Including return international flights, all accommodation including 9 nights aboard the Ocean Endeavour ship, delicious daily breakfast, Zodiac landing experiences, shore excursions, on-board lectures, and more.
Antarctica is in a league of its own. No other place on the planet comes close to rivalling this frozen frontier’s untamed landscapes, pristine environment and majestic wildlife. Tick off this true bucket list experience with a 23 day Antarctica Expedition cruise with Highlights of South America tour.
Begin your adventure in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. Make your way to the summit of Corcovado Hill and admire the grandeur of the iconic Christ the Redeemer. Fly to Puerto Iguassu and spend time exploring and discovering the beauty of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Iguassu Falls. Cross the Argentinean side of the falls before heading to lively capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires.
Meander the elegant streets of this beautiful city on a guided tour and then board a flight to Ushuaia the following day. Ushuaia is an idyllic resort town that doubles as a launching pad for Antarctic expeditions; it sits on the southernmost tip of Argentina and as such has garnered the nickname, the ‘End of the World’.
It is from Ushuaia where you first step foot on the Ocean Endeavour, the state-of-the-art polar expedition ship that will be your floating home for the next 9 nights. Not only is the Ocean Endeavour armed to navigate the waters between Argentina and Antarctica, but it is also one of the only ships with health- and wellness-focused facilities. Passengers have use of spa amenities, a sauna and a gym with yoga classes. Plus there is also a well-stocked library and a program of educational lectures and presentations.
The Ocean Endeavour crosses the Drake Passage first. This body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands is named after Sir Francis Drake, the renowned 16th-century English explorer, and is one of the most infamous sections of the expedition. Tip: those prone to a queasy stomach should pack extra motion sickness tablets. The reward for negotiating the Drake Passage is the opportunity to see the likes of orca whales and albatross, and, of course, reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. The Ocean Endeavour glides through the Peninsula’s waters, moving between icy bays and untouched channels; passing sprawling glaciers and craggy mountain escarpments. Weather permitting, you will clamber into the Zodiacs to make shore landings (aided by the expert crew) and perhaps even visit local penguin rookeries. Listen out for the sound of calving glaciers breaking off as you stand on deck and commit the awe-inspiring outlook to memory – or the camera roll of your smartphone. You have four days to soak up the serenity and magic of the Antarctic Peninsula before the Ocean Endeavour begins its return voyage to the South American mainland.
Want to visit another out-of-this-world destination on this trip? Opt to extend the experience to a 29 day itinerary to discover the astounding history of Machu Picchu, Lima and Cuzco.
Day 1: Australia – 
– Rio de Janeiro
Set out for the airport and catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro. You will be met upon arrival in Brazil and transferred to the hotel.
Please note that some flights may depart 1 day earlier.
For those purchasing the Tour Only option, your tour starts today. Please make your own way to the hotel.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro (B, D)
Today is yours at leisure. Head out to explore the many sights of beautiful Rio de Janeiro, before enjoying a traditional Brazilian dinner later tonight.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Head to the scenic cog railway where you’ll begin your journey to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Admire the grandeur of the 125 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer as it stands at 2,400 feet above the bustling city. One of the “New Wonders of the World”, this incredible vantage point will give you breath-taking views of the city below. Continue making your way along some of Rio’s world-renowned beaches including Copacabana and Ipanema, before returning back to your hotel.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Today is yours to do as little or as much as you like. Shop, indulge in local street eats or visit some of the attractions you missed out on seeing the day before.
Day 5: Rio de Janeiro – – Puerto Iguassu (B, D)
Catch a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Puerto Iguassu. Spend the day exploring the Brazilian side of the spectacular Iguassu Falls, a magnificent natural wonder that is not only wider than Victoria Falls in South Africa, but higher than the mighty Niagara Falls in Canada. Made up of over 275 cataracts, you’re sure to be amazed at the beauty of this incredible spectacle. Tonight you’ll indulge in a delicious Argentine dinner.
Day 6: Puerto Iguassu (B)
This morning you’ll head to the Argentinean side of the Falls. A rail car will take you to the top of the Upper Circuit, before you’ll have the chance to walk along the Lower Circuit. Continue on to discover Devil’s Gorge, before enjoying the rest of the day exploring the national treasures the World Heritage Site of Iguzu National Park.
Please note that in order to access the falls you are required to walk over uneven surfaces and narrow paths. The paths may feature sets of stairs which can become slippery due to mist.
Day 7: Puerto Iguassu – – Buenos Aires (B)
Take a flight to the sprawling metropolis of Buenos Aires. Dubbed the “Paris of South America”, it is filled with incredible architecture, striking monuments and an abundance of parks. Spend the day at leisure.
Day 8: Buenos Aires (B)
Enjoy the day at leisure, doing as little or as much as you like.
Day 9: Buenos Aires (B)
Today you’ll head out on a city tour of Buenos Aires. Learn about the old and contemporary history of the city as you visit top attractions including La Boca, Palermo and Recoleta.
Day 10: Buenos Aires – – Ushuaia (B)
Board your flight bound for Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of South America. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening attend a briefing session in preparation for embarkation tomorrow.
Day 11: Ushuaia – Ocean Endeavour (B, D) 
Get ready to embark on your expedition this afternoon. Settle into your cabin before your vessel departs for the voyage down the Beagle Channel.
Days 12 – 13: Drake Passage (B, L, D)
The expedition crosses the Drake Passage, the stretch of water named for Sir Francis Drake. Depending on the conditions, you may choose to be spend time out on the ship’s deck on the lookout for local wildlife – dolphins, orcas and albatross – or sit down to one of the lectures offered by the expert crew. The Ocean Endeavour’s world-class facilities mean there is no shortage of things to do. This is one of the only polar expedition ships with a focus on health and wellness, and the vessel comes kitted out with spa facilities, yoga studio, gym, saunas and a panoramic flydeck.
Days 14 – 17: Antarctic Peninsula (B, L, D)
Experience four unforgettable days exploring the vastness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way you’ll move past frozen glaciers, looming mountains, majestic bays and epic channels. Your discovery of the region is done by both Zodiac landings (guided by the crew) and on foot. As well as marvelling at the untamed landscapes you may also encounter some of the area’s residents – penguins, humpback and minke whales, and perhaps even leopard seals. Please note that landing sites visited will be determined by weather conditions.
Days 18 – 19: At Sea (B, L, D)
The Ocean Endeavour leaves the Antarctic Peninsula as it begins the return voyage to Ushuaia. Now is the time to swap photos and tales with your fellow explorers, and enjoy final lectures. You may also want to make one last visit to the ship’s spa, sauna, heated pool or yoga studio.
Day 20: Ushuaia – – Buenos Aires (B)
The Ocean Endeavour returns to the mainland and you disembark. Say goodbye to the crew and other travellers and board a flight back to Buenos Aires. Once you have landed back in the capital, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Day 21: Buenos Aires (B)
Today is yours at leisure.
Day 22: Buenos Aires – – Australia (B)
A transfer takes you to the airport as you begin the return journey to Australia.
For those purchasing the Tour Only option, at the appropriate time please make your own way from the hotel to your next travel arrangements.
Day 23: Australia
Arrive back home in Australia today.
Please note – some flights may arrive home one day later.
Day 1: Australia – – Rio de Janeiro
Set out for the airport and catch a flight to Rio de Janeiro. You will be met upon arrival in Brazil and transferred to the hotel.
Please note that some flights may depart 1 day earlier.
For those purchasing the Tour Only option, your tour starts today. Please make your own way to the hotel.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro (B, D)
Today is yours at leisure. Head out to explore the many sights of beautiful Rio de Janeiro, before enjoying a traditional Brazilian dinner later tonight.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Head to the scenic cog railway where you’ll begin your journey to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Admire the grandeur of the 125 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer as it stands at 2,400 feet above the bustling city. One of the “New Wonders of the World”, this incredible vantage point will give you breath-taking views of the city below. Continue making your way along some of Rio’s world-renowned beaches including Copacabana and Ipanema, before returning back to your hotel.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Today is yours to do as little or as much as you like. Shop, indulge in local street eats or visit some of the attractions you missed out on seeing the day before.
Day 5: Rio de Janeiro – – Puerto Iguassu (B, D)
Catch a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Puerto Iguassu. Spend the day exploring the Brazilian side of the spectacular Iguassu Falls, a magnificent natural wonder that is not only wider than Victoria Falls in South Africa, but higher than the mighty Niagara Falls in Canada. Made up of over 275 cataracts, you’re sure to be amazed at the beauty of this incredible spectacle. Tonight you’ll indulge in a delicious Argentine dinner.
Day 6: Puerto Iguassu (B)
This morning you’ll head to the Argentinean side of the Falls. A rail car will take you to the top of the Upper Circuit, before you’ll have the chance to walk along the Lower Circuit. Continue on to discover Devil’s Gorge, before enjoying the rest of the day exploring the national treasures the World Heritage Site of Iguzu National Park.
Please note that in order to access the falls you are required to walk over uneven surfaces and narrow paths. The paths may feature sets of stairs which can become slippery due to mist.
Day 7: Puerto Iguassu – – Buenos Aires (B)
Take a flight to the sprawling metropolis of Buenos Aires. Dubbed the “Paris of South America”, it is filled with incredible architecture, striking monuments and an abundance of parks. Spend the day at leisure.
Day 8: Buenos Aires (B)
Enjoy the day at leisure, doing as little or as much as you like.
Day 9: Buenos Aires – – Lima (B)
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima, Peru’s capital city. On arrival, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Day 10: Lima (B)
This morning’s tour of Lima, with its 2000 years of history, begins at the colonial centre of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic buildings surrounding the splendid Plaza Mayor. View the impressive Palace of the Archbishop with its fine carved balcony, the opulent Government Palace, official residence of the President, and the 16th century Cathedral of Lima whose first stone was laid by Pizarro. Continue to the 17th century Monasterio de San Francisco complex with its magnificent tiles, ornate carved ceilings, exceptional paintings and world-renowned library. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 11: Lima – – Cuzco – Sacred Valley (B)
Depart Lima for Cuzco in the Peruvian Andes. This ancient capital of the Inca Empire is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 12: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley – Cuzco (B)
This morning transfer to the Sacred Valley’s Ollanta Station to board The 360° Train that travels through misty peaks to the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, designated by UNESCO as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu was virtually unknown to the western world until Hiram Bingham’s rediscovery in 1911. Spend the morning viewing the unforgettable wonders of this 15th century retreat, abandoned nearly 100 years later with the arrival of the conquistadors. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant archaeological site will be a long-lasting memory. Return to the Sacred Valley in the early evening and transfer to your hotel in Cuzco.
Day 13: Cuzco (B)
Spend the day exploring Cuzco at your own pace.
Day 14: Cuzco – – Buenos Aires (B)
Fly from Cuzco to Buenos Aires. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 15: Buenos Aires (B)
Today you’ll head out on a city tour of Buenos Aires. Learn about the old and contemporary history of the city as you visit top attractions including La Boca, Palermo and Recoleta.
Day 16: Buenos Aires – – Ushuaia (B)
Board your flight bound for Ushuaia, the southernmost tip of South America. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening attend a briefing session in preparation for embarkation tomorrow.
Day 17: Ushuaia – Ocean Endeavour (B, D)
Get ready to embark on your expedition this afternoon. Settle into your cabin before your vessel departs for the voyage down the Beagle Channel.
Days 18 – 19: Drake Passage (B, L, D)
The expedition crosses the Drake Passage, the stretch of water named for Sir Francis Drake. Depending on the conditions, you may choose to be spend time out on the ship’s deck on the lookout for local wildlife – dolphins, orcas and albatross – or sit down to one of the lectures offered by the expert crew. The Ocean Endeavour’s world-class facilities mean there is no shortage of things to do. This is one of the only polar expedition ships with a focus on health and wellness, and the vessel comes kitted out with spa facilities, yoga studio, gym, saunas and a panoramic flydeck.
Days 20 – 23: Antarctic Peninsula (B, L, D)
Experience four unforgettable days exploring the vastness of the Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way you’ll move past frozen glaciers, looming mountains, majestic bays and epic channels. Your discovery of the region is done by both Zodiac landings (guided by the crew) and on foot. As well as marvelling at the untamed landscapes you may also encounter some of the area’s residents – penguins, humpback and minke whales, and perhaps even leopard seals. Please note that landing sites visited will be determined by weather conditions.
Days 24 – 25: At Sea (B, L, D)
The Ocean Endeavour leaves the Antarctic Peninsula as it begins the return voyage to Ushuaia. Now is the time to swap photos and tales with your fellow explorers, and enjoy final lectures. You may also want to make one last visit to the ship’s spa, sauna, heated pool or yoga studio.
Day 26: Ushuaia – – Buenos Aires (B)
The Ocean Endeavour returns to the mainland and you disembark. Say goodbye to the crew and other travellers and board a flight back to Buenos Aires. Once you have landed back in the capital, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Day 27: Buenos Aires (B)
Today is yours at leisure.
Day 28: Buenos Aires – – Australia (B)
A transfer takes you to the airport as you begin the return journey to Australia.
For those purchasing the Tour Only option, at the appropriate time please make your own way from the hotel to your next travel arrangements.
Day 29: Australia
Arrive back home in Australia today.
Please note – some flights may arrive home one day later.
23 day itinerary:
29 day itinerary:
Highlights:
How to book:
Deposit Information:
Documentation: Documentation will be provided after final payment is complete and within 2-3 weeks of travel, including E-Ticket instructions, hotel confirmation, itinerary extension & optional tour confirmation (where applicable) and destination travel tips.
Tour Excludes:
Group size: Cruise ship capacity is up to 200 guests.
Single Supplement:
23 day itinerary in a Porthole Twin cabin – $10,499
23 day itinerary in a Window Twin cabin – $12,499
23 day itinerary in a Porthole Suite – $13,499
23 day itinerary in a Window Suite – $14,499
29 day itinerary in a Porthole Twin cabin – $10,999
29 day itinerary in a Window twin cabin– $12,999
29 day itinerary in a Porthole Suite – $13,999
29 day itinerary in a Window Suite – $14,999
Single Supplement cost is per person in addition to 1 x twin share price.
You can purchase your single supplement by clicking here.
Tour Only: To purchase this tour without flights, click here. By selecting this option, all flights including internal domestic flights and all airport transfers (if applicable) will be forfeited. Please refer to the live calendar to view and select Tour Only start date.
Accommodation: The accommodation listed below may be subject to change, but will remain of a similar or higher standard. Any changes remain beyond our control and all efforts are made to communicate these as soon as possible. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed.
Rio de Janeiro: Arena Copacabana Hotel or similar
Puerto Iguassu : El Pueblito Hotel or similar
Buenos Aires: Tango de Mayo Hotel or similar
Ship: Ocean Endeavour or similar
Cusco: San Agustin Internacional Hotel or similar
Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel or similar
Guayaquil: Wyndham Hotel or similar
Isabel Island: Casa de Marita or similar
Santa Cruz Island: Villa Laguna or similar
Lima: San Agustin Exclusive Hotel or similar
Sacred Valley: La Casona de Yucay Hotel or similar
Cusco: Xima Cusco Hotel or similar
Bedding: 1 x double bed or 2 x single beds
Cruise: Ocean Endeavour
This is one of the few polar expedition ships in Antarctica with a focus on health and wellness, it also has an industry-leading ratio of one crew member for every eight travellers. This means you’ll enjoy a more personal, informative and comfortable trip. With spa facilities, saunas, a yoga studio, gym, library, a wide range of cabin types, modern Zodiacs and 360° views from the unique flydeck, the Ocean Endeavour is quite literally the coolest way to take the trip of a lifetime.
Other inclusions on the Ocean Endeavour:
Cabin Amenities:
Please note, some staterooms will get allocated a cabin number by the Cruise Company no earlier than within 30 days of sailing and any stateroom location requests cannot be guaranteed.
Refer to the Ship Profile tab for more information.
Triple Share: Not available
Children: Same price as adults. Min age 8 years
Optional Tours on board:
Kayaking – $1130 per person (previous or recent experience is essential)
Snowshoeing – $215 per person (subject to availability)
Photography programme – $1130 per person
Optional tours have limited availability, they are also subject weather conditions and minimum numbers. The tours sell fast and cannot be guaranteed. Should the tour you have purchased be unavailable, we will process a full refund of the tour cost back to your original form of payment. Optional Tours requested within 65 days of travel will not be accepted.
You can purchase your optional tours by clicking here.
Itinerary: Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. On-board, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is guaranteed.
Coach transportation: Where group sizes are not sufficient to use a full-sized coach, we reserve the right to use a smaller coach on the same level of comfort.
Tipping: If you have enjoyed the knowledge, service and expertise of your tour guide and driver, a tip (while not compulsory) is appropriate towards the end of your tour. While it may not be customary in Australia, tipping is entrenched into many cultures especially within the tourism industry globally. Optional gratuity is divided between the ship’s crew and hospitality staff. The following is provided to assist our guests:
Our past guests have left gratuities based on their overall service of USD $13-15 per day, with between USD $3-5 per day being allocated towards the expedition team. Both of these are entirely at your discretion. Gratuities can be added to your on-board account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash on board.
Physical rating: Although you don’t need to be particularly fit to take part in an Antarctic expedition, you do need to have a good level of mobility. You must be able to complete the on board safety drills and emergency evacuation procedures unaided. Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet while negotiating the ship over potentially slippery decks and gangways. The zodiacs are accessed via a gangway which is reached via steep and narrow internal stairs. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift (elevator), but it does not access all decks so some stair climbing on board will be necessary.
On shore conditions will vary. Ice and snow underfoot can make conditions slippery. Some locations have steep climbs or long walks to reach a place of interest but wherever possible, the expedition guides will offer options of shorter or longer stays on shore, and varying levels of activity. The crew are on hand to assist passengers on and off the zodiacs at all landings.
It remains each passenger’s responsibility to inform Webjet Exclusives of any health or mobility issues that may impact the running of the tour, both for the safety of the passenger concerned and for other travellers in the group.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all customers purchase Travel Insurance as soon as they make a purchase on our website. Help cover yourself for the unexpected with Webjet Travel Insurance, we highly recommend it. Click here for a quote.
Visas: Visas are not included. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet the visa requirements for the country they are visiting. Webjet Exclusives is unable to provide visa advice.
For Visa assistance, please visit Webjet’s Travel Visa Service page
Any deposits paid at the time of purchase are non-refundable.
$100 spending money offer valid for any Webjet Exclusives tour or resort booking made at www.exclusives.webjet.com.au. Eligible bookings will receive a unique account application link from Webjet Exclusives via email within 72 hours of making a booking. Any HSBC Everyday Global Account applications not made via this link or if the booking is cancelled, the offer will not be fulfilled/paid. One (1) offer will be paid per booking. The offer is a 100 AUD deposit into the newly opened HSBC Everyday Global Accounts and the activated Visa Debit card. The offer may take up to 6 weeks to be fulfilled/paid. Webjet Exclusives reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time. The email address entered at the time of booking will be used as the primary contact. Webjet Exclusives’ standard booking terms and conditions apply. For more information go to www.hsbc.com.au/accounts/offers/everyday-global/webjet/
2020:
23 day itinerary:
26 October
4 November
13 November
29 day itinerary:
20 October
29 October
7 November
Peak season surcharges will apply to some dates, please see the availability calendar for more details
Availability on departure dates listed in Fine Print is subject to change. Live availability is shown on the availability calendar after clicking on the BOOK NOW button
Tour Only option – Navigate to the Fine Print tab and proceed to “click here” for Tour Only option to view live availability. Note, Tour Only option commences on Day 1 of the flight-inclusive itinerary.
Bookings not accepted when within 65 days of departure
Airline Information:
Flight Conditions:
Flight Options:
Date/Itinerary Variations:
Cabin/Class Upgrades (where applicable):
Tour Only:
Ocean Endeavour Ship
Ship Amenities:
Health and Wellness Amenities:
The Ocean Endeavour is the only polar expedition ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness, and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly designed health and fitness features:
Cabin Types:
Porthole Twin (category 4):
Window Twin (category 5):
Porthole Suite (category 6):
Window Suite (category 7):
