Journey to the South Pole via Patagonia

You don't visit Antarctica. You surrender to it.

I've helped dozens of clients plan this journey over the years, and the ones who come back changed aren't the ones who ticked a box. They're the ones who understood—somewhere over the Drake Passage or standing at 90° South—that they were no longer in charge.

The logistics matter. I'll get to those. But first, let me tell you what nobody tells you about reaching the bottom of the world.

What it actually feels like

The flight from Union Glacier takes about four and a half hours. You're in a ski-equipped aircraft, and at some point the pilot will announce that you've crossed the point of no return—there's not enough fuel to turn back. Everyone goes quiet.

When you land, you step onto a plateau of ice nearly two miles thick. The air is so dry it hurts to breathe. The silence is absolute. And there, in the middle of nothing, is a small ceremonial marker surrounded by the flags of the original Antarctic Treaty nations.

You've reached the bottom of the world.

Four ways to reach Antarctica

Not everyone needs to stand at the Pole. Most people start with the Peninsula—it's more accessible, more affordable, and frankly, the wildlife is better. Here's how I think about the options:

"If you're debating between the Peninsula and the Pole, start with the Peninsula. It's not a lesser experience—it's a different one. Save the Pole for when you're ready to go purely for the journey."

— Our recommendation

Why every journey starts in Patagonia

Here's something most people don't realize: Antarctic weather doesn't care about your schedule. Flights to Union Glacier get delayed by days, sometimes a week. Ships wait for weather windows.

This isn't a bug—it's a feature. Build buffer days into your itinerary, and spend them in Patagonia. Torres del Paine is a four-hour drive from Punta Arenas. Tierra del Fuego is at your doorstep in Ushuaia. These aren't consolation prizes. They're some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

I always tell clients: arrive at least two days early. If the weather cooperates, you've had a bonus adventure. If it doesn't, you're exploring instead of stressing.

When to go

The Antarctic season runs November through March. Each month offers something different, and "best" depends entirely on what you want to see.

What most people don't know

After helping clients plan these trips for years, I've learned that the details matter more than the brochures suggest. Here's what I wish everyone knew before booking:

1. Ship size determines your experience. IAATO regulations allow only 100 passengers ashore at any time. If your ship carries 500 people, you'll spend half your landings waiting on deck. Look for vessels under 200 passengers—ideally under 150.

2. The expedition team matters more than the ship. A mediocre ship with world-class naturalists will outperform a luxury vessel with bored guides. Ask about the team. Look for marine biologists, glaciologists, historians. The lectures transform the experience.

3. For the South Pole, you have exactly two options. Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) and White Desert are the only operators flying to 90° South. Both are excellent. ALE is more expedition-focused; White Desert offers luxury camps with heated pods. Choose based on your style.

4. Weather delays are not a possibility—they're a certainty. Build flexibility into your return flights. I've seen clients stranded in Punta Arenas for five extra days. It happens. Plan for it.

What's included (and what's not)

Antarctic expeditions are expensive, but they're also comprehensive. Here's how to think about budgeting:

Ready to Start Planning?

Let's design your Antarctic expedition

Peninsula cruise or South Pole flight? We'll help you find the right experience for your goals, timeline, and budget.