Noticias RCN's scientific expedition departed from Cartagena aboard the ARC Simón Bolívar, with a crew of 90 experts and journalists, for an over 80-day journey to Antarctica. After crossing the Panama Canal, the team heads into the Pacific toward Valparaíso in Chile before reaching the white continent.
The 'Hacia el corazón de la tierra' expedition by Noticias RCN began its journey on December 22, 2025, from Colombia's Naval Base in Cartagena aboard the ARC Simón Bolívar, equipped with laboratories and technology for Antarctic waters. The crew consists of 90 experts and a journalistic team including Angélica Arango, Esteban Pérez, Ricardo Avella, and Fabián Rodríguez. This over 80-day voyage crosses the Panama Canal, sails the Pacific, enters Antarctica, and returns to South America.
After departing Cartagena, the ship navigated one day in the Caribbean Sea and anchored for four days off Colón, Panama, arriving on December 7, known as '7 de Velitas' in Colombia. During this time, the crew adapted to military routine, dealing with the ocean's sway and building bonds as a new family. Arango describes it: "This is a journey of science, of country, of discovery… but also an intimate journey, of confronting oneself."
Crossing the Panama Canal was a key milestone: in nine hours, the vessel passed through the Gatún locks (three), Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores, ascending and descending to connect the Atlantic and Pacific. Entering the Pacific nearly at midnight, the crew felt relief and vertigo, leaving behind the wait and anxiety. Now, with strong winds and cold approaching, they head to Valparaíso, Chile, for a brief land rest before proceeding to Antarctica.
The mission embodies Colombian pride in research and knowledge, with only 0.5% of Colombians reaching the white continent. Crew members anticipate documenting glaciers, wildlife, and climatic mysteries, facing extreme cold and hard work in an unforgiving landscape. As a symbol of the scientific ship, the song 'Encanto' played during departure.
