Camping with Emperor Penguins - A Journey by Flight

How big are the groups?

Each group is limited to 10 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary.

What is included in the tour price?

A return charter flight from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills and a return charter flight from Patriot Hills to the Weddell Sea camp. Meals and accommodations while in Antarctica.

What is not included?

Accommodation in Punta Arenas, insurance, sleeping bag, international airfare/taxes and any visa fees.

What meals are included?

All meals at Patriot camp or Weddell Sea camp are included, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day.

Travel Insurance

Medical emergency evacuation is mandatory, and coverage of $300,000 USD is required. Please call our office for further details.

Are these “educational” voyages?

Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and naturalists.

How do we travel during the tour?

We take a charter flight from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills and return and it is also a charter flight from Patriot Hills to Weddell Sea camp and return.

What are our accommodations like?

Patriot Hills houses up to 50 visitors in expedition style accommodations and is the only private camp in Antarctica. At Patriot Hills and Weddell Sea camp travelers sleep in two-person, double lined tents constructed of a high-tech nylon covering, stretched over a durable aluminium frame. These have been specially designed and tested for their security and comfort in polar regions. Maximum heat is maintained with zippered doors and plywood floors. Guests sleep in their own sleeping bags, on mattresses, with bed linen and pillows provided. There is no reason why your standard of personal hygiene should change at Patriot Hills; you may just have to approach it differently. It is estimated, from government tables, that if all the clients plus staff had the opportunity of using the shower facilities once a week it would generate approximately 10,000 gallons (37,500 litres) of water in the course of the Antarctic season. That is equivalent to a small swimming pool. It cannot justify producing this amount of “grey water” and pouring it back into the Antarctic ice.

In tune with the environmental policy and concerns to keep the impact to a minimum, offered facilities are for “sponge bathing” using a bowl of hot water and a wash cloth. Your body will be just as clean as with a shower and you will feel more energized and invigorated. Some travelers also choose to bring pre-moistened towelettes such as “Wet Wipes” with them. For the brave the other option is a “snow bath”.

At Patriot Hills toilet facilities are located in the main camp. There are a limited number of portable devices for those who may have special needs and require facilities in their tent at night. Toilet facilities at the Weddell Sea camp are basic. There are no laundry services at Patriot Hills.

The Dining Tent at Patriot Hills is truly the heart of our camp in Antarctica. It has a complete kitchen and dining area and serves as a regular gathering place for our guests to meet staff and other travellers and enjoy tea and coffee while discussing the day’s adventures.

“On the ice,” the cooks prepare wonderful delicacies from their diverse menus. Three meals a day are served and snacks and beverages are available on an ongoing basis. Food is flown in from Punta Arenas, Chile — including fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, a variety of beers and Chilean wines. Included in the dining tent is a library of books and games for guests to enjoy. It is a place to relax, write diaries or postcards, play cards or games, or just read.

What about the weather?

The weather in Patriot Hills, as with everywhere else in the world, varies with the seasons. Air temperatures in early October can be around -30°C (-22°F) and can rise to a high of -5°C (23°F) in mid December.

Throughout your stay, you will have 24 hours of daylight. The wild whims of nature can fall as snow, blow as 60-knot winds and dance on the ice creating colors more beautiful that those used by Michelangelo.

When is payment due?

A non-refundable deposit of $5000 USD (plus insurance, if you require) is due at the time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full tour cost is due 120 days before departure.

Cancellation charges are as follows: More than 120 days prior to departure — $5000 USD non refundable and non-transferable 120-90 days prior to departure — $6000 USD non refundable and non-transferable 90-0 days prior to departure and after departure — 100% non-refundable and non-transferable.

What should I take on the tour?

There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.

Can you arrange my flights?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

What if I would like more information?

If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.