The general aspect of the Antarctic continent is one of a great plateau, with heights of up to 3,000 meters, of which the majority corresponds to the thickness of the ice layer that covers a great part of the surface. This layer hides the subjacent relief, and only those peaks higher than the ice cap remain visible. These elevations are called "nunatak" and in the massive Vinson reach 5000 meters. At the same time we find volcanic activity in the Ross Islands, the Erebus volcano (active), and Deception Islands (crater reactivated in 1967).

The high latitude, the coverage of the glacier cap and poor sunlight, among other factors, determine a cold, dry, windy climate and low in precipitations.
The Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans bathe the continent, forming a wide marine strip that completely surrounds it.

To arrive in the Antarctica you have to travel: from South America, 1,000 Km.; from New Zealand, 2,200 Km. and from Africa, 3,600 Km.

Given that there is only 1000 Km. that separate Ushuaia from the Antarctic Peninsula, this city is undoubtedly the entrance door to the white continent.

Between the months of November and March, different vessels, of the ice breaker type or with reinforced hull, leave towards this fascinating and mysterious destination. Depending of the choice of cruise, you can enjoy a luxury trip or one of the expedition-adventure type trips.

The crossing of Drake Passage takes less than two days, for this reason the minimum duration of these trips is 9 days. When the journey includes Cape Horn, the Shetland Islands, Georgias or Malvinas, the duration is sometimes two weeks or longer. It is also possible to semi-circumnavigate the Antarctic continent, requiring 3 to 4 weeks.

Naturalists and/or scientists organize talks and conferences during the trip, that detail aspects related to the place to be visited and its singular features. Different places are visited along the way, most of them located on the coasts of the Antarctic Peninsula that are chosen by their beauty and rich fauna. You disembark using pneumatic boats and remain on land for some hours, as long as climatic conditions permit it.

As to the rates, they vary according to the type of vessel, the location and capacity of the cabin. In all cases the rates include all meals.
It happens that on some occasions the cruises do not complete their capacity and reduce the rates about 20%. The availability of these last minute rates is not known until two days before departure.
Several agencies in the city specialize in this type of navigation, where you can get information on the itineraries for each vessel.

The Antarctica is one of the most important natural reserve in the world, hence the need for protection and preservation, which means not disturbing the fauna avoiding any type of contamination, chemical or residual.
There are scientific bases that research different variables such as pollution and global climatic change, factors that seriously jeopardize the evolution of life in the whole planet.

In relation to this, there is a compilation of guidelines of conduct for visitors of the Antarctica, established in the meeting of signatory countries of the Antarctic Treaty that you would have to be acquainted with before visiting the white continent.

The activities in Antarctica are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, know as a collective manner as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established that Antarctica was an area intended for peace and science.
In 1991, the consultative parties adopted the Protocol of the Protection of the Environment to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the white continent as a natural reserve. The protocol establishes several environmental principles and obligations to ensure the ample protection of the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystems. The consultative parties have agreed that in the meantime and while awaiting for the Protocol to take effect, its dispositions should be appropriately applied, whenever possible, and in conformity with their respective legal systems.

The Environmental Protocol refers to governmental activities as well as non governmental and tourist activities in the area protected by the State. It has the purpose to ensure that those activities do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, or on its aesthetic and scientific values.

This guide for Antarctic travelers was elaborated with the purpose of ensuring that all visitors are aware and can comply with the Treaty and Protocol:

Protect the Antarctic fauna

Several areas in Antarctica receive special protection due to their particular values, including among others, ecological, scientific and historical values. The entry to certain areas may be prohibited, except in cases where permits are granted by a competent national authority. The activities inside and close to the sites and historic monuments and of other zones can be subject to special limitations.
1) It convenient to be informed about the location of those areas receiving special protection and other limitations relative to entry and activities that can be carried out inside or close to them.
2) Comply with the applicable limitations.
3) Do not harm. remove or destroy the sites or historic monuments, or any artifact associated with them. Do not disturb scientific research, installations or equipment.
4) Obtain the corresponding authorization before visiting the Antarctic scientific installations and of logistical support. Reconfirm your plans 24 or 72 hours in advance, and strictly comply con the standards relative to such visits.
5) Do not interfere with or remove scientific equipment or marking posts, or interfere with sites of experimental research, camps or supplies.

It is necessary to be prepared for an adverse and variable climate ensuring that your equipment and clothing comply with the Antarctic standards. It must be remembered that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
1) Know your limitations, the dangers that the Antarctic environment represent, and behave according with this information. When planning your activities, always take into account your safety.
2) Maintain a safe distance from all fauna, on land and sea.
3) Take note, behave according to the advise and instructions of your guides, do not separate from your group.
4) Do not walk on glaciers, or great areas covered with snow without the appropriate equipment and experience, there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevices.
5) Do not wait to rely on a rescue service; with reasonable planning, good quality equipment and qualified personnel, self sufficiency is improved.
6) Do not enter into emergency shelters (except in an emergency). If you use equipment or food you find inside the shelter, notify the closest station when after the emergency.
7) Comply with any smoking restriction, particularly around buildings, and take all precautions to avoid danger of fire. This constitutes a real danger in dry environments in Antarctica.

DEAR ANTARCTIC VISITOR

Please do not forget how much you can do demonstrating that tourism in Antarctica is not simply a commercial activity in the interest of a few, but an extraordinary and infinite source of knowledge for the human being that loves the world he lives in.