Have you ever daydreamed about standing at the bottom of the world — surrounded by glaciers, penguins, and landscapes so wild they don’t feel real? Or hiking through Patagonia, where jagged mountains seem to rise out of nowhere?

Patagonia and Antarctica aren’t just bucket-list destinations. They’re the kind of places that stick with you forever.

But, planning a trip to places this remote can feel stressful. Flights, transfers, weather delays, packing the right gear, figuring out how to actually get to Antarctica in the first place — it’s a lot to manage solo.

That’s where going guided with Collette makes the experience smoother from start to finish. We handle the logistics — flights, accommodations, transfers, and expert local guidance — so you can focus on what you came for: the adventure.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Going Guided

1. Why choose a guided tour with Collette?

So, why choose a guided tour with Collette? We sat down with 3 experts to find out exactly what sets Collette apart.

“You only need to chill and enjoy the tour,” said Cristobal, one of our guides.

When you travel with Collette, the details are handled — so you’re not constantly double-checking schedules, looking for transportation, or stressing about what comes next. You just show up and soak it all in.

2. What makes Patagonia and Antarctica so special?

Cristobal described Patagonia as “a land of extreme contrast… dramatic mountains, glacial lakes of an impossible blue, and winds that shake your soul.”

And Jonathan, another expert guide, summed up Antarctica like this: “It feels like the very end of the world… untouched, pristine, and extraordinary. You walk in the footsteps of early explorers.”

In other words? These places don’t feel like everyday Earth. They feel like a whole different planet.

3. What should I expect when traveling to these regions?

Antarctica is beautifully unpredictable. Jonathan put it best: “There is no fixed itinerary in Antarctica — weather and ice dictate the journey.”

Patagonia can be just as dramatic, weather-wise. Cristobal’s advice: “You can experience all four seasons in one day.”

So the best mindset to bring? Stay flexible. Roll with it. Trust the journey.

4. How physically demanding are these tours?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a little mobility goes a long way. Jonathan explains it like this: “You need to be able to walk at your own pace on uneven terrain and get in and out of zodiacs.”

Tour Design Manager Samantha Kern added: “We’re not hiking mountains, but there are opportunities for walks and active exploration.”

Translation: it’s active, but totally doable for most travelers who are comfortable moving around.

5. What’s the Drake Passage really like?

Ah yes — the famous Drake Passage.

Jonathan reassured us: “I’ve spent almost a year of my life crossing the Drake, and I’m still here.”

Ships are built with comfort in mind, and many crossings are calmer than people expect. The Drake is part of the experience — albatross sightings, wide open water, and that feeling of approaching Antarctica slowly, like an explorer.

6. What is an expedition-style cruise?

This isn’t a “sit by the pool and sip cocktails” kind of cruise (although yes, the ship is comfortable).

Cristobal describes expedition cruising as: “all about active exploration. You’re not just looking out the window — you’re walking among glaciers, spotting wildlife, and learning from naturalists and historians.”

Expect cozy cabins, great food, a strong sense of community onboard, and days that feel like real-life documentaries.

7. What should I pack?

Packing for Patagonia and Antarctica is all about layers (and being ready for cold wind). Here’s what you’ll want:

Clothing essentials

• Base layers (thermal tops + bottoms)

• Mid-layers (fleece or lightweight down jacket)

• Waterproof outer layer (jacket + pants)

• Warm hat + scarf

• Gloves (bring a thin pair + a warmer pair)

• Wool socks

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots for Patagonia

• Comfortable walking shoes for onboard

• Waterproof boots for Antarctica (often provided—see FAQ #10!)

Extras you’ll be glad you brought

• Sunglasses (ice glare is real)

• Sunscreen + lip balm

• Small daypack

• Binoculars

• Motion sickness remedies (for the Drake, just in case)

• Phone/camera + extra storage/battery

8. What wildlife will I see?

Patagonia brings the wow-factor with guanacos, condors, foxes, sea lions, and Magellanic penguins.

Antarctica is next-level: gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, plus seals and whales — and yes, if you’re lucky, even an orca sighting.

As Jonathan said: “Every voyage is different. That’s the beauty of it.”

9. Why book with Collette instead of going solo?

Sam summed it up perfectly: logistics.

These are remote regions, and doing them independently can mean spending a lot of time (and money) figuring out details — and still potentially missing out on the best experiences. With Collette, everything is coordinated, so you can be present and fully enjoy the moment.

10. Are coats and boots provided?

Yes — on Antarctica cruises, Collette provides:

• A warm parka (yours to keep)

• Waterproof expedition boots

For Patagonia, you’ll want to bring your own sturdy trekking boots. Gift shops onboard may have gear, but boots are tough to find last-minute.

Ready to Go Guided?

Traveling to the edge of the Earth is one of those things that changes you a little — in the best way.

As Cristobal said: “Patagonia will never fail. It’s magic.” And Jonathan reminded us: “Antarctica is a world still untouched. You deserve to see it.”

So, if you’re ready to stop dreaming about the bottom of the world and actually go — Collette’s got you.

Start your adventure today.