Situated on Argentina’s stunning Rio de la Plata coast, Buenos Aires is a thriving portside capital defined by a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong European influence - thus nicknamed the Paris of South America. Countless museums covering a cornucopia of subjects; an active theatre culture; carnivorous buffets second to none; sensuous tango performances; a mosaic of architecture; and shops to fit all fancies – all these facets and more make up the seductive blend that is Buenos Aires. Some of the city’s highlights include the buzz of the La Bombonera Stadium; tango and milonga venues like the Bohemian La Catedral; and heritage architecture such as that at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, where visitors can wander through a ‘city’ of massive statues and marble mausoleums. Don’t miss the International Festival of Independent Cinema and the vibrant annual Pride Parade.
Widely regarded world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is a strikingly beautiful destination on the southern coastline of Tierra del Fuego Island, backed by mountains and facing onto Beagle channel. The city’s elegant commercial centre offers a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, while its natural location means that adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with kayaking, skiing, hiking and sailing all on offer. For a more serene excursion, boat cruises are a popular way to view the glacier off Ushuaia’s coast.
Situated 490km east of Patagonia, the remotes Falkland Islands have been an overseas territory of the United Kingdom since 1833. Two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, are the largest landmasses, surrounded by 776 smaller islands. The landscape is rugged, beautiful and treeless, with wind -resistant dwarf shrubs blanketing the hills. Hiking opportunities are plentiful in this unique and silent wilderness, and travellers can also immerse themselves in the unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Penguins, elephant seals, sea lions and a myriad of marine birds live along the shoreline. To view whales and dolphins, boat tours can be arranged.
Set in the icy South Atlantic Ocean, east of the southern tip of South America, the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a cluster of scenic islands which serve as an oasis in the stormy southern seas. These remote sub-Antarctic island groups are home to a variety of wildlife including, large colonies of seals, whales, penguins and other birdlife such as albatross and petrel. Dubbed ‘The Alps in the mid-ocean’, this British Overseas Territory is known for its rugged natural beauty, with its dramatic landscape featuring snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and emerald green bays dotted with abundant wildlife. The scenic archipelago draws visitors from all over the globe and is known for being one of the most visited locations in Antarctica.
Located in the Southern Ocean, northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula tip, the hulking mass of Elephant Island was named after the many Elephant seals who call this island home as well as the landscape forming the distinct shape of an elephant’s head. This was the site of the famous Antarctic Expedition and rescue by Ernest Shackleton. The landscape is stark, mountainous and blanketed in large sheets of ice. It is home to migratory seals, Gentoo penguins and other seabirds. It is not usual for tourists to disembark and land on the island due to inaccessibility, but it is best enjoyed from a distance.
Warmer and more accessible than the rest of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula is a popular destination for those wanting to experience one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet. Snow-capped mountains descend into icy blue waters dotted with magnificent icebergs and numerous islands. Although it only extends 1300km into the ocean, the peninsula is home to a wide variety of wildlife species that include penguins, whales and seals. Activities include trips to a volcanic island, swimming in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove, and the chance to cross the Antarctic Circle.
One of the islands of the South Shetland Archipelago, King George Island features windswept icy glacial plains and the stark dramatic beauty for which Antarctica is famed for. It serves as the first stop on most Antarctic journeys. It is the largest island of the archipelago and its accessibility has made it a popular spot for the establishment of numerous research stations, with over twelve stations from different countries. It boasts a diversity of wildlife such as leopard, Weddell and elephant seal populations, as well as whales, seabirds, and gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Southern Aurora, also known as the Southern Lights, visit the charming Russian orthodox church known for its otherworldly location, or participate in the world’s most southerly marathon, the Antarctic Ice Marathon.
Set close to the tip of Chile's southern Patagonia region, Punta Arenas is the southernmost continental city in the world. Situated on the Strait of Magellan, it is best known as a departure point for trips to Antarctica and other bioceanic travelling. The city's charms, history, tax-free shopping, good travellers' services and hospitality make it a popular destination in its own right. It has much to offer by way of history – visit the Mayorino Borgatello Salesian Museum, the Shepherds Monument 'Monumento al Ovejero', and the Patagonia Institute. Don't miss the Nao Victoria Museum, where visitors can view a full-size replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the world, Ferdinand Magellan's ship 'Victoria'.
