The 18-night ‘A Taste of the Wild Life; A Masterclass with Kris Tompkins,’ February 25-March 15, 2025, will offer an intimate glimpse into efforts to protect the wildlife and landscapes of the two countries, as well as the Antarctic Circle.
Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation and the former CEO of Patagonia, Inc.
The trip is priced at $34,400 per person sharing with a minimum of eight guests and with a maximum of 14 guests; a group contribution of $10,000 made in support of the Tompkins Conservation Project Fund at Re:Wild is included.
Shared values
‘We are thrilled to be working closely with other organisations that reflect our own values,’ said Pedro Barraza, MD South America at conservation-led luxury travel company andBeyond.
‘andBeyond has a long-standing relationship with Kris Tompkins and her teams, with our conservation experts from Africa having provided advice and support to both Rewilding Chile and Rewilding Argentina in preparation for their wildlife reintroduction projects.
‘We also relish the opportunity to partner with Quark Expeditions, whose Polar Promise principles reflect our own motto of Care of Land, Wildlife and People.’
Thomas Lennartz, VP of sales and client experience at Quark Expeditions said that the new partnership aligns perfectly with its commitment ‘to go responsibly in all that we do.’ He added, ‘We look forward to working with andBeyond to deliver awe-inspiring guest experiences…’
'Wild Life'
The trip offers an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the events described in the documentary ‘Wild Life,’ which tells the story of Kris and her late husband Douglas Tompkins and the contributions they have made towards nature conservation in South America.
Together, they have protected approximately 14.8m acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park-orientated philanthropists in history.
Throughout the trip, Kris Tompkins will share personal stories of the work that has gone into protecting and rewilding large swathes of the Patagonian wilderness. There will be a presentation on the efforts involved in the creation of a national park, as well as a screening of Wild Life, followed by a Q&A session with Tompkins on her story.
Chilean Patagonia
The Masterclass itinerary kicks off in Chilean Patagonia at the Torres del Paine National Park, where travellers will be immersed in the work being done by the Cerro Guido Foundation to reintroduce and protect Chile’s most endangered species.
Staying at the historic Estancia Cerra Guido, guests will learn the way of the land from local gaucho who care for the farm’s livestock, plus have the opportunity to see first-hand the conservation work being done to preserve the area’s rich flora and fauna. Accompanied by expert puma researchers and trackers, they will get involved in activities that form part of the project.
Those keen to learn more about the surrounding landscapes can also opt for a scenic overland excursion through Torres del Paine. Those in search of more physical activity can explore the region on horseback or spend the day fishing, while history buffs will enjoy the opportunity to tour an authentic Patagonian ranch, discovering ways of life and traditions that go back hundreds of years.
Ushuaia
Leaving Patagonia, the itinerary continues to Cape Froward, where those on the trip can explore the mountains, glaciers and forest, and encounter the rich and vibrant culture of Punta Arenas.
On to Ushuaia, they will board Ultramarine. Departing via the Beagle Channel, the passengers will have the opportunity to photograph the area’s landscapes and sea birds, before heading into the Southern Ocean.
Antarctic Peninsula
Over the next three days aboard the vessel, the group may join presentations on photography, wildlife, glaciology, and history. Sightseeing from a scenic flight above the vessel, Zodiac rides, hiking among some of the world’s most untouched landscapes, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are just some of the activities available.
As passengers come close to landfall on the Antarctic Peninsula, Zodiacs will whisk them away to explore bays, channels and penguin rookeries, while scanning the horizon for humpback and minke whale or leopard seals.
Should conditions be conducive, the group will cross the Antarctic Circle and encounter the midnight sun.
Drake Passage
Finally, as Ultramarine heads back across the Drake Passage, there will be additional chances to hear stories from both Tompkins and the expedition team.
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