Diego Ramírez Islands (Chile)

Geography

A small group of subantarctic islands located at the southernmost extreme of Chile.

Significance

Named after Diego Ramírez de Arellano, cosmographer on the García de Nodal expedition of 1619, for over 150 years the islands were believed to be the southernmost land mass in the world. These days they are home to a Chilean Navy meteorological station, making it the southernmost inhabited outpost outside Antarctica.

Attractions

Significant for its seabird breeding populations including macaroni and southern rockhopper penguins, and the newly identified Subantarctic rayadito.

Activities

Mainly focused on meteorological observation and bird watching, with access highly restricted to protect its unique environment.