South Pole Adventure

This journey allows travellers to fly to the South Pole, which is one of the most evocative geographic locations in the world and perhaps the ultimate destination for those with an explorers’ sense of adventure.

Fly by Ilyushin jet aircraft from Punta Arenas, Chile across the Drake Passage, beyond the Peninsula and over Ellsworth Land to a base camp at Union Glacier. Land on a blue-ice runway located at a location of 79º south, which is just 1,100kms from the South Pole.

From this base in the foothills of the Ellsworth mountain range, immerse yourself in the enormity and desolate beauty of Antarctica’s interior as you await the opportunity to fly to the Pole itself aboard a specially equipped ski aircraft, a DHC-6 Twin Otter. The day of your flight to the South Pole is not pre-determined as it depends on weather conditions and logistics.

Your stay at Union Glacier can be as energetic or relaxed as you wish with activities on offer generally only limited by enthusiasm and imagination. Active pursuits include cross-country skiing, hiking, climbing, camping trips and snow-machine assisted tours taking you out into the scenic peaks nearby.

They are complemented by more leisurely indoor activities including lectures about Antarctica and exploration. Photographers are sure to appreciate the unusual wind-sculpted snow features, ice pools, dramatic peaks, spectacular open skies and cloud formations, as well as the golden light cast by the austral summer.

Good to know

Suited to those in good health with an average level of fitness, this itinerary is adventurous without being strenuous. The South Pole is at an effective elevation of about 12,000 ft (3,700m) and expect some light walking at altitude.