More recent notable trips to the pole, some more admirable than others, include:
- December 1989 – Arved Fuchs and Reinhold Messner became the first people to reach the pole without animal or motorized aid.
- December 2005 – a small team from Great Britain, along with one Icelander, drove 707 miles from Patriot Hills to the South Pole in a specially-outfitted 6x6 fully-modified Econoline. The cost of that world record expedition, including construction and transport of the vehicle, was $1.6 million. (Gas at the South Pole cost $84/gallon.)
- December 2007 – Hannah McKeand (33) set a new speed record for skiing alone and unsupported, 690 miles to the pole in only 39 days, to raise money for breast cancer research.
Where To Go
Trips to the South Pole take advantage of the five austral summer months, November to March, when the sun never sets.
Passports and Visas: $100+
There are special entry forms and permits required to enter Antarctica, but no passport or visa is needed since no single government owns the continent. The entry permits are often arranged for you by your guide service or travel agent.
You will, however, need a passport for your travels in South America. If you are an American citizen, no visa is required, but a $100 “reciprocity fee” will be charged upon your arrival in Chile.
Airfare
Your flight from the United States will take you through Santiago, Chile and then farther south to Punta Arenas. If all goes well, flying time should be around 24 hours. All prices are approximate:
- $1,300 to $2,350 – Round trip from New York City (LGA) to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ)
- $1,500 to $1,900 – Round trip from Chicago (ORD) to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ)
- $1,370 to $1,700 – Round trip from Los Angeles LAX) to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ)