Patagonia & Antarctica Cruises: Itineraries & Prices
You're already flying to the bottom of South America, so it makes sense to see Patagonia too. Here's how to pair Ushuaia, Perito Moreno Glacier or Torres del Paine with your Antarctica cruise.
- No booking fee
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Every Antarctica cruise from South America starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both are gateways to Patagonia, a region of granite peaks, glaciers and windswept steppe. Adding a few days before or after your cruise costs far less than a separate trip later.
Extra days on land also protect your cruise. Ships won't wait for a delayed flight, so arriving early is the simplest insurance you can buy. Here's how to combine the two, with sample itineraries.
At a Glance
The easiest combination is 2–3 days in Ushuaia before your cruise. For more, add El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier (a short flight from Ushuaia) or Torres del Paine with a fly-cruise from Punta Arenas. Most combined trips run 14–24 days.
| Gateways | Ushuaia, Argentina · Punta Arenas, Chile |
| Add-on length | 2–10 days on land |
| Season | November to March (the same as Antarctica) |
| Top add-ons | Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine |
| Total trip | 14–24 days including the cruise |
Why Combine Patagonia and Antarctica?
- You're already there. The long-haul flight to South America is the expensive part. Internal flights in Patagonia are short and relatively cheap.
- It protects your cruise. Flights to Ushuaia are sometimes delayed or canceled. Arriving 1–2 days early means a delay doesn't make you miss the ship. See what insurance covers if you miss embarkation.
- It's a different kind of wild. Antarctica is ice and wildlife. Patagonia adds hiking, glaciers you can walk on, and condors over the peaks.
New to the logistics? Start with how to get to Antarctica.
Ushuaia: The Gateway to Antarctica
Most Antarctica cruises depart from here
Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina, about a 3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Most ships board in the late afternoon, so plan at least one night here before your cruise. Two or three nights is better.
- Beagle Channel boat trip. Sea lion and cormorant colonies and the red-and-white Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Some tours stop at a Magellanic penguin colony in season.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park. Forest trails, lakes and the end of Argentina's Route 3, a 20-minute drive from town.
- End of the World Train. A narrow-gauge tourist railway along the route once used by the town's prison.
- Martial Glacier. A hike above town with views across the channel.
El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
El Calafate is about a 1 hour 15 minute flight from Ushuaia and the base for Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The star is Perito Moreno Glacier. Walkways bring you face to face with its 60 m (200 ft) ice wall, and chunks regularly calve into the lake.
You can also go "mini-trekking" on the glacier in crampons or take a boat to see other glaciers in the park. Plan 2–3 nights.
El Chaltén & Mount Fitz Roy
About three hours' drive north of El Calafate, El Chaltén is Argentina's trekking capital. The famous day hike to Laguna de los Tres ends at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires. Add 2–3 nights if you like hiking. Weather here changes fast, so build in a spare day.
Torres del Paine National Park
Chile's best-known national park is reached from Puerto Natales, about three hours by road from Punta Arenas. It pairs naturally with an Antarctica fly-cruise from Punta Arenas. Spend 3–5 days doing day hikes from a lodge, or walk the multi-day W Trek to the base of the granite towers.
You can combine it with El Calafate too. The overland border crossing to Puerto Natales takes about 5–6 hours.
Sample Patagonia & Antarctica Itineraries
| Trip | Length | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Ushuaia + Antarctica | 13–15 days | 2–3 nights in Ushuaia, then a classic 10–12 day Peninsula cruise |
| Glaciers + Antarctica | 16–18 days | Buenos Aires → El Calafate (3 nights) → Ushuaia (1–2 nights) → cruise |
| Torres del Paine + fly-cruise | 14–16 days | Punta Arenas → Torres del Paine (3–4 nights) → fly-cruise to the South Shetlands |
| Grand Patagonia + Antarctica | 21–24 days | Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, then Ushuaia and the cruise |
The order matters. Doing Patagonia before the cruise gives you a buffer for delays. Doing it after lets you finish on dry land after the Drake. Most of our travelers choose before.
Best Time to Visit Patagonia and Antarctica
The seasons line up neatly: November to March is summer in both places. December to February brings the longest days and the warmest weather. It's also the windiest and busiest time in Patagonia, so book lodges early. November and March are quieter and often cheaper. Compare months in our best time to visit Antarctica guide.
How Much Does a Patagonia & Antarctica Trip Cost?
| Part of the trip | Typical cost per person |
|---|---|
| Antarctica cruise (10–12 days) | $8,000–$15,000 on most expedition ships |
| Internal flights (e.g. Buenos Aires–El Calafate–Ushuaia) | $300–$700 |
| Hotels in Ushuaia and El Calafate | $120–$400 per night |
| Torres del Paine lodge packages | Often $700–$1,500+ per night, all-inclusive |
| Day tours (glacier trekking, Beagle Channel) | $80–$300 each |
See our full Antarctica trip cost for two and cheapest way to get there.
Land costs are typical 2026–27 ranges and depend on hotel level and season.
How to Book a Patagonia & Antarctica Trip
The hard part of a combined trip is the timing: internal flights, transfers and hotel nights all have to line up with your ship's boarding time. An Antarctica specialist handles it in one plan, at no extra cost for the cruise.
- Tell us your dates and which parts of Patagonia interest you.
- Get a combined itinerary with cruise options within 2 business days.
- Book it all at once, with travel insurance that covers both parts of the trip.
Patagonia & Antarctica Trip FAQs
Can you combine Patagonia and Antarctica in one trip?
Yes. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, both gateways to Patagonia, so adding a few days on land before or after is easy.
How many days do you need for Patagonia and Antarctica?
About 14–16 days for Ushuaia or one Patagonia stop plus a classic cruise, and 21–24 days to see El Calafate, El Chaltén and Torres del Paine as well.
How early should I arrive in Ushuaia before my cruise?
At least one night before, ideally two. Ships won't wait for delayed flights.
Should I do Patagonia before or after Antarctica?
Before is safer because it builds in a buffer for flight delays. After works if you'd rather end on land and are flexible with dates.
What is the best time to visit Patagonia and Antarctica together?
November to March, when it's summer in both places. December to February is warmest; November and March are quieter.
Explore Other Antarctic Regions
Not sure this is the right trip? Compare the other regions we book, or ask an advisor to match one to your dates and budget.