Why extend your adventure in South America?
- As South America is a natural gateway to Antarctica, make the most of your journey by immersing yourself in its rich and diverse culture
- Adding time before or after your expedition allows you to either ease into your cruise or recuperate and reflect on the incredible experience afterwards
- Embrace the wilds of Southern Patagonia, explore charismatic Buenos Aires or unwind at a vineyard near Santiago – our destination experts have curated a multitude of adventures to browse
- Using our wealth of on-the-ground experience, choose from our incredible extended itineraries showcasing the best of Antarctica and South America
Swoop says
You're already heading to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth – why not make the journey even more unforgettable? Add a few days in South America and start or end your Antarctic adventure on a high.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Where to explore
Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
Lake Esmeralda near Ushuaia
This Antarctic gateway city and its surroundings are steeped in dramatic symbolism. Ushuaia is often called the "End of the World” for its location at the very tip of South America, while nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park translates as "Land of Fire".
Whether you’re wandering through lush green subantarctic forests toward turquoise lakes or indulging in mouthwatering seafood at a local fisherman's cottage, a few days here offer the perfect contrast to the icy grandeur of the White Continent.
Santiago
View of Santiago and the Andes from San Cristóbal
Home to 40% of Chile’s population, Santiago is a thriving metropolis where South America's tallest skyscrapers are dwarfed by the surrounding snow-capped Andes.
Find surprises among the urban hustle – from the serene hill of San Cristóbal to the artistic district of Bellavista – on an immersive guided tour. You could also step out of the city and sample the best of Chilean wine among the verdant vineyards in the nearby valleys, or swing by the coast to zig-zag between Valparaíso's thought-provoking street art by vintage funicular.
Buenos Aires
Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires
The most European city in South America earns this title for its wide, leafy boulevards and regal architecture. Yet beneath the surface, its 48 distinct barrios (neighbourhoods) offer an array of surprises – from the colourful grittiness of La Boca to the upscale sophistication of Recoleta.
Navigate the city on a cycling tour, savour its world-class steaks and immerse yourself in vibrant tango-infused culture at every turn.
South America’s exciting adventure hubs are linked by a wide assortment of internal flights. Travel times vary, and as the destination experts, we can help you plan your extended adventure.
Cruises to the White Continent depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Along with being an Antarctic gateway, this up-and-coming destination has the breathtaking wilderness of Tierra del Fuego on its doorstep.
Fly-cruises leave from the Chilean town of Punta Arenas, home to a fascinating selection of museums and monuments dedicated to Antarctic exploration. The settlement also offers access to one of Patagonia’s jewels, Torres del Paine National Park.
What our customers think about exploring South America
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Swoop says
The unpredictable weather en route to Antarctica means we recommend adding at least two nights in South America before you join your cruise. This allows the twin advantage of exploring a thrilling new location while protecting you from any risk of missing your ship due to flight delays.
Extend Your Adventure: FAQs
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Why should I add a South America stay before my Antarctic cruise?
We highly recommend adding a stay in South America before your Antarctic voyage for several reasons:
- Vast and diverse, the continent offers something for every traveller. Whether you want to hike in the breathtaking Andes, savour Patagonian cuisine or simply unwind by the pool with a glass of world-class Colchagua Valley wine, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy.
- When travelling such a long distance, building in a buffer for overcoming jet lag before embarking on your ship helps you to maximise your time on the voyage.
- Flight delays can happen. We strongly recommend booking at least two nights in South America before your voyage begins to protect you from missing your cruise departure time because of travel disruptions.
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How long should I spend in South America?
With so much variety across the continent, you can choose an epic month-long adventure or a short extension of just a few days. Our packages are designed to fit seamlessly around your Antarctic voyage and can be combined to create a journey that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re looking to explore Argentina’s bohemian capital or hike the wilderness of Tierra del Fuego, our experts can talk you through the wealth of experiences that pair perfectly with your voyage.
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Where can I travel with Swoop?
Our travel experts at Swoop are South America specialists. With a combined 400,000 hours of lived experience in Chile, Argentina and Antarctica, we’re perfectly placed to help you plan your adventure story in these destinations.
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What are the most popular pre or post-Antarctica destinations?
If you're short on time, Buenos Aires, Santiago or Ushuaia are ideal destinations for extending your trip with minimal extra travel time. Buenos Aires and Santiago are the international gateways to Antarctica and offer fantastic city break experiences.
If you have a little more time, consider venturing beyond the cities. For example, you could cross the border into Uruguay from Buenos Aires or explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaíso from Santiago on our tours.
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Where do Antarctic cruises leave from?
Sail-only voyages to Antarctica usually depart from Ushuaia in Argentina, while fly-cruises typically leave from Punta Arenas in Chile. Both these cities are easily reachable via a flight from the country’s capital.
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What are my hotel options?
Our extensions include accommodation. With a huge variety of hotels available in each destination, we’ve done the hard work for you. Using our extensive on-the-ground experience, we've handpicked our favorite properties based on location, style and guest feedback.
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Are there group or private tour options available?
All our packages include private transfers and offer a selection of hotels categorised by comfort level. We can arrange day tours on either a shared or private basis, depending on your preference.
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Can I trek in Patagonia before or after my cruise?
Absolutely! Patagonia offers a variety of hiking options, from easy day treks to challenging multi-day adventures. Our experts are here to chat with you about your fitness level, distance preferences and accommodation needs, so we can prepate the perfect trip for you.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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