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Discover Antarctica
Altitude 1,500m Grade: T2
Discover Antarctica
This ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ is a totally flexible program of activities and no previous experience is required. Experience an immense world of stunning beauty in the heart of Antarctica from the comfort of a specially built camp located on the Union glacier.
This trip will operate with just 1 person as you will be joining clients from other countries in Antarctica and will be looked after by specialist Antarctic guides.
Please note, the final payment is based on the equivalent of $30,495 on an exchange rate of 1.25 at the time of making your final payment.
Return flights have to be booked 6 days after you are due back in Punta Arenas to allow for possible delays with flights from Antarctica. You would then change your flight home when you are back in Punta Arenas.
Choose from gentle walks across waves of blue-ice, excursions in a specially-adapted 4x4 van, wandering through the Elephant Head valley with its frozen ice pools and unusual rock formations, exploring ancient rock terraces at the ‘beach’, picnicking in hidden canyons, gazing out from the summit of Charles Peak over the broad expanse of Union Glacier and many many more. If you’re looking for excitement, choose from a range of adrenaline-charged activities from ice climbing in ancient crevasses and cross country skiing to more technical climbs or even a mini-overnight expedition.
In camp there are Antarctic skills sessions and talks. Learn about polar navigation and communications or challenge yourself on a GPS course. Our experienced guides have a wealth of knowledge and visiting scientists often give talks on their latest Antarctic research. Or, simply relax in our heated multi-purpose tent with a book or DVD from our library.
The highlight of this experience is a spectacular sightseeing flight along the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains, giving you a bird’s-eye view over the mountains and rocky exposed nunataks that peek out from the permanent ice sheet below.
On this trip you spend six nights on Antarctica where you stay in the comfortable Union Glacier Camp. Here you enjoy delicious hearty meals, fresh-baked pastries and delectable desserts, prepared by international chefs.
Why not extend your trip and visit Patagonia on the way home? Please contact the office to discuss the various options available.
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1,200m
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Dates & Prices
Availability
* A deposit of £5,000 will be required at checkout.
What's Included
- Estimated International flights from London (flight inclusive package)
- Accommodation - 4 nights Hotels, 6 nights camping
- Meals - 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 evening meals, all drinks and snacks in Antarctica
- Park fees as appropriate
- All road transfers in country (unless indicated in 'exclusions')
- Local guides
- All excursions on the ice
- All camping equipment (excl. personal kit)
- Adventure Peaks kitbag. A logoed top will be substituted for returning and non-UK clients
- 24hr back-up and support from our UK staff
- Flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
- 15% discount off the RRP on equipment and clothing purchased from Adventure Peaks shop
What's Excluded
- Personal equipment
- Specialist equipment (can be hired from Adventure Peaks)
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks and personal spending
- Tips for local staff
- Meals if not indicated in 'exclusions'
- Visas (if required)
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2 | Depart UK, arriving Punta Arenas the following day. You will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel. |
Day 3 | Spare day in case of delays. Free time to ensure you have all the supplies you need and to explore Punta Arenas. |
Day 4 | Preparation day. Morning briefing; packing and loading in the afternoon. Sometimes the flight to Antarctica will depart this evening. |
Day 5 | Depart Punta Arenas Chile. Fly 4¼ hrs to Antarctica by private transport jet. Land on our ice runway and settle in at Union Glacier Camp. |
Days 6 - 9 | Experience the heart of Antarctica from the comfort of camp. Each day our guides will suggest excursions and activities suited to the weather and your interests. There are gentle walks across waves of blue-ice as well as excursions in our specially-adapted 4x4 vans. You can wander through the Elephant Head valley with its frozen ice pools and unusual rock formations. Explore ancient rock terraces at the ‘beach’. Picnic in hidden canyons. Gaze out from the summit of Charles Peak over the broad expanse of Union Glacier. Or climb the serpentine ridge of Peak 942 with views of the Ronne Ice Shelf. If you’re looking for excitement, choose from a range of adrenaline-charged activities from ice climbing in ancient crevasses and cross country skiing to more technical climbs or even a mini-overnight expedition. In camp there are Antarctic skills sessions and talks. Learn about polar navigation and communications or challenge yourself on a GPS course. Our experienced guides have a wealth of knowledge and visiting scientists often give talks on their Antarctic research. Or, simply relax in our heated multi-purpose tent with a book or DVD from our library.The highlight of this experience is a spectacular sightseeing flight along the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains, giving you a birds-eye view over the mountains and nunataks that peek out from the ice sheet below. |
Day 10 | The aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive with a new collection of avid explorers and you depart for the final leg of your Antarctic experience. Our ANI staff will meet you at Punta Arenas airport and transfer you to your hotel. |
Days 11 - 12 (or later) | Depart Punta Arenas, arriving back in the UK the following day. |
Insurance
It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment
- Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
- Repatriation
- The altitude that you are expected to attain
- The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
- Grade of trek/climb/expedition
- Medical cover
Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/
We are aware the following provide insurance:
For UK based clients:
Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)
For non-UK based clients:
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)
You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.
Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com
Reviews
Both Mike and Maddie were very helpful. Everyone that I dealt with in your shop was very knowledgeable and helpful. The Scenic Flight worked particularly well and I was able to snap scenic flights for a flight to Mount Vincent base camp and back. The option came about when I was emailing Anna on availability of these but depends upon the agents having spaces in the flight to Mount Vinson.
My trek was excellent. Unable to think of any improvement at all.
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