From Patagonia to Polar

Patagonia is a spectacular destination in its own right, with the imposingly majestic Torres del Paine mountains, vast, untouched wilderness and endemic wildlife; Antarctica is unlike any other continent, its expansive tundra home to numerous penguin species and seals. The pair perfectly complement one another, a Patagonia to Polar exploration providing two contrasting chapters in a single journey.

Patagonia to Polar: Chapter 1 – Patagonia

Spanning the border between Argentina and Chile and covering over 1 million square kilometres (403,000 sq mi), Patagonia is as impressively vast as it is magically remote. Glacial lakes reflect towering snow-capped peaks, the pampas grasslands undulate to the horizon, and pumas stalk guanaco – a close relative of llamas and alpacas – across the plains while Andean condors soar on thermals, their three-metre (10.5-foot) wingspan reaching into the clear air.

Patagonia is a geographical region that is fiercely protected by both Argentina and Chile, as well as various organisations, including Conservacion Patagonica – now Tompkins Conservation – founded by CEO of the Patagonia brand, Kristine Tompkins. Due to this work, much of the region remains untouched, one of the true remaining wild frontiers of the world. A thin scattering of lodges and camps are sequestered on the rolling hills, forests and lakeshores, offering prime, and often luxurious, base camps for explorations into Patagonia’s heartland. 

While the Indigenous patagón people practised a hunter-gatherer and agricultural lifestyle when the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, it was Magellan and his fleet, alongside Chilean and Argentinian migrators, who provided much cultural influence over the region, including gauchos.

These Hispanic cowboys migrated from both Chile and Argentina, mixed with Europeans and established themselves in Patagonia as ranchers. Today, gaucho culture remains largely unchanged, forming the greater cultural appeal of Patagonia.

The Journey

Flying into Santiago, stage one allows you to decompress, exploring this fascinating city for a day, taking in its architecture strongly influenced by the Spanish, and enjoying a culinary fusion of Europe and Latin America.

Returning to the airport, the trail plunges deep into the heart of Patagonia, first to Punta Arenas on the southeast coast, before transferring into the heartland, signs of humanity dwindling as rugged landscapes and sierra embrace you and a week of adventure beckons.

Patagonia begs to be explored, and the coming days present numerous opportunities to do just that. Isolated walking trails trace the foothills, lakeshores and forest pathways, with guides illuminating visitors on regional flora and fauna. On these wanderings, one may spot several regional fox species, guanacos, caracara falcons, Chilean flamingos in the brackish lakes, and rare endemic puma and Andean condors – the largest flying bird in the world.

Punctuated by a picnic lunch, incomplete without a yerba mate tea, walking excursions can encompass an entire day of sedate strolling, taking in the surroundings on a leisurely amble and captivated by the stunning vistas.

For those less inclined to put one foot in front of the other, mounting up with the gauchos is both a wonderful way to explore and a step back in time. Gauchos have adhered to their ways for the greater part for several hundred years, and while modern conveniences are employed, the experience remains timeless.

Accommodation

Returning to camp after a day of exploring can either be traditional and rustic or luxurious. The simple options are more than adequate, the more lavish, superbly appointed, but all allow the landscape to take the spotlight, with a more traditional, natural construction employed and picture windows allowing natural light and spectacular views to be omnipresent.

Each property offers a range of activities to take complete advantage of the setting, and several embrace the gaucho heritage, offering traditional barbecued meals and other culinary delights indicative of Argentinian cowboy cuisine. 

From cosy lakeside yurt to snug timber cabin, the range of accommodations varies in luxury and experience, but all immerse visitors in their captivating surrounds.

Patagonia to Polar: Chapter 2 – Antarctica

Patagonia encompasses the southernmost tip of the mainland, bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific, the Beagle Channel and the notorious Drake Passage. It incorporates the world’s southernmost city of Ushuaia – the primary port of departure for Antarctica – Punta Arenas, for those wishing to fly to the ice, and, by some accounts – the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. This makes it a seamless combination with Antarctic explorations.

Antarctica is unlike anywhere else in the world, including its northern polar sibling. The driest, and coldest continent on the planet, and surprisingly has the highest average elevation of any other. No one owns Antarctica, though numerous nations govern regions for research, and Australia hold the greatest sovereignty over the continent. It is often pictured as an icy barren terrain, but the ice shelves, ocean and satellite islands scattering the coast are teeming with life. Eight penguin species reside, almost exclusively, in Antarctica, including the iconic Emperor and King penguins, and the charming gentoos and chinstraps. Fur and Weddell seals hunt from the shore, whales breach in the distance and a surprising volume of birds – over 40 species – circle in the sky and plunge into the sea in search of fish.

The Journey

Departing from Punta Arenas, a flight deposits travellers on King George Island in the South Shetland archipelago. Explorations of the island precede embarkation on the expedition vessel, transporting guests across the Bransfield Strait to the Antarctic mainland. Along the way, the crisp, pure Antarctic air embraces you and you may be fortunate enough to spot Weddell seals and Gentoo penguins diving for fish.

The journey incorporates several rewarding sites, including Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay and Deception Island. Where you will stop is dependent on the time of year and climatic conditions, but each has its own unique features and appeal.

Port Lockroy and Peterman Island both have healthy colonies of birdlife, with Port Lockroy also presenting a historic British research station and museum, while Peterman is also home to a strong population of seals inhabiting its dramatic coastline and surrounding glaciers and icebergs.

Often declared the most picturesque destination in the Antarctic, Paradise Bay has impressive glaciers and tranquil, mirror-calm water in which whales and seals can be found.

Deception Island was so named for its hidden inland bay, accessible through a narrow passage, but this is only the beginning of its deceptiveness. Geothermal activity makes it possible to swim in warm, steaming water heated by the active volcanic caldera, and its black-sand beaches create a stark contrast to the surrounding whites and blues of the land and seascapes.

At each stop, activities can be taken in addition to nature viewing and taking in the spectacular scenery. Sea kayaking and Zodiac excursions highlight the sense of scale, with imposing glaciers and cliff faces towering high above your diminutive vessel. Curious animals may also venture close to you, and observing them from sea level is absolutely charming. Some cruises also offer hiking and snowshoeing for the opportunity to wander the tundra and view the landscape beyond the shoreline. Naturalists manage guest excursions carefully so as not to impact the environment and fauna, but with patience, it is possible that, free from the fear of land-based predators, curious penguins may approach you for a closer inspection.

The three-day tour of the Antarctic archipelago is filled with a variety of sights and activities, each day offering something unique. With your time in the Antarctic drawing to a close, the vessel will begin its return journey. Some may choose to fly from South Georgia Island back to the mainland and Punta Arenas, while others may opt for the leisurely cruise back to port.

Accommodation

In many destinations, your accommodation is simply the place you lay your head at the end of an adventurous day, but in the Antarctic, it is your transportation, your restaurant, your activity centre and your lifeline all in one.

Most vessels are equipped with libraries, observation lounges, gymnasiums, spas and wellness centres and multimedia suites for offloading and editing your photographs, and for naturalist talks and presentations. 

Each private ensuite cabin provides seclusion and a peaceful escape, with plenty of space to retire should you wish for some space and relaxation. Though larger ships are possible, smaller vessels of less than 150 guests are highly recommended. Service and a staff-to-passenger ratio are superior, excursions and services are more accessible, and having fewer guests also allows for more personal connections, rather than the anonymity that can come with vessels of several hundred passengers.

It is worth noting that passengers should learn what equipment is provided and what should be brought. Many ships include mud rooms containing boots, jackets and other apparel designated to each guest. It is usually not necessary to provide absolutely everything yourself, but each operator will offer a different selection of equipment and clothing for your use, so it is important to be informed well in advance.

Polar explorations are a breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, at rarely over a week, they can also be slightly abbreviated for those searching for a substantial annual holiday. By combining with Patagonia, one can enjoy two worlds in one journey, combining grasslands, culture and hiking with the ultimate in wilderness escapes.

From rolling plains to Antarctic tundra, a Patagonia to Polar exploration is utterly captivating, providing a remarkable diversity of experiences within a single itinerary.

See you out there.

Thomas

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