Patagonia is one of the most pristine and unspoiled places on Earth. It’s a landscape that leaves no room for indifference. It’s true wilderness at the bottom of the globe—where relatively few travelers get to explore. Quark Expeditions has a reputation as a pioneer in wilderness exploration, but also for getting the most out of a destination. For our expedition team—the best in the industry—it’s not enough to just get you there.
ANTARCTIC 2024/25 ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA
Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
DESIGNED TO GO BEYOND
Contents
Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship: Ultramarine Included Activities Adventure Options Departure Dates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team
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10 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22
Extend Your Trip Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist
15–day Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine Overview
Patagonia is one of the most pristine and unspoiled places on Earth. It’s a landscape that leaves no room for indifference. It’s true wilderness at the bottom of the globe—where relatively few travelers get to explore. Quark Expeditions has a reputation as a pioneer in wilderness exploration, but also for getting the most out of a destination. For our expedition team—the best in the industry—it’s not enough to just get you there. We want you to be fully immersed. We go beyond what other operators do in this region. On our Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, you’ll retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to into Chilean Patagonia’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. You’ll enjoy heli flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along the stunning coastline—while watching for Magellanic penguin colonies, South American sea lions, southern elephant seals, and scores of bird species on an itinerary that combines the best of sea, land, and helicopter experiences onboard Ultramarine . For many, Patagonia is the edge of the earth, the last frontier at the end of the world. That’s where we want to take you. Please reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the landscape
Encounter iconic wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions and seabirds
Experience some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord systems, including Glacier Alley
Retrace Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel and learn about the storied history of southern Chile
Cruise in a Zodiac for a unique perspective of glaciers, fjords and channels
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Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package). DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA AND EMBARK After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before meeting the bus (at a designated location) to be transferred to your ship.
From Buenos Aires
Torres del Paine National Park To Santiago
CHILE
ARGENTINA
Puerto Natales
Atlantic Ocean
Kawésqar National Park
Strait of Magellan
Punta Arenas
Admiralty Sound
Ushuaia
Alberto de Agostini National Park
Paci c Ocean
Cape Horn
Beagle Channel
Southern Ocean/ Drake Passage
Diego Ramírez Islands
ESSENTIAL PATAGONIA Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine On board the Ultramarine Flights from Buenos Aires / to Santiago Torres del Paine excursion
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After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. DAY 3 | CAPE HORN As we begin our exploration of Chile’s southern extent, expect a new adventure every day. Though each expedition will be different, depending on the weather, we aim to start our journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route.
If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross- shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world. DAY 4 | DIEGO RAMÍREZ ISLANDS Your ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least- explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal
IMPORTANT REMINDER As this voyage will start in Argentina and enter Chile, please ensure you obtain visas for both countries as required by your nationality. Residents of some countries may also be required to pay a reciprocity fee to enter Chile.
expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Capt. James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather permitting, depending on conditions, we may choose to Zodaic cruise or ship cruise around these tussock-grass- covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird
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Area, and part of the Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to tens of thousands of breeding seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of nesting black-browed albatross and grey-headed albatross. These islands are the southernmost mollymawk albatross breeding ground in the world. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here.
Tierra del Fuego’s main island from several smaller islands. Named after Captain Robert FitzRoy’s famous ship on which Charles Darwin was a young naturalist, the channel presents plenty of photo ops to capture seabirds hovering overhead and dramatic vistas of jagged-peaked mountains and glaciers. Rugged and untouched, this magnificent landscape is as starkly beautiful as it was when Darwin first laid eyes on it in 1833. What he experienced in this region would later help him form his then controversial theory on evolution by natural selection. Glacier Alley (as it’s nicknamed) is one of the most spectacular ship passages in Tierra del Fuego. The glaciers’ names honor the European countries that first explored the region: España (Oblicuo), Romanche, Alemania (Roncagli), Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers. Situated within the protected boundary of Alberto de Agostini National Park, both Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers sit at the
head of picturesque, often ice-choked fjords that offer guests jaw-dropping views. Located within the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin Mountain Range), the impressive Pia Glacier extends from the soaring mountaintops down into the sea. A short hike to a lookout point provides superb vistas of the glacier and mountains. Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, Garibaldi Glacier flows from a separate mountain, providing equally exceptional views, with the Darwin Mountains rising dramatically out of the fjord. We can explore this area by Zodiac, and include a visit to a beautiful glacial waterfall nearby. As we navigate the fjords, your Expedition Team will keep watch for Andean condors, massive birds whose wing span is second only to the wandering albatross.
DAY 5 | PIA AND GARIBALDI GLACIERS, GLACIER ALLEY
As our ship sails north toward the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego, stimulating presentations by your Expedition Team will enrich your knowledge of the glacial systems, geology, environment, wildlife and storied history of the region as you retrace Charles Darwin’s historic journey through the Beagle Channel, a 150-mile (240 km) strait separating
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DAY 6 | DAINELLI (AGUILA) GLACIER Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila— Spanish for “Eagle” Glacier) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Cruising aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged ice, conditions permitting, you will be humbled by the wonder of nature’s power. We hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier and surrounding mountains. DAY 7 | CRUISING THE CHILEAN FJORDS Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that
await, helping you further understand the glacial systems, as well as the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of Chile. Take a moment, as we glide past soaring snow-capped peaks, to contemplate the indigenous peoples who thrived here for thousands of years and the mariners of early European exploration who traveled these same sheltered passageways, and were rewarded with the same wondrous sights. DAYS 8 & 9 | PUERTO NATALES AND TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Sailing the turquoise waters of the extraordinary stretch of coastline leading to the small port of Puerto Natales, we’ll meander through a mesmerizing maze of deep, windswept fjords, narrow channels and isolated bays, with an eye toward the rugged landscape, unique wildlife and impressive glaciers that tumble from the towering mountains
into the icy waters below, along with the imperial and king cormorants, South American terns, black-necked swans and southern wigeons (Chiloé wigeons) that frequent the fjords. Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most stunning wilderness areas in South America, and Puerto Natales is the gateway. This enormous park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so designated for both its natural wonders and ancient human history, and named for the three granite peaks that tower above the glacier-fed lakes. Enjoy a day of hiking, and exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level with lookouts in the park, followed by traditional Patagonian cuisine in the afternoon. Taking our expedition onto dry land for another full day, we will also visit a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”),
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founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. Here you will learn about Patagonian sheep farming in a historic pastoral setting. You may be lucky enough to spot in the surrounding grasslands wildlife such as ostrich-like rhea, and guanacos, a wild relative of the domestic llama. Complete your cultural experience with a lunch of barbecued lamb al palo (“on a stick”), and return to the ship in the early evening. DAY 10 | CANAL DE LAS MONTAÑAS Cruising the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas (“Channel” or “Fjord of the Mountains”) will leave you breathless. You’ll be awed by the amazing series of waterfalls cascading down between the jagged peaks that rise up sharply on either side of the narrow, 41-mile (66 km) long channel dotted with glaciers, five of which spill dramatically into the water. Here, impressive ice fields glisten in the distance, and steeply sloped glaciers exceed elevations over 8,235 feet (2,510 meters). The channel also provides an ideal place to put our Zodiacs in the water for more detailed exploring or the chance to go ashore for a hike to scenic viewpoints. If you’re feeling more adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself
to an optional kayaking excursion (extra cost), an exceptional opportunity to experience the channel from a unique perspective. DAY 11 | TUCKERS ISLETS A series of small islands and rocky outcrops in Almirantazgo Sound (“Admiralty Sound”), a fjord off the Strait of Magellan, Tuckers Islets is a superb location for viewing penguins. Though landing here is prohibited to protect the fragile nesting habitat, a Zodiac excursion will take you near a pebble beach to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins, conditions permitting. Named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew sighted the charming creatures in 1520 during the first circumnavigation of the globe, the species is native to the region, and the sight of them in their burrows, lounging on the beach or waddling in and out of the water, is one you won’t forget. If we’re fortunate, we may also see Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants (rock shags), imperial cormorants (king shags), oystercatchers, kelp geese, or even dolphins.
DAY 12 | AINSWORTH BAY Continuing our exploration of Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, one of the most picturesque and pristine places in Patagonia. Surrounded by untouched sub-Antarctic forest, this isolated bay is a protected area within the border of Alberto de Agostini National Park. It hosts abundant birdlife, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled as we cruise in the Zodiacs. Hiking options will be available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord and the surrounding Darwin mountain range. DAY 13 | BAHIA BROOKES Another excellent spot for glacier exploring in Almirantazgo Sound is Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), where, conditions permitting, we’ll go ashore by Zodiac. The bay offers ample chances for closer views of a number of waterfalls and glaciers, including the calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene silence of this icy wonderland, the only
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sound you may hear is the powerful roar of ice breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below. This is also a great location for viewing ice fall deposits, which form reconstituted glaciers, and kame (silt and sediment deposits). DAY 14 | MARTA ISLAND In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island (Isla Marta) is home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions. To protect the wildlife, shore landings are not possible here, but we do plan to circumnavigate the island, providing numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, in the comfort of a Zodiac. Called lobos marinos (“sea wolves”) by local Chileans, these giant pinnipeds—males can weigh over 700
pounds/320 kg—form quite a noisy group as each sea lion vies for a choice spot of coastline. As you cruise by, sightings of imperial cormorants,
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
skuas, southern gulls, snowy sheathbill—and if we’re lucky, dolphins—are also possible.
DAY 15 | DISEMBARK IN PUNTA ARENAS AND FLY TO SANTIAGO After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas, to be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you are welcome to continue on your own travels or connect to your homeward flights.
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Arrival and Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your expedition? On page 17, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in your gateway city. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN BUENOS AIRES Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will make your way to the included group hotel. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. USHUAIA AND EMBARKATION In Ushuaia your mandatory transfer package will provide some free time to explore this quaint port town, and also (when flight schedules allow) a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Note: The tour (if available) may take place on either the embarkation or disembarkation day.
PLEASE NOTE There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs (23kg) checked luggage and 17 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage on the included flights on this voyage. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.
EMBARKATION We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.
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Final Day and Departure
Arrival and Departure Transfers BUENOS AIRES AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival transfers in Buenos Aires are not included; however, a Polar Travel Adviser can arrange one for you. SANTIAGO AIRPORT TRANSFERS Departure transfers in Santiago are not included, as the expedition concludes at the airport. If you are spending additional time in Chile’s capital, a Polar Travel Adviser can arrange a transfer into the city for you.
PLEASE NOTE Weather conditions may occasionally delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur in Latin America. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
DISEMBARKATION IN PUNTA ARENAS The ship is scheduled to arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile between 7 am and 8 am. After breakfast you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team before completing your disembarkation. This process takes approximately one hour. If you have purchased the hotel and transfer package, you will be transferred to the airport for our return charter flight to Santiago. DEPARTING FROM SANTIAGO Flight details will be available closer to departure, however arrival in Santiago is likely to be after most international flights have departed. You may choose to book a stay at the airport hotel in preparation for an early morning departure, or book a transfer and hotel in the city if you will be staying longer.
We request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days prior to traveling.
Included Hotel Accommodations
Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary. The specific hotel will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre- or post-stay, please contact your preferred travel agent or Quark Expeditions for hotel options. As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.
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Your Ship
Ultramarine Ultra Suite Owner’s Suite Penthouse Suite Terrace Suite Ultramarine Ultra Suite Owner’s Suite Penthouse Suite Terrace Suite Deluxe Balcony Suite Balcony Suite Explorer Suite Explorer Triple Solo Panorama Balcony
ULTRAMARINE
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to immerse guests in parts of the Polar Regions where few humans have ever set foot. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, Ultramarine offers the most off-ship adventure activities in the industry. Guests can enjoy two restaurants (Balena and Bistro 487), Tundra Spa, a sauna-with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious suites and abundant wildlife-viewing spaces. Gym Studio Tundra Spa E E Bistro
Deck
Deluxe Balcony Suite Balcony Suite Explorer Suite Explorer Triple Solo Panorama Balcony
Bistro
Library
Deck
WC
Panorama Lounge & Bar
Accessibility modi ed cabin; please speak to your travel professional for details Interconnecting Suites
E E
Studio
Tundra Spa
Gym
Sauna
Deck
Sta Cabin
Library
WC
Panorama Lounge & Bar
Bridge
Accessibility modi ed cabin; please speak to your travel professional for details Interconnecting Suites
WC WC
E E
Deck
Sauna
Deck
Sta Cabin
Ultramarine also features advanced sustainability systems—which exceed all industry standards. Ultramarine is perfectly designed to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
WC
Balena Restaurant
Ambassadors Theater
E E
WC
WC
Deck
Bridge
E E
E E
Deck
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff and Crew: 140 Guests: 199 Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed Ice Class: PC6 Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. WC Ambassadors Theater
Deck
Reception eception
Clinic
E E
Polar Boutique
Balena Restaurant
Deck
E E
WC
WC
Zodiac Embarkation
Ready Room A y
Deck
Zodiac Embarkation
E E
WC
Ready Room B y
Deck
Zodiac Embarkation
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E E
Deck
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sauna
Panorama Lounge
Fitness Center
Balena Restaurant
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Included Activities These are included in your trip package.
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions voyage offers a variety of immersive off-ship activities to enhance your experience. FLIGHTSEEING While alpine landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they are even more striking from the air. On board Ultramarine you will experience remarkable aerial perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute flightseeing excursion included in the cost of your voyage. ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs—rugged inflatable watercraft— are the workhorses of our expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.
PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guide will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of Patagonia. More information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser or travel professional.
HIKING Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is the best way to appreciate the landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every passenger. While you hike, staff will be available to enhance your experience by answering questions about the wildlife, history and geography of the area. PRESENTATIONS Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard experts— expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other local experts who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
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Adventure Options These activities cost extra and must be booked in advance of your trip.
The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Conducted in small groups— in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand- up paddleboarding excursions can be pre-booked into one of two priority groups. Any subsequent excursions can be booked on board, and groups will be assigned via a lottery.
PADDLING EXCURSION If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Small groups of paddlers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Pre-book into one of two priority groups. Any subsequent excursions can be booked on board, and groups will be assigned via a lottery as spaces are limited. SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises.
PLEASE NOTE Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.
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EXCLUSIVE HELI-LANDING Imagine setting foot in an area of Patagonia that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine ’s two twin- engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of Patagonia from “the best seat in the house”: alpine amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. At your landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine . Each heli-landing experience is uniquely curated by our expedition team, taking conditions, regulations and location capacity into consideration.
PLEASE NOTE Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure guide for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.
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Departure Dates Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
ULTRAMARINE
Adventure Options
Days
Start / End
Dates
ANTARCTIC 2024/25
Buenos Aires / Santiago
MAR 13 – 27, 2025
15
$
$
$
$
Included
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions RATES INCLUDE:
Exclusions RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • Mandatory Transfer Package* • International airfare
• An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program • All shore landings as per the daily program • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals. • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting your expedition • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program • All luggage handling aboard the ship • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting) • Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee and ground transfers • Estancia visit and ground transfers • Lunches ashore during Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine excursion days
• Passport and applicable visa expenses • Chilean reciprocity fee, if applicable • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified in the itinerary • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location) • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew • Additional overnight accommodation • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.) • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Santiago International Airport (SCL) • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and from ship to Punta Arenas airport (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD
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Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders—the best in the industry—and their teams possess diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Antarctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote Polar Regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, all our expedition staff undergo comprehensive training at Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage, as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
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Extend Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS
You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore one of our gateway cities before or after your voyage. Prior to your expedition, enjoy an extensive Buenos Aires city tour, take in a tango show, savor Argentine barbecue at a steakhouse (parrilla) , and marvel at the historic architecture. Take an extended tour from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls, and, if you’re daring, walk the catwalks over the falls. After your expedition, consider spending extra time in Santiago, Chile’s capital. The burgeoning culinary scene is fast becoming Santiago’s calling card. Enjoy new wine bars, tapas cafés and high-end restaurants, and head to trendy Barrio Lastarria, Barrio Italia and Bellavista, the city’s boho quarter.
To learn about the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Travel Professional or a Polar Travel Adviser for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
FROM TOP: Iguazú Falls; Buenos Aires’ Recoleta Cemetery; Santiago’s downtown
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Meals on Board If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Balena Restaurant, the main diningroom on Deck 7 of Ultramarine , features tables that accommodate 2 to 10. Guests can enjoy a quiet dinner with a loved one or join a larger table of new friends. Guests will enjoy views from every seat in addition to direct access to the wraparound deck. Guests can also enjoy a meal in Bistro 487, which offers an indoor/outdoor dining experience—perfect for enjoying the polar landscapes. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock—all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
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Possible Excursions
DAINELLI (AGUILA) GLACIER This striking blue glacier, which flows down from the middle of the Darwin mountain range, sits at the end of a tranquil lagoon formed by the glacier’s meltwater. An easy hike along the shore takes you to the edge of the glacier. AINSWORTH BAY An offshoot of Almirantazgo Sound (Admiralty Sound), Ainsworth Bay is surrounded by pristine sub-polar forests. The bay is fed by the meltwater of the Marinelli Glacier, which flows down from the Cordillera Darwin Icefield.
CANAL DE LAS MONTAÑAS Situated within the Kawésqar National Park (formerly Alacalufes National Reserve), this 41-mile (66 km) long channel is flanked by two majestic mountain ranges, the Cordillera Riesco to the east and the Cordillera Sarmiento to the west. Sightings of sea lions and dolphins are possible. CAPE HORN Sitting at the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego, on Hornos Island, Cape Horn was named by Dutch navigator Willem Schouten, who discovered and first rounded the cape in 1616 and named it in honor of his birthplace, Hoorn, Holland. Filled with rugged, natural beauty, the historic windswept cape is located within Cabo de Hornos National Park, which was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005. The Chilean Navy mans the lighthouse on the island.
BAHIA BROOKES Located in Almirantazgo Sound (Admiralty Sound), in the heart of
Alberto de Agostini National Park, this bay is the site of several glaciers, the most impressive being the North Brookes Glacier. The bay is also an ideal locale for learning about glaciology and how glaciers shape the landscape.
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DIEGO RAMÍREZ ISLANDS About 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Cape Horn, these little-known islands constitute the southernmost point of South America. They’re also the continent’s most southerly inhabited outpost, as the Chilean Navy maintains a weather station here that was established in 1951. The archipelago is an Important Bird Area, home to nesting albatross, as well as blue petrels, diving petrels and sooty shearwaters.
PIA GLACIER In the Beagle Channel, Pia Glacier is situated in a fjord in the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin Mountains), the southern part of the Andes mountain range. This area provides outstanding opportunities for taking the Zodiacs out for a shore landing and hiking to a spectacular lookout. Though the provenance of the glacier’s name remains unconfirmed, some believe Alberto Maria de Agostini, an Italian missionary, mountaineer and explorer who lived in Tierra del Fuego, named it after Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, the daughter of Italy’s first king.
TUCKERS ISLETS Located in Almirantazgo Sound
(Admiralty Sound), a stunning offshoot of the Strait of Magellan, this tiny group of islands is covered in grasses, mosses and small trees, providing a verdant backdrop for viewing a large colony of nesting Magellanic penguins. Other bird species that may be spotted here include king and rock cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese and dolphin gulls.
MARTA ISLAND Marta Island, along with nearby Magdalena Island, is a designated
natural monument, Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos (The Penguins Natural Monument), and has been a protected area since 1982. The small island is home to a large colony of sea lions, as well as an abundance of seabirds, including cormorants, skuas and gulls.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
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What to pack on your polar expedition WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES Patagonia weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. Sunlight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may also encounter rain and even snow during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions, and dress in layers.
TO WEAR ON LANDINGS Base-layer wool or synthetic top
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.)
Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom
Mid-layer warm or fleece top
Light warm jacket to wear during travel to the ship
Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom
Workout attire (for the fitness center!)
Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
Binoculars
Hand and feet warmers
Glove liners
Camera with charger and extra batteries
Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)
Extra memory or laptop with spare storage (for saving photos)
Scarf, buff, or other face protection
Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Lens cloth for camera
Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
Ski goggles (offers extra protection for adventure options or Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
Personal alarm such as mobile phone, watch, or alarm clock
Sunscreen
Moisturizer for face and hands (polar air can be dry)
Lip Balm
Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)
TO WEAR ONBOARD Complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board (wear the waterproof shell out on deck, and the removable liner indoors to stay comfortable) Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
Hand sanitizer
Passport, visas, immunization and vaccination records, travel documents, etc. (as required)
Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details)
Water bottle (a collapsible reusable water bottle will be provided onboard)
Scan this QR code to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
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TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS:
QuarkExpeditions.com
PHOTO CREDITS (over all Expedition Brochures for the Antarctic 2024/25 season) : Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Michelle Sole; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Hugo Perrin; Taylor Cranney; Sam Edmonds; Abbey Weisbrot; Hans Lagerweij; Rogelio Espinosa; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Grange Productions; Dagny Ivarsdottir; Luis Bertea; Adobe Stock
March 27, 2023 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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