165Journey Antarctica & The Falklands

Antarctica is twice the size of Australia, yet historically its isolation has restricted access to explorers and scientists. Nowadays this opportunity is extended to expedition cruise ships. You travel in relative comfort, with stimulating lectures by guest naturalists and historians on board your ship, while Zodiac landings will allow you to breathe, feel and taste the magic of the continent.Why travel with Journey Latin America?Whether you travel only to Antarctica or choose to extend your adventure into South America, Journey Latin America has accrued a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you. A dozen of our staff have been to Antarctica, on a variety of ships, and are ready to infect you with their universal enthusiasm for the experience. Space restricts us from showing here all the ships and itineraries that are available. Please see our website, journeylatinamerica.co.uk or call us.When is it best to go?The Antarctic Peninsula is accessible by ship from late October to March. During this brief summer there are long hours of daylight at these extreme latitudes. The theatre of wildlife is ever changing?birds court and mate in November, give birth to their young in December/January and fledge and dispatch them in February.What are the travel choices?Small expedition ships constitute the most attractive option. Built for polar exploration and operated by experienced crews, most carry around 100 passengers and offer fairly simple comforts and a friendly, informal atmosphere. Their relatively small size facilitates swift Antarctic landings, and on-board entertainment consists of presentations or slide shows by the expedition team. A few larger vessels more akin to traditional cruise liners with a greater range of facilities and wider choice of cabin are also available. For those who want to skip the 2-day crossing of the Drake Passage, we also offer a fly-cruise to Antarctica.Protecting the environmentMost cruise operators - and all the ones we use?are affiliated to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, whose members cooperate to minimise the combined effect of their activities on the landscape and flora and fauna.Where do the cruises go?Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego is the most popular gateway to Antarctica. There are two main itineraries?10 nights (Antarctic Peninsula) or 18 nights (Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia). Crossing the notorious Drake Passage to Antarctica takes about 48 hours in each direction. Your choice of cruise will depend on a combination of factors?dates, duration, style of ship, itinerary and price.The Falkland IslandsMost commonly visited as a day's excursion on some Antarctic cruises, the islands are growing in popularity in their own right. There's a weekly flight from Punta Arenas in Chile and a monthly service from Rio Gallegos, Argentina. Our itinerary (right) shows you how you might include the islands in a holiday to Patagonia. A visit allows you to observe a great sample of sub-Antarctic wildlife, enough to satisfy those who do not have the time to cruise to Antarctica. You'll spend a week staying in farmhouses or small lodges and travel by light aircraft and 4WD vehicle, and finish your trip with time in the quirky capital, Port Stanley.For further information about Antarctica and the Falklands see the Destinations pages on our website; for details of ships and itineraries click on Cruise Holidays.Below Volunteer Point, East Falkland. A beautiful 3km long white-sand beach, home to the Falklands' largest colony of King penguins.PHOTO ON PREVIOUS PAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COMPatagonia and the Falkland Islands 22 days, 19 nightsSantiago 2 nights, Falkland Islands 7n, Punta Arenas 1n, Torres del Paine National Park 3n, El Calafate 3n, Buenos Aires 3n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Santiago. Days 2&3 At leisure to explore Chile's capital city. Day 4 Fly to Punta Arenas in southern Chile and on to Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands (7hrs). Drive to waterfront accommodation at Darwin. Days 5&6 Fly by light aircraft to Pebble Island, featuring lonely moorland, lakes, cliffs and long sandy beaches, the ideal environment for penguins, swans and wading birds; with a guided tour in 4WD vehicle. Days 7&8 Fly to Sea Lion Island, one of the smallest but hosting a cornucopia of wildlife, Most places of interest are within walking distance of your lodge. Days 9&10 Drive back to Port Stanley, the style of which harks back to Britain in the mid-twentieth century. Full day visit to the King and Gentoo penguin colonies at Volunteer Point: a real highlight. Day 11 Fly to Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia (1½ hrs) Days 12-14 Scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Based at Hostería Las Torres, explore the lagoons, valleys and walking trails of Chile's finest national park. Day 15 Drive across the border into Argentina to El Calafate and on the shores of Lago Argentino. Day 16 Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. Day 17 Optional excursion by catamaran to the Upsala Glacier, which is fed by the Patagonian ice-cap. Days 18-20 Fly to Buenos Aires. At leisure in the capital, including a city tour and evening visit to a tango show with dinner. Day 21 Fly to the UK, arriving day 22.Prices from £4,086pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Departs Wednesdays from the UK between September and April. 166 AntarcticaAntarctica in context SHUTTERSTOCK.COM