Galapagos • Patagonia
South Georgia • Antarctica
Comprehensive Travel Itinerary
1. Trip Overview & Optimal Routing
This itinerary combines four of the world’s most extraordinary destinations into a single, once-in-a-lifetime journey: the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, South Georgia, and Antarctica. The centrepiece is the 22-day National Geographic / Lindblad Expeditions voyage covering the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula – widely regarded as the ultimate polar expedition.
Journey at a Glance
| Leg | Destination | Dates (Suggested) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galapagos Islands, Ecuador | 1–8 Dec 2026 | 7 nights |
| 2 | Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) | 9–19 Dec 2026 | 10 nights |
| 3 | NatGeo Expedition: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica | 20 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027 | 22 days |
| 4 | Buenos Aires (buffer / return) | 11–12 Jan 2027 | 1–2 nights |
The routing flows north-to-south: equatorial Galapagos first, then Patagonia, before embarking on the grand expedition from Ushuaia. This minimises backtracking and captures each destination at its seasonal best.
2. Galapagos Islands
Why December
December marks the start of the warm/wet season. Water temperatures reach 23–25°C, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Wildlife highlights include green sea turtle mating, giant tortoise hatchlings, magnificent frigatebird courtship displays (males inflating their iconic red throat pouches), and waved albatross chick fledging. Days are warm (27–30°C) with occasional brief afternoon showers.
Recommended Duration
7 days / 6 nights on a small expedition yacht, following a Western, Eastern, or combination islands itinerary.
Top Cruise Operators
Silversea – Silver Origin
All-suite vessel, 100 guests, butler service, exceptional dining, Zodiac excursions. The pinnacle of Galapagos luxury.
Ecoventura – Origin / Theory / Evolve
Relais & Châteaux-affiliated, just 20 guests. Gourmet cuisine, superb naturalist guides, kayaking and paddleboarding included.
Celebrity Flora
Purpose-built for 100 guests with glamping-on-deck and innovative suite designs. Nearly 20 years of Galapagos experience.
Must-See Highlights
- Espanola Island: Waved albatross breeding colony, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas
- Fernandina Island: Most pristine island, flightless cormorants, massive marine iguana colonies
- Santa Cruz Highlands: Giant tortoise reserves, Charles Darwin Research Station
- Isabela Island: Galapagos penguins, Tagus Cove, Sierra Negra volcano
- Kicker Rock: World-class snorkelling with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles
Additional fees: USD 100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee (cash only on arrival) and USD 20 Transit Control Card at the airport.
3. Patagonia
Why Mid-December
December is early summer in Patagonia, offering long daylight hours (up to 17 hours), wildflower blooms, and active wildlife. Temperatures range from 8–20°C. The parks are less crowded than in January/February peak season.
Recommended Duration
10 days / 9 nights, split between Chilean Patagonia (Torres del Paine) and Argentine Patagonia (El Calafate / El Chaltén), before heading to Ushuaia for expedition embarkation.
Suggested Itinerary
Transfer to Patagonia
Fly from Guayaquil/Quito to Santiago (~4.5h), connect to Punta Arenas (3.5h), transfer to Puerto Natales. Overnight at The Singular Patagonia or Remota Lodge.
Torres del Paine National Park
Four days exploring one of the world’s most spectacular parks. Base of the Towers trek (8–10 hours), Grey Glacier boat excursion, French Valley hike, and wildlife spotting (guanacos, condors, pumas).
El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
Cross into Argentina. Full-day at Perito Moreno – one of Earth’s few advancing glaciers. Walking platforms, boat rides to the ice face, and optional mini-trekking on the glacier.
El Chaltén, Fitz Roy & Transfer to Ushuaia
Day hike to Laguna de los Tres for the iconic Fitz Roy viewpoint. Then transfer to Ushuaia (1h flight or scenic drive) for expedition embarkation.
Must-See Highlights
- Torres del Paine Towers: The three iconic granite towers – the park’s signature vista
- Perito Moreno Glacier: 270 km² of ice, 60m-high calving face – one of Earth’s great natural spectacles
- French Valley: Dramatic hanging glaciers and an amphitheatre of peaks
- Mount Fitz Roy: 3,405m granite peak, often considered Patagonia’s most beautiful mountain
- Grey Glacier: 6-km-wide glacier; boat or kayak excursions available
- Lago Argentino: Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers accessible by catamaran
Recommended Luxury Lodges
Awasi Patagonia
Private guide, 4×4, and villa. Relais & Châteaux. Chef Marco Salinas. Torres del Paine.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Award-winning spa, Lake Sarmiento views, lenga wood architecture. The best spa in Patagonia.
Explora Torres del Paine
40+ expertly guided explorations. Towers, glaciers, lakes, and forests all included.
Eolo Lodge
Relais & Châteaux, 17 rooms on a 10,000-acre estancia near El Calafate and Perito Moreno.
Explora El Chaltén
Located in the Los Huemules Reserve, offering access to private trails and views of Fitz Roy and the Marconi Glacier.
Patagonia Camp
Luxury yurt collection on the shores of Lake Toro, near Torres del Paine. Private decks with panoramas of the Paine Massif.
4. The Expedition: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
National Geographic / Lindblad Expeditions – 22 Days
The crown jewel of the journey. Widely regarded as the ultimate polar voyage, tracing the routes of Shackleton across three distinct sub-Antarctic and Antarctic destinations.
Ship: National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Resolution
Target departure: ~20 December 2026 (January 15, 2027 departure also available)
Day-by-Day Overview
Drake Passage
Depart Ushuaia, sailing south through the legendary Drake Passage. Onboard lectures from NatGeo expedition staff, naturalists, and photographers. Watch for albatross, petrels, and the first icebergs.
Antarctic Peninsula
Five extraordinary days of daily Zodiac excursions to penguin colonies (gentôo, chinstrap, Adélie), seal haul-outs, and towering glacier faces. Key sites:
- Lemaire Channel: “Kodak Alley” – one of the most photogenic waterways on Earth
- Paradise Bay: Mirror-still waters, towering glaciers, continental landing site
- Deception Island: Volcanic caldera you sail into; hot springs on the beach
- Port Lockroy: Historic British base, museum, post office, gentôo penguin colony
- Neko Harbour: Continental mainland landing with glacier calving views
Adventure options: kayaking among icebergs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the legendary polar plunge.
At Sea to South Georgia
Two days sailing northeast across the Scotia Sea. Onboard seminars on Shackleton’s epic survival story, South Georgia’s natural history, and wildlife identification. Photography workshops with the NatGeo team.
South Georgia Island
Six days in what Sir David Attenborough has called the most spectacular wildlife destination on Earth. Home to ~450,000 breeding pairs of king penguins – roughly half the world’s total population.
- Salisbury Plain: 250,000 king penguins in a single colony – an almost incomprehensible spectacle
- St Andrews Bay: The largest king penguin colony, with 250,000+ birds alongside massive elephant seal harems
- Gold Harbour: King penguins backed by the Bertrab Glacier; elephant and fur seals on the beach
- Grytviken: Historic whaling station, South Georgia Museum, and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton – tradition calls for a toast in his honour
- Fortuna Bay: King penguins, fur seals, and the final stretch of Shackleton’s overland route
- Prion Island: Wandering albatross nesting site – the world’s largest flying bird with a 3.5m wingspan
Falkland Islands
Black-browed albatross colonies, rockhopper penguins, Magellanic penguins, and a distinctly British island culture. Visit Stanley and outlying settlements with vast seabird colonies.
Return & Disembarkation
Sailing back to Ushuaia. Final lectures, photography reviews, farewell celebrations. Arrive and transfer to airport.
What’s Included
- Expert expedition team: Naturalists, historians, undersea specialists, NatGeo photographers
- All excursions: Zodiac cruises, shore landings, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
- Photography: Certified NatGeo photo instructor and onboard editing lab
- All meals and beverages: Including premium wines and spirits
- Gear: Expedition parka (yours to keep), waterproof boots for landings
- Lectures and enrichment: Daily presentations by expedition staff
- Park fees and permits: All landing fees, permits, and port taxes
Why Lindblad / National Geographic
Lindblad has been pioneering expedition travel since 1966 and holds an exclusive alliance with National Geographic. Ships carry undersea cameras, hydrophones, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and video microscopes. The expedition team includes some of the world’s most experienced polar naturalists. Small guest capacity (126–148) ensures intimate, meaningful wildlife encounters.
5. Flight Routing from Switzerland
| Leg | Route | Airlines | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Zürich → Quito (via Madrid or Amsterdam) | SWISS/Iberia, KLM | 14–16h (1 stop) |
| B | Quito → Baltra (Galapagos) | LATAM, Avianca | 2.5h direct |
| C | Baltra → Santiago (via Guayaquil) | LATAM | 6–8h (1 stop) |
| D | Santiago → Punta Arenas | LATAM, JetSmart | 3.5h direct |
| E | Patagonia → Ushuaia | Aerolíneas Argentinas | 1h flight or 8h drive |
| F | Ushuaia → 22-day NatGeo Expedition | Lindblad Expeditions | 22 days at sea |
| G | Ushuaia → Buenos Aires | Aerolíneas Argentinas | 3.5h direct |
| H | Buenos Aires → Zürich (via São Paulo or Madrid) | SWISS/Lufthansa, Iberia | 14–16h (1 stop) |
Booking Tips
- Book early: Southern Hemisphere summer routes fill quickly. Book 8–12 months ahead.
- Flexible tickets: Use flexible fare classes for Ushuaia/Punta Arenas legs, as expedition departures can shift.
- Estimated costs: CHF 3,000–5,000 for all flights (economy); CHF 8,000–15,000 for business class.
- Ushuaia buffer: Arrive at least 1 day before embarkation in case of flight delays.
6. Visa & Entry Requirements
Swiss passport holders enjoy visa-free access to all destinations on this itinerary (Henley Passport Index rank: 4th, 187+ countries).
| Country | Visa? | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador | No | 90 days | Passport valid 6+ months. Galapagos fees: USD 120. |
| Chile | No | 90 days | Tourist card issued on arrival. |
| Argentina | No | 90 days | No reciprocity fee for Swiss citizens. |
| Falkland Islands | No | N/A | British Overseas Territory. No visa for Swiss nationals. |
| South Georgia | No | N/A | Permit arranged by cruise operator. Landing fee included. |
| Antarctica | N/A | N/A | Governed by Antarctic Treaty. Handled by operator. |
Important Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive policy with Antarctica medical evacuation cover (mandatory)
- Proof of onward travel: May be requested in Ecuador and Argentina
- Yellow fever certificate: Recommended if transiting through tropical regions
- Cruise confirmation: Printed copies of all expedition bookings
7. Estimated Budget (Luxury Tier)
Per-person estimates based on luxury-tier travel. All amounts in USD.
| Category | Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galapagos Cruise (7 days) | $10,000 – $18,000 | Silversea Silver Origin or Ecoventura |
| Patagonia Lodges (10 nights) | $12,000 – $25,000 | Awasi, Tierra Patagonia, Eolo mix |
| NatGeo Expedition (22 days) | $17,000 – $45,000 | Lindblad: Explorer or Resolution |
| International Flights | $3,000 – $5,000 | Economy; Business: $8,000–15,000 |
| Domestic Flights | $1,500 – $3,000 | Quito–Galapagos, Santiago–Punta Arenas, etc. |
| Hotels (transit nights) | $1,000 – $2,500 | Quito, Santiago, Ushuaia, Buenos Aires |
| Travel Insurance | $500 – $1,500 | Must cover Antarctica evacuation |
| Miscellaneous & Tips | $2,000 – $4,000 | Crew tips, park fees, gear, excursions |
A comfortable luxury trip targeting the middle of each range: approximately USD 65,000–80,000 per person. The NatGeo expedition is the largest single cost but also the most all-inclusive – covering all meals, beverages, excursions, gear, lectures, and park fees.
8. Recommended Hotels & Lodges
Quito, Ecuador
Casa Gangotena
Boutique luxury in a restored mansion on Plaza San Francisco.
Hotel & Spa Illa Experience
Award-winning boutique in Quito’s historic centre.
Santiago, Chile
The Ritz-Carlton Santiago
Five-star luxury in the financial district with Andean views.
Singular Santiago
Boutique design hotel in Lastarria neighbourhood.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
Perched above the city with panoramic Beagle Channel views.
Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa
Waterfront luxury with direct Beagle Channel access.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Alvear Palace Hotel
Grand European elegance in Recoleta. Buenos Aires’ most prestigious address.
Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Belle Époque mansion with modern tower in the heart of the city.
Additional Patagonia Lodges
- Remota Lodge (Puerto Natales): Minimalist architecture, all-inclusive expeditions. From USD 2,200 for 3 nights.
- Las Torres Hotel (Torres del Paine): At the base of the Towers, direct trail access. From USD 1,800 for 3 nights.
- Los Cerros Boutique Hotel (El Chaltén): Patagonia’s finest in the trekking capital. From USD 350/night.
9. What to Pack & Preparation
Clothing (Layering System)
The key to comfort across three climate zones – equatorial, temperate, and polar – is a versatile layering system:
- Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms (3–4 sets)
- Mid layers: Fleece jacket and down vest for insulation
- Outer layer: Waterproof/windproof expedition parka (Lindblad provides one to keep)
- Waterproof trousers: Essential for Zodiac landings and Patagonia’s unpredictable rain
- Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof, broken-in (ankle support essential for Torres del Paine)
- Rubber boots: Provided by Lindblad for wet landings
- Warm accessories: Thermal hat, neck gaiter, waterproof gloves, liner gloves, warm wool socks
- Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen (UV is intense everywhere on this trip)
- Swimwear: For Galapagos snorkelling, hot springs, and the polar plunge
- Smart casual outfit: For Captain’s dinner and farewell evening aboard ship
Gear & Equipment
- Camera: Weather-sealed body, telephoto 100–400mm for wildlife, wide-angle for landscapes. The NatGeo photographer will advise on settings.
- Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 waterproof – essential for all destinations
- Dry bag: Protects electronics during Zodiac transfers and kayaking
- Power bank: 20,000+ mAh; cold drains batteries quickly
- Universal adapter: Type L (Chile), Type I (Argentina), Type B (Ecuador), plus ship sockets
- Seasickness remedies: Patches, medication, or wristbands for Drake Passage and Scotia Sea
- Day pack: 25–30L waterproof backpack for hikes and shore excursions
Health & Fitness
- Fitness: Start hiking/cardio 3–4 months ahead. The Torres Base trek is 8–10 hours.
- Vaccinations: Consult a travel clinic. Recommended: hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever (Ecuador).
- Altitude: Quito sits at 2,850m. Spend 1–2 nights acclimatising.
- Prescriptions: Full supply plus copies. Include motion sickness medication.
- Evacuation insurance: Mandatory for Antarctica. Must cover helicopter evacuation.
Booking Timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Now (Apr 2026) | Book Lindblad/NatGeo 22-day expedition – sells out 12–18 months ahead |
| Apr–May 2026 | Book Galapagos cruise and Patagonia lodges |
| Jun–Jul 2026 | Book international and domestic flights |
| Aug–Sep 2026 | Arrange travel insurance, begin fitness preparation |
| Oct–Nov 2026 | Final gear purchases, print documents, confirm all bookings |
10. Next Steps
This 40-day journey from the equatorial wildlife paradise of the Galapagos, through the raw grandeur of Patagonia, to the king penguin colonies of South Georgia and the pristine wilderness of Antarctica represents one of the most extraordinary travel experiences possible. The 22-day Lindblad / National Geographic expedition is the centrepiece – adding South Georgia transforms a great Antarctic trip into a legendary one.
Priority Actions
- Contact Lindblad Expeditions to secure a cabin on the 22-day voyage (Dec 2026 or Jan 2027 departure)
- Reserve Galapagos expedition yacht for early December 2026
- Book Patagonia luxury lodges (Awasi and Tierra Patagonia fill early)
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with Antarctica evacuation cover
- Arrange international flights from Zürich (business class recommended for overnight legs)
- Schedule travel clinic appointment for vaccinations and altitude advice
This itinerary is a living document. The Lindblad expedition schedule will anchor the overall dates – book that first, then build the Galapagos and Patagonia legs around it.