The Falkland Islands – an Expedition To the Far South

CHICAGO - SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Meet the group with a guide at the check-in desk at the O’Hare airport terminal in Chicago. Passport and luggage check-in. Flight to the capital of Chile, Santiago.

SANTIAGO DE CHILE - PUNTA ARENAS

Arrival in Santiago, change for domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rest and we go sightseeing in the city – the capital and pearl of Patagonia. We will see Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city with the monument in honor of Magellan dominating over it, surrounded by colonial mansions from the beginning of the 20th century.

We will go for a walk along the coast of the Strait of Magellan, where you can observe colonies of cormorants, and sometimes dolphins, whales or sea lions. Dinner and overnight in Punta Arenas.

STANLEY - FALKLAND ISLANDS

Free time after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for a flight to MPA – Falkland Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the capital of the Stanley, Falkland Islands archipelago. Hotel accommodation.

STANLEY

After breakfast we will go sightseeing  in Stanley – a small town with different architectural styles related to its British heritage.

During the tour we will see: Anglican Cathedral, Whalebone Arch, Jubilee Villas, Margaret Thatcher Monument, and Liberation Monument 1982. We will visit the Historic Dockyard Museum, where we will see many interesting exhibits of social and maritime importance. Finally, we will go to the Government House – home and workplace of the Governor of the Falkland Islands.

After the break, we will go on a trip to a special place by the ocean called Gypsy Cove, where we will have the pleasure to see Magellanic penguins for the first time. Here we will take a walk, then we will go back and stop at the iconic wreck known as Lady Liz and learn about its history. Return to the hotel for the night.

STANLEY - SEA LION ISLAND

After breakfast, we will go on a three-day trip to Sea Lion Island. It is a National Wildlife Reserve and comes under the protection as a Ramsar area (The International Convention for the Protection of Wetlands).

We will fly by private charter during which we will admire the beauty of the ocean and with a bit of luck we will be able to see fountains launched by passing whales.

Sea Lion Island is situated in the southeast of the Falkland group, has high rocky cliffs and unique nature. In the lower areas there are white sandy beaches and large areas of tall shack grass that create alternative habitats and protected areas.

As the name suggests, Sea Lion Island is home to wonderful sea lions that are usually seen at the foot of cliffs or swimming underwater. These beautiful animals can be found in the sheltered bays in the east of the island, but they do not pose a threat.

The island has the largest sea elephant colony in the world, with nearly two thousand individuals at the peak of the breeding season in October. These enormous animals bask lazily on the beach, like to dig sand, make grunting noises and look around the area from time to time. This is one of the best spots to spot Killer Whale killer whales swimming close to the shore and hunting for prey.

SEA LION ISLAND

Another day at Sea Lion Island. The hotel we are staying in is the only place on the island perfectly situated for wildlife observation, from where you can observe and hear the Magellanic penguins living nearby.

Gentoo penguins live in close proximity to Magellanic penguins. These places are also the natural habitat of unusual birds – these are the southern giant petrels.

The inhabitants of the island are also Rockhopper penguins, imperial cormorants, and the Caracaras zebrafish – birds from the falcon family and many other interesting animals to observe – very interesting to visiting tourists.

SEA LION ISLAND - STANLEY

Last day at Sea Lion Island. The island is a unique place because animals live there according to the laws of nature, without human intervention. The island is not cultivated, so it is dominated by native vegetation.

During our three-day stay, we will explore and explore the island on walking tours. We can expect to be the only guests in the amazing world of South Atlantic animals. On the last day, we will say goodbye to this charming place and take the flight back to Stanley. Overnight at the hotel upon arrival.

VOLUNTEER POINT

After breakfast, we will go on an “off road” trip to Volunteer Point to observe wildlife in the east of the Falkland Islands. It is home to many penguin species (King, Gentoo and Magellanic) as well as endemic and non-endemic bird species.

During our trip we will drive through the battlefields of the 1982 conflict between Great Britain and Argentina. The off road starts at Johnson’s Harbor Farm. After covering 12 miles of quite bumpy trail, we will reach our destination. After getting acquainted with the rules in force at the Volunteer Point, we will enjoy free time among the animals in this beautiful place.

We can walk around the penguins and take unforgettable photos. At the end of the day, we return to Stanley for the night.

FITZROY FARM SETTLEMENT - STONE RUNS - RIVERS OF STONE - STANLEY

On this day we will go on a trip commemorating the conflict in 1982 between Great Britain and Argentina. We will start by meeting our guide. Then we will go to Fitzroy Farm Settlement. The guide will tell you about life in the Falklands, the conflict and its aftermath.

During the tour, we will see Boot Hill’s iconic shoe collection that began with a lonely old shoe on a stick. There are minefields on both sides of the road that are surrounded by interesting rock formations known as Stone Runs and Rivers of Stone.

Upon arrival in Fitzroy, we will see how the locals live on the farm. The summer season in the Falkland Islands is a very busy time for local farmers. Fitzroy Farm produces prime lamb and wool for export.

Then we will visit the monuments of the British ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram (both were bombed by Argentine planes) and see the Welsh Guards monument dedicated to those who lost their lives during the bombing. After a short break, we return to Stanley.

In the afternoon, time for the last souvenir shopping and a farewell walk around the area before staying at the hotel.

STANLEY - PUNTA ARENAS

After breakfast, transfer to MPA airport for a flight to Chile – Punta Arenas. Transport to the hotel on arrival. Free time. Farewell traditional dinner and time for souvenirs. Accommodation.

PUNTA ARENAS - SANTIAGO DE CHILE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago de Chile, where participants have a transfer to the return flight.

SANTIAGO DE CHILE - CHICAGO

Back to Chicago.