at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel with other explorers.
Overnight at Cabo de Hornos Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3: Private flight to Antarctica and board the Magellan Explorer
A smooth two-hour flight takes us from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your adventure begins as you exit the airplane, and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. A short vehicle transfer takes us to the shore of Fildes Bay where a Zodiac transports you to our boutique expedition vessel.
Overnight on board MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Days 4 - 7: Exploring Antarctica
We cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, we will disembark by Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge, while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests. No journey is the same, and flexibility is the key to success in Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by nature, crafting a unique and extraordinary experience every time. While the exact itinerary changes with each expedition, you will explore several sites that offer the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your voyage may include visits to sites in the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache Strait, the Penola Strait, and the Antarctic Sound.
Overnights on board the MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Day 8: Elephant Island
While the stormy conditions of this area rarely allow a shore landing, you will see the island from the ship. Sailing north, we hope to stop at Elephant Island. It was here that the crew of Shackleton’s Endurance found refuge while he and five handpicked men carried on to South Georgia. Once in South Georgia, Shackleton and his crew then caught a ride to Punta Arenas - where we began our journey - to organize a rescue party, and then sailed back to Elephant Island, so his crew spent many months here not knowing if they would ever be rescued.
Overnight on board MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Days 9 - 11: Sailing to South Georgia
As we sail northward, our historian and our naturalist guides offer a series of presentations. There is time to socialize in the ship’s lounge while keeping an eye out for the region’s abundant birdlife.
Overnights on board MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Day 11 - 14: Exploring South Georgia
The island of South Georgia is a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, massive glaciers, grassy uplands, and deep fjords. Visit the former whaling outpost of Grytviken, where you may pay your respects at the simple grave of Ernest Shackleton. At St. Andrew’s Bay be overwhelmed by the sight of 150,000 King penguins. At Cooper Island, the nesting home of thousands of Black-browed albatrosses, see a large colony of Macaroni penguins. At the peak of the breeding season, it is said to have the highest concentration of wildlife per square meter on the planet. If the weather is favorable, visits are also planned at Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plains, Prion Island, and Elsehul Bay.
Overnights on board MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Days 15 - 17: Sailing towards South America
As the MV Magellan Explorer heads to South America, the program of presentations continues, which is a great opportunity to enhance your understanding of the region and its history.
Overnights on board MV Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Day 18: At sea and the Beagle Channel
As we approach the South American continent, we will sail along the Beagle Channel, taking in the beauty of Tierra del Fuego and Navarino Island as we make our way to Ushuaia.
Overnight on board Magellan Explorer (B,L,D)
Day 19: Arrival to Ushuaia and homeward bound
Arrival to Ushuaia, where your journey ends. We disembark the ship and bid Farewell to our fellow travelers. Please plan any onward flights after 2pm.
(B)
Travel Information
Thanks for choosing Antarctica and South Georgia with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. On this trip you will enter BOTH Chile and Argentina, It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.
What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S., U.K., Australian or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.
It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.
Visas: Please consult the Chile and Argentine consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter either Chile or Argentina. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.
Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.
Emergency Contact number while on your ecotour:
Call COLLECT (813) 476-2810
Practical Information
Currency: The currency of Chile is the Peso and the exchange rate as of February 2024 was 1 US$ = 957 Pesos. The currency of Argentina is the Peso and the exchange rate as of February 2024 was 1 US$ = 1,172 Pesos. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger stores. U.S. dollars are accepted in both Chile and Argentina, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.
Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.
Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.
At the present time, no specific immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends the following:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors.
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Please also note:
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in South America. For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country. Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center. The normal "childhood" vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Perturssia (DTP Vaccine) and Polio vaccine.
Swimming: There are several opportunities to swim during the ecotour. We advocate the buddy system for everyone, at all times, and children less than 14 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult while swimming.
Time Difference: Chile is two hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Argentina is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Weather: Both Chile and Argentina are subject to a variety of climates. The north of the country, including latitudes in and below the Tropic of Capricorn, is characterized by very hot, humid summers with mild drier winters, and is subject to periodic droughts during the winter season. Central Chile and Argentina have hot summers with tornadoes and thunderstorms and cool winters. The southern regions have warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous zones.
Antarctica and South Georgia experience Polar conditions, wind, rain and snow are possible at any time of year. A detailed packing list will be shared close to departure.
Please remember that the sun’s rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.
Lodging Info
Cabo de Hornos Hotel
Cabo de Hornos Hotel is an icon of the capital of Patagonia. It stands in the historic center of the city as a guardian and witness of the history of Punta Arenas and its cultural heritage, being a fundamental part of its development. The hotel rooms are the ideal refuge during your stay in Punta Arenas. It has a sophisticated, cozy, spacious and modern environment with all the services that guarantee the best rest during your trip to Patagonia. WiFi, TV, heated, laundry, safe, and included breakfast.
M.V. Magellan Explorer
The Magellan Explorer joined the Antarctica21 fleet during the 2019-20 season as the world’s first expedition ship custom-designed for Antarctic Air-Cruise operations. It provides a stylish base for our guests’ adventures, combining excellence in expedition and boutique hospitality. The Magellan Explorer has a capacity for 73 guests lodging in seven accommodation categories, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins (except two) have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower and heated floors. Built to the latest Polar Code specifications, the ship carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd's Register PC6). For comfortable navigation and maneuverability, the ship features stabilizers and bow and stern thrusters. For Safety in navigation, there is an ice-detecting radar. And to reduce the environmental footprint, the vessel is equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm up the ship and its water supply.
The ship carries an Expedition Staff & Crew of 60