Lima, founded in 1535, brings colour and culture to Peru's arid coast. This vast oceanfront capital, often wrapped in winter garúa, mixes colonial splendour, ancient history and modern contrasts, with nearly 10 million residents. Visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and Government Palace, then explore nearby pre-Columbian sites and museums. In Barranco, see galleries and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Finish with ceviche and a Pisco Sour.

Lima, founded in 1535, brings colour and culture to Peru's arid coast. This vast oceanfront capital, often wrapped in winter garúa, mixes colonial splendour, ancient history and modern contrasts, with nearly 10 million residents. Visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and Government Palace, then explore nearby pre-Columbian sites and museums. In Barranco, see galleries and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Finish with ceviche and a Pisco Sour.

Arica is Chile's northernmost city and the capital of Arica and Parinacota, with about 240,000 people, nearly 98% of the region. Known as the "city of eternal spring" (18°C), it lies in the Atacama Desert, yet a fertile river valley supports fruit, vegetables, and famous olives. Its port has long been important, now as a free port for Bolivia. Peru held Arica until Chile captured El Morro in 1880. Nearby are Azapa Museum, Chinchorro mummies, beaches, and Eiffel-designed buildings.

Coquimbo's name comes from a Diaguita word meaning "place of calm waters"; Darwin called it "remarkable for nothing but its extreme quietness." Once a colonial port for La Serena and a target of pirates like Sir Francis Drake (1578), it is now a busy port and the region's main commercial and industrial center, exporting minerals, fish products, and fruit. It is also a gateway to La Serena and the Elqui Valley, famed for pisco sour and major observatories.

Valparaiso has long inspired writers, poets, musicians and artists. Though a bit rough, its bohemian charm, street art, nightlife, live music, colorful clifftop homes and striking architecture make it one of Chile's most beloved cities. Founded in 1536 by Juan de Saavedra, it still has colonial buildings despite fires and earthquakes. Nearby are Pablo Neruda's ship-shaped house and the Casablanca Valley vineyards, while Chile's wine culture also gave rise to pisco.

Valparaiso has long inspired writers, poets, musicians and artists. Though a bit rough, its bohemian charm, street art, nightlife, live music, colorful clifftop homes and striking architecture make it one of Chile's most beloved cities. Founded in 1536 by Juan de Saavedra, it still has colonial buildings despite fires and earthquakes. Nearby are Pablo Neruda's ship-shaped house and the Casablanca Valley vineyards, while Chile's wine culture also gave rise to pisco.

Windy Puerto Montt was long the end of the line in the Lake District; today the Carretera Austral continues south, but it remains the region's last major outpost and a hub for fishing, textiles, and tourism. The fast-growing city center has malls, condos, and offices, while the rest is mostly low clapboard houses above the Seno de Reloncaví. On sunny days, visit Playa Pelluco or other beaches, or drive the shoreline for views of the hills.

Punta Arenas, Chile's "City at the End of the World," is a windy, remote but surprisingly cosmopolitan gateway to Antarctica. Built around Plaza de Armas, it offers views from Cerro de la Cruz, customs-free shopping, and history tied to Scott and Shackleton. It's also a base for Antarctic research, with nearby highlights including Torres del Paine, Alberto de Agostini, and penguin-filled Magdalena Island.

Garibaldi Glacier is a colossal blue-white wall of ice, the dramatic climax of a voyage through Garibaldi Fjord in Parque Nacional Alberto de Agostini, Chile. Sail past waterfalls, forests and mountains in this remote, glacier-sculpted landscape where the Andes drop into the icy ocean. Watch for ice calving into the water and tiny floating icebergs. Though harsh at first glance, the fjord is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in wildlife, including penguins, sea lions and Peruvian condors.

Ushuaia, the "End of the World," sits on the Beagle Channel beneath the Martial Mountains. A lively but remote resort, it's the last taste of city life before Antarctica or the wilds of Tierra del Fuego. Nearby, National Park Tierra del Fuego offers dramatic peaks, glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like penguins and whales, with excellent hiking and views. Local food features king crab, fresh sea bass, and cholgas (mussels).

Ushuaia, the "End of the World," sits on the Beagle Channel beneath the Martial Mountains. A lively but remote resort, it's the last taste of city life before Antarctica or the wilds of Tierra del Fuego. Nearby, National Park Tierra del Fuego offers dramatic peaks, glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like penguins and whales, with excellent hiking and views. Local food features king crab, fresh sea bass, and cholgas (mussels).

Despite its British feel, Stanley is more Patagonia than Portsmouth. The Falklands' vast, windy beauty is mixed with pubs, fish and chips, whalebone landmarks, and Union Jacks. Long disputed among France, Britain, Spain and Argentina, the islands stayed British after the 1982 war and remain in the Commonwealth. Thatcher is still a local hero. The real stars are the penguins: five species, including rockhoppers, nest here with little barrier between visitors and wildlife.

Buenos Aires is a passionate, romantic capital blending colonial architecture with Latin American energy. Known for tango, steak and Malbec, it offers Parque Tres de Febrero, Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Teatro Colón, and Boca Juniors' Bombonera. By night, milongas and bars pulse; by day, sip mate, browse markets, and visit Recoleta Cemetery.

Buenos Aires is a passionate, romantic capital blending colonial architecture with Latin American energy. Known for tango, steak and Malbec, it offers Parque Tres de Febrero, Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Teatro Colón, and Boca Juniors' Bombonera. By night, milongas and bars pulse; by day, sip mate, browse markets, and visit Recoleta Cemetery.