Compare Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent by Quark Expeditions vs USHUAIA Adventure - Nature- and Hiking Tour on Tierra del Fuego Argentina by Moser Active

Day 1 — Ushuaia, Argentina

With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica.

Day 2 — Embarkation Day

Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart—the next time you see land you’ll be in the world’s most southern continent!

Days 3 and 4 — Crossing the Drake Passage

Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You’ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we’ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead.

Days 5 to 8 — South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition.

You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other—creating a unique, personal experience. We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal.

The majesty of the Peninsula’s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360° views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you’ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets! Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes now become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour.

Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world.

Days 9 and 10 — Drake Passage to Ushuaia

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences.

Day 11 — Disembarkation in Ushuaia

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home.

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia

Upon arrival at the airport or port of Ushuaia we pick you up and bring you directly to your hotel, where you have some time to refresh and relax. Later on you have time to explore Ushuaia on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Ushuaia in double room with private bathroom.

Day 2: Trekking Glacier Martial - Boat ride on the Beagle-Channel - Fauna Marina

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning you will visit the Martial Glacier: We pick you up from the hotel to start driving to the base of the Ski center Glaciar Martial. We start walking in the woods of “lengas”, the local trees, up to the vegetation front line. We will walk through an amazing mountain landscape with our snowshoes or crampons, depending on the conditions. The gear will be chosen by the Guide depending on the conditions. We will continue to ascent towards a natural balcony where we will have the panoramic view of the Beagle Channel and the city. The entire excursion is leaded by a professional mountain guide.

In the afternoon, you take a boat ride on the Beagle Channel to the Faro (lighthouse) Les Eclereurs. On this impressive excursion, you will be able to observe a variety of waterfowl as well as sea lions and dolphins, and visit the penguin colony on the island of Isla Martillo. Overnight: Hotel in Ushuaia.

Day 3: Tierra del Fuego National Park or Trekking Glaciar Vinciguerra

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today, you take a full day excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a short transfer, you will hike through typical firelands forests (about 3 hours) and then drive in the bay Lapataia with a Zodiac boat to the island of Redonda (about 1.5 hours). You will also get to see beaver dams and the native flora and fauna.

Alternatively Full Day Trekking Glaciar Vinciguerra: 

After a short transfer, the trekking starts at Andorra valley with the ascent to Laguna de los Témpanos (Icebergs Lagoon). On your way to the glacier you will visit an operational peat exploitation area and then you will enjoy the forest following old woodcutters’ trails. Break and lunch by the lagoon. The trekking with crampons on the Glacier Vinciguerra is a unique experience, where you will walk on glacier thousands of years old, and explore its caves, crevasses, moraines. Activities: Ice walking, ice climbing, tips on glacier understanding and observation (caves, crevasses, moulins).

Return to your hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Ushuaia.

Day 4: Laguna Esmeralda and Ojo del Albino Trekking Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After the breakfast you start onto the next adventure. We take the National Route Nº3 and drive northeast, towards Tierra Mayor Valley. Our walk begins along the forest, crossing rivers and peatbogs and, after a 4.5 km trek (2.8 miles), we get to the Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon, 450 m a.s.l.); a point to behold the beauty and majestic of nature. The lagoon is located at the Tierra Mayor Valley, at the base of the Ojo de Albino Glacier, between Mount Bonete and the Toribio Range. Its waters are emerald green, in marked contrast with the reddish hues of its surrounding peatbogs. Peatbogs are wetlands, so for a pleasant walk we can provide you with rubber boots, if necessary (upon prior request). After a break we resume the journey towards the Ojo del Albino Glacier.

After 8 hours you will come back to your hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Ushuaia.

Day 5: Drop Off Ushuaia

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the Ushuaia airport (without a guide).