Nineteen-year-old pilot Ethan Guo planned to make headlines for circling the globe — not for getting stuck on the bottom of it. His record-setting mission to fly solo to all seven continents took a frosty turn in June when he landed illegally in Antarctica, raising the question: How do you even visit the continent?
A journey for cancer research
Guo, a pilot who made headlines for his goal to be the youngest to fly solo across all seven continents, has avoided trial in Antarctica. Instead, he’s being ordered to donate $30,000 to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days, according to The Associated Press.
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Guo gained more than 1 million Instagram followers throughout his journey. His mission was meant to raise money for childhood cancer research. However, after landing his plane illegally in the Chilean territory of Antarctica, he was arrested. Authorities said he filed false flight plan information before arriving, leaving him stranded for weeks.
Once he leaves the country, Guo will be prohibited from entering Chile’s Antarctic territory for three years.
Travel to Antarctica isn’t simple
Although visiting Antarctica is possible, there are no commercial flights to the continent. Travel is restricted under the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, which designates the region as a scientific preserve.
The continent’s weather is the coldest and windiest on Earth. It has no traditional airports — only a few ice and compacted snow runways. Most tourists reach Antarctica by cruise ship from Argentina. Ships cross the Drake Passage, a stretch of water where swells can cause waves that reach 26 feet.
Experts recommend booking with a cruise line that belongs to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, which maintains a membership directory online.
Tourism on the rise
According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, the number of visitors to the Antarctic Peninsula grew from 36,702 in 2015 to 104,897 in 2023.
No visa is required for entry. However, visitors need a passport and must travel with a permitted tour operator. Tourists are also expected to follow Antarctic Treaty rules, avoid touching wildlife and protect native plants.
As of Tuesday afternoon, AccuWeather shows temperatures in Antarctica around –58 degrees Fahrenheit at Concordia Station and –48 degrees at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
Travelers are advised to pack warm and be prepared for any inclement weather.
