Antarctica & Falklands Expedition Northbound (Montevideo)

Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, is located on the Beagle Channel, where soaring mountains, ice-blue glaciers, and an historic lighthouse create an ideal backdrop. The capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, it was first settled by British missionaries. During the first half of the 20th C the major building of the city was a prison, built by the Argentinian government for repeat offenders and serious criminals, as the subpolar oceanic climate made escape difficult. Read more about Ushuaia, Argentina

The South Shetland Islands is a group of 11 major and several minor islands located 960 km south of the tip of South America and about 120 km north of the Antarctic Peninsula. While discovered towards the beginning of the seventeenth century, either by Dutch or Spanish explorers, it is currently not administered by any one nation. There are 18 research stations on the islands (10 year-round, 8 summer only). Read more about South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

The South Shetland Islands is a group of 11 major and several minor islands located 960 km south of the tip of South America and about 120 km north of the Antarctic Peninsula. While discovered towards the beginning of the seventeenth century, either by Dutch or Spanish explorers, it is currently not administered by any one nation. There are 18 research stations on the islands (10 year-round, 8 summer only). Read more about South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America at Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Named after the sixteenth century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, although he never actually sailed the passage, it connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and is the shortest crossing from Antarctica to the rest of the world’s land, about 860 km. Conditions can change instantly in the Drake Passage, owing to strong winds, large waves, strong currents, and icebergs: hence notorious as ‘sailors’ graveyard.’ Until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 large ships had to sail this passage. Read more about Drake Passage, Antarctica

Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America at Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Named after the sixteenth century English explorer Sir Francis Drake, although he never actually sailed the passage, it connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and is the shortest crossing from Antarctica to the rest of the world’s land, about 860 km. Conditions can change instantly in the Drake Passage, owing to strong winds, large waves, strong currents, and icebergs: hence notorious as ‘sailors’ graveyard.’ Until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 large ships had to sail this passage. Read more about Drake Passage, Antarctica

Port Stanley is the capital and only town in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). It is located on the isle of East Falkland, on a north-facing slope, south of Stanley Harbour, in one of the wettest parts of the islands. It is very easy to see most of the islands’ worthwhile sites on a short walking tour. Read more about Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Saunders Island, NW of West Falkland, is still run as a sheep farm. Saunders Island Settlement, with one listed building known as Stone House, lies on the east coast. There are varied habitats, including wetland and permanent lakes, areas of dune formations and extensive steep cliff slopes. Read more about Saunders Island, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Puerto Madryn is a city in the province of Chubut, one of the most sheltered places on the Patagonian coast of Argentina. The town, founded in 1865 by 150 Welsh immigrants, has become an important tourist centre. This coastal city has warm summers and moderate winters all year round. Read more about Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Montevideo is the largest city, capital, and chief port of Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate (Silver River), it is also home to almost half of the nation's population, and subsequently is a modern metropolis, though with a fascinating historical old town dating back to colonial times. Described as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life, it is the hub of commerce. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay