ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Antarctica

The Antarctic Peninsula is, from an ecosystem standpoint, the last frontier.  Jutting out from the largely frozen and relatively lifeless continent of Antarctica, this immense strip of land, which reaches out towards the southern tip of South America, is home to some of the coldest world habitats.  A protected area under the nominal jurisdiction of three countries, the Antarctic Peninsula is visted every year by intrepid travelers on daring cruise ships that come to see the vast colonies of penguins and other creatures that nest here.

Antarctica, Earth’s forgotten continent, has never been home to indigenous peoples.  It was not even discovered by western explorers until the early 19th century.  It was only in the 20th century that permanent outposts were established here, primarily on the Antarctica Peninsula.  The whole continent is under the protection of the Antarctic Treaty System, along with the few species that call the continent home.  Every year in the summer (southern hemisphere), cruise ships from South America make their way here to visit what is probably the most impossible ecosystems in the world.

The peninsula is home to few species, most of which are sea birds.  Several species of Seal reside here at least part of the year, including the Crabeater Seal and Antarctic Fur Seal.  The most popular residents by far are the penguins, countless thousands of which make this their home.  Virtually everyone who visits Antarctica hopes to see the most magnificent resident of all, the regal Emperor Penguin.

The Antarctic Peninsula may be the most difficult environment on Earth for the casual visitor to reach.  The northernmost tip is a thousand miles away from South America, and the closest major cities, Buenos Aires and Montevideo, are 2,000 miles away.  Technically an open site, the peninsula can generally only be reached by cruise tour.  As of this writing no other visitor information was available.  Web: N/A.