Into the Antarctic Circle

Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital, is an eclectic combination of Latin and European influences. The tree-lined streets and postcolonial architecture draw on the city's Spanish, French and Italian heritage, while the many cafés and bodegas and vibrant nightlife are decidedly Argentine. Its barrios, or neighborhoods, exude an intimate atmosphere that belies the city's size. Full of bohemian flair, historic San Telmo's cobblestone streets and Belle Époque–style buildings reverberate with the mesmerizing melodies of the tango.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Its splendid setting, tucked between the Beagle Channel and the southernmost slopes of the Andes, lends it an outpost atmosphere, as do the Antarctic explorers readying for the expeditions that depart from here. Ushuaia is the capital of and gateway to the celebrated Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire,” named by Spaniards upon seeing the constant flames burned by the indigenous Yámana to keep warm. This largely unspoiled region comprises the large island of Tierra del Fuego and countless Chilean and Argentine islands.

Named for 16th-century English privateer Sir Francis Drake, the frigid waters of the Drake Passage stretch for some 600 miles between Cape Horn and Livingston Island in the South Shetland archipelago.

At once ethereal and majestic, Antarctica has inspired explorers and adventurers for centuries. In this icy wilderness, marvel at icebergs glimmering in serene bays and mountains cloaked in white rising from the mainland basalt cliffs. These stunning landscapes evoke both utter tranquility as Weddell seals lounge on ice floes, and breathtaking drama as glaciers thunderously calve into the sea. In these cold and nutrient-rich waters, humpback, fin and minke whales have been known to greet expedition ships that venture into their habitat.

Exploring Antarctica by kayak, Zodiac and Special Operations Boat allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in one of the most remote and pristine environments on earth. Each day unveils new chances for up-close encounters with nature, as explorers kayak silently past towering icebergs and Zodiacs navigate icy waters to land on rugged shores. Special Operations Boats bring opportunities to experience the raw beauty of the southernmost continent while submarines descend beneath the surface to view marine life and ethereal ice formations amid an eerie silence.

A memorable experience, crossing the Antarctic Circle is an honored milestone for polar explorers. At 66°33' south of the equator and one of the five major latitude circles on earth, tradition dictates that explorers raise a glass as they venture to a world visited by only a rare few. South of the Antarctic Circle, the snow- and ice-covered landscapes seem more remote and more pristine as towering bergs and endless glaciers showcase the rawness of Antarctica, while surreal light conditions set the scene for this frozen frontier. An unforgettable experience for any traveler.

Antarctic waters are alive with geological forces and marine life that continuously shape the continent. Each day brings opportunities to gather data and contribute to scientific studies. Onboard, water samples are collected to filter for microplastics and fish populations are monitored with the Baited Remote Underwater Video System. The Science Lab, designed in conjunction with the University of Cambridge and NIVA, allows guests to participate in studies with Viking's global partner organizations and make each journey a meaningful step toward a better understanding of our planet.

The Drake Passage has a notorious reputation for being the roughest seas on Earth. Traversing it required braving massive waves, hurricane-force winds and icy conditions that tested the mettle of both sailor and ship.

Rising above the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge, Cape Horn, named for the Dutch city of Hoorn in The Netherlands, is part of the Hermite Islands archipelago. This remote, stark and treeless place is often considered the continent's southernmost point. Soaring from Hornos Island is an enormous prehistoric-looking massif of Jurassic volcanic rock. Atop, stands its historic lighthouse near the water's edge. A beacon of assurance and safety for countless sailors since 1991, it is the world's southernmost traditional-style lighthouse.

Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your charter flight. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and journey home from Buenos Aires.