Stow your tray tables, we're landing at the South Pole!
The world is no smaller than it was a millennia ago, human endeavour just makes it seem that way. A century ago explorers battled oceans, icebergs and bitter cold for a chance to stand at the South Pole. Now you have the chance to travel in comfort to the bottom of the Earth in this week-long flying adventure. Join us for this ultimate whirlwind tour to the heart of Antarctica.
- Gateway Punta Arenas, Chile
- Days on Ice 6
- Temp. Range -10 to -30°C
- Challenge 1 What's this?
- Conditions Cool coastal to cold plateau
- Challenges Altitude during flight and at South Pole
Trip Itinerary
Latest arrival Punta Arenas.
Trip briefing
Fly 4.5 hours to Union Glacier base in Antarctica (weather dependent), camp orientation and settle in.
Your 5 hour flight to South Pole is weather dependent and may occur on day 2, 3, 4 or 5. On arrival we visit the officials and ceremonial South Poles and take a tour of the station. Return to Union Glacier same day.
Before and after South Pole there will be plenty of opportunity for local activities including vehicle tours, ice walks, photography, lectures etc.
Flight to Punta Arenas.
Subject to change based on weather and flight conditions.
Inclusions
- Briefing followed by refreshments one day prior to departure
- Punta Arenas transfers for Antarctic flights
- All plane flights associated with the expedition program
- Meals at Union Glacier Camp
- Icetrek guide(s)
- 25kg weight allowance (inc. food and group equipment)
- 15% discount on selected Icetrek Equipment
Exclusions
- Travel to and from Punta Arenas, Chile
- Hotel transfers for non-Antarctic flights
- Hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas (we can help you find appropriate accommodation at your preferred budget).
- Excess baggage above the allowance
- Additional costs (accommodation, meals etc.) due to changes beyond our control ie. weather delays
- Evacuation, hospitalization and repatriation costs and/or insurance
- Satellite telephone airtime
An Ilyushin-76 jet takes you from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier camp from where you embark on your South Pole Flight adventure.
We spend a day and night at the camp where we soak up the delights of this comfortable base and prepare for our flight south.
A ski-equipped aircraft takes us on a magical 4-5 hour flight across Antarctica to the South Geographic Pole. It's a short walk to the South Pole marker and the US station that surrounds it. A tour of the station gives an insight into the life of the expeditioners that live there and the work and research they undertake. You can buy some souvernirs at the store and get postcards stamped at the world's most southerly post office. There's plenty of time to take in the atmosphere of the South Pole so that you come away with a deep appreciation of this remote and unique location.
In the afternoon we are returned to Union Glacier where we enjoy a sumptuous celebratory dinner.
The following day you have the entire day to rest and recover from the South Pole flights. Sleep, read, eat, whatever you like. You'll spend the next three days at Union Glacier where there is ample time to undertake a multitude of activities - local walks, skiing, drive tours, Antarctic skills sessions and lectures from the staff.
On the final day we return to Punta Arenas.
Latam Airlines fly daily to Punta Arenas, Chile.
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Prior to departure there will be a briefing held at Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions. Their office is located at:
Calle Bernardo O’Higgins 568, PH: +56 9 6832 7472
WHAT IS SOUTH POLE FLIGHT?
South Pole Flight is a 6-day experience that flies you to the heart of the high Antarctica plateau.
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 the South Pole ?
It’s around a 5 hour flight from Union Glacier to the South Pole.
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What facilities are there at the South Pole ?
Check out the camp and facilities here. South Pole Flight does not remain overnight at the South Pole.
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Feel free to submit your own questions.
