Antarctica & South American Gems - 6313A

San Antonio, Chile, is a Pacific port 63 km south of the port of Valparaiso. San Antonio is the largest freight handling port on the western coast of South America. The city lies on hills and coastal dunes north of the mouth of the Maipo River. It was seriously affected by earthquakes most recently in 1985 and 2010. Read more about San Antonio, Chile

Puerto Montt is a fast growing city in the south of Chile, just north of Chiloe Island. At the southern end of the Pan American highway in Chile, Puerto Montt is not only the end of the road, but the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, canals, islands, and the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. Fertile agricultural fields and green forested hills also add to the enchantment of Southern Chile. It is an all-season destination. Read more about Puerto Montt, Chile

Castro, situated on the east coast of Chiloe Island, sits on a bluff above its sheltered estuary and is the capital of the Chiloe Archipelago, in Chile. Castro is famous for its brightly painted traditional wooden stilt houses, so the greatest single attraction is simply walking down the streets and around the central Plaza de Armas. With its well-kept park that is surrounded by many shops and restaurants, it presents a great opportunity to absorb the local culture. Also of interest is a former railway yard, Plazuela del Tren - transformed into a pleasant park – with a display of locomotives and other vehicles, as well as machinery that was used from 1912-1960. Read more about Castro, Chile

Strikingly rich in natural and historical attractions, the narrow fjords on the west coast of Chile penetrate deeply into the mountains of the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, a major part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is the largest of the protected areas in Chile, and with no large rivers in the area the fjords drain water from outlet glaciers of the ice-capped, storm-swept elevations. It is a large area of uninhabited islands, deep sounds, breathtaking glaciers, and narrow passages. Because of its rugged geography and the remoteness of the area, tourism in the park, as yet, has scarcely been developed. Read more about Chilean Fjords, Chile

Punta Arenas, overlooking the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia, Chile, bustles with windswept trekkers en route to glacier-filled Torres del Paine National Park or an Antarctic cruise. Before leaving, be sure to take note of the mansion-lined main square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero where local vendors sell homemade crafts, the City Cemetery with its elaborate tombs, the Sara Braun Palace, and Braun Menendez Residence that presents great insight of the city's wealthy pioneer past. The city is also home to the former British Navy base and early Spanish colony of Puerto Hambre, and a popular ski centre that overlooks the Strait of Magellan. Read more about Punta Arenas, Chile

The Strait of Magellan, positioned along the southern edges of Chile, is the most important natural passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. Indeed until the Panama Canal was finished in 1914, the Strait of Magellan was the only safe way to complete a circumnavigation of the world. Protected by the Tierra del Fuego to the south and the bulk of South America to the north, ships crossed in relative ease. It is approximately 570 km long and is about 2 km wide at its narrowest point. Read more about Strait Of Magellan, Chile

The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, the top one third (650km) actually lying north of the Antarctic Circle. It includes numerous islands and connecting ice sheets that reach to within 1000 km of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. The northern part of the peninsula in known as Graham Land, the southern half Palmer Land. Permanent ice covers the peninsula, which consists of a string of bedrock islands that are a continuation of the range stretching from far north Alaska, known as the American Cordillera. Read more about Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, the top one third (650km) actually lying north of the Antarctic Circle. It includes numerous islands and connecting ice sheets that reach to within 1000 km of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. The northern part of the peninsula in known as Graham Land, the southern half Palmer Land. Permanent ice covers the peninsula, which consists of a string of bedrock islands that are a continuation of the range stretching from far north Alaska, known as the American Cordillera. Read more about Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, the top one third (650km) actually lying north of the Antarctic Circle. It includes numerous islands and connecting ice sheets that reach to within 1000 km of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. The northern part of the peninsula in known as Graham Land, the southern half Palmer Land. Permanent ice covers the peninsula, which consists of a string of bedrock islands that are a continuation of the range stretching from far north Alaska, known as the American Cordillera. Read more about Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, the top one third (650km) actually lying north of the Antarctic Circle. It includes numerous islands and connecting ice sheets that reach to within 1000 km of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. The northern part of the peninsula in known as Graham Land, the southern half Palmer Land. Permanent ice covers the peninsula, which consists of a string of bedrock islands that are a continuation of the range stretching from far north Alaska, known as the American Cordillera. Read more about Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, the top one third (650km) actually lying north of the Antarctic Circle. It includes numerous islands and connecting ice sheets that reach to within 1000 km of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. The northern part of the peninsula in known as Graham Land, the southern half Palmer Land. Permanent ice covers the peninsula, which consists of a string of bedrock islands that are a continuation of the range stretching from far north Alaska, known as the American Cordillera. Read more about Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Read more about South Georgia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Read more about South Georgia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

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. The tourist station at the pier provides a town map of the Stanley Harbour Maritime History Trail. Read more about Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

New Island is one of the southwesterly island of the Falklands, and the most remote of all the inhabited islands in the archipelago. The landscape of New Island is much like that of parts of Scotland. The hilly island is wind-swept and covered with high brown grass and peat bogs. It has become a popular destination for small expedition ships, so that passengers can enjoy the stunning scenery, bird-watching, as well as offshore sightings of dolphins, penguins, sea lions and fur seals. Read more about New Island, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

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. The varied architecture reflects its history that ranges from colonial to Art Deco, all influenced by either Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French or British immigrants. Read more about Montevideo, Uruguay

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located on the eastern shore of the Rio de la Plata, on the SE coast of South America. The birthplace of the tango, the city is as bustling with energy as the dance itself. Stroll neighbourhoods with romantic restaurants, past its architecture and parks. The 20-lane main boulevard is the longest in the world, fashioned after the Champs-Élysées. Read more about Buenos Aires, Argentina

Punta del Este, known as the St.Tropez of Uruguay, is an upscale vacation spot on the southern-most tip of the country, just an hour and a half by car from Montevideo. Today this area is known worldwide as a very scenic resort area with great shopping, a temperate climate, and kilometres of beautiful beaches. These include Mansa - or gentle beach - that faces the bay, and Playa Brava, a beach that faces the Atlantic and is home to the sculpted Dedos fingers - better known as ‘the Hand in the Sand’ - a well known city landmark. Punta del Este also offers superb food at luxury hotels and restaurants. Read more about Punta del Este, Uruguay

Ilha Grande - aka Big Island - is located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis. The island is largely undeveloped and noted for its scenic beauty, which includes tropical beaches, luxuriant vegetation and a rugged landscape. Ilha Grande is one of the most pristine remnants of Brazil's Atlantic rainforest, one of the richest ecosystems in the world, and a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation. The entire island is a protected area, with most of its territory included in Ilha Grande State Park, and the rest subject to stringent development restrictions. Read more about Ilha Grande, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. If possible, just before sunset, take the cable car (made famous in the James Bond film Moonraker) to its top and see Rio’s breathtaking landscape light up before you. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. If possible, just before sunset, take the cable car (made famous in the James Bond film Moonraker) to its top and see Rio’s breathtaking landscape light up before you. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil