An overland expedition/journey through Antarctica’s Pirrit Hills and Ellsworth Mountains
Join a vehicle-based expedition into the remote mountain landscapes of Western Antarctica. This journey takes a small, expertly guided team across a rarely-visited section of the White Continent, with access to the spectacular Pirrit Hills and the Ellsworth Mountain Range.
Travelling in specially polar-adapted vehicles built and operated by world-renowned polar logistics operator, Arctic Trucks, participants will experience spectacular scenery and an overland route shaped by more than three decades of Antarctic expertise and over 450,000 kilometres of safe polar travel.
For those very few who seek genuine and deeply rewarding adventure, this is an opportunity to reach one of the most isolated places on Earth whilst immersing themselves in a very rare and spectacular experience.
Expedition Leader
Polar Driver/Mechanic
Polar Driver/Mechanic
Mountain Guide
Guests must arrive in Punta Arenas a minimum of three days before scheduled departure.
These three days allow for flight schedule changes (the inbound/outbound schedules are highly flexible due to weather) and other preparatory necessities. There will be time for local sightseeing etc. for those who wish. Such activities should be arranged direct but always bearing in mind that flights to Antarctica can depart at short notice!
During this period** our local Arctic Trucks Polar (ATP) liaison officer will be available to answer queries and organise expedition briefings. Antarctic environmental requirements, personal bureaucracy, clothing, equipment and safety procedures will be reviewed in preparation for this exciting, life-affirming, adventure.
The Expedition commences with a charter flight, usually around 4.5 hours, from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier.
Upon arrival at Union Glacier’s famed “blue ice” runway, guests will be welcomed by the ATP team and Expedition Leader, who has full authority over the expedition, before being introduced to the expedition vehicles.
The expedition will depart Union Glacier and travel approximately 75km (2-3 hours)*** to Patriot Hills.
Clients may occasionally drive the vehicles at the discretion of their guide and the Expedition Leader. Each vehicle will have at least one ATP guide. The route offers spectacular views toward the Ellsworth Mountain range and some of Antarctica’s most impressive landscapes.
Overnight in Expedition Camp at Patriot Hills.
Camp is tent-based, all camp gear is supplied by ATP. Showers are not available in the deep field, but will be welcomed on return to Union Glacier.
Note that food and soft drinks (usually water/tea/coffee/chocolate) will consist of expedition-style menus.
This is a participatory expedition; guests are requested to assist the Arctic Trucks Polar team with camp duties.
Today, the expedition will travel north-west across the Antarctic ice sheet towards the Pirrit Hills (130km, about 4 hours driving).
Guests will now really start to experience the scale and remoteness of Antarctica. Travelling in this small group of ATP vehicles, one feels dwarfed by the immense polar landscape.
Arrival and establishment of expedition camp in the Pirrit Hills.
Remember there will be 24 hour daylight!
Two full days dedicated to exploring this stunning region.
Activities may include:
The Pirrit Hills are among Antarctica’s least visited mountain regions and provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration, photography and experiencing unrepeatable moments in these immense vistas.
The expedition departs the Pirrit Hills and heads east (190km, 5/6 hours) towards the Ellsworth Mountains.
Guests enter the mountain range through a dramatic ice flow and mountain corridor near the Gifford Peaks.
This route provides one of the most scenic overland approaches anywhere in Antarctica.
Expedition camp, probably near Hurst Peak.
A full day within the dramatic land/snowscapes of the Ellsworth Mountains.
Opportunities for exploration, hiking, photography and appreciation of Antarctica’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
The expedition today will continue onwards, (50km, 2 hours) south towards Union Glacier.
Arrival at Union Glacier and transfer into Union Glacier’s comfortable, seasonally-permanent, camp facilities.
This period is deliberately flexible – a short “weather buffer period” – to ensure the expedition guests connect with the return flight to Punta Arenas.
If time and weather allow, guests may enjoy the facilities of Union Glacier Camp and additional activities, as available (some activities, especially motorised, will incur additional cost).
This flexibility at the end of the expedition is deliberate and forms an essential part of operating safely in Antarctica.
Return charter flight from Union Glacier, Antarctica, to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Expedition concludes.
* All itineraries in Antarctica’s extreme environment are always subject to weather and other unavoidable factors which may alter or delay any schedule.
** Accommodation & activities (and meals/drinks/most transport) in Punta Arenas are not included but can be arranged on guests’ behalf.
*** Distances and times only very approximate; varying, sometimes considerably, according to actual route/s used on the day, weather conditions and changeable terrain.
Pirrit Hills
Gifford Peaks
Hurst Peak
Ellsworth Mountains
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Since 1996, Arctic Trucks, has been engineering vehicles that are purpose-built for polar expeditions. Very substantially modified from base models such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford F350, our AT44 4x4 and 6x6 platforms provide unmatched mobility across trackless, ice- and snow-covered terrain. Compared to tracked or belted alternatives, our wheeled vehicles deliver higher speeds, lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and a far superior level of comfort.
Each vehicle is completely re-engineered at our Iceland headquarters to safely perform across extreme conditions. Accommodating up to 5 personnel per vehicle, configurations include combination personnel/load carriers as well as fully-equipped “camper” versions, providing versatile support for a wide range of missions.
Arctic Trucks Polar maintains a comprehensive suite of expedition equipment over and above our core fleet of vehicles and added ancillaries. Equipment includes tents, sleeping gear, messing and cooking arrangements, toilet facilities, boxes for food/equipment/personal items and many other items for the safe, efficient, running of any expedition as well as the wellbeing of the participants. This is a proper expedition and, as such, clients are requested to assist and participate in the running of camp at each location.
US$please enquire
Maximum 10 guests
4 Arctic Trucks Polar Experts
Approximately 10 days round trip from/to Punta Arenas
