Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you travel to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may overwhelm at first, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid travelling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes; and populous, gregarious penguins.
Take the fastest route to Antarctica – a three-hour flight – and enjoy your first glimpse of the continent from the air, a unique introduction to the vast and dramatic landscape that remains one of the last unspoiled regions in the world. Continue your journey on ship, where an adventure beyond your wildest imagination awaits. Later, return through the world’s most legendary – and exciting – passage of water, as you follow the path of historic explorers across the infamous Drake Passage.
Expect the unexpected and be rewarded with unique wildlife and natural attractions, each highlight surpassing the last. Marvel at the contrast of a desolate landscape inhabited by abundant wildlife including curious, playful penguins and seals. And embrace the excitement of standing on the continent for the very first time.
Behold the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. This unforgettable journey offers the perfect introduction to one of the most remote and beautiful regions on Earth, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery. Sail across the famed Drake Passage to and from Antarctica, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea.
See fast growing penguin chicks - leaving their nest and learning to swim
Search for orca and minke whales - in icy bays
Spot leopard seals resting on ice floes - from your Zodiac
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Behold the stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. This unforgettable journey offers the perfect introduction to one of the most remote and beautiful regions on Earth, where every moment is filled with wonder and discovery. Sail across the famed Drake Passage to and from Antarctica, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea.
See fast growing penguin chicks - leaving their nest and learning to swim
Search for orca and minke whales - in icy bays
Spot leopard seals resting on ice floes - from your Zodiac
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the natural beauty of the remote Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-day expedition cruise. Starting in Ushuaia travel through the Drake Passage and marvel at the abundant wildlife as you near Antarctica. Gaze at ice-clad mountains, explore the volcanic crater of Deception Island, view vibrant penguin colonies, visit historic huts at Damoy Point, and take in towering icebergs and glaciers.
Experience incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and gigantic icebergs in an action-packed 10 days on the Antarctic Peninsula. Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage, we set sail towards the South Shetland Islands. Delve deep into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in such a short time. We will set foot on land to experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, as well as Zodiac-cruise through scenic bays filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. A plethora of Antarctic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery awaits on this great adventure to the Great White Continent.
Visit vast penguin rookeries - see gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Cruise by Zodiac - amongst elegant ice shapes
Soak up the pristine landscapes - in the company of seals and whales
Learn from the experts - in informative talks from the expedition crew
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Sh
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Experience incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and gigantic icebergs in an action-packed 10 days on the Antarctic Peninsula. Departing Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage, we set sail towards the South Shetland Islands. Delve deep into the inlets and bays of the Antarctic Peninsula, entering the famous Gerlache Strait, where glittering ice cliffs and precipitous peaks rise straight out of the frigid water. Icebergs, glaciers, mountains and rugged snowfields characterise this wildly beautiful landscape. On no other journey can you experience so much pristine nature and varied wildlife in such a short time. We will set foot on land to experience penguin rookeries, research stations and historical sites, as well as Zodiac-cruise through scenic bays filled with giant icebergs, whales and seals. A plethora of Antarctic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery awaits on this great adventure to the Great White Continent.
Visit vast penguin rookeries - see gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Cruise by Zodiac - amongst elegant ice shapes
Soak up the pristine landscapes - in the company of seals and whales
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
See Jaw dropping scenery - from your Zodiac or on shore
Get close to large colonies of penguins - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Sh
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
This was a terrific group tour. Wonderful itinerary, with hikes that could be modified for various levels. Lots of very interesting sights. Included hotels were very good. Our guide, Pili, made sure everyone was well taken care of, from the sprinters to the turtles and that all were having a good time. Her depth of knowledge in so many areas was truly impressive (including geography, culture, history, ecology, flora and fauna). Her passion was infectious! The group included single travelers as well as couples, and people came from several different countries.
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Patagonia, El Calafate, El Chal
Patagonia, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Perito Moreno Glacier, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine
I just returned from an incredible trip to Argentina and Brazil with Contiki, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Every activity was amazing, whether we were exploring the iconic landmarks or enjoying exhilarating adventures.
The food was a highlight, with delicious local dishes that truly showcased the culture. The blend of rich traditions and friendly locals made the experience even more special. I made some great friends along the way, and our tour guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready to ensure we had the best time possible.
Overall, this trip was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and great company. If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, I highly recommend traveling with Contiki!
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
Discover the vibrant spirit of South America on this 10-day tour of Argentina and Brazil. From the tango-filled streets and elegant boulevards of Buenos Aires, head north to marvel at the mighty Iguazu Falls - one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Then soak up the sun-kissed glamour of Rio de Janeiro, where iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain await. Blending cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and lively city life, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of two dynamic nations.
Visit the spectacular Iguazu Falls before continuing on this 10 day adventure that takes you to the beautiful city of Curibita, historic Morretes, buzzing Sao Paulo and the legendary Rio de Janeiro. Get a real local experience using public transport between cities, with guided sightseeing and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
Explorer
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Cu
Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Sao Paulo, Puerto Iguazu
Discover the vibrant spirit of South America on this 10-day tour of Argentina and Brazil. From the tango-filled streets and elegant boulevards of Buenos Aires, head north to marvel at the mighty Iguazu Falls - one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Then soak up the sun-kissed glamour of Rio de Janeiro, where iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain await. Blending cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and lively city life, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of two dynamic nations.
Explorer
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Pu
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Puerto Iguazu, Iguazu Falls
