South Shetland Islands: Glacial adventure among bases, wildlife, and Antarctic volcanoes
LANDSCAPES:
MOUNTAINS AND SNOW
Updated on 28 de November, 2025
One of the most fascinating corners of the planet
2 DAYS
Explore one of the most fascinating and inhospitable corners of the planet: the South Shetland Islands. This two-day itinerary takes you through scientific bases, unique wildlife, and an active volcano flooded by the sea. All accompanied by the purest Antarctic landscape: glaciers, volcanic islands, and penguin colonies that observe every step.
DISTANCIA
35 kilometers
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
ACTIVIDADES
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Bases, wildlife, and hikes on King George Island
Land at Teniente Marsh Aerodrome, the gateway to the Chilean Antarctic. From there, start your visit to Base Frei, the country’s main logistics center on the white continent, where you can learn more about scientific life and the challenges of working in one of the most extreme places in the world.
A few steps away is Villa Las Estrellas, a unique community with houses, a school, a church, and inhabitants who stay for several seasons.
In the afternoon, begin a 5 km hike towards the Great Wall Station, the Chinese scientific base. Along the way, you can observe penguins, seals, and a coastal landscape surrounded by snow and cliffs.
From the station, continue towards Fildes Bay, one of the points with the greatest biodiversity on the island, ideal for contemplating the ocean and the wildlife that surrounds it.
At the end of the day, return to Base Frei, where you can rest and share with scientists and resident personnel.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Bases, wildlife, and hikes on King George Island
Land at Teniente Marsh Aerodrome, the gateway to the Chilean Antarctic. From there, start your visit to Base Frei, the country’s main logistics center on the white continent, where you can learn more about scientific life and the challenges of working in one of the most extreme places in the world.
A few steps away is Villa Las Estrellas, a unique community with houses, a school, a church, and inhabitants who stay for several seasons.
In the afternoon, begin a 5 km hike towards the Great Wall Station, the Chinese scientific base. Along the way, you can observe penguins, seals, and a coastal landscape surrounded by snow and cliffs.
From the station, continue towards Fildes Bay, one of the points with the greatest biodiversity on the island, ideal for contemplating the ocean and the wildlife that surrounds it.
At the end of the day, return to Base Frei, where you can rest and share with scientists and resident personnel.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Navigation to Deception Island and geothermal bath
In the morning, board a boat to sail 20 km towards Deception Island, an active volcano flooded by the sea. The journey crosses the English Channel, a corridor where it is common to spot seabirds and even whales.
Once on the island, explore some of its trails and visit Puerto Foster, famous for its black sand beaches and geothermal fumaroles that heat the surface. Here you will have the unique opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs in the heart of Antarctica.
Also visit the whaling station, now in ruins, a historical testimony to the island’s industrial past.
In the afternoon, return by boat to King George Island, where you will spend the night before taking your flight back to Punta Arenas.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Navigation to Deception Island and geothermal bath
In the morning, board a boat to sail 20 km towards Deception Island, an active volcano flooded by the sea. The journey crosses the English Channel, a corridor where it is common to spot seabirds and even whales.
Once on the island, explore some of its trails and visit Puerto Foster, famous for its black sand beaches and geothermal fumaroles that heat the surface. Here you will have the unique opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs in the heart of Antarctica.
Also visit the whaling station, now in ruins, a historical testimony to the island’s industrial past.
In the afternoon, return by boat to King George Island, where you will spend the night before taking your flight back to Punta Arenas.
What you should know
How to get there by air
Access to the South Shetland Islands is mainly through Antarctic flights from Punta Arenas (PUQ) to Teniente Marsh Aerodrome on King George Island (TNM). From there, travel between bases and areas of interest is on foot or in authorized boats to nearby islands such as Deception. All activities must be done accompanied by certified guides and following Antarctic environmental protocols.
How to get there by land
Access to the South Shetland Islands is mainly through Antarctic flights from Punta Arenas to Teniente Marsh Aerodrome.
Climate and clothing
The climate is polar, extreme, and highly variable, with strong winds and low temperatures even in the middle of summer. Wear thermal and waterproof clothing, a layering system, gloves, a hat, wind glasses, thermal necks, and non-slip shoes. The sun is intense due to the high reflectance of the ice, so sunscreen is essential.
Must-Know Tips
Respect all the rules of the Antarctic Treaty System and current environmental guidelines: keep your distance from wildlife, do not feed animals, avoid leaving traces off trails, and always follow the instructions of the guide team. Bring a camera with extra batteries (the cold drains them quickly), a reusable bottle, a headlamp, and protection against humidity and wind.
