2 gentoo penguins in snow lean down & speak to each other on a sunny day, seen on the Nat Geo White Continent Antarctica cruise.
An iceberg juts out of the ocean at sunset, with pink colors illuminating the clouds, as seen on the national geographic white continent cruise to antarctica
A group of people stand on board the ship for the national geographic white continent voyage to look at icebergs in the ocean in antarctica
Small polar ship with blue hull & white upper decks sits under pink & purple clouds on the Nat Geo White Continent cruise.
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Polar Regions Antarctica Cruise

National Geographic The White Continent

This Antarctica expedition aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, 126-guest National Geographic Endurance or 126-guest National Geographic Resolution offers a classic itinerary to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. Experience quintessential Antarctica: huge tabular icebergs, hillsides covered with gentoo penguins, whales and abundant marine life, a passage through the famed Lemaire Channel between towering blue bergs and kayaking available to all guests who choose to explore at this slower pace—a rare inclusion for polar expeditions! The sights, sounds and emotions of the White Continent will be a lasting memory.

The Nat Geo Explorer, Nat Geo Endurance and Nat Geo Resolution act as floating basecamps during the voyage. Each small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins on each vessel offer private balconies for special moments taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness and the bar tab is included for all passengers. The National Geographic Explorer boasts a top speed of 18 knots, making her one of the fastest ships plying polar waters. The 126-guest sister ships National Geographic Endurance (named after the great explorer Ernest Shackleton) and National Geographic Resolution (named after explorer Capt. James Cook’s favorite ship) each has a polar ice class 5 rating that allows her to operate in polar environments any time of year, vastly expanding her range of Arctic and Antarctic exploration and making each the perfect basecamp for long-range luxury Antarctica cruises.

A hallmark of this Antarctica cruise itinerary is the National Geographic legacy of exploration, with exclusive access to expert guides and special guest hosts in the fields of science and exploration. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enable up-close examination of this remote wilderness. Travel safely with an experienced Antarctica cruise expedition staff: naturalists, ornithologists, marine biologists, polar historians, an undersea specialist and a National Geographic photographer to assist in creating photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.



Itinerary

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent Itinerary

The White Continent expedition begins in either Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile, with a charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina for embarkation. This classic Antarctic Peninsula voyage features National Geographic experts and guides. Kayaking is uniquely included.

Route map of National Geographic The White Continent Antarctica small ship cruise, operating roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with stops along the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile

Arrive in Buenos Aires (Explorer or Endurance) or Santiago (Resolution).

In Buenos Aires, Explorer guests transfer to the Alvear Art Hotel (or similar), while Endurance guests transfer to the Alvear Icon (or similar), before seeing the city’s Beaux-Arts palaces and parks. Visit Recoleta—the final resting place of Argentina’s iconic first lady, Eva Perón—and enjoy a private visit to El Zanjon de Granados, one of the city’s premier museums.

In Santiago, Resolution guests transfer to the Ritz Carlton (or similar) before a guided overview of the vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. This area is excellent for photos!

Accommodations

Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires (or similar), Ritz Carlton (or similar)

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina & Embark

Fly by private charter to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world and embark ship. Enjoy lunch on board a catamaran cruise of the Beagle Channel before embarking your ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Drake Passage

This 500-mile-wide strait between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. Sometimes ferocious, sometimes flat calm, the Drake is always a fascinating place in its own right. This part of the journey provides the best opportunity to see gorgeous seabirds like the wandering albatross. With luck, encounter killer whales or rare species of dolphins. This is also a day to get to know the ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot wildlife); have a relaxing massage; attend a talk about the biology of the penguins soon to be seen; or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge, look out over the waves and reflect on the incredible history of this fabled passage. If it does get a little rough, just take a couple of nice naps; the ship will arrive in Antarctica soon.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Exploring Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula stretches over 800 miles from north to south, a spine of craggy peaks cut by dozens of deep fjords. It’s an enormous region with many different faces and ever-changing weather, which is what makes the crew’s long experience here so important. Five decades of exploration has given the crew an unparalleled knowledge of the region, enabling the flexibility to respond to changing conditions, turn on a dime and select the optimal activity for each day. Plan to be out daily, exploring in Zodiacs, hiking at penguin colonies, discovering remote bays, photographing wildlife, and learning fascinating details from the naturalists and other experts who accompany on every excursion.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Exploring Antarctica

Ice! It’s probably the very first thing most people think about when the topic of Antarctica comes up, and once you’re here it never disappoints. From icebergs the size of islands to the fragile, nearly invisible layers glistening on the surface where the sea has just begun to freeze, from near-vertical glaciers pouring down the slopes of every mountain to the endless landscapes of sea ice, frozen ocean stretching to the horizon in every direction, ice defines the Antarctic. Get to know it up close and personal, hiking, kayaking and cruising in the Zodiacs through this frozen world.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Exploring Antarctica

Sturdy Zodiac landing craft are really the heart and soul of explorations in the Antarctic. These tough, stable little motorized boats maneuver easily through ice-choked waters, getting all ashore safely in even the most remote and challenging locations. And simply cruising in the Zodiacs is just as much fun. What’s around the next corner? A leopard seal relaxing on an ice floe or a chance to photograph an exquisite arched iceberg that no one has ever seen before? One never knows until you get there, but it’s always a thrill.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Exploring Antarctica

Penguins, without any doubt, are the most popular residents of Antarctica, and there are many chances to get to know them well. Their colonies are almost always close to the beach, so it’s very easy to get great photos. In the short Antarctic summer these amazing birds are always busy with the many tasks of breeding and raising their chicks, so every month brings something new. In November the adults are squabbling over the pebbles they use to build their nests. By late December the first chicks are tucked in under their parents, peeping out at the world. And in February the chicks have left their nests and are very active, learning to swim and getting ready to fend for themselves.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Exploring Antarctica

Everywhere you go in the Antarctic you’re surrounded by opportunities to capture uniquely beautiful images with your camera. Whether cruising past spectacular glaciers in the ship, getting close to seals in the Zodiacs, or hiking around the penguin colonies, you are always in the company of an expert National Geographic photographer and a photo instructor who share what they see and help all to perfect both the art and the technique of your own photography. The impossibly gorgeous blue in the heart of an iceberg, a penguin tenderly feeding its tiny chick or a glorious sunset over frozen ocean, shots like these surround every day. Learning to capture these perfect moments is both a wonderful challenge and a huge thrill.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Exploring Antarctica

Really exploring Antarctica also means simply relaxing and watching while the ship cruises through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Grab a cup of cocoa and a comfortable seat in the Observation Lounge or visit the officers on the Bridge; bundle up and climb all the way up to the Monkey Deck for a really panoramic view, or just kick back in your cabin and watch for seals on ice or whales blowing in the distance. Make transits of world-famous passages like the Lemaire Channel and Antarctic Sound and go ashore on the continent itself, but also visit equally amazing islands and places that you’ve never heard of, yet!

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
Drake Passage

Enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Take some time to go through your photos. Send a message home to friends and family saying: “Don’t want this to end!” And celebrate your voyage at a farewell dinner on board.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 12 - 13
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina, Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile & Depart

Disembark in Ushuaia. Fly by private charter flight to Buenos Aires or Santiago and connect with your overnight flight home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast and lunch (day 12); n/a (day 13)

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; one hotel night; all accommodations; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leaders, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Mandatory charter flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires or Santiago (inquire for pricing); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023:
Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.

For expeditions booked after May 1, 2023:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The National Geographic White Continent cruise begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), or Santiago, Chile (SCL), depending on your departure date. Embarkation time may vary based upon arrival of group flights from Miami, Florida (MIA). Disembarkation is after breakfast on Day 12 of the outlined itinerary; departure times may vary depending on group flights to Miami, Florida. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina are required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of one or two checked bags weighing up to 51 lbs (23 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (7 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Special to departures in November/December is the option of cross-country skiing, dependent upon snowpack conditions and weather at that time. See the Accommodations section for more information on what activities to expect aboard each vessel.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Third person rates are available in designated triple occupancy cabins on National Geographic Explorer at 1.5x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended but not mandatory for this trip. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but also highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Nov 10 - Nov 21, 2024
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19254USD
Per Person
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Nov 12 - Nov 23, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19254USD
Per Person
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Nov 20 - Dec 01, 2024
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $18865USD
Per Person
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Nov 22 - Dec 03, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19254USD
Per Person
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Nov 30 - Dec 11, 2024
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $18865USD
Per Person
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Dec 02 - Dec 13, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19254USD
Per Person
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Dec 10 - Dec 21, 2024
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19640USD
Per Person
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Dec 12 - Dec 23, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19051USD
Per Person
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Dec 20 - Dec 31, 2024
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $15178USD
Per Person
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Dec 22 - Jan 02, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $23620USD
Per Person
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Dec 30 - Jan 10, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $17980USD
Per Person
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Jan 01 - Jan 12, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19305USD
Per Person
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Jan 09 - Jan 20, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19120USD
Per Person
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Jan 31 - Feb 11, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19305USD
Per Person
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Feb 10 - Feb 21, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $18915USD
Per Person
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Feb 18 - Mar 01, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $18536USD
Per Person
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Nov 17 - Nov 28, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $16980USD
Per Person
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Nov 27 - Dec 08, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $16980USD
Per Person
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Dec 07 - Dec 18, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $17687USD
Per Person
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Dec 09 - Dec 20, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $17314USD
Per Person
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Dec 17 - Dec 28, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $23374USD
Per Person
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Dec 19 - Dec 30, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $23869USD
Per Person
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Dec 27 - Jan 07, 2026
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19960USD
Per Person
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Dec 29 - Jan 09, 2026
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19960USD
Per Person
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Jan 06 - Jan 17, 2026
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19050USD
Per Person
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Jan 08 - Jan 19, 2026
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19050USD
Per Person
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Jan 16 - Jan 27, 2026
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $19050USD
Per Person
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Jan 18 - Jan 29, 2026
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19050USD
Per Person
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Jan 28 - Feb 08, 2026
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $19310USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Resolution

The 126-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • May 5th, 2011
Expert Review: National Geographic The White Continent

An AdventureSmith expert's review of his White Continent Antarctica expedition aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer.

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Flawless From Start to Finish!"

Flawless from start to finish! Incredible experience! The Lemaire Channel is the most beautiful place on earth. Andrew at AdventureSmith took care of all of our questions and the process was seamless.

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Meals
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"Simply Amazing"

One of the best trips I have ever taken. You are only going to Antarctica once most likely, so you want to get it right. I felt like we really did and that was made possible by excellent guidance from Nick and excellent service from all involved on our travels. We were told National Geographic was second to none in terms of naturalist and that was very true. Antarctica was simply amazing. Nothing can compare and you simply have to see it to believe it.

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"Soup To Nuts Outstanding"

Needed to get my 7th continent in...soup to nuts outstanding.

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5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In conjunction with this cruise, the following pre- and post-cruise options are available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

Buenos Aires (3-day) or Santiago (2-day) are each a pre-cruise extension based out of the same hotel as the pre-night before the cruise. For expeditions starting in Buenos Aires, enjoy opportunities to explore the city via guided tour, including stops at well-known communities like La Boca, political and historical points of interest such as the Plaza de Mayo and cultural highlights including art museums and a tango performance. For voyages starting in Santiago, savor the wine, food and culture of the Casablanca Wine Valley and Maipo Valley, famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Carmenere grapes. Additionally, take in Santiago with 1-2 days of guided city tours.

Iguazú Falls is a 3-day, post-cruise extension to Iguazú Falls that includes naturalist-led walks, boat rides (weather permitting) and stunning views of the Falls from accommodations at the only hotel in Iguazú National Park in northeastern Argentina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy guided walks to areas with special early access, before they open to the public.

Easter Island is a 4-day post-cruise extension to Easter Island that includes guided tours to archaeological sites and a museum, ceremonial sites including the largest ceremonial altar in Polynesia, the Puna Pau red stone quarry and Rano Raraku, where most of the moai stone statues were carved.

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7 Day Land Tour
Torres Del Paine Trek

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

From $1940USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
Year Round
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National Geographic The White Continent

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