South America: Argentina & Chile

Uruguay's vibrant capital city Montevideo houses close to half of the nation's population, resulting in a diverse and exciting metropolitan environment. Your Montevideo exploration could start in the large Plaza Independencia which lies between the Old and New City. Full of interesting architecture the historical Old City has maintained buildings dating back to the Colonial times, whilst the Torre Antel, a distinctly modern skyscraper, shows the evolution of the city. Wine connoisseurs should explore further afield of the city and take advantage of the range of wineries and ranches which help make Uruguay one of the leading wine producers in South America.

Puerto Madryn sits on the shores of Golfo Nuevo, in Argentina, and is an attractive little town where British immigrants founded a colony in 1880. Welsh immigrants established the small town of Trelew nearby and populated the area's verdant Chubut River Valley.

The western coast of South America meets the Pacific Ocean, the north and east are bordered by the Atlantic while the Caribbean surrounds the north-west corner of the land. Most of the continent’s 385 million inhabitants live along the east and west coasts, with only a small proportion of the population settled inland.

The remote and sparsely-populated Falkland Islands are a birders' paradise and a great place to observe marine animals. The Falkland Islands are usually included as part of an Antarctic route incorporating South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsular. Stretched along the sheltered harbour, the colourful buildings of Stanley bid a friendly welcome to all visitors. The tiny capital city is village-sized but has the amenities you would expect of a large town and lots to discover. Shore excursions can be booked on board ship which is recommended for anyone keen to take a tour. Tours range from various trips to penguin colonies and farms, Stanley’s highlights by bus, battlefield and walking tours. Small buses run regularly to the nearby penguin colony at Gypsy Cove and the city is easy to explore on foot but to get the best from your visit, a tour with a local guide is highly recommended.

Situated off the coast of Antarctica, Elephant Island is named after the elephant seals that populate it and due to the island being shaped like an elephant head. Rugged mountains, glistening sheets of ice and unique wildlife add to the mystique of this remote destination

Paradise Bay captures what most people imagine when they think of Antarctica - dramatic ice formations, expansive blue-hued glaciers, charming penguins waddling about, and whales gliding through serene waters.

The southernmost town on earth, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, waterways and the Tierra del Fuego National Park, this small town in Argentina is the gateway to some stunning locations.

The southernmost town on earth, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, waterways and the Tierra del Fuego National Park, this small town in Argentina is the gateway to some stunning locations.