Viking Cruises

68 | Viking Explorer Society News From pulsing Latino beats to rugged mountain peaks and looming majestic icebergs, South America & the Chilean Fjords has it all Journey to the end OF THE WORLD BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Buenos Aires is Argentina's most cosmopolitan capital. From the bohemian flair of La Boca to the grand homes of Recoleta, one of the finest quarters of the city, there is much to see. Walk in the shoes of Eva Perón at the ornate Casa Rosada, the presidential palace that was once her home, and visit her final resting place at La Recoleta Cemetery as you discover the story of the much-loved first lady and inspiration behind the Broadway musical, Evita. Avenida Corrientes is an exciting and bustling thoroughfare of theaters, shops and cafés known as "the street that never sleeps."The city's colorful neighborhoods reverberate with the intoxicating melodies of the tango; meanwhile, restaurants are busy perfecting the art of grilling meats for patrons. MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY Another capital city, Montevideo, boasts the highest quality of living of any city in South America. With verdant parks, sweeping vistas and rich architectural styles, it invites visitors to admire highlights such as the Legislative Palace, a grand neoclassical building; the Ciudad Vieja, or Old Town; and the Batlle y Ordóñez Park with the iconic La Caretta Monument, all in a glorious subtropical climate. A short overland tour away lies the magnificent natural marvel, Iguazú Falls. PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA Península Valdés is connected to the continent by a narrow strip of land. Its natural beauty and biodiversity is celebrated throughout the world. You may choose to explore this natural haven before visiting Puerto Pirámides to observe a sea lion colony from the clifftops. The Welsh settled in Puerto Madryn in the mid-19th century—a trip to the town of Dolavon and the city of Gaiman, where the Welsh language is still spoken, will reveal their extraordinary tale. PORT STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS More than 300 miles off the coast of South America lies the rugged archipelago of the Falkland Islands. Several hundred sparsely inhabited islands flourish with unspoiled nature and diverse fauna. Some 60 distinct bird species breed on the islands, including five different species of penguin and some of the world's largest colonies of albatross. Here, within the historic streets of Port Stanley, lies the world's most southerly Anglican church and the Whalebone Arch. CAPE HORN Cape Horn marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans meet. Retrace the epic voyage of Charles Darwin through the Beagle Channel, the narrow strait separating the main island of Tierra del Fuego from a string of smaller islands to the south. The area has not lost any of its stark natural beauty since Darwin described it in lyrical terms in 1833. USHUAIA, ARGENTINA At the very tip of South America, Ushuaia prides itself on being the southernmost city in the world. The spectacular natural surroundings of Tierra del Fuego National Park, feature subantarctic forests, lovely lakes, pristine glaciers and rich peat bogs. Ushuaia's history as a penal colony of sorts at the "End of the World" makes the city itself an interesting place; today, the former prison houses a museum and makes for a fascinating tour. PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE Chile's southernmost city sits on the north shore of the Strait of Magellan, named after the Portuguese explorer who pioneered the sea route around South America in 1520. Its heritage as an explorer's haven still remains to this day, with many expeditions to Antarctica beginning from here. The Penguins on the Falkand Islands

• Cover