Flight to South Pole. Night at the South Pole camp
PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of $5,000 is due at time of registration to reserve a space on the expedition.
A full payment is due 120 days prior to the expedition start date.
CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made less than 120 days prior to the scheduled date.
Price includes
Briefing followed by refreshments in Punta Arenas before departure
Transfers to/from airport in Punta Arenas
Return flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
All programmed flights within Antarctica
Meals and accommodations while in Antarctica
Night at the South Pole camp
Celebration dinner
Supporting staff: guides and physician
Guided day outings from Union Glacier
Luggage allowance up to 55lbs (25kg) on Punta Arenas - Union Glacier flight.
Price does not include
Flights to and from Punta Arenas other than to Union Glacier
Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
Transfers in Punta Arenas other than for the Antarctic flights
Personal equipment and clothing (polar clothing is available for rent from ALE)
Additional expenses while in Punta Arenas due to delays
Overweight on the Antarctic flights
Satellite phone while in Antarctica
Personal insurance, coverage 300 000 $
Trip overview
Moscow - Punta Arenas (Chile) - Union Glacier (Antarctica) - South Pole - Union Glacier - Punta Arenas - Moscow
Why go there?
The South Pole, also known as the Geographic South Pole is one of the two points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface. It is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and lies on the opposite side of the Earth from the North Pole. Situated on the continent of Antarctica, it is the site of the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which was established in 1956 and has been permanently staffed since that year. In our program we visit so-called the Ceremonial South Pole, it is an area set aside for photo opportunities at the South Pole Station. It is located a short distance from the Geographic South Pole, and consists of a metallic sphere on a plinth, surrounded by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty signatory states.
Tips guidelines (important information!)
You entrust your life, health, your time and money to the guides. And the guides take this responsibility for you and for the success of the whole trip. They are doing this 24 hours per day. 10-20 USD per day is expected as the normal amount of tips for the Guides and the staff of the program. If you liked everything about the trip, please don't forget to thank them. You can give the tips directly to the Main Guide and he will distribute it among the staff; additionally, you can thank specific staff members.
Necessary travel papers (documents)
Passport with 6 months validity after the return flight.
Filled in special forms for visiting Antarctica (we will assist).
Chilean multiple entry visa if needed for your nationality.
By air and by land
The price includes all flights in Antarctica.
Return flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Luggage allowance for these flights (hand + checked luggage) is 25 kg, excess luggage is $77/kg
Group equipment is divided equally among the members to carry during the ascent.
Accommodation
We can reserve any hotel in Punta Arenas for you, from 2 to 4 stars, or you can do it online yourself.
In Antarctica we stay in strong double tents, 2-3 members per tent.
Meals
We buy all the necessary food in Punta Arenas and the guides cook in the mess tent in BC and in their tents on the route. The guide coordinates and assists.
White gas (4 liters per person) is provided for use in BC and in the higher camps.
Health and medical insurance
The group will have a first-aid kit.
Each member must have medical insurance that covers altitude (5000m), 'dangerous sports' and evacuation with a coverage of at least 300,000 USD.
Weather
Antarctic summer: when it is sunny the temperature inside a tent is from 0°C to +15°C. Snow storms are frequent; then the temperature can quickly drop to -35°C. Near the summit it can be -40 degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit.
Extra expenses
Hotel in Punta Arenas USD $100-150 per day
Meals in Punta Arenas USD $50-100 per day
Luggage over 25 kg (including hand luggage) – 70 USD per kg
Internet, phone
At Union Glacier Camp you can buy airtime on shared satellite phones or you can bring your own. The guide will have a satellite phone for emergency only, but you can use it against a per-minute fee.
Possibility of renting personal equipment
Please let us know well in advance if you need to rent any gear. The shops in Punta Arenas have limited choice and stock.