Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are a popular addition to many Antarctic voyages, but they’re well worth seeing on their own for their spectacular penguin, seal and albatross populations. Surrounded by the South Atlantic, the islands lie 490km east of Patagonia. Two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, and more than 700 smaller ones cover 12,173 sq km. Alternately settled and claimed by France, Spain, Britain and Argentina, the Falklands (known as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina) have been an overseas territory of the UK since 1833, a status the Argentines have fought and still contest.
About 60% of Falklanders are native born, some tracing their ancestry back six or more generations. Today more than 80% of the 2900 Falklanders (sometimes called ‘Kelpers’) live in Stanley, and about 1200 British military live at Mt Pleasant base. The rest of the islanders live in ‘Camp,’ the name given to all of the Falklands outside Stanley.
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Two Weeks in the Falkland Islands Itinerary & Travel Guide
21 January, 2020 by Adam
The Falkland Islands are one of those rare places left where you can escape the modern world. Located 300 miles to the east of the bottom tip of South America. Their remote location has left the Falklands a place for one of a kind wildlife encounters. While the fauna is what draws most this far south, I think what truly makes the islands special is the chance to glimpse into a unique way of life, and most importantly a place to explore.
The longer I stayed, the more the outside world seemed to almost melt away. With each passing day spent on the islands, the pressures of everyday life seemed less important. Things are simpler here – in a good way.
Everything is extremely practical in the Falklands, almost to a fault, but fault is the wrong word because the practicality is one of the Falkland’s greatest charms. Things are the way they are mostly because they have to be – but it also makes you wonder if it isn’t because this is the way things maybe should be.
My friends say that, a few days in the islands, they began to realize that this is a very DIY place. Everyone kinda does everything. The same person that checks you into the lodge is also the person serving breakfast. That’s far from the end of their duties, they are also the one to take you to the airstrip. They are also hooking their Land Rover to the fire station because they are the firefighters too. These are only a few of the hats most Falkland Islanders wear.
The earliest recorded history of actives on the Falklands was in 1690 when English captain John Strong discovered the islands while traveling around the tip of South America. It’s debated if earlier sailors had previously found the islands before Strong, or possibly the indigenous people of Patagonia, but Strong is credited in the history books. However, the islands remained uninhabited until 1764 when Port Louis was founded by the French and two years later the British established Port Egmont on Saunders Island.
I don’t want to dwell on the war, but I wanted to put a foreword in case you are not very familiar with the conflict and it’s an important piece of history. In 1982 Argentina sent around 11,000 troops to occupy the Falkland Islands claiming them as part of Argentina. This claim goes back to the time of the Spanish conquest of the new world, and then Argentina’s claim to Spain’s territories in the South Atlantic in 1816.
From the USA, Europe, & Other Locations – The best way to get to the islands is via Santiago, Chile. There is one flight per week from Santiago to Mount Pleasant Airport which is currently the main commercial airport. Every Saturday LATAM/LAN flies to the Falkland Islands from Santiago with a stopover in Punta Arenas, Chile. You can also book the flight from Punta Arenas if you are already traveling in Southern Chile.
As a note you will need to disembark the plane and clear Chilean customs in Punta Arenas, the process was simple and routine. We recommend booking flight legs independently rather than searching for flights from your home country to the Falkland Islands directly. Also, be sure to leave enough time between your return flight from the Falklands to Santiago in case of weather delays that do happen infrequently.
The best way to get around the Falkland Islands is by the little red FIGAS planes. The Falklands government runs several flights per day around all of the islands. To make bookings you just need to email them. The flight schedule is assembled the day before your flight and you may have a few short stops on your way to your destination.
A long dusty gravel road runs from the Mount Pleasant Airport toward the quiet settlement of Darwin. Comprised of just a small cluster of white houses topped with traditional green iron roofs surrounded by bright yellow gorse bushes, this would be our first taste of the Falkland Islands.
Our trip to the Falklands started here in the Darwin settlement to get a better understanding of a few of the important battles that took place in the Falklands War in 1982.
If you have any question in your mind about what to eat in the Falkland Islands. Be sure about the islanders are proud of their home-cooked food and delicious. So, don’t worry about the food during your stay. You will find good food at your accommodations. Generally people eas mutton chops, sausage, bacon and eggs, kind of regular British breakfast. For the midday, you can eat soup with fresh bread and for the dinner deep-sea fish and home-grown vegetables.
If you’re staying in Stanley you will find various places to eat and drink at the city. Don’t forget to taste the typical drinks of the Stanley and the Falkland Islands like squid, lamb, beef, mutton, and goose pate. If you like to eat veggies you will also find lots of alternatives for you. For the drinks, teas, coffees, and hot chocolates are ideal to drink and warm up yourself during the cold days of Falkland. If you like to drink alcohol you can try Peat Cutter and Rock Hopper as one of the Falkland Beerworks. Hot Toddy is also another option that made rum with hot water and sugar.
The top 5 places to not miss are
Stanley the Tiny Capital
If you ever visit Falkland Islands here is your first stop. Stanley is maybe one of the most beautiful and cute capitals of the world with its shore stretched harbour, colourful building and warm, friendly and helpful people. you will find various buildings with different architectural styles with the features of British heritage.
Christ Church Cathedral
This church is the Anglican cathedral which is located in the most southern part of the world. Christ Church Cathedral was constructed in 1892 by the Waite Hockin Stirling who is the first bishop of the Falkland Islands.
SS Great Britain Mizzen Mast
This one is an iconic thing to see in Stanley. The mizzen mast of the SS Great Britain is mounted on Victory Green in central Stanley. The steamship was the first of its kind to be constructed, screw propelled and from iron, in 1843 in Bristol by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Government House
This tiny house is the office of Governor of the Falkland Islands. Building designed by Governor Moody in 1845. You will see a stone part of the building. It is from the original house. By other governors, in years new parts added to the building.
Historic Dockyard Museum
Another place should be seen if you visit Falkland Islands. This awarded museum located on Ross Road in Stanley. Historic Dockyard Museum holds a collection with models, seafaring tales, artifacts and relics from ships stood in the Islands.
I only write 5 top places located in Stanley but there are lots of places to experience and see in the Falkland Islands. Each island offers its own unique beauty to you.
Also, I prepared a things-to-do list for you;
Observe Bird & Sealife
Visit 1982 war Cemeteries
Take a trail in Falkland
Fishing & Sailing
Wildlife photography
Hope this helped !!!