You can search the content of your interest in La Ruta Natural page here.
Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur
Departing from Ushuaia, there are different routes you can choose from to visit incredible landscapes, watch abundant marine life, visit scientific stations and enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking in frozen seas.
Departing from Ushuaia, there are different routes you can choose from to visit incredible landscapes, watch abundant marine life, visit scientific stations and enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking in frozen seas.
Trips to Antarctica are usually aboard large or small expedition cruises. Each cruise offers different itineraries and activities.
Ushuaia, the starting point
Ushuaia (capital of Tierra del Fuego), located 1,000 km from the Antarctic Peninsula, is the closest city to Antarctica. Most cruise companies sailing to Antarctica depart from its port. Before or after the expedition, you can take the opportunity to discover the city and the island of Tierra del Fuego.
Ships
Cruise ships offered are of different sizes. Smaller or specialised vessels carry zodiacs aboard to disembark during the voyage, while in larger ships, you remain on board at all times. There are different service categories offered on board. Also, some companies provide additional non-conventional activities, such as kayaking, scuba-diving, trekking, camping, helicopter flights or snorkelling.
Itinerary
Most cruises have a duration of 10 to 12 days (classic Antarctica), and take you to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, but some longer circuits include more stops, such as the cruise to Antarctica via the Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) and Georgias del Sur (South Georgia), the Antarctic Polar Circle Crossing and the Weddell Sea circuit.
Cruise ships to Antarctica leave from the port of Ushuaia, where flights arrive from Buenos Aires and other cities of the country.
The tourist season in Antarctica is from November to March (end of southern spring and summer).
Before departure, you can stay in Ushuaia, where the accommodation offering is broad and varied.
Argentina is part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which rules the tourist activity to guarantee the preservation of the Antarctic ecosystems. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (www.iaato.org) regulates the activities of cruises in the continent to reduce the potential impact from visitors. It is essential that you follow all the requirements of operators and guides before and after the trip, particularly, in relation to biosafety (waste, hygiene, food consumption, fauna interaction, etc.).
Cruises to Antarctica are planned and sold in advance. Make your booking with sufficient time to secure your place. Occasionally, you may find promotions or last-minute prices. On board, the main language spoken will be English.
Most ships offer lectures with scientists and specialised guides. To make the most of the trip, it is important to previously learn about the places you are going to visit.
Bring warm clothes to dress in layers. Besides, you will need light clothes when you stay aboard. Some companies offer all the water-proof and thermal gear for disembarking.
