As the 2025 Chinese New Year just passed, some travelers are already planning their
trips to Antarctica for the 2026 holiday! Antarctic cruise tickets are expensive, so
planning ahead is definitely a wise choice!
For those opting for premium cruises, like Seabourn or Quark, it’s a good time to
book, as prices for these high-end ships won’t drop. If you’re looking for a Chinese-
speaking cruise or a chartered boat with Chinese services, you can start preparing as
well. Since our Chinese New Year dates are fixed, once the ship departure date is set,
you can also book flights and begin planning your itinerary.
For those looking for the best value, I’d suggest waiting a bit longer! Some ships will
likely offer price reductions, but since the 2026 Chinese New Year is still more than a
year away, the true discounts haven’t started yet!
Actually, it’s not just about Antarctica; many travelers planning their Antarctic trips
for next year’s Chinese New Year are also looking to combine it with other
destinations. One of the most common questions Summer gets is about how to
combine the Torres del Paine trek with an Antarctic journey.
How to combine the Torres del Paine trek with an Antarctic itinerary?
Excluding the total days for Antarctica, if you have 2-3 extra days for Torres del Paine:
- Day 1: Take a drive to visit the main viewpoints of Torres del Paine.
- Day 2: Hike up to the iconic Three Towers (Las Torres).
Why do I recommend these two activities?
Because the landscapes you’ll experience during these two days are unique to Torres
del Paine and cannot be found in Antarctica. The towering granite peaks of Torres del
Paine, paired with the jewel-toned lakes, create a view you won’t see in the pristine
landscapes of Antarctica.
Excluding the total days spent in Antarctica, if you have 4-5 days in Torres del Paine:
- W Trek: Highly recommended!
Why do I recommend trekking? Because in Antarctica, the hiking time is generally
quite short. After all, it’s a cruise experience with a focus on dining, entertainment,
and exploration. Occasionally, you’ll disembark to walk around small hills nearby, but
it rarely exceeds 2 hours of trekking.
The W Trek in Torres del Paine, however, is a different experience, and if time
permits, I would recommend it to everyone visiting Torres del Paine. This iconic trail
links some of the most stunning landscapes, including the famous Three Towers hike,
the serene French Valley with its little bridges and streams, and the awe-inspiring
Grey Glacier. By the end of it, you’ll have seen everything Torres del Paine has to
offer.
What’s even better is that you can book meals, accommodations, and other services in
advance, allowing you to hike with minimal gear while taking in the most
breathtaking scenery along the most beautiful routes. Who wouldn’t want this kind of
experience?
If you’re looking to experience more diversity, Summer recommends:
Option 1:
- Day 1 to Day 5: O Trek in Torres del Paine
- Day 6: Fly from Puerto Natales to Santiago
- Day 7 to Day 9: 3-day Easter Island tour
- Day 10: Santiago city tour, return to home country
Why recommend Easter Island? Because the statues there can’t be seen in Antarctica!
On a lonely island in the vast Pacific, seeing a whole row of statues standing in front
of you gives you a sense of time standing still. The feeling is different from the one in
Antarctica.
Option 2
- Day 1 to Day 5: O Trek in Torres del Paine
- Day 6: Fly from Puerto Natales to Santiago
- Day 7 to Day 9: 3-day Atacama Desert tour in Chile
- Day 10: Santiago city tour, return to home country
After seeing the magnificent glaciers of Antarctica and completing the world-class
hiking routes in Torres del Paine, following it up with a journey through the Atacama
Desert—where you can experience endless deserts, the setting sun, and the quiet
solitude of the desert—would be a perfect addition! If you’re looking for diversity in
your journey, you can’t go wrong with Atacama!
How to get to Torres del Paine from Ushuaia?
If you’re flying from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales, the nearest town to Torres del Paine,
you’ll need to make two transfers: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires – Santiago – Puerto
Natales. Sounds like a lot of hassle, right? So, a more convenient option is to fly from
Ushuaia to El Calafate, a city near the Moreno Glacier. From there, you can take a bus
to Puerto Natales.
How to get to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas?
For those of you flying to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, such as on the Magellan
ship, you’re in luck! From Punta Arenas, it’s only a 2-hour drive to Puerto Natales, the
nearest town to Torres del Paine – it couldn’t be more convenient! Punta Arenas is a
major city in southern Chile, with plenty of direct flight options to Santiago. If you’re
short on time, you can even consider a day trip to Torres del Paine from Punta
Arenas!
If you need more tips on combining Antarctica and Torres del Paine, feel free to email
Summer.
