Buckle up for a magical Antarctic adventure.
Experience two Antarctic icons in one action-packed adventure. Fly by ski aircraft to the Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony on the remote coast of the Weddell Sea. Camp on the same sea ice where thousands of birds come to raise and feed their young. Fly on to the Geographic South Pole, the most remote destination on Earth. In several hours you’ll cover the distance that took early explorers months of hardship to achieve.
Photos © Alice Wang, Christopher Michel, Iain Rudkin, David Rootes, Eric Philips
- Gateway Punta Arenas, Chile
- Days on Ice 9
- Temp. Range -5 to -30°C
- Challenge 3 What's this?
- Conditions cool coastal to cold plateau
- Challenges some cold exposure, altitude on flight and at Pole
Trip Itinerary
Punta Arenas, Chile
Luggage pick-up, briefing and Covid testing
Fly to Antarctica
Explore Union Glacier
Fly to Emperor colony
Live with the Emperors
Return to Union Glacier
Fly to the South Pole
Explore Union Glacier
Return to Punta Arenas, Chile
Fly home
Subject to change based on weather and flight conditions.
Inclusions
- 25kg weight allowance (inc. food and group equipment)
- Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
- Round trip flight to Gould Bay Emperor Penguin colony from Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Round trip flight to South Pole from Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
- Antarctic guides
- Celebration dinner and Certificate of Achievement
- Checked luggage up to 66 lb (30 kg)
Exclusions
- Insurance coverage—personal, medical,evacuation, or otherwise
- Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
- Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Additional flights within Antarctica
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Expenses incurred due to delays
- Luggage over 66 lb (30 kg)
- Satellite phone charges
Experience two Antarctic icons in one action-packed adventure. Fly by ski aircraft to the Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony on the remote coast of the Weddell Sea. Camp on the same sea ice where thousands of birds come to raise and feed their young. Photograph majestic emperors and their chicks against a spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs,pressure ridges, and icebergs. Fall asleep to a chorus of trumpeting calls and wake to find curious penguins outside your tent.
Fly on to the Geographic South Pole, the most remote destination on Earth. In several hours you’ll cover the distance that took early explorers months of hardship to achieve. History comes alive as you stand at 90° South, the ultimate goal of Amundsen and Scott, who crossed this frozen continent more than 100 years ago. Feel the spirit of determination and discovery that has inspired a century of Antarctic exploration and scientific research.
WEATHER
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base camp range from -12°F to 30°F (-24°C to -1°C ). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -22°F (-30°C) in early November.
At the South Pole temperatures rarely climb above -13°F (-25°C) with light winds and windchill of -40°F (-40°C).
Weather at the emperor colony is highly variable and influenced by coastal systems. Temperatures range from -25°F (-32°C) to near 32°F (0°C) with sunny and overcast skies and the possibility of heavy snowstorms.
Latam Airlines fly daily to Punta Arenas, Chile.
WHAT IS EMPERORS AND EXPLORERS?
Emperors and Explorers is a 9-day Antarctic tour combining a visit to an Emperor penguin colony and a flight to the South Pole .
Can I leave bags in Punta Arenas?
Yes. Your bags will be collected and delivered to your past-Antarctica hotel on the day of your return.
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What should I wear on the flight from Punta to Union Glacier?
You will be briefed in Punta on exactly what to wear and bring on the flight to Union Glacier Camp. Usual airline restrictions apply.
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How long is the flight to Union Glacier?
The flight from Punta to Union Glacier takes around 5 hours.
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Should I take money and my passport to Antarctica?
Union Glacier Camp sells souvenirs in USD. You are required to bring your passport as you will board an international flight to Antarctica.
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What will be the temperature on arrival at Union Glacier and at the South Pole?
Depending on when you arrive the temperature at Union Glacier will be anywhere from -5 to -15ºC, 23 to 5ºF, and the South Pole from -15 to -25ºC, 5 to -13ºF
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What if I am not a skier?
There is no skiing on this trip, only a short walk from the aircraft to the South Pole markers
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How long is the flight to Gould Bay?
It’s around a 3 hour flight to Gould Bay.
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How long is the flight to the South Pole ?
It’s around a 5 hour flight from Union Glacier to the South Pole.
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What is the accommodation like at Gould Bay Camp?
Check out the camp and facilities here.
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What is the accommodation like at the South Pole ?
Check out the camp and facilities here. This trip does not include an overnight stay at South Pole camp.
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Feel free to submit your own questions.
