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Trip - Lake Districts of Patagonia & Antarctica - 21 days
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There
is a true sense of awe in witnessing the massive pure white ice-cliffs of the
formidable Antarctic Peninsular - cliffs and jagged peaks which contrast sharply
with the deepest of blue skies in crisp clean air. Humpbacks, Minkes and Orcas
can at times seem close enough to reach out and touch. How such wild creatures
can often seem so tame and approachable is unfathomable. On any given Antarctic
expedition photographers can be seen intimately close to their chosen subjects
as though photographing a family pet. There is truly no other place on earth quite
like the Antarctic.
With
a land mass of 14.4 million square kilometres and an average thickness of around
2km, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent on earth. It is also the driest,
coldest and windiest, and with almost no precipitation, is technically the largest
desert on the planet.
Only
the most robust of plant and animal species have managed to adapt to this harshest
of environments, making it the most hostile, yet at the same time, the most fragile
place on earth. Commercial Antarctic expedition cruises are the way into this
last great wilderness area.
Gap
Adventures offers a multitude of top quality Antarctic expedition cruises at highly
competitive rates. Their Antarctic expedition cruises run from September to March
and their new Antarctic cruise ship the M/S Expedition promises an unprecedented
Antarctic experience.
Established
in 1990, GAP Adventures now caters to over 85,000 travelers each year making them
one of the most prominent and experienced adventure tour operators in the world.
Flora
& fauna
When
we think of Antarctica we tend think of species like Emperor Penguins, Leopard
Seals, Orcas and other whales like Minkes and Humpbacks, but Antarctica supports
a massive ecosystem comprising of many species birds, fish, whales, penguins &
squid just to name a few. This fascinating continent is also home to a selection
of invertebrate life such as krill, nematodes, microscopic mites, tardigrades
and rotifers.
Flora
on the other hand is a different matter. Due to the lack of real moisture and
limited sunlight, freezing conditions and poor soils, plant species are limited
mainly to mosses and liverworts and growth is generally limited to only a few
weeks in the year.
Antarctica
and global warming
Antarctica
has been described by scientists as the earths 'canary in a coal mine' and is
understood to provide significant information and feedback regarding concerns
about our planet's current state of health. Scientific data derived from Antarctic
research has played a major role in the push towards lowering greenhouse gasses
and striving for a cleaner environment.
Antarctic
expedition - Lake districts of Patagonia and Antarctica.
Experience
the voyage of a lifetime to Antarctica, our planet's last great wilderness where
orcas, penguins and seals thrive in the most beautiful yet harshest and most unforgiving
of landscapes.
Buenos
Aires, Glacier national Park, Antarctic Peninsular, Ushuais, Tierra del Fuego,
South Shetland Islands, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, San Martin de los Andes,
Lanin Volcano, Bariloche, Seven Lakes Route.
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Itinerary in brief:
Antarctic
expedition:
Lake districts of Patagonia & Antarctica
21 days |
|  | | | - Day
1: Buenos
Aires
Arrive at Buenos Aires
- Day
2-3: San
Martin de los Andes.
2 days exploring the Lake District. Options
include: Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and 4x4 excursions.
- Day
4-5: San Carlos de Bariloche
Head
south exploring the spectacular Seven Lakes route to Bariloche. Trek the forests
and lakes around Puerto Blest.
- Day
6: El Calafate
Fly
to El Calafate to explore the Moreno Glacier region of the Glacier National Park
where condors, eagles, rheas and flamingos can be observed.
- Day
7-9: El Chalten / Glacier National Park.
Day
hikes in the Glacier National Park. Argentina's first UNESCO National World Heritage
site. Hike to Laguna Torre and Laguna de Los Tres for awesome views of the peaks
and glaciers. return to El Chalten on day 9.
- Day
10-13: Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego National
Park / Drake Passage.
Fly
to Ushuaia, the world's most southern city. Enjoy a tour of the Tierra del Fuego
National Park in the morning prior to boarding our Antarctic cruise ship in the
afternoon. Enjoy the sunset over the Beagle Channel as we head towards Cape Horn
before our 400 mile crossing of the Drake Passage. The expedition team gives lectures
as we watch for our first sightings of icebergs, whales and albatross.
- Day
14-17: Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands.
As
we set foot on the Antarctic continent we witness some of the world's most unique
wildlife and awe inspiring scenery. Weather permitting we take two excursions
per day to discover Orca, Gentoo, Leopard seals, Minke & Humpback whales,
Chinstrap, Adelie penguin, rookeries, crabeater & weddell. We also learn of
some of the most dramatic and important expeditions to this remote part of the
globe.
- Day
18-19: Drake Passage.
We
head back to Ushuaia while watching for the last sightings of whales & birds
and reflect on the last few days adventures.
- Day
20: Ushuia to Buenos Aires.
Disembark
after breakfast and bus transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires.
- Day
21: depart Buenos Aires.
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