Antarctica - The Antarctic
Antarctica or the Antarctic
Antarctica – the last frontier. It is located in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle and home to the South Pole. It is the 5th largest land mass after Asia, Africa, North America and South America. Over 98% of its surface is covered in an ice sheet measuring, on average, 1.6km in thickness.
Antarctica is a cold, windy and dry place. Fortunately there is no human conurbation on this pristine continent except for the buildings to house a few thousand scientists who fill the various country scientific bases located at various locations on the continent.
To protect this land from human exploitation the Antarctic Treaty was signed by twelve countries in 1959 prohibiting military activities and mining, but supporting scientific research. Since 1959 a further 34 countries have signed up to the treaty.
Tourists
Today visitors to Antarctica can take cruise ships, usually out from Ushuaia, and experience the stunning tranquility and beauty of the area. Apart from the thrill of seeing, and in many cases being able to walk on this fabled continent, it is the sea ice and beautiful marine fauna that visitors marvel at.
Torres del Paine Accommodation Partners
(the hotels below are our preferred partners, but we can work with a hotel even if it is not shown below)
