Antarctica is the last wilderness, an untamed and uninhabited continent that promises to dazzle even the most world-weary traveller. Setting foot on the Antarctic Peninsula is an incredible experience, and we highly recommend it to everyone. Moreover, Antarctica is a destination like no other. Whether it’s the breathtaking glacial landscapes, the extraordinary and abundant wildlife, or the profound sense of being in the presence of nature’s extremes. Whatever your motivation, we are confident that your cruise to Antarctica will be an unforgettable adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your memories.
What is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
The Antarctic season runs from late October to early April, and it’s divided between:
– Antarctica reveals its pristine beauty during the early season (November and early December). Icebergs and ice formations are at their most striking and dramatic, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The snow blankets the continent in pure, dazzling white as it awakens from its winter slumber. November is a time of high activity for penguins, with many species engaging in mating and nesting behaviors. The abundant ice and snow offer the opportunity for thrilling activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
– Peak season (mid-December to mid-February) offers optimal wildlife viewing, long daylight hours, stunning sunsets, and calmer seas. January is ideal for witnessing adorable penguin chicks hatching and playful fur seal pups. Voyages tend to sell out far in advance. Thus, planning to secure your preferred ship and cabin type is essential.
– During the late season (February and March), you can spot abundant orcas, humpback, and sperm whales. There’s a chance to encounter penguin chicks and witness the bustling rookeries in all their noisy and chaotic glory.
Highlights of Antarctica:
– Dubbed “Kodak Gap” for its jaw-dropping scenery, the ice-choked Lemaire Channel is hemmed in by cliffs and one of Antarctica’s most memorable sights.
– Wildlife lovers should head to South Georgia for mind-boggling multitudes of penguins, sea elephants, and more!
– See the stars of the movie Happy Feet. Adelie penguins are even cuter in real life!
Our Experts Choice:
Antarctica provides exceptional opportunities for adventurous travelers. Activities like snowshoeing, ski and snowboard touring, alpine trekking, and climbing are popular in the early season. Meanwhile, thrilling options such as sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving, camping, and the famous polar plunge are available throughout the season.
– Embark on a journey to South Georgia and delve into the rich human history of Antarctic exploration, highlighted by a visit to Shackleton’s grave.
Choosing your cruise:
Cruising in Antarctica is all about the time you spend off the ship. Therefore, although many vessels offer high comfort and amenities, we believe luxury liners are unsuitable for Antarctic exploration.
Antarctic regulations also limit onshore access to 100 passengers at a time. Therefore, we suggest a smaller vessel to maximize your time onshore. Additionally, all the recommended ships are expedition vessels, prioritizing ample time spent off the boat. In addition to the size of the ship, there are other factors to consider, such as budget, cruise duration, destinations, and optional activities. Are you dreaming of camping on the Antarctic continent? Would you like to kayak among majestic icebergs and playful penguins? Or perhaps you’re seeking to enhance your photography skills with the guidance of a professional.
Talk to our expert consultants about choosing the right ship and journey for your Antarctic adventure. We would love to share our experiences with you!
Talk to Us
We know Latin America by heart
Highlights
South Georgia
Wildlife lovers should be sure to include it on their itinerary. Known of the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean” this island has some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on earth, including millions of fur seals, sea birds and southern elephant seals. Nothing can prepare you for witnessing almost half a million king penguins on Salisbury Plain!
Antarctic Peninsula
The continent’s northernmost point is just 1,000km from Tierra del Fuego. The pristine coastline, majestic icebergs and remote wilderness of the peninsula form the quintessential Antarctic experience.
Falkland Islands
A remote and beautiful group of islands, with a temperate climate, unbelievably rich in wildlife and very welcoming people. Explore the quaint British town of Port Stanley.
Antarctic Circle
Explore the less frequently visited sites south of the Antarctic Circle and experience the midnight sun.
7 best wildlife experiences in South & Central America
South and Central America offer some of the world’s most incredible wildlife experiences. From the Galapagos Islands to the Pantanal and the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, this is truly a continent for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a whale-watching tragic, or have a love for Big Cats, South America has a wildlife destination for you. Let us share some of our favourite South & Central America wildlife experiences with you below!
Ticking off the Galapagos Islands Big 15
No doubt you have heard of Africa’s Big 5. But did you know that the Galapagos Islands has an even more extensive list of iconic, must-see species known as the Big 15? And what’s more, by choosing your Galapagos cruise carefully, you have a high chance of seeing most (if not all) these incredible species all on one trip! So, what unique species make up this exclusive list?
Well, it is no surprise that the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoise is top of the list. Not to mention the cute and playful Galapagos Sea Lion and Fur Seal. And then there are the three main species of iguana – land iguana, marine iguana, and the Santa Fe iguana. Snorkellers will have fun spotting the Galapagos Penguin. And birdwatchers will delight in the colourful species which round out the list. The Galapagos Hawk, Albatross, Flightless Cormorant, American Flamingo, and Frigatebirds are some of the most impressive. Whilst the charming Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies are always a favourite. Put simply, the more of these iconic species you see, the more you can appreciate the incredible diversity of South America’s premier wildlife destination.
The Magnificent Frigatebird – one of the Galapagos Big 15
Whale Watching on the Valdes Peninsula
Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula is one of South America’s most incredible wildlife destinations. And yet it flies well under the radar for international tourists. You’ll see vast penguin colonies, abundant marine birds, and plenty of mammals including sea lions, elephant seals, and playful dolphins. But the true stars of the show are the whales. The extraordinary sight of an orca launching itself onto the beach to catch a sea lion pup is something you will never forget! Or the unique experience of watching a Southern Right mother and calf – from an underwater submarine! Don’t miss Argentina’s answer to the Galapagos Islands – visit the Valdes Peninsula on your next trip!
The unforgettable sight of orcas hunting seals and sea lions along the shore
Hearing your first Howler Monkey in the Amazon
Despite containing a staggering number of species, the density of the rainforest means that the Amazon can be a difficult place to spot wildlife. But anyone who has visited the Amazon Basin will tell you that the myriad sounds that you hear at dawn and dusk more than makeup for any lack of visual contact. From the hundreds of different bird songs to chattering monkeys and the frantic sound of white-lipped peccary rushing through the undergrowth, the forest is an aural feast.
But there is one sound that frightens almost every first-time visitor to the Amazon. And that is the call of the Howler Monkey! In fact, Howler Monkeys are among the loudest land animals in the world. Their guttural howls can travel up to 5km across the canopy. One of our favourite South American wildlife experiences is waking to the eerie sound of troops of Howlers calling through the morning mist as the jungle comes alive. Turn your volume up and click here for a taste of this audio adventure!
Red Howler Monkeys – spotted near the Tambopata Research Centre in Peru
Seeing Mexican forests blanketed in Monarch butterflies
Every year, some 200 million Monarch Butterflies migrate from Canada and the US to Mexico. This 4,500km journey is the longest of any insect migration on Earth. And the resulting carpet of orange, black, and white is a sight to behold. Visit the UNESCO Heritage Listed Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve from November to February to witness this breathtaking widlife spectacle. We recommend avoiding weekend visits when the number of visitors can be overwhelming.
Monarch Butterflies in Michoacan
Experiencing the extreme biodiversity of Costa Rica
It’s no secret that Costa Rica is one of the world’s best destinations for ecotourism. After all, almost 30% of the country is protected by national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges. But there is one corner of this eco-paradise that stands above the rest. And that is the Osa Peninsula. In fact, National Geographic has described this pristine peninsula as “the most biologically intense place on earth.” So it should come as no surprise that some of Central America’s best wildlife experiences can be found here.
Choose one of the region’s excellent jungle lodges as your base and explore Corcovado National Park for the chance to see spider monkeys, tapir, anteater, jaguar, and Central America’s largest population of scarlet macaw. Then, explore underwater at the Caño Island Biological Reserve to see some of the region’s iconic marine species such as green turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays. All in all, the Osa Peninsula crams 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity into just 0.001% of its surface area! Meaning, this is one destination wildlife enthusiasts simply cannot afford to miss!
Discover the diversity of flora and flora on the Osa Peninsula
Reliving your childhood with the real-life Paddington Bear
Remember Paddington Bear? That beloved character in children’s books? Not many people recall that he came from “Darkest Peru”. And even fewer are aware that there really are bears in South America! Named for the pale rings that circle their eyes, Andean Spectacled Bears are found in cloud forests from Colombia to northern Argentina but are incredibly elusive. In fact, seeing one of these diminutive bears is almost as difficult as it is to see a jaguar! But there are a few places where your chances improve dramatically.
One of these places is the charming Hacienda Zuleta, an authentic working farm on more than 4,000 acres that dates back to the 17th century. Thanks to the conservation work of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso and his family, Zuleta has become a sanctuary for the Andean Spectacled Bear. And with more than 30 individual bears having been sighted frequently around the property, you stand an excellent chance of seeing ‘Paddington’ during your stay.
An Andean Spectacled Bear snapped in the cloud forests of Ecuador
Witnessing the mind-boggling multitudes in South Georgia
In terms of wildlife density, nothing comes close to South Georgia. In fact, at the height of the breeding season, there is said to be more wildlife per square metre in South Georgia than in any other place on Earth. The statistics are difficult to wrap your head around – 30 million breeding birds, including 7 million penguins & 250,000 albatrosses, 2 million fur seals, and 50% of the world’s population of southern elephant seals. And thanks to the limited exposure these animals have had to humans, they are largely devoid of fear. This means that you can view and photograph these species at incredibly close range. Most of our clients agree that South Georgia is the highlight of their Antarctic cruise!
Nothing can prepare you for seeing almost half a million King Penguins at Salisbury Plain
Of course, there are countless other incredible wildlife experiences to be had in South & Central America! There’s jaguar spotting in the Pantanal and swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico. Not to mention puma tracking in Patagonia and the beautiful camelid species of the Andes. And then there are the myriad bird species that dazzle us every time we visit – curious toucans, rainbow-coloured macaw, brilliantly hued Quetzals, and the elegant flamingoes of the Atacama Desert.
So, why not get in touch with one of our expert consultants? And find out how to make your next South & Central America holiday a wildlife adventure to remember.
Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! Check out some of the best places in Latin America for wonderful wildlife experiences.
For the team at Contours Travel, books that indulge our passion for Latin American travel are the ultimate escape. Both fiction and non-fiction can offer unique insights into the places we travel. From helping us to understand the history and culture, to sparking our curiosity about previously unknown places. Maybe you are planning your next adventure. Or simply looking for an exotic escape for your imagination? Whatever the reason, our top picks for the best travel books for Latin America are sure to fire your passion for travel.
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
Published in 1977, this classic account is a wonderful combination of evocative descriptions, remarkable bits of history, and unforgettable anecdotes about Patagonia. Chatwin revolutionised the genre of travel writing. And this masterpiece is every bit as relevant today as it was all those years ago.
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
An absolutely phenomenal account of Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to cross Antarctica. In fact, this is one of the greatest adventure tales of all time. Overcoming extraordinary odds to survive and rescue his team, Shackleton redefined heroism in the modern age.
River of Darkness: Francisco Orellana’s Legendary Voyage of Death and Discovery Down the Amazon by Buddy Levy
River of Darkness tells the story of Orellana’s journey down the Amazon River from its headwaters to the Atlantic Ocean in the 1540s. Interweaving eyewitness accounts of the quest with newly uncovered details, Levy reconstructs this epic survival tale and gives a fascinating account of the native populations, flora, and fauna the group encountered along the way.
Among Stone Giants by Jo Anne Van Tilburg
A compelling biography of an extraordinary woman who rebelled against Victorian values! Katherine Routledge became one of the first female graduates of Oxford University and the first woman archaeologist to work in Polynesia. Without her work, Easter Island’s traditional beliefs and customs would have been forever lost. An enthralling personal story set against one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the world.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A triumph of magic realism by the Colombian master of the genre. Set in the fictional town of Macondo, the landscape, characters, politics, and history will nevertheless be familiar to anyone who has spent time in this part of the world. A wonderful journey for your imagination and a must-read travel book for Colombia.
The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts by Louis de Bernieres
This is the first part of a trilogy set in an imagined Latin American country. Its themes parody the dictatorships and social unrest of several Latin American nations in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The result is a modern and often hilarious take on magic realism.
A Country Under My Skin by Gioconda Belli
Gioconda Belli grew up in upper-class Nicaragua. Then, in 1970, a blossoming awareness of the social inequities in Nicaragua led her to join the Sandinistas in the struggle against the Samoza dictatorship. And this autobiography chronicles her journey from society girl to paramilitary rebel.
Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano
From gold and silver to cacao, cotton, and rubber, Latin America has been plundered for centuries for its natural resources. Galeano’s account traces the historical, political, and economic factors behind this exploitation and is both analytical and passionate. A must-read for anyone who wishes to understand Latin America’s relationship with US and European power and politics.
So, you’ve decided to embark on a voyage to Antarctica? Congratulations! For your next step, you must now decide when to travel to Antarctica. Our Travel Specialists shed some light on what makes each season different, so you can decide which is the right month for you!
For six months of the year outside the Austral summer, it is nearly impossible to get to Antarctica due to freezing temperatures, months of complete darkness, and pack ice. The tourist season runs from October through to March, with each month having its unique charms.
Early Season (October to November)
The colder early season temperatures have their pros and cons. On the one hand, there is the possibility of some areas being off-limits due to heavy ice floes. But on the other hand, this is a chance to see Antarctica at its most pristine. You’ll see plenty of icebergs and crisp white snowscapes – it is a photographer’s dream! Not to mention, this is the most affordable time to visit. From October onwards penguins begin their return and start to build their nests. Their courtship rituals begin; come November, you may even be able to spot an egg or two nuzzled beneath a penguin. Whales begin to return to their feeding grounds although they are not as prominent as later in the season. Deep snow in some landing sites can mean some landings can be challenging, so remember your trekking poles.
Peak Season (December to January)
During the peak season, the days are at their longest, meaning more sunlight and warmer daily temperatures. You are unlikely to have any sea ice issues stopping you from accessing anywhere. The ocean is full of life with whales feeding, penguin colonies buzzing with chicks as they hatch, and parents feeding their hungry young. As temperatures rise snowmelt means trekking poles can be handy for negotiating slippery shores. A downside is that peak season voyages are the most expensive. And coupled with the fact flights to Argentina around the Christmas and New Year period are also higher than usual – it pays to book far in advance for this popular time of year.
Late Season (February to March)
By this time the feeding frenzy of summer has died down. Prices are a little cheaper than during peak season. However late season cruising means you’ll be walking over a season’s worth of landing sites. So once pristine icy shores can become mucky, you should expect rocky and muddy landings. Most adult penguins finish moulting and begin taking to the sea; watching these first cautious steps and learning to swim is a remarkable thing to witness. This is the best season to observe whales; however, other wildlife may have already headed out to sea. Come the end of March the days are markedly shorter, the temperature begins to drop, and the sea ice begins to build up again, marking the beginning of winter.
Now you know when to visit Antarctica, and which places to visit in Antarctica. However, you probably have many more questions. Let our expert travel advisors answer all your queries and create a perfect itinerary for you. Call us in and let us tell you about the options we have in store for you!
What's the best time to visit Antarctica? Find out whether you're an early, mid or late season voyager!
Covering almost 14 million square kilometres, Antarctica is one of the most forbidding places on earth. It is unique in that it doesn’t have a native population, although seven nations claim different parts of it. Antarctica features fascinating history, varied wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery you are ever likely to experience. However, much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only fully be appreciated through your own eyes. Here we’ll cover some of the key places to visit in Antarctica.
The Antarctic Peninsula
This is the northernmost stretch of land and is the most visited area despite only being accessible by boat. Ruggedly beautiful you can see a variety of whales, seals and birds alongside rocky cliff sides, mountainous terrain and floating glaciers. The iceberg-strewn channels and narrow passages are often frequented by expedition cruises which are no surprise as the scenery is breathtaking. The highlight of your trip will most certainly be to set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. For those most adventurous consider a cruise that offers camping on the Peninsula.
The Antarctic circle
Also known as the Polar Circle, this is one of the five latitude circles used to divide maps of the earth. Few journeys reach this far south passing massive icebergs and endless penguin colonies to reach a latitude of 66.5 degrees south of the equator. A cruise here is a unique experience, and once a year there is 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. There are select cruise departures where you can witness the midnight sun!
The South Shetland Islands
These are a large chain of volcanic islands situated 160 kilometres north of the Peninsula. They are home to 16 research stations as well as the only hotel on the continent. Throughout the string of islands, you’ll find spectacular glaciers, fjords and the rocky coastlines populated by penguins and elephant seals. Popular destinations include Elephant, Livingston, Deception and King George Islands. A volcanic eruption more than 10,000 years ago formed the fascinating Deception Island. Since then, it has been the site of one of the worlds most prominent whaling stations.
King George Island
King George is the largest of the South Shetland Islands and one of the most populated in Antarctica. It is home to scientific stations from 12 different countries and an airfield for those wishing to avoid the notoriously rough Drake passage crossing. Due to this, it doesn’t have the same feeling of isolation as other areas in Antarctica. Nevertheless, it is another haven for bird lovers with giant petrels, cormorants, penguins and gulls all nesting here.
South Georgia
The island’s history is a big attraction with the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. And the South Georgia museum provides an insight into what it would have been like to be one of the first explorers to discover this isolated region. Alongside its history, South Georgia holds the title of the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’, with an exceptional amount of wildlife. Its rookeries are the largest in the world. You’ll experience varied wildlife encounters with one-day seeing beaches packed with king penguins and then the next they’ll be full of thousands of fur seals. On top of that, it is a birders paradise with the possibility of seeing albatrosses and petrels in abundance. South Georgia’s incredible wildlife makes it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Antarctica.
The Falkland Islands
The Falklands, or Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina, are sparsely inhabited islands with a varied landscape of coastal wetlands, white sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Travel here will give you an insight into the islands fascinating history with the quaint British town of Port Stanley. Being the largest settlement, it features reminders of its British heritage from red phone boxes to English style pubs. Once the site of a war between the UK and Argentina, these rugged islands hold surprising biodiversity including both Peale’s and Commersons dolphins. They are also home to large colonies of elephant and fur seals, albatrosses and five different species of penguins.
We explore the key destinations that make up the southern polar region.
