White Desert, the expedition company known for delivering polar luxury in Antarctica, is setting its sights on an entirely new frontier: South America. For the first time in its 20-year history, the company is venturing beyond the icy continent with the launch of “The Dr. Jones Collection,” a series of bespoke itineraries that blend cinematic adventure with the highest standards of comfort and service.
Debuting in September 2025, the first itinerary—Peru to Patagonia—offers a curated 12-day journey through some of the continent’s most uncharted and visually arresting landscapes. Guests will travel in classic style aboard a luxuriously reconfigured 1940s “Dakota” aircraft, designed to land on isolated airstrips that commercial flights cannot reach. With this, the aircraft also aims to evoke the glamour and romance of a bygone era of exploration.
Vintage Aircraft, Cutting-Edge Comfort
Every aspect of this journey has been designed to mirror the meticulous standards White Desert is known for in its Antarctic operations. The “Dakota,” once a military workhorse, has been transformed into an elegant flying lounge, complete with plush interiors, a crew of seasoned pilots, and dedicated White Desert guides. The aircraft’s capability to land in remote and rugged environments means guests can seamlessly access destinations few travellers have ever seen, without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.
Patrick Woodhead, Founder of White Desert, in an issued release says, “Just as we have done in Antarctica, I wanted to create a journey that was as adventurous as it was luxurious—and in The Dr. Jones Collection, we’ve found that perfect balance. Even during the reconnaissance, we came across surreal landscapes I never imagined existed.”
Intimate Encounter With South America
The itinerary begins in Peru, near the awe-inspiring Gocta Waterfall, one of the tallest in the world. Guests trek through Amazonian cloud forests, unearthing pre-Incan sarcophagi and mummies in the region of Chachapoyas—areas largely untouched by mass tourism. From there, travellers fly to the Paracas Desert, where White Desert’s custom-built Dune Camp offers luxurious accommodation beside a remote desert oasis. Here, guests can snorkel for rare fan shells or simply take in the silence and surreal beauty of the dunes.
In Chile’s Atacama Desert, guests are treated to some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Stargazing is paired with daytime excursions through salt flats and volcanic canyons, ending in a soak in naturally heated springs. The journey concludes in Patagonia, where guests ride with authentic gauchos beneath the snow-draped peaks of Torres del Paine, surrounded by glacial lakes and cascading ice fields.
Private Camps, Personalised Service
Much like White Desert’s award-winning camps in Antarctica, every base along the route has been selected and designed to combine comfort, environmental sensitivity, and exclusivity. Each camp is staffed by experienced hospitality teams and expedition guides, ensuring a seamless experience that is both intimate and immersive.
Meals are prepared using local ingredients, often showcasing regional culinary traditions. Whether dining under the stars in Atacama or enjoying a fireside meal in Patagonia, every element has been curated to reflect a sense of place without compromising refinement.
Safety Meets Style
While the itinerary evokes the thrill of Indiana Jones-style adventure, White Desert’s impeccable safety protocols remain a cornerstone. Guests are accompanied throughout by experienced crew and guides, with every activity risk-assessed and managed to the highest international standards. The company’s longstanding reputation in extreme environments lends confidence to even the most far-flung excursions.
New Benchmark For Experiential Travel
The “Dr. Jones Collection” signals a bold shift in the ultra-luxury travel landscape. By merging expedition-style adventure with tailored elegance, White Desert is offering a rare kind of travel: one that satisfies the soul of the explorer and the expectations of the modern luxury guest.
With South America’s wild beauty as the canvas and White Desert’s expertise as the brush, Peru to Patagonia offers an unforgettable, pioneering experience for the discerning traveller.
