- Archipelago: Tierra del Fuego
- Water area: Atlantic Ocean
- Country: Argentina
- Region: Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the islands of the South Atlantic
- Area: 534 square meters. km
In the south-east of Argentina is an island to which the famous writer Jules Verne dedicated the story "The lighthouse on the edge of the world." His name is Estados. If before the archipelago was completely uninhabited, in recent years it has become popular with supporters of eco-tourism.
Geographic position of Estados
This volcanic island is cut by numerous fjords and bays that formed during the separation of Antarctica from South America. Among all the bays of the island of Estados are particularly distinguished:
- San Juan del Salvamento;
- Franklin;
- San Antonio;
- Vancouver;
- Blossom;
- Cross-country.
In the west, the island of Estados is washed by the waters of the Le Mare Bay, and in the south by the Drake Passage. Its width is 4-8 km, and the length is 63 km. The beaches have a ragged shape, some of them protruding far into the ocean.
The highest point of Estados is Mount Beauvais (823 m). The snow, melting in the mountains, fills the hollows that form mountain lakes and streams.
The climate of Estados
This archipelago is characterized by a sub-Antarctic climate, so snow falls here often, but quickly melts. In winter, the average temperature is 0 ° C, and in the summer - 12-15 ° C. The average annual rainfall is 2000 mm. There is practically no ice here, but in summer Estados is covered with greenery. In some places you can even stumble on the southern beech.
History of Estados
The discovery of the "Land of States" is associated with the names of Dutch navigators Schouten and Lemer. It was they who on December 25, 1615 discovered the land, which they considered a peninsula. During the archaeological excavations in this part of the country, traces were found indicating that Estados was inhabited as early as 300 BC.
In the XVII-XVIII centuries the archipelago served as the home of pirates and whalers. After the Declaration of Independence of Argentina was adopted on July 9, 1816, the island of Estados became its territorial unit.
Population of Estados
The colonization of the island began in 1828. But in 1904, because of the decline in fishing for marine animals, all the colonists were taken from the island of Estados. Later, a prison for exiles was opened here.
Now only military meteorologists live on the archipelago, and members of the polar expeditions occasionally drop in. On the island, rarely more than 4-5 people. All of them stay in the village of Puerto Parry.
Flora and fauna of Estados
Despite the fact that the island is located in close proximity to Antarctica, nature has created excellent conditions for the growth of trees and shrubs. So, on the island of Estados, the southern beech, cinnamon, ferns, thorn bushes, moss and lichens became better suited.
From fauna representatives on the island you can meet:
- seabirds (gulls, cormorants, petrels);
- several species of penguins;
- sea lions;
- whales;
- otd.
Tourism and entertainment in Estados
This archipelago can hardly boast of ideal conditions for tourists. If the rest of the country can be called a paradise for lovers of beach or cultural recreation , then Estados will be appreciated only by supporters of naturalistic expeditions. They are organized by the majority of Argentine tour operators.
Visit the island of Estados is worth it to:
- To participate in competitions on tracking;
- visit the old lighthouse;
- explore mountain lakes and streams;
- to get acquainted with representatives of local fauna.
Every year, no more than 300-350 people come to Estados, wishing to engage in extreme tourism. So, having arrived here, you can count on complete peace and unity with the nature of Argentina.
How to get to Estados?
Currently, there are no regular routes that could be delivered to the archipelago. Getting to Estados is easiest through Ushuaia , which is 250 km from it. To do this, you need to hire a boat that crosses a distance of 55 km, or buy a ticket to one of the ships that delivers scientists and meteorologists to the island.