Compare Ushuaia, End of the World in 4 days by Qwerty Travel Argentina vs Antarctica Wildlife and Photo Tour -1st January – 12th January 2024 by Secret Atlas
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 995 | $ 11,490 |
| Price Per Day | $ 249 | $ 958 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | NA |
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| Meals Included |
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| Description |
Ushuaia, known as the city of the end of the world, stands out due to be nestled on the shores of the Beagle Channel and basis for the departure of cruises to Antarctica. You will visit their beautiful National Park, navigate the Beagle Channel and in winter make winter activities outdoors in its surroundings. |
Join Secret Atlas on a 12-day in-depth Antarctica cruise with an extended focus on wildlife viewing and photography in Antarctic peninsula. This expedition is aimed at those wanting to spend the maximum amount of unhurried time ashore observing wildlife and is suited for photographers and wildlife watchers. |
Day 1: Ushuaia
You will be met in Ushuaia airport by our staff who will take you to your accommodation.
Day 2: Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park + Sailing the Beagle Channel
Represents the southernmost protected area, the only National Park that has coastlines, covering a stretch of 6 km. Wide over the Beagle Channel and an area of 63,000 hectares. It is reached by the National Highway No. 3 to N.A. Ushuaia, met along the way Pipo River, Monte Susana, Ensenada Bay, Redonda Island sighting, lake Roca Casita del Bosque, Laguna Verde and Negra, beaver dam, Lapataia Bay, marking the end of the route, to 3,242 km. Federal Capital. The topography of the park is extremely varied, everything is a series of craggy mountains, rivers, valleys and lakes, resulting in varied landscapes from the picturesque and lively stream to the mass of towering mountains, or the extraordinary spectacle of the majestic Canal Beagle. During the spring and summer, you can admire varied and colorful flowers: mutillas, violet, primrose, white orchids, armories, white and yellow daisies, and the various tree species: Cinnamon, Wood Dura Notros Lenga Ñire, Burgundy presenting as Misodendro parasites and the Llao Llao, observing lichens, which hang in the form of a beard. The most common mammals are foxes and rabbits, living in the Park also muskrat and beaver. Among birds, Upland Goose and gray-headed, steamer ducks and great grebe, the black carpenter and rayadito giant, as the Park presents exclusive marine birds such as albatross, the oystercatcher overo the white Cauquen and mammals such as seals and otters sea.
We began sailing out of Puerto Tourist our city, towards the Beagle Channel, enjoying as we move away from the panoramic view of the coast of Ushuaia, overlooking the most important buildings, Museum (old prison), Museum of the End World, the industrial area, and mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos. We sailed to the southwest, approaching the island of Los Lobos, where, from the boat, we enjoy the view of specimens of sea lions, watching their permanent habitat, in a wonderful setting. During the afternoon, we drive to the Island of Birds, habitat Magellanic Cormorants, Imperial Cormorants and privileged sector to spot examples of marine birds Continue to the Lighthouse Eclaireurs in the archipelago of the same name, where sank the ship Monte Cervantes in 1930. The return will be through Paso Chico, overlooking the tunnel stays and Fique, we return to Ushuaia, with a stunning view of the frame that gives the city and Mount Martial Glacier.
Day 3: Ushuaia – Escondido & Fagnano Lakes
We departure from the city of Ushuaia to the north of the island, We go through the Fueguinos Andean and the valleys. The next point is the ‘’Garibaldi crossing’’, one of the Andean crossing to Chile with a beautiful sight of the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes.
The Escondido Lake is only 60 km far away from the city and 15 km after we find the Fagnano Lake, nice and beautiful Lake mirror.
Day 4: Ushuaia
Today transfer to the airport
Day 1
Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, also known by its nickname ‘The End of the World’. In the afternoon we embark on the Polar Pioneer for the expedition of a lifetime. This tough, ice-strengthened expedition vessel will be our comfortable home and base for exploring for the next 11 nights.
After settling into your cabin there will be a full safety briefing and an introduction from the expedition team. You will meet the experts who will be your guides for the duration of your voyage who have extensive knowledge about Antarctica, the history, wildlife, and geology.
In the afternoon we will sail through the Beagle channel. It is the perfect time to spend time out on deck wildlife watching and appreciating the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia.
Day 2 – 3
Crossing the Drake Passage
As we sail south we will cross the famed Drake passage that separates Antarctica from the South American continent. It is the ideal time to spend time on deck watching the dozens of wandering albatrosses that circle the ship.
During these two days at sea, our experts will get you excited for what lies ahead with a series of lectures on the wildlife, history, and environment of Antarctica. As we cross the Antarctic convergence zone the air will chill and we will spend time on deck looking for the first icebergs and keeping a sharp lookout for whales that are frequently sighted.
An amazing part of any Antarctica expedition is sighting the land of the 7th continent for the first time.
Day 4-9
Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
The focus of this expedition is to spend the maximum amount of time exploring in an unhurried way which is only possible in a small group. Each day our expedition team will make decisions about where to explore based on the weather and sea ice conditions.
We will drop anchor in remote bays framed by icy mountains. Our plan is to explore key wildlife sites on the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Here we will encounter penguin rookeries up close. Gentoo’s, Adleie’s and Chin Straps are all residents here. We aim to do shore landings twice a day led by our expedition leaders. We will use the Zodiacs for short cruises to explore the icy waters in an intimate way. Keep an eye out for icebergs! There are plenty here.
The nutrient-rich icy seas are home to an abundance of wildlife including leopard, crabeater, Weddell and elephant seals, Orcas, Minke, and Humpback Whales.
If the opportunity arises sometimes it is possible to visit a scientific research station or historical site. As with all expeditions, flexibility is a must.
The beauty of an Antarctica cruise on Polar Pioneer is that all our guests can Zodiac cruise or visit the shore at the same time. The process of going ashore is much more efficient than a larger ship so our guests get to spend more time exploring and less time waiting.
Day 10 – 11
At Sea
After 7 nights of exploring Antarctica, we will sail north towards Ushuaia. Our expedition team will continue the educational presentations. It’s a good chance to relax, warm up in the sauna and enjoy a drink at the bar.
The expedition leader will do a recap of the voyage and it is an opportunity to share moments and photos with your fellow explorers.
As we approach the South American continent, if the conditions allow, there may be a possibility to sight the mystical Cape Horn before we make our way into the Beagle channel.
Day 12
Ushuaia
In the morning we arrive back at the port of Ushuaia. After breakfast, we say our goodbyes after making new friends and sharing a wonderful adventure together.
The above itinerary is a guide only. A part of any Antarctica cruise is the flexibility to take advantage of the weather and ice conditions. Our expedition leader will make sure you see as much as possible.
