Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The sev erity of the landscape and the r emoteness of the Antar ctic interior call for
special considerations when y ou're planning and pr eparing for an unexpectedly pr o-
longed stay. All travelers attempting a trip to the interior should be aware of the extreme
climatic conditions. Travel delays caused b y severe weather are the norm. These trips,
however, represent adventure travel in its purest form.
Tour Operators
Prices v ary depending on the company and the destination. I n general, flights to the
peninsula are much cheaper than those to the interior . As expected, these all-inclusiv e
trips can cost anywher e fr om $15,000 to $38,000 (£10,130-£25,680) per person,
depending on the destination. Logistical support for extended expeditions can easily run
to over $40,000 (£27,000). Prices typically include transportation, meals, and guides.
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Adventure Network International,
4800 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 307D, Boca Raton,
FL 33431 (
&
801/266-4876
or 561/347-7523; fax 801/266-1592; www.adventure-
network.com). This company began as a private plane service for climbers headed for
Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica. They now include several 7- to 22-day
tours, such as flights to the South Pole and the Transantarctic and Ellsworth mountain
ranges, an emperor penguin safari, and a 60-day ski trip to the S outh Pole. Activities
planned during these trips can include hiking, skiing, and S ki-Doo trips; o vernight
camping; and ice hockey, igloo building, and just about anything else r elated to ice.
•
Aerovías DAP,
O'Higgins, P unta Ar enas (
&
61/223340;
fax 61/221693; www .
aeroviasdap.cl). This small Chilean airline specializ es in char ter flights to the penin-
sula, in particular King George Island.
•
Antarctica XXI S.A.
(
&
61/614100;
fax 61/614105; www.antarcticaxxi.com). A new
Chilean company, this gr oup offers 6-day trips that include daily flights. D eparting
from Punta Arenas and based out of King G eorge Island.
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