Region reference · Antarctic Peninsula

South Shetland Islands

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A first look at South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are an archipelago 120 km (75 miles) north of the Antarctic Peninsula. They have a marine polar climate: very cold, but not as extremely cold as the mainland. They were discovered in the early 19th century and supported temporary bases for whaling and sealing, and later research and exploration bases. They have never had permanent residents.

Excerpt from Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full guide for context.

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Antarctica

Villa Las Estrellas

Villa Las Estrellas is a Chilean civilian settlement on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. It consists of some dozen prefabs but is a vital service hub for all the bases on the island. It has an airport, and its waters (though lacking harbour facilities and shelter) are usually ice-free, so it's also a transit point…

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Guide excerpt: Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: SnowSwan · CC BY-SA 3.0

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South Shetland Islands

A first look at South Shetland Islands

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Villa Las Estrellas

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