Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ning agency specializes in conventional activities, plus a catamaran harbor cruise. It also
handles bookings to Antarctica.
Getting There & Away
AIR
LAN is the best bet for Buenos Aires; purchase tickets through local travel agencies.
Aerolíneas Argentinas
( 0810-2228-6527; cnr Av Maipú & 9 de Julio)
jets to Buenos Aires
(one way from AR$1481, 3½ hours) several times daily, sometimes stopping in El Cala-
fate (70 minutes).
LADE
( 421123; Av San Martín 542)
flies to Buenos Aires, El Calafate and Río Grande
and may serve other destinations.
BOAT
A few private yachts charter trips around the Beagle Channel, to Cape Horn and Antarc-
tica. These trips must be organized well in advance.
Gobernador Paz 233; one way US$115, Sat US$130)
goes daily in Zodiac boats. Tickets include
a 40-minute crossing plus an overland transfer from Puerto Navarino. Note: inclement
weather often means cancellation. Options include a 9:30am departure and sometimes a
6pm departure (with sufficient demand). The more comfortable covered boat from
Fernandez Campbell
( 433232;
www.fernandezcampbell.com
; Tourist Wharf; one way
US$125; departure 10am Fri-Sun)
docks directly in Puerto Williams, with fewer winter
departures. Another option to Puerto Williams is offered by Piratour (
Click here
).
The departure tax
(tasa de embarque)
is AR$10 for Beagle Channel trips or AR$30 for
international trips, paid at the pier.
ANTARCTICA: THE ICE
For many travelers, a journey to Antarctica represents a once-in-a-lifetime adven-
ture. Despite its high price tag, it is much more than just a continent to tick off your
list. You will witness both land and ice shelves piled with hundreds of meters of un-
dulating, untouched snow. Glaciers drop from mountainsides and icebergs form
sculptures as tall as buildings. The wildlife is thrilling, with thousands of curious
penguins and an extraordinary variety of flying birds, seals and whales.
