Flight expedition to the South Pole with overnight stay at base camp
from/to Punta Arenas, Chile
13 days / 12 nights
13-day flight expedition to the South Pole, from/to Punta Arenas and stay at base camp
++ Start 2027 in a very special place: This trip is also available for New Year’s Eve. ++
For centuries, Antarctica has been THE ultimate destination for all globetrotters and explorers.
Norwegian polar explorer and discoverer Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the geographic South Pole on December 14, 1911. Behind him lay two years of the harshest travel and weather conditions. Nowadays, you can reach the South Pole much more comfortably and quickly .
Flights in small aircraft and the tent camp in Antarctica, which has been set up on a glacier, provide the perfect setting for explorers. There you will acclimatize yourself with many activities and sightseeing trips in the surrounding area. Weather permitting, you will be flown to the South Pole the next day.
The South Pole in Antarctica is so large that Europe could easily sink into it. It is such an untouched and pristine place, uninhabited and breathtakingly beautiful. For centuries, the White Continent has captivated explorers such as Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of individual travel packages including flights, hotels in Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to extend your trip.
Solo travelers please note:Accommodation in the tent camp in Antarctica is in two-person tents for everyone. In Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas, a single room can be booked for an additional fee.
Route: Thefinal itinerary during the flight expedition will be determined on site by the expedition leader based on ice and weather conditions. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
Entry requirements:A passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return date) is sufficientfor entry into Chile and Antarctica.
Insurance: Proof ofinternational health insurance covering medical repatriation must be provided. We will send you a quote for this.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Unique: Celebrate the turn of the year in the South Pole region and start the new year with a clear head and new goals!
- Right in the center of the Antarctic continent: the South Pole – 90° south
- Glacier base camp in Antarctica, approximately 1,000 km north of the South Pole
- Exciting activities and sightseeing at base camp for acclimatization
- 1 day by plane to the South Pole at 90°S with South Pole ceremony. Walk around the world or the pole marker.
route
itinerary
Expected itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Departure from Germany
Day 2: Arrival in Santiago de Chile and connecting flight to Punta Arenas
Days 3 + 4: Buffer day for briefing and equipment check
Day 5: Flight to Antarctica
Days 6–9: Glacier camp and flight to the South Pole
Day 10: Return flight to Punta Arenas
Day 11: Buffer day in Punta Arenas or return flight to Santiago de Chile
Day 12: Overnight stay in Punta Arenas / Santiago de Chile
Day 13: Onward flight to Germany
Day 14: Arrival in Germany
Day 1 |Punta Arenas
This day is yours to spend at your leisure. It also serves as a "buffer" in case the flight expedition has to depart earlier due to weather conditions. You will receive detailed information about the course of the expedition and be provided with special polar clothing. Your main luggage will also be loaded onto the plane.
Day 4 |Antarctica (B, L, D)
Today is the planned departure date for Antarctica! This is extremely weather-dependent, so changes to the itinerary are expressly reserved. Once the pilot has received clearance for the flight, you must be ready for departure within one hour (under certain circumstances, the flight may also take place the evening before!). Transfer to the airport and approx. 4.5-hour flight to the base camp in the interior of the Antarctic continent. Here you are 640 km from the coast and only 1,067 km from the South Pole. Accommodation is in two-person tents suitable for polar conditions.
Days 3 to 5 | Base Camp, Union Glacier & South Pole
During your stay in Antarctica, you will have several days to explore Union Glacier. A typical day at Union Glacier begins with a briefing after breakfast, where you will discuss the options for the day with your tour guide, tailored to the weather and the interests of the group. Union Glacier excursions may include one of the following destinations:
Elephant’s Head
Take one of the wheeled vehicles to this dramatic marble outcrop overlooking the blue ice field. For photographers, there are endless opportunities for close-up shots of ice formations or sweeping glacier landscapes. Hikers can trek to the base of Elephant's Head or climb to the summit of Rhodes Bluff, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Union Glacier and the Heritage Range.
Buchanan Hills
Take the unique Tucker Bus, a special tracked vehicle, on a scenic journey to Buchanan Hills. For fit and adventurous visitors, there are two hiking routes that require no prior experience and offer the rare opportunity to climb a peak in the heart of Antarctica.
Drake Icefall
This impressive icefall plunges from the polar plateau into Union Glacier. Winds from the South Pole carve huge waves into the blue ice and polish the surface to a high shine.
Charles Peak Windscoop
You will discover the power of the wind on the ice as you hike through a sparkling turquoise corridor. For the truly adventurous, this is an ideal place for ice climbing with an experienced guide.
The Beach at Rossman Cove
Another spectacular spot for photos and panoramic views! Bring your cross-country skis or a picnic lunch and enjoy the Antarctic version of a glacier beach.
Highlight | Geographic South Pole
As soon as weather conditions permit, board the ski plane and set off for the southernmost point on Earth! Depending on the aircraft, the flight takes between 4 and 5½ hours. On the way there, you will fly over the polar plateau and see wind-swept snow, known as sastrugi, crevasses, and an endless white expanse. As you approach 90° South, you will see the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a cluster of buildings surrounded by snow and sky. You will land on a ski slope and disembark from the plane near the South Pole marker.
This is where all 360 degrees of longitude meet, and beneath your feet the ice is almost 3000 m thick! Congratulations – you are now one of a select few who have ventured this far south. You will have plenty of time to take photos at the geographic and ceremonial poles. Enjoy this special place and imagine what it must have felt like to stand here a century ago. With only the sound of the wind and an endless white expanse stretching in all directions to the north.
You will typically spend 2-3 hours at the pole. Given the cold and altitude, this is the perfect amount of time to fully absorb the moment. Temperatures at the South Pole range from -35° to -25°C, and even the slightest frost can quickly freeze your skin. Therefore, it is important to wear warm layers and cover your hands and face completely. The physiological altitude (perceived altitude) at the South Pole is about 3300 m. This will be noticeable in the form of shortness of breath and mild headaches. Take it slow and easy so that your body can adjust to the unfamiliar conditions. An experienced medical professional accompanies all South Pole flights and takes care of your health.
Your flight is scheduled so that you will return on the same day. In the unlikely event that weather conditions change and an overnight stay becomes necessary, you will have food and camping equipment on board. The guest services team will help you pack your sleeping bag.
Day 6 | Return flight to Punta Arenas (B)
Weather permitting, the regular return trip to Punta Arenas is scheduled for this day. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be transferred to your hotel.
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
PLEASE NOTE: These trips are extremely expedition-oriented! Even more so than expedition cruises, the itinerary for the trips presented here must be adapted to the weather, wind, and ice conditions on the Antarctic continent and at the South Pole. Maximum flexibility and extra time are essential. It is recommended that you do not schedule any important appointments for at least one week after your scheduled return from Antarctica. Any additional costs incurred in Punta Arenas due to delays in/from Antarctica must be covered by the traveler.
The stay in Antarctica is subject to strict environmental regulations. Everything that is brought here must be taken back with you when you leave.
Further information
Note for travelers with limited mobility
On expedition trips, the travel experience occasionally focuses on visiting locations that can only be reached on foot and with good physical mobility. For these reasons, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Please contact us for advice in individual cases.
December 12, 2026 – December 17, 2026
From €66,750 €60,075 per person
6 days/5 nights
Flying expedition to the South Pole | Union Glacier Camp
Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrival and departure, as well as the schedule for each day, must be handled flexibly.
A helping hand for solo travelers: shared tents available
December 30, 2026 – January 4, 2027
From €66,750 €60,075 per person
6 days/5 nights
Flying expedition to the South Pole | Union Glacier Camp
Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrival and departure, as well as the schedule for each day, must be handled flexibly.
A helping hand for solo travelers: shared tents available
January 16, 2027 – January 22, 2027
From €66,750 €60,075 per person
6 days/5 nights
Flying expedition to the South Pole | Union Glacier Camp
Punta Arenas, Chile Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrival and departure, as well as the schedule for each day, must be handled flexibly.
A helping hand for solo travelers: shared tents available
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
Information
Included services:
- Airport transfers in Punta Arenas
- Charter flights from/to Punta Arenas to/from the Antarctic base camp
- Charter flights from/to Base Camp Antarctica to/from the South Pole
- Stay in Antarctica, see tour itinerary (overnight stays in two-person tents)
- Experienced expedition team from/to Punta Arenas, English-speaking
- Ceremony and Certificate
- Checked baggage up to 25 kg plus skis
Not included
- Scheduled flights to/from Punta Arenas, Chile
- Airport transfers outside Punta Arenas
- Accommodation and meals in Punta Arenas
- additional flights in Antarctica
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Costs incurred due to delays
- Checked baggage weighing more than 25 kg
- Fees for using the satellite phone
- Insurance coverage: personal, medical, evacuation, etc.
Important:
- English-speaking expedition team
- Cancellation policy: Different cancellation conditions apply to this expedition:
- Up to 90 days before departure: €7,000;
From 89 days before departure: 95% of the trip price. - Please note that travel dates may vary.
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
- Group size: min. 6, max. 10 people*
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
*If the advertised minimum number of participants is not reached, it is possible to carry out the trip in a small group for an additional charge; alternatively, we reserve the right to withdraw from the travel contract no later than 21 days before the start of the trip (see Terms and Conditions), of which we will inform you immediately. We will then refund any payments already made without delay.
South Pole Emperors Explorers guests in front of the ALE aircraft
Final preparations | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers stewardess airplane ALE
Welcome! | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers Union Glacier Camp Tents ALE
Union Glacier Camp | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers Wanderers Snow ALE
Hiking in Antarctica | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers trucker bus ALE
Trucker Bus | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers Union Glacier Shield ALE
Union Glacier Camp | @ALE
South Pole Emperors Explorers hike snowy landscape ALE
Union Glacier hike | @ALE
South Pole - Emperor's Explorers aircraft - South Pole from the side - ALE
Machine to the South Pole | @ALE
South Pole Flight Station ALE
Amundsen Scott South Pole Station | @ALE
The ceremonial South Pole
Ceremonial South Pole marker at 90° south
South Pole Flight Man at the Pole Sign ALE
Geographic South Pole | @ALE
South Pole - Emperor's Explorers - Man at the dome - ALE
Memories for life | @ALE
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