As a tricontinental country, Chile has become a must-stop for those who want to visit Antarctica and marvel at its landscapes.
Recently, Hollywood figures such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Nicole Kidman were seen on the streets of Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes Region. The reason? To embark on one of the most impactful journeys that exist: trips to Antarctica from Chile.
They are not the only ones. Each season, travelers from all over the world choose the southern tip of the country as a starting point to the White Continent, consolidating Chile as one of the main gateways to Antarctica.
If you have ever dreamed of visiting the last great wilderness on the planet, here’s what this journey is like, how long it lasts, and what you should know to experience a trip to Antarctica from Punta Arenas.
Main photograph: Antarctica Cruises
Punta Arenas: The entry point to Antarctica
Located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas has become a strategic enclave for polar exploration. Its geographical proximity to the White Continent has positioned this city as one of the main connection points with Antarctica worldwide.
Flights and expeditions depart from here every season, connecting travelers, scientists, and explorers with one of the most remote ecosystems on the planet.
What are trips to Antarctica from Chile like?
Photograph: Antarctica Cruises
Most travelers departing from Punta Arenas choose the format known as fly-cruise. This modality combines an air section with navigation in expedition ships designed for polar waters.
Trips to Antarctica from Chile begin with a charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in Antarctica, which lasts about two hours. This route allows you to avoid crossing the stormy Drake Passage and optimize exploration time on the White Continent.
Once in Antarctic territory, travelers embark on expedition ships that serve as a base for touring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. From there, guided landings, kayaking experiences, Zodiac boat trips, and excursions are carried out to observe glaciers, monumental icebergs, and wildlife up close.
Penguins, seals, and whales are part of a scenario where silence, the immensity of the landscape, and the purity of the environment make each day a unique experience.
What to do in Punta Arenas before traveling to Antarctica?
Photography: Sernatur
Before starting their journey, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Nicole Kidman took the opportunity to tour Punta Arenas, get to know its historic center, and visit local restaurants.
Arriving one or two days before allows you to transform the wait into a true prelude to the trip. Punta Arenas offers panoramas that combine history, heritage, and southern landscapes, ideal to start connecting with the spirit of Chilean Patagonia. You can:
- Tour its historic center and viewpoints overlooking the Strait of Magellan.
- Visit museums such as the Magallanes Regional Museum.
- Visit the Municipal Cemetery, considered one of the most beautiful in Chile for its cypresses and mausoleums.
How long is the trip and what is the best time?
Photograph: Antarctica21
Most trips to Antarctica from Chile last approximately 8 days, although it may vary depending on the route and operator. Generally, the itinerary considers a day of arrival and preparation in Punta Arenas, the flight to Antarctica and boarding, several days of exploration, and the return flight to Chile.
The season is concentrated between November and March, during the austral summer:
- November to December: practically intact landscapes, large ice fields, and penguin courtship season.
- December to January: high season, with almost 24 hours of light and the birth of offspring.
- February to March: best period for whale watching and sailing further south.
How much do trips to Antarctica from Chile cost?
Specialized polar expedition companies operate from Punta Arenas, such as Antarctica21, Quark Expeditions, Antarctica Cruises and Silversea Expeditions, among others. All work with teams of guides, scientists, and experts, under strict environmental and safety protocols.
Traveling to Antarctica is considered one of the most exclusive tourist experiences in the world, due to its complex logistics, distance, and strict environmental regulations.
Prices usually fluctuate between USD 7,500 and more than USD 19,500 per person, depending on the duration of the trip, the type of ship, the excursions included, and the level of services. Some expeditions even offer luxury amenities, such as spa, gym, and sauna on board.
