A trip to Antarctica is never JUST a trip to Antarctica. There are so many logistics involved in making your way to the literal end of the world! This trip was my second time voyaging to Antarctica and one of many visits to Argentina, however it was the first time I have been ble to share the experience with my husband. Knowing this, Taylor and I planed in a a few extra days on the front and back end of our voyage to take the opportunity to explore Buenos Aires together, spend time digging into Ushuaia and visit some friends along the way.
I don't think it is a surprise to say that it is extremely important to build in buffer days when looking at connecting international flights from the US with regional flights in Argentina. The flight path to get to Ushuaia is a long and and twisting one, especially from Missoula, Montana. My flights consisted of a path from Missoula to Salt Lake City, then on to Atlanta, where I would spend about 6 hours inspecting airport bookshops, tasting airport taproom brews and selecting variety store snacks for my overnight flight to Buenos Aires. Along the way I did end up encountering delays, in which I was incredibly happy to have extra layover time at each location built in. All in all, about 25 hours after leaving Missoula, I arrived in Buenos Aires, ready for an empanada and a nap. I cannot stress how important it is to build in extra time as you prepare for your own adventure, no flight delay should inhibit your on time arrival and embarkation for your voyage!
Knowing this, Taylor and I planned two days in Buenos Aires before we flew south to Ushuaia, our port of embarkation and the Southernmost town in Argentina (Also known as "the end of the world"). Having been to Buenos Aires numerous times, we wanted to explore a few neighborhoods we hadn't spent much time in. I was also determined to make it over to Ateneas, the bookstore in Palermo to wander the aisles of books laid out throughout this theatre turned bookstore. We explored downtown, enjoyed empanadas and beef cooked over an open fire (parillas) and bought ourselves an Argentine cookbook so that we could take the flavors home to our kitchen.
On the morning of our flight to Ushuaia, we were up early hailing our Uber and preparing for the 4 hour flight to the very deep south. Ushuaia has built up it reputation around being the port town for Antarctic voyages. However, the wilderness access around it make Ushuaia so much more than just a pit stop on your journey. With a couple days here, you can hike and canoe in Tierra del Fuego - lands written about by Magellan, Darwin and Fitz Roy. You can climb mountains with expansive views of the city, just by taking a short taxi to the trailhead and you can enjoy a stay in an Airbnb, 3 star hotel in town or a luxury resort perched high on the hill, all depending on your preferences. We spent our free day hiking to the Martial Glacier, a hanging glacier that offers panoramic views of the city as well as the Beagle Channel, from the top.
Our voyage with Poseidon included a pre-embarkation night at the Arakur, a 5-star lodge on a private reserve that overlooks the city. At night you can enjoy the city lights illuminating the harbor from their outdoor hot pools and in the morning, refuel on their room wide buffet of breakfast options. After our day of trekking, we checked in at the Arakur and we given our pre-embarkation luggage instructions from Poseidon before enjoying a traditional Argentinian wine cocktail and falling into a well earned slumber.
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
2 days ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
4 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
6 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 week ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
