Road Scholar : Home
Antarctic Peninsula

Program Number: 6024RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/14/2013 - 1/29/2013;
Duration: 15 nights
Location: Argentina/Antarctica
Price starting at: $11,465.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 40; 13 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 13 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Journeying past majestic mountains, deeply crevassed glaciers, and massive icebergs, naturalists illuminate the wildlife and the nutrient-rich waters that sustain this environment.




Activity Particulars

Descending and ascending a steep stairway to board Zodiacs; climbing in and out of Zodiacs; wet landings ashore; walking on rough, unpaved terrain.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Overnight flight from U.S., 1 night; arrivals Buenos Aires (Argentina), 2 nights; flight to Ushuaia, 1 night; aboard MV Ushuaia, 10 nights; flight to Buenos Aires and overnight departure, 1 night.



Day 1:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.




Days 2-3:
Arrival Buenos Aires (Argentina):

Experience the rich culture and history of Buenos Aires during a tango show and visits to the Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, Recoleta and more.
Lodging: Four-star, centrally located hotel.



Days 4-5:
Buenos Aires / Flight to Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego Park / Embark mv Ushuaia / Beagle Channel:

Experts illuminate the wildlife of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Lodging: Scenic, four-star hotel.



Days 6-7:
Drake Passage:

Follow the course set by Captain James Cook in 1773 as you cross the Drake Passage.



Day 8-12:
Antarctic Peninsula

Explore this extreme environment on Zodiac expeditions, discovering habitats of Minke Whales, Chinstrap Penguins, and Gentoo Penguins. Look for seals basking on ice floes.



Days 13-14:
Drake Passage & Beagle Channel

Wildlife viewing and presentations.



Days 15-16:
Ushuaia / Disembark / Flight to Buenos Aires / Departure

Disembark in Ushuaia. Transfer to airport to Ushuaia airport, flights to Buenos Aires, overnight flights home to U.S.



mv Ushuaia

Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the mv Ushuaia has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. The ice-strengthened polar vessel Ushuaia is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy.
Meals and Lodgings
   NH Latino Hotel
  Buenos Aires, Argentina 2 nights
   Los Acebos Hotel
  Ushuaia, Argentina 1 night
   Ushuaia
  Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica 10 nights
 NH Latino Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The NH Latino Hotel is located in downtown Buenos Aires, within walking distance of the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo Square, Teatro Colón, and Florida Street.
  Ship Information: 0
  Contact info: Suipacha 309
Buenos Aires,   Argentina
phone: +541143216700
web: www.nh-hotels.com
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, soundproof windows, direct-dial phone, balcony, TV, alarm clock, desk with lamp, Internet access, safety deposit box, hair dryer, and minibar. Cots/roll-aways upon request.
  Facility amenities: Currency exchange, baggage hold, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, elevators, wakeup service, wheel chair access, restaurant, café bar, laundry services, conference room, sauna, massage services, fitness center, and WiFi.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Subject to availability. Room type and prices are subject to hotel availability. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com.

 Los Acebos Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Contact info: Av. Luis Fernando Martial 1911
Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia,   Argentina
phone: +54 11-43930621
web: www.losacebos.com
  Room amenities: All rooms feature magnificent views of Beagle Channel or snow-capped Andes mountains. Guest rooms have international direct dialing, radio/alarm clock, hairdryer, private bathroom and wall to wall carpet.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Ushuaia
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the USHUAIA has been refurbished to accommodate a maximum of 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites. The ice-strengthened polar vessel USHUAIA is very well appointed and provides ample deck space and an open bridge policy.
  Ship Information: Length: 84.73 m / 278.3 feet Breadth: 15.54 m / 51 feet Draught: 5.48 m / 18.08 feet Gross Tonnage: 2,923 tonnes Speed (Max): 14 knots Cruise Speed: 12 knots Passengers: 84 Crew & staff: 38 Zodiacs & RIBs: 7 Electrical Outlets: 110 V, 60 Hz Yard: American Shipbuilding, Toledo, Ohio Date Built: 1970 Classification: INSB Ice class C Flag: Union of Comoros Engine: 2 ALCO 1600 HP each Bow thrust: 1x 500Kw
  Contact info: Gobernador Paz 633 - 1st Floor ,
Ushuaia,   Argentina
phone: +54 (2901) 433636
web: www.antarpply.com
  Room amenities: Window or porthole, storage space, reading lights, and individual climate controls.
  Facility amenities: Public areas feature a large dining room (one sitting), an observation lounge and bar, a conference room with modern multimedia equipment, a well-stocked library, a gift shop, a changing room and a small infirmary.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: Some cabins share bathrooms, though they have their own wash basin.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Morning arrivals at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hotel check-in at 3 p.m. You will be staying at NH Latino Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Evening departures from the Ministro Pistarini Iternational Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. You will be staying at Ushuaia the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Starting Dec. 29, 2012 all U.S. and Canadian citizens are responsible for paying a reciprocal entry fee PRIOR TO ARRIVAL in Argentina. The fee ($160 for U.S. citizens/$75 for Canadian citizens) must be paid online with a credit card. Payment must be submitted online at one of the following sites: www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/ or www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm/ . IMPORTANT: Please remember to print a copy of your receipt and keep it together with your passport. Visitors who are not able to show proof of payment, will be refused entry into Argentina. The fee can no longer be paid upon arrival at the international airport in Buenos Aires.
  Parking availability:
NA
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Buenos Aires
  Nearest city or town:  Buenos Aires
  Nearest airport:  Buenos Aires
  Transportation to site: Taxi services are available outside the airport terminals at the Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. If you choose to hire a taxi, it is strongly recommended that you book and prepay your transportation at one of the taxi booths available outside the secured baggage claim/Customs area of the airport. The travel time from the airport to downtown Buenos Aires is approximately 45 minutes.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
  Nearest city or town:  Ushuaia, Argentina
  Nearest highway: N/A
  Nearest airport:  Ushuaia, Argentina
  Transportation from site: This program concludes with a flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza International Airport), where participants will be able to connect with their international overnight flights back to the U.S.
Elevation Note: The program takes place at or near sea level.

Equipment Requirements: This program has special clothing requirements because of the harsh climate on the Antarctic Peninsula. Wellington-type knee-high boots for land visits during the Antarctic Peninsula cruise are provided by the ship.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
(Monday, January 14)
   
 Evening: Depart North America on overnight flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Arrive to Buenos Aires -
Program Orientation/Wine Tasting.
(Tuesday, January 15)
   
 Morning: Arrive to Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport and transfer to hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the surrounding area or to rest after the long international flight. The group leader will be available to offer suggestions on free time activities in Buenos Aires.

A 4 p.m. program orientation will be followed by an introductory lecture: Argentina’s Cultural History.

Before dinner, treat your tastebuds to a selection of delicious Argentinian wines during a private wine tasting session. A local wine specialist will discuss the special properties of the the wines and introduce you to the history of wine production in Argentina.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: NH Latino Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Discover Buenos Aires -
Mayo Square/La Boca/Recoleta/Tango Show.
(Wednesday, January 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Morning lecture: Argentina’s Current Social, Economic and Political Situation.
Embark on a cultural and historic exploration of Buenos Aires with a local expert. Your orientation to the city will include visits to the Mayo Square, Parliament, La Boca, San Telmo, and the Plaza Dorrego. Examine some fine examples of French-style architecture in the affluent Recoleta neighborhood and walk through its famous cemetery to see Evita's final resting place. Continue to Plaza San Martin, Puerto Madero and the Rose Garden at Palermo Park.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant serving typical Argentine fare.
 Afternoon: Return to the hotel in time to get ready for the evening activities.
Lecture: History of the Tango.
 Dinner: Dinner and Tango show at a local restaurant. A visit to Buenos Aires would not be complete without experiencing the music of Carlos Gardel and the sensual dance moves of the Tango. Sample a bit of porteño culture while savoring local wines and authentic Argentinean cuisine.
   
Accommodations: NH Latino Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Buenos Aires/Flight to Ushuaia.
(Thursday, January 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Transfer to Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur for a walking excursion in search of River Plate fauna. The wildlife sanctuary is a haven for birds and riverine fauna. It is also a popular spot among locals wishing for a brief break from the fast paced rhythm of Buenos Aires.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Afternoon flight to Ushuaia (about 3:00 pm)
Arrival to Ushuaia (about 8:00 pm)
Transfer to hotel
 Dinner: Enjoy a typical "Fuegian" dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Los Acebos Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Tierra del Fuego National Park/Embark on Ushuaia/Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass.
(Friday, January 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Check out of the hotel.
Field trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
 Lunch: Traditional lamb barbecue lunch.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the port and embark on the Ushuaia.

Meet the ship's expedition and lecture staff and get settled into your cabins.

Begin sailing along the Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Drake Passage.
(Saturday, January 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: The full day is spent crossing the Drake Passage, cruising towards the Antarctic Peninsula.

The passage has notoriously rough waters, so you may want to consider taking motion-sickness medication.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: As we cross the Drake, a busy lecture program gives us insight into the uniqueness of the Antarctic.
Presentations will cover the flora and fauna and the science and history of this continent.
A constant watch is kept for bird, whale and dolphin sightings.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Drake Passage
(Sunday, January 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: More lectures this morning as we get closer to the Antarctic Peninsula.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Enjoy free time on board the ship, watching for birds, whales and dolphins.

The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains are signs that we have arrived at the South Shetland Islands.

If conditions are favorable in the Drake Passage, we will attempt to go on shore to get our first close-up view of penguins and seals.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture to prepare you for tomorrow's activities.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: South Shetland Islands.
(Monday, January 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: This morning, should find us far south, navigating the breathtaking Gerlache Strait (formerly called Détroit de la Belgica) on our way to Neko Harbor. The channel passes between the Antarctic Peninsula and Brabant Island, Anvers Island and Wiencke Island (as well as a number of smaller islands). Towering snow covered mountains dominate the distant islands, while icebergs in varying shapes and colors float along the channel.

Neko Harbor, situated in Andvord Bay, was discovered by Adrien de Gerlache in the late 1800’s. It was named after a Norwegian whaling ship that fished in the area from 1911-1924. Across from the landing site, the glacier offers an impressive show every time it calves into the ocean. The only sign of human life left in the area is the presence of a small orange-colored Argentine refuge hut, built in 1949. Gentoo Penguins, with their characteristic white “bonnets” and orange beaks, can be seen nesting on the hillside, while sheathbills scout the area looking for scavenging opportunities.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, pay a visit to the largest colony of Gentoo Penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula on Cuverville Island. Appart from the entertaining penguins, the surroundings of the island, located in the narrow Errera Channel, are superb.

At the end of the day, we will try to cross the scenic Lemaire Channel on our way further south.

The narrow channel squeezes between the Peninsula and Booth Island and is a little less than a mile wide. The site offers such great photographic opportunities that it is sometimes referred to as the "Kodak Gap."
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture to prepare you for tomorrow's activities.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Antarctic Peninsula.
(Tuesday, January 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: After breakfast, we will pay a visit to Petermann Island and its resident wildlife.

Petermann Island is one of the southernmost islands visited during most Antarctic cruise expeditions and is home to a large colony of Gentoo and Adelie penguins. Other notable points of interest on the island are the remnants of an Argentine refuge hut built in 1955, and a cross erected in memory of three members of a British Antarctic Survey who died in 1982 while attempting to cross the sea ice between Faraday Station and Petermann Island.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Board zodiacs and cruise around the many drifting icebergs in the waters near Pleneau Island.

Much later in the day, we will attempt to reach the Vernadsky Station.

Verdnasky Station, formerly Faraday Research Station, is an Ukrainian research station located on Galindez Island (65°15’S, 64°16’W) in the Argentine Islands. The station was first established in 1947, by Britain, and is the oldest operational station of its kind in the peninsula. It was renamed in 1996 when it was taken over by the Ukraine. The station collects important meteorological and geomagnetic data and conducts ionospheric and magneto-spheric research. There are 9 buildings, with living quarters for 24 people, as well as laboratories, work rooms, medical facilities, and a general store. A lively British-style pub still remains on site, a reminder of the station’s previous owners.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture to prepare you for tomorrow's activities.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Antarctic Peninsula.
(Wednesday, January 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Today we plan to sail once more through the narrow Lemaire Channel, heading northward to Port Lockroy on Goudier Island.

Port Lockroy is a natural harbor located on small Goudier Island along the western coast of Weincke Island. Although the port had been discovered during an expedition in 1899, it was not officially named and charted until 1904. Port Lockroy became an important harbor and processing site for whalers. In the 1940’s, during a secret naval operation, the British laid claim to the port and established a base (Base A) which was operational until 1962. The base has since been restored to its original state and is now used as a museum and post office. A nearby Gentoo rookery continues to thrive despite the increasing number of tourists.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, we will head to Paradise Bay and attempt to step foot on the continent, at the Argentine summer station. Afterward, embark on a breathtaking zodiac cruise off the glacial front of Skontorp Cove.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture to prepare you for tomorrow's activities.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Antarctica Peninsula.
(Thursday, January 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: We will try to summit Danco Island this morning. From its rounded dome, we will have a formidable view over the beautiful Errera Channel. So have your cameras ready!
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: This afternoon might find us cruising in zodiacs off Foyn Harbor, where the remains of an old whaling ship point to early human presence in Antarctica. Other artifacts found at the site remind us of a time when the rampant extraction and hunt of the great cetaceans was the norm.

During our explorations, we also hope to find a local colony of cormorants and seals lazing on the ice floes.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture to prepare you for tomorrow's activities.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Antarctic Peninsula.
(Friday, January 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Still close to the continent, we spend time exploring the South Shetland Islands, noted for their unique volcanic landscapes and wildlife. Land at Whalers Bay on Deception Island; the site of an abandoned Norwegian whaling station.

Steam rises along the black sandy beach, heated by subterranean volcanic vents. Mingle with Chinstrap Penguins, the island's main residents, for a final photo opportunity and view the fur seals and Weddell seals along the volcanic beach.

 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon it will be time to start saying our goodbyes to Antarctica. Weather permitting, we will visit Hannah Point on Livingston Island. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, from Giant Petrels, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins, and the notoriously noisy elephant seals.

 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: Evening lecture on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Drake Passage & Beagle Channel.
(Saturday, January 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: We leave this magical place to sail across the Drake, busy with more lectures, bird and marine life sightings and wrap-up activities.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Lectures and wildlife viewing on board the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Drake Passage & Beagle Channel.
(Sunday, January 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Lectures and wildlife viewing on board the ship.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we enter the Beagle Channel.
 Dinner: Captain's farewell dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Ushuaia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires/Depart for USA.
(Monday, January 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Disembark at the port in Ushuaia.
 Lunch: Light lunch at Cerro Castor.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the Ushuaia Airport to board flight to Buenos Aires.

Depart from Buenos Aires on an overnight flight to the USA.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Arrival back to USA.
(Tuesday, January 29)
   
 Morning: Arrival back to North America after your overnight flight.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Uttermost Part of the Earth: Indians of Tierra del Fuego


Author: Lucas Bridges


Description: Born in Tierra del Fuego in 1874, at a remote outpost run by his missionary parents, Bridges tells of a life packed with drama and adventure. As a boy he learned the ways, legends and language of the Yaghan Indians. Later he befriended the Ona, fierce, nomadic hunters. The book is filled with unique firsthand accounts of native peoples of the region.



South American Birds: A Photographic Aid to Identification


Author: John Stewart Dunning


Description: This comprehensive South American bird guide has over 1400 color photos and more than 2700 species described with habitat and identification information. A very helpful range map is included for each bird.



Patagonia: Natural History, Prehistory & Ethnography at the Uttermost End of the Earth


Author: Colin McEwan, Luis A Borrero, & Alfredo Prieto


Description: This is the story of the first hunter-gatherers to colonize the lower half of South America. The first European contacts led to tales of a race of giants and, ever since, Patagonia has exerted a special hold on the imagination. Tragically, by the mid-twentieth century, the last remnants of the indigenous way of life had disappeared forever. The essays in this volume trace a largely unwritten history of adaptation, survival, and extinction. Accompanied by 110 striking photographs. 192 pages.



Lonely Planet Phrasebooks: Latin American Spanish


Author: Roberto Esposto


Description: This portable phrasebook provides a useful mix of everyday phrases, words and expressions used in different Spanish speaking countries in Latin America. Learn the nuances of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.



Birds of Southern South America & Antarctica


Author: Martin D. la Pena, Maurice Rumboll


Description: With color plates, range maps and brief descriptions, this is a compact regional guide.



Brandt Guides Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife


Author: Tony Soper


Description: This portable and informative field guide is an excellent choice for those who wish to learn about the wildlife in Antarctica. Beautiful wildlife illustrations make it easy for readers to identify the birds, mammals, and cetaceans seen in the field.



Insight Guide Argentina


Author: Insight Guides


Description: This handsome guide is a profusely illustrated overview of the country, featuring concise essays by well regarded authors on natural history, politics and culture. With hundreds of photos and excellent maps.



Lonely Planet Antarctica Country Guide


Author: Lonely Planet


Description: This popular guide provides a good introduction to Antarctica with informative pieces covering the history and ecology of the region including a wildlife guide and maps.



National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography


Author: Scott Stuckey


Description: This concise, practical guide to taking better travel photos covers equipment, technique and digital photography, with suggestions and how-to's from experts.





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