There is no other place in the world as amazing as the Antarctic. This continent, almost completely submerged by ice, not only conceals its topography, but also has influenced its evolution.

Covering an area of around 14.000.000 km², the Antarctica is the second smallest continent after Australia. Its mountains cover such a significant area that it makes it on average the highest of the seven continents. In addition, it is also the windiest, coldest and less populated area on the planet.

The ice sheet covering almost the entire Antarctic Continent represents the largest fresh water reserve in the world, containing around 90% of the world’s ice and 68% of its water, strangely precipitations in the Antarctic are very low. The average annual rainfall is only 5 which technically would make Antarctica the world's largest desert.

Geographically, the Antarctic includes the continent itself and its adjacent islands. According to the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959, the Antarctica jurisdiction applies to the region between the parallel of latitude 60 and the South Pole.

Baleen whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), Weddel Seals, Antarctic Seals and Penguins compose the fauna, which feeds on the Antarctic's rich waters.

This continent was first discovered by whale hunters, in search of wealth and later was rediscovered by the great explorers: Ernest Shackleton, Douglas Mawson, Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott among others.

The scenery, fauna and marine life are the main attractions for tourists; this place is one of the few in the world that has remained untouched by men, this is why it constitutes one of mankind's most important biosphere reserves.

If you wish to know more about it, check our Isla Rey Jorge - ANTARCTIC programs.