ANTARCTICA TRAVERSE2027/2028
8 days on the White Continent — rope-team travel, glacier navigation and wildlife encounters at the edge of the planet.
Duration
8–10 days
Grade
Elite · Expedition
Altitude
0 – 250 M
Season
DECEMBER – JANUARY (AUSTRAL SUMMER)
(01) Overview
A guided crossing of the White Continent.
The expedition takes place on and around King George Island, using mountaineering and polar travel techniques to explore glaciated terrain and coastal areas. Participants operate in teams with rotating leadership responsibilities, taking ownership for navigation, camp organization, meal preparation, and operational decision-making. This structure allows each participant to experience both leadership and followership roles in a real-world context.
Historical Antarctic expeditions (e.g., Shackleton, Scott) are used selectively as case material for discussion, focusing on leadership under pressure and ethical decision-making, always framed within a modern, professionally supported expedition model.
Participant Profile & Group Composition This program is offered exclusively to pre-formed teams of five to six (5–6) participants from the same organization in order to ensure deep collaboration, shared responsibility, and meaningful learning. Individual registrations are not accepted.
If the Minimum Number Is Not Reached If, by the reservation deadline (June 21st), the minimum number of 30 paid participants has not been reached, Andes Explorers will cancel the program. We will issue a 100% refund of all amounts paid to date to each participant. No penalties or administrative fees will apply in this case. This policy applies exclusively to cancellations initiated by Andes Explorers due to not reaching the minimum required number of participants.
Cancellation & Refund Policy Deposit (USD 4,000): The deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances, including personal, medical, professional, or organizational reasons. Participants are strongly advised to purchase trip cancellation insurance. Balance Payment (USD 4,750): The refund policy for the balance payment is based on the time between the date of balance payment and the official program start date, divided into three equal calendar segments: • First third: 66% refundable • Second third: 33% refundable • Final third: No refund All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
(02) Highlights
Trip highlights.
- 01Glacier Dome Traverse & Multi-Night Ice Camping
- 02Polar Survival & Igloo Building Workshops
- 03Direct Expedition Flight Across the Southern Ocean
- 04Antarctic Base Connections & Scientific Lectures
- 05Glacier Trekking to the Remote North Coast
- 06Antarctic Wildlife & Coastal Ecosystem Exploration
(03) Day by day
Itinerary.
- Day 01Punta Arenas, Chile
Team arrival, gear check and mandatory pre-departure briefing. Overnight in Punta Arenas.
- Day 02Flight to King George Island
Charter flight across the Drake Passage (~2 hrs). Trek to Camp.
- Day 03GLACIER DOME / ICE CAMP
Trek to Camp 2. First skills day on snow: self-arrest, crevasse rescue refresh, sled rigging.
- Day 04TRAVERSE BEGINS
Trek to West Coast.
- Day 05KING GEORGE ISLAND
Trek to North Coast.
- Day 06KING GEORGE ISLAND
Trek from Camp 2 to C1
- Day 07KING GEORGE ISLAND
Weather Contingency day in King George Island
- Day 08RETURN TO PUNTA ARENAS
Charter flight back to Chile. Trip ends.
(04) Logistics
What's included.
Included
- +All guiding by certified mountain guides
- +Charter flights Punta Arenas ↔ King George Island
- +All meals during the expedition in Antarctica
- +Group technical gear: ropes, sleds, tents, stoves
- +Satellite communications and PLBs
- +Polar medical kit and evacuation coordination
- +IAATO permits, Antarctic Treaty documentation
Not included
- −International flights to Punta Arenas
- −Personal technical clothing and boots
- −Evacuation or rescue operation
- −Accommodation in Punta Arenas
- −Meals in Punta Arenas
- −Personal snacks, beverages
- −Any cost not explicitly listed as included
(05) Gear & safety
Gear
- Layer clothing combining different garments in order to achieve proper thermoregulation. Avoid cotton when purchasing as this material is a poor insulator when wet.
- For this expedition, you will need 1-2 synthetic insulating layers (an under layer and a thicker pair of fleece pants. All layers must fit comfortably over each other.
- Waterproof shell jacket and pants
- Glacier glasses (category 4) and ski goggles
- We suggest a 0 degree F bag. If you have a bag close enough, consider purchasing a liner bag which can add several degrees of comfort.
- Detailed gear list sent 6 months before departure
Safety
- Certified guides on every rope team
- Wilderness First Responder on every departure
- Satellite comms with 24/7 basecamp check-in
- Coordinated evacuation protocol
- Contingency days built into every itinerary for weather windows
(06) FAQ
Questions.
Do I need previous mountaineering experience?+
Participants must be in good general health and possess a moderate level of physical fitness, including the ability to: Walk several hours (4 to 8) per day on uneven terrain Carry a backpack (12 to 16 kg) for extended periods Tolerate cold, wind, and variable weather conditions No prior mountaineering or polar experience is required. All participants must complete a medical information form.
How cold does it get?+
Summer temperatures on King George range from −5 °C to +2 °C, with wind chill down to −20 °C. We provide detailed clothing systems in the pre-trip packet.
Is this trip suitable for a university club?+
Yes — it is one of our flagship programs for outdoor clubs.
(07) Request this expedition
Ready for Antarctica?
Tell us your group size, target dates and objectives. Our basecamp team replies within 48 hours with a tailored proposal.