Cruise the Drake Passage to Antarctic and fly back to Chile
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
- Delve into the distinctive culture of Buenos Aires
- Visit to beautiful Laguna Esmeralda in Ushuaia
- Head out on Zodiac excursions and venture onto land in Antarctica
- Watch and photograph seabirds like majestic albatrosses and giant petrels
What's included
- Completely private tours in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
- Luxury Antarctica cruise
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
- Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
Embarking on a journey of discovery to Antarctica with Jacada Travel, means that you have a fair amount of freedom to choose how you’d like to travel. If time is a concern, but you don’t want to completely miss out on the cruise aspect of this kind of trip, this kind of itinerary is a great option. Our team of travel designers is ready to help you craft the most memorable experience.
Spend a couple of days in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia experiencing the culture and seeing some of the most popular sights before boarding your luxury vessel and cruising down through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way there will plenty of opportunity to spot the incredible wildlife that call this part of the world home, as well as spectacular scenery. Daily Zodiac excursions and landings will have you exploring the rugged coastlines and trekking across the ice and snow to see colonies of seabirds and important sites. Your cruise will wrap up at King George’s Island where you’ll board a flight back to Punta Arenas. The next day, you’ll head to Chile’s wine region just outside of Santiago where you can bring your adventure to a fitting close with two nights exploring the area and reflecting on the memories you’ve made.
Example trip itinerary
Buenos Aires
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires
Accommodation in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Overview
Hub Porteño is a historic property set on a quiet street in the heart of Recoleta, and feels more like a home than a hotel. There are just 11 rooms, bright and spacious and filled with antique furniture and more recent pieces from local artisans.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot with outdoor seating nestled among the lush greenery – a real city centre oasis. Here you can relax with a drink from the bar and a bite to eat or simply sit back with the morning paper. La Pecora Nera Grill specialises in new Argentinian cuisine while the cosy living room is the place to enjoy drinks and snacks.
There is also a wellness centre with a sauna, gym and treatment room.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
Nuss Hotel is located in a converted convent in the lively are of Palermo, next to the colourful Plaza Serrano. The surrounding streets are lined with boutique shops, excellent restaurants and art galleries.
There are 22 bright rooms with city views – some of the deluxe rooms have their own small balconies. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea, drinks and tapas at Deli Lobby Lounge.
Facilities also include a spa area with gym, sauna and massage room and a very pleasant terrace with a small pool.
→ Find out more
Buenos Aires
Overview
Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants.
Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm.
The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
Perhaps the best luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, the Four Seasons is really very suited to the luxury traveller. With beautifully decorated and well equipped rooms and communal areas, the sense of quality and refinement is pervasive throughout the hotel. They also have by far the best pool area in the city which has a strict guests only policy.
Service, as you might expect, is absolutely first class making this the hotel of choice in Buenos Aires for many visiting dignitaries and celebrities.
→ Find out moreBuenos Aires
Overview
The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck.
The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The decor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle epoque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last centrury. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past.
Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filifree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, RÃo de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero.
Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango.
The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
→ Find out moreThis exclusive tour serves as the perfect introduction to four of the city's most distinctive districts, offering a fascinating insight into its history, contrasts and culture. Your expert guide will draw on his extensive knowledge as you experience the highlights of Buenos Aires, including political centres, artist meccas and barrios rich in European architecture. You'll become acquainted with the foundation site of the capital at Plaza de Mayo, undisputedly Buenos Aires' political heart.
Next, you'll delve into one of the oldest districts, Parque Lezama and La Boca in the south, where artists ateliers and brightly coloured houses jostle for space; before moving on to Plaza San Martin and Retiro. Here, you'll notice the transformation of Buenos Aires architecture from the rambling style of the south of the city to the European-influenced residential quarters of the 19th century. Finally, you'll come face to face with the sophisticated neighbourhood of Recoleta, whose buildings and avenues were inspired by the French; it's also home to the world-famous Recoleta Cemetery and Evita Peron's Mausoleum, and you'll get to make a stop here on this tour.
Discover the Asado tradition, served with a twist. Fogón is a closed-door dining experience in Palermo that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics. While seated at the bar you'll see, feel and experience different grill cooking techniques, up close and personal.
Every Argentine's Asado is unique but always includes the best cuts of meat available and fire roasted seasonal vegetables. The tasting menu includes new grill techniques with tried and true Argentine recipes. The menu includes welcome cocktail, water and coffee. Wine pairing is optional during pre-booking. Wine and beer a la carte are available in the restaurant.
This is an evening experience which can accommodate up to 25 guests.
Transfer
Transfer to the airport
Transfer
Flight to Ushuaia
Transfer
Private transfer from Ushuaia airport to your hotel
Ushuaia
Accommodation in Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Overview
Located actually on the shore of the Beagle Channel, Los Cauquenes is one of the best located and most comfortable options available in Ushuaia.
Though a large hotel, it has been constructed from wood and stone in sympathy with the natural surrounds of the area. The hotel has 54 spacious rooms. Given the location we feel that it’s definitely worth choosing a channel view room.
Facilities include a spa and pool area both enjoying stunning views out across the channel. The hotel is around 7km from the town of Ushuaia itself, though the hotel’s own restaurant is excellent.
→ Find out moreUshuaia
Overview
Hotel Arakur is situated in the middle of this extraordinary environment inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén, just a few minutes from downtown Ushuaia, perched on an outcrop above the town.
The five-star hotel, built according to sustainable architectural standards, offers fascinating views of the Beagle Channel. 117 modern rooms and fourteen luxurious suites enjoy large panoramic views: to the south, the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia city; to the north, valleys, mountains and the Natural Reserve.
Geothermal air-conditioning and humidity controls ensure a comfortable temperature when the weather outside is changeable, and furnishings feature local materials, with an interior made of stone, wood and marble transforms the landscape inside the hotel. The hotel also offers a wonderful spa and pool that makes the most of the views.
→ Find out moreEnjoy an active afternoon of stunning views and natural beauty.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the afternoon and transfer you to the Tierra Mayo Valley. The drive takes around 1 hour. Once at the valley you’ll begin your hike to Emerald Lagoon, through the ever-changing colours of this beautiful landscape. The trek itself is easy to moderate level with the main focus on enjoying the scenery and wildlife. It’s worth mentioning that although the hike is not strenuous the terrain can be loose and weather dependent.
After sunset, you’ll return through the forest and stop at a cosy, peaceful cabin for an evening meal, shared with others. Enjoy the delicious food and a glass of red wine or a soft drink. After dinner you will be driven back to the city, arriving at your hotel at around 10pm.
Please be sure to have the following kit: waterproof walking shoes or boots, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and an extra pair of socks.
Cruising Antarctica
Cruise ship in Antarctica
Antarctica Cruises
Highlights
- A dedicated science education area
- Wellness and Fitness centre onboard
- A hearty restaurant
- State of the art navigation and stabilising systems
- 70 comfortable and spacious cabins
- Several exciting activities such as kayaking and snow shoeing
Overview
The Sylvia Earle honours highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the vessel pays tribute to Dr Earle’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
The vessel has been purpose-built for undertaking expeditions to some of the most remote places on Earth. The revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW will allow it to cross oceans more efficiently. The Sylvia Earle boasts numerous observation decks from where you can marvel at the scenery you slip past.
The 70 comfortable cabins can accommodate up to 132 guests. In addition to inviting communal areas, there is a modern lecture lounge, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant, a gym and a wellness centre.
There are variety of activities to fill your days, both on board and on land.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- As a guest, you are directly contributing to vital conservation and climate change education efforts through their partnership with numerous non-profit organisations.
- Your stay helps to fund the Women in Conservation programme onboard the Sylvia Earle ship. This programme honors inspiring female conservationists from around the world and provides fundraising opportunities for related organisations.
- For their voyages in Greenland and the Northwest Passage, they have partnered with the Oxen Network as part of their Community Ambassador Programme to bring local Inuit guides on select itineraries. Your journey onboard helps support the inclusion of local expertise.
If you're a little short on time, this is the perfect way to explore Antarctica. Sail through the Drake Passage, enjoy your time discovering this starkly beautiful part of the work onboard your luxury cruise ship, and then fly back to Chile. Your time in Antarctica will be full of Zodiac excursions to explore the rugged coastlines. Keep an eye out for curious whales too.
As you commence the Drake Passage crossing, your expedition team will prepare you for your first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start the lecture programme to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Your wildlife experiences begin as you enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following the vessel. On sea days, you can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, sauna and Jacuzzis or relax in one of the observation lounges.
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula the excitement is palpable as you spot your first icebergs. Below the Antarctic Convergence you'll find yourself surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. Time and weather permitting, you may attempt your first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
Once you arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are yours to explore, and you will have a host of choices available to you. Because you're so far south, you will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Landings or Zodiac excursions are usually made twice a day. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
As you approach Frei Base on King George Island, it is time to say farewell to Antarctica and your amazing adventure before boarding your flight (approximately one hour and forty-five minutes) to Punta Arenas, Chile. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced.
Transfer
Flight to Punta Arenas
Transfer
Transfer to your hotel in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
Accommodation in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
Overview
A good, comfortable and well-maintained hotel in which to stop over whilst in Punta Arenas. There are 111 rooms, some with views of the city’s main plaza, others with views out across the Magellan Straits. The hotel is fairly centrally located and has a pleasant bar and restaurant area.
→ Find out moreSpend the night in one of the southernmost cities in the world, Punta Arenas. The small city, with a population of around 130,000, is most commonly used as a stopover for those en route to the Torres del Paine National Park or for one of the cruises through the Straits of Magellan. The city is very important to the region, being one of the largest ports in this isolated area.
Transfer
Transfer to the airport
Transfer
Flight to Santiago
Transfer
Transfer to the Wine Region
Santiago's Wine Region
Accommodation in Santiago's Wine Region
Wine Region
Overview
Set around 50Â miles from Santiago in the Casablanca region, this boutique vineyard produces entirely organic wine. This is a traditional wine ‘Estancia’ and was originally built at the beginning of the 20th Century set in it’s own San Antonio Valley of around 27,000 acres. The main building housing the accommodation blends traditional style with plush furnishings and was entirely refurbished in 2004. Rooms are spacious and have their own private terrace.
The winery itself is an advanced gravity-flow facility producing excellent Syrah (judged to be among one of the world’s best). There is an excellent restaurant on site and a good number of activities to keep guests occupied including horseback riding and harvesting, as well as relaxing in the beautiful gardens.
→ Find out moreWine Region
Highlights
- Six stand alone villas with luxurious plunge pools
- Four casitas with private balconies and cosy fireplace
- An exquisite fine dining restaurant
- Luxurious spa with steam bath, sauna and hot tub
- An infinity swimming pool with exceptional views
- Invigorating outdoor activities in stunning landscapes
Overview
Set in the picturesque Colchagua Valley in Chile’s verdant wine region, a half-day’s drive from Santiago, Clos Apalta is a family-owned estate owned by a seventh-generation winemaker. A boutique hotel and winery with a blend of French and Chilean expertise and design, resulting in exquisite wines and an exceptional stay. The property features ten luxurious accommodations, four casitas and six larger villas, all with spacious bedrooms, living areas, spa-like bathrooms and private sundecks. The villas also include their own plunge pools.
Clos Apalta is committed to sustainability, for example its compost and water treatment plants are 100%  organic and energy saving. The vineyard is also completely organic and their wine exports are carbon neutral.
There’s plenty of activities to enjoy while staying in Clos Apalta including visiting the winery, wine tastings, cooking lessons with the head chef and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding where foxes, peregrine falcons, and eagles call this stunning landscape home.
→ Find out moreWine Region
Overview
The extraordinary sophistication and contemporary chic of the Vik Chile is quite simply unparalleled in Chile’s wine region.
Fresh from an extensive refurbishment, this 22-room (with seven Puro Vik glass pods) avant garde luxury boutique hotel is set within the 4,400-hectare Millahue Valley and Vik vineyard, just two hours south of Santiago in the Colchagua Valley area. Each suite is individually themed and decorated, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows which allow guests to take in the majestic views of the region. A newer addition to the hotel, guests can now choose to stay in one of the separate Puro Vik glass pods, providing an incredible vantage point for overlooking the valley.
The lodge is decorated in keeping with the vineyard’s holistic and ecological principles and it’s almost as if the exterior’s inconspicuous minimalism was intended to touch the hillside on which it perches. This spectacular sense of floating is further emphasised by seamless glass windows-for-walls in the rooms. Yet the insightful use of dark heavy woods, rough natural materials, functional furniture and a minimal elegance also makes the lodge feel contrastingly very solid, grounded and stylishly real.
The lodge enjoys uninterrupted views of the vineyards and lake and there is a cosy sitting area with a fireplace, patios with sofas, and a well-equipped and elegant dining room where excellent traditional Chilean cuisine is served.
Plenty of activities and expeditions can be arranged to suit guests according to their time and preferences, especially with immediate if not exclusive access to the vineyard and winery.
→ Find out moreSouth of Santiago lies Chile's rich central valleys and numerous vineyards. Your choice of daily activities and excursions will depend on the hotel or lodge chosen, but just speak to our Latin America travel designers about selecting the best one for you. To give you an idea; there's horse riding, wine tastings, vineyard tours, fine dining, hiking and much more.
Transfer
Private transfer from your hotel to Santiago airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.