Antarctica only has two seasons: winter and summer; and for most frequent flyers, this is not the desired destination when winter blows in either. Ah, but during the months of December and January, when temperatures are practically frigid in a good portion of North America, Antarctica is enjoying its peak summer weather. The days are longer, with more than 20 hours of sunlight, and the temperature is generally around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wildlife lovers will especially enjoy the planet’s southernmost continent. The blue whales are migrating through the area, the little penguin chicks are growing, and the seals are caring for their little ones as well. Is a trip to the South Pole somewhere on your travel bucket list?

Now is the time to check that one off. After all, cruise ships are now more accessible and affordable than ever. They are even more eco-friendly. Travel bloggers agree; there are a lot more beautiful places and things to see in Antarctica than majestic massive glaciers. So, without further ado, here are the most beautiful places in Antarctica.

The Most Beautiful Places in Antarctica

1. Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, or Sandy Point in English, is considered to be a gateway to Antarctica. It’s also the official capital city of the area named Magallanes y la Antartica Chilena Region. This is quite possibly the largest city you will see on your visit.  

As of 2021, it had a total population of 127,454. According to various sources, this city is also often a bust base camp for a number of different official (and unofficial) Antarctica excursions. Additionally, this is also an excellent place to seek out the oft-times elusive Southern Lights while still being based in a center of civilization.

If you are looking for a popular local attraction, then consider visiting the Nao Victoria Museum. Here you will find a full-sized replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s historic ship the Nao Victoria. It was the first vessel to circumnavigate the planet.

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Ushuaia

It might initially sound odd but your Antarctic adventure will probably begin in the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is actually reported to be a respectable tourist destination all on its own. Indeed, fans of international national parks know that it is well-known for being the home of the popular Tierra del Fuego National Park, and, of course, a busy, bustling travel port from whence numerous sea vessels begin and end various trips to Antarctica.

Yes, in part, it’s famous for being located at “the end of the world” but it’s also known to the more athletic as an “adventure hub” because you can rent or purchase gear for a number of different adventurous activities including scuba diving, skiing, and sailing. You can also use this city as a place to prepare for or relax after your trip while sampling some of the planet’s “southernmost microbrew.”

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The Drake Passage

When the temperature is above freezing, the pack ice melts, and cruise ships can navigate through the Drake Passage. Named after the British explorer Sir Francis Drake who first traveled the passage, it is now the preferred route from South America. Once considered the most dangerous crossing in the world, it runs out of the headland of Cape Horn at the southernmost point of South America to the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica.  

While it is indeed the shortest sea route to Antarctica, it includes multiple temperatures and the convergence of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Thus travelers are never completely sure what to expect in terms of weather conditions. That’s why frequent sea goers sometimes say it is either the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake.”

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The South Shetland Islands

The previously mentioned South Shetland Islands can be found just 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula. They cover a total expanse of 1,424 square miles, including multiple volcanoes. The South Shetland Islands are the home of a number of different scientific research stations.  

At one point there were no less than 16 of them. Most of them are located on King George Island. Ah, but these islands are a popular place to see seals and penguins as well.  

The population here fluctuates from approximately 190 in the winter to 600 in the summer. Because the isles are mainly covered in ice, the 12+ islands are set foot upon by more cruise ship passengers than residents. Don’t miss historic Livingston Island, complete with 19th-century sites from back when Antarctica was a hub for seal-hunting.

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Deception Island

Deception Island is a caldera and one of the South Shetland Islands. It is near the Antarctic Peninsula. It was created by a volcanic eruption over 10,000 years ago. Its large natural harbor is generally safe but the island is still sometimes bothered by an underlying active volcano.

Nevertheless, it remains a favorite stop for folks traveling to Antarctica. The harbor here used to be little more than a whaling station, now it hosts scientists and cruise passengers alike. This is one of the spots where you can get off a ship and see penguins from ground level, possibly even from the cozy comfort of a natural hot tub in the beach. It is an exceptionally enjoyable place to swim (or even skinny dip) in the waters of Antarctica.

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The Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica’s northern stretch of mainland is also generally the first portion of the continent that many first-time visitors see. The Antarctic Peninsula is mountainous and stretches out for over 900 miles toward the tip of South America. Over 75 percent of the krill around Antarctica is here, so watch for humpback whales, minke, and, of course, the previously mentioned popular penguins. If you enjoy trivia, you’ll appreciate knowing it has multiple names. In Chile, it’s called O’Higgins Island, Tierra de San Martin in Argentina, the Palmer Peninsula in the US, and, at one time, Graham Land in the UK.

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The South Orkney Islands

The South Orkney Islands are northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula’s tip. They were officially discovered by British and American sealers back in the 1800s when they were used as a base for whale and seal hunting. At present, these islands host a pair of research stations.

One is managed by the British Antarctic Survey and the other is run by the powers that be in Argentina. These islands are usually cold, windblown, and more or less inhospitable. They feature what some refer to as “ends of the Earth landscapes,” and feature little more than hardy local grasses and mosses that harken back 4,500 years. The only residents you might see are leopard seals and a lot of penguins including both sturdy southern rockhoppers and chinstrap penguins.

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The famous Falkland Islands

The (in)famous Falklands are found less than 250 miles south of popular Tierra del Fuego. Despite the controversy though, these islands are definite must-sees when traveling in Antarctica. Indeed, ornithologists will especially appreciate the literally dozens of different species of seabirds and, of course, five different varieties of penguins on this 4,700-square-mile landmass as well.  

Yes, we know that technically this place is still considered South America. In fact, in Stanley, the capital city, founded in 1843, you’ll even be able to visit British pubs and even sample the local suds at the favored Falkland Beerworks. Spend the night in a coastal cottage too if you have got the time.

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South Georgia Island

Speaking of penguins, remote South Georgia Island, just 1,400 kilometers away from the Falklands, is rife with penguins and seals as well. Accessible only via boat, this isle is even more famous for its fjords and pristine glaciers and the official gravesite of the renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. He is buried in the deserted settlement named Grytviken.

This isle is part of the South Sandwich Islands and is known to some as the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean. It’s the only place you will see the Pipit and the South Georgia Pintail birds. You’ll also potentially spot different pieces of fur and elephant seals, and Adelie, Gentoo, and chinstrap (say it with me) penguins.

If you love to spot wildlife, then the best time to visit here is in the spring. That’s when you’re practically guaranteed to see a lot of animals. Indeed, you may get more than you bargain for since this is not only when the elephant seals are incredibly active, but the fun fur seals are mating as well.

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Zavodovski Island

While the majority of the South Sandwich Islands are not as well-known as South Georgia, the ice-covered, uninhabited Zavodovski Island is actually the home of one of the planet’s biggest penguin colonies. More specifically, this volcanic isle located 350 kilometers southeast of popular South Georgia Island, is home to roughly one million pairs of mated chinstrap penguins. Look for them huddled against the island’s volcanic slopes. Unsurprisingly, many people know it as Penguin Island. There you have it, fellow frequent flyers, those are the most beautiful places in Antarctica.

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The Oldest Man-made Structures

If you look at the Tide pod eaters and condom inhalers of today and lose faith in humanity, fret not. There’s still hope for the human race. In fact, in this piece, we will allay your fears as we demonstrate what thousands of years of true human ingenuity look like. Without further adieu then, here are the 10 oldest man-made structures on earth that are still worth visiting today.

1. Wiebbe Hayes Stone Fort, Australia

There’s little more than a stack of coral and limestone blocks remaining of Australia’s oldest structure. Found on West Wallabi Island, it dates back to 1629. What’s most fascinating is the history here.

It’s a dark, torrid tale of murder, mutiny at sea, and a shattering shipwreck. Spend some time at the popular Museum of Geraldton and learn of this wreck and the bloody battles that ensued. You can also charter a boat and sail to the fort just off the mainland and experience history for yourself.

2. Fortaleza Ozama, Dominican Republic

Famous explorer Christopher Columbus was once a prisoner here at this fort completed in 1508. It is located at the official entrance to Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial. The fortress overlooks its namesake, the Ozama River.

It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will travel back through the mists of time after the first stone was set in 1502. Explore all the various chambers, dungeons, and tunnels that remain of this Spanish castle-like fort. Thus, it’s officially the very first “permanent military structure” anywhere in the Americas.

3. Acoma Pueblo, USA

Situated in Albuquerque,  New Mexico and originally thought to have been founded in 1150, this historic pueblo was designated to be the “oldest continuously inhabited community” in the USA. It has, however, been the subject of more recent excavations that lend credence to the possibility it could date back even earlier. Now almost 50 members of the Acoma tribe live in “Sky City.”  It’s thus named because it seems to be precariously perched atop a 367-foot mesa. They have no smartphones, no electricity or running water and live as their ancestors did.

4. Cuicuilco, Mexico

This ancient ceremonial center and archaeological site is located on the shore of well-known Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico, in famous Mexico City. The moss-covered lava blocks and stones of this temple are in danger of being reclaimed by the earth as the weeds and green grass peeking out between the stones indicates. The Cuicuilco Pyramid harkens back to 2000 BC. (Cuicuilco is Nahuatl for “place of songs.”) The residents of this place were the first to record the sun’s movements, thus initiating the creation of the first calendar.

5. Borchgrevink’s Hut, Antarctica

This structure is noteworthy for both its significant place in the exploration of this continent and because it was the very first man-made structure built here. Because of the strong offshore winds and heavy surf Cape Adare is one of the most inhospitable landing sites in Antarctica. It was in 1899 that Norwegian Commander Carsten Borchgrevink erected two huts so that he and his team could be the first expedition to spend the night in Antarctica. Visitors can still see the original huts and their remaining contents there today.

6. Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt

Also known as the Step Pyramid, this pyramid is located in the ancient Saqqara necropolis, northwest of Memphis. It predates the world-famous Great Pyramid of Giza by several hundred years. It’s also the planet’s “oldest still-standing stone building.”

The man-made pyramid was constructed between 2667 and 2648 BC for the Egyptian pharaoh Djoser who ruled during the nation’s third dynasty. This step pyramid has a total of six layers that have been restored over a period of 14 years. Finally open to the public, travelers can now wander through the pyramid.

7. Caral-Supe, Peru

The sacred city of Caral-Supe (or simply Caral) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 150-acre plot of homes, plazas, and pyramids is located on an arid desert terrace that overlooks the valley of the Supe River. Archaeologists unearthed a reed carrying bag that dates back to the Late Archaic period which started in 3000 BC.

Therefore, it’s the Americas’ oldest civilization, and one of the oldest on the planet. The previously-mentioned river determines how easily travelers can get to this place according to the country’s wet or dry season.

8. Dholavira, India

This archaeological site is situated at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, in Gujarat in India. It’s a man-made Harappan city isolated from modern-day civilization by the well-known salt plains of Rann of Kachchh. It was rediscovered in 1956.

It’s named after a contemporary village only 1 kilometer to the south. Researchers agree this ancient locale was probably occupied from 2650 BC to 1450 BC. The defensive fortifications, grid-like streets, and advanced drainage systems might very well be one of the first examples of early city planning.

9. Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

Located in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Region, this archaeological site is roughly 12 kilometers or seven miles away from Şanlıurfa. Experts say this is the first man-made temple on the planet. First discovered some time in the 1960s, it was originally dismissed as being little more than a medieval cemetery.  In 1994, a German archaeologist named Klaus Schmidt visited this place and found that it went all the way back to 9500 BC. It actually predated metal tools or pottery. That makes these huge intricate carved stones even more marvelous.

10. Tel es-Sultan, Palestine

Also known as Ancient Jericho or Tel Jericho, this is the location of biblical and ancient Jericho. Ensconced in the well-known plain of Palestine’s Jordan Valley, it is now a UNESCO-nominated archaeological site. Remains here date back to 9000 BC.

Researchers report it was first inhabited in the 10th millennium BCE. This place, known to some as “the oldest town in the world”, played an important role in Levantine archaeological history. It’s also known to be the longest continuously inhabited city on the planet. You can tour the ruins on foot or via bicycle.

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