11 facts
He named them 'Las Tortugas' (The Turtles) due to the abundance of sea turtles he encountered. The name later changed to 'Caymanas,' referring to the marine crocodiles (caimans) once present.
Unlike many other Atlantic islands, there were no indigenous populations when the Portuguese arrived, making it one of the first European colonial settlements in the tropics. This discovery allowed for a unique cultural development.
The Ruvyironza River, a tributary of the Rurubu River, which flows into the Kagera River and then Lake Victoria, is widely accepted as the ultimate source. This geographical landmark was confirmed by German explorer Burkhart Waldecker in 1937, marking a significant discovery.
Upon discovering the islands in 1493, Columbus was struck by the multitude of small islands scattered across the sea. He named them "Las Islas Vírgenes" in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin martyrs, a legend popular in his time, hence the name Virgin Islands.
Historians widely believe San Salvador Island was Columbus's initial landing site in the New World in 1492, though other Bahamian islands are also debated. This event marked the beginning of European colonization of the Americas.
Situated on the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia serves as a gateway to Antarctica and is surrounded by mountains and forests. While its claim as the absolute southernmost city is sometimes debated with Puerto Williams (Chile), it is undeniably a significant port in Tierra del Fuego.
Reaching an impressive 6,961 meters (22,838 feet) above sea level, this majestic mountain is part of the Andes range. It is also the highest peak in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres, attracting climbers from around the globe.
In 1493, Columbus sighted the island and named it Santa María la Antigua, after the Santa María la Antigua church in Seville, Spain. The name was later shortened to Antigua.
This extreme low was measured at Vostok Station in East Antarctica on July 21, 1983. The station's location on a high plateau, far from moderating ocean influences, combined with long winter nights and clear skies, creates optimal conditions for such record-breaking frigid temperatures.
Their innate drive to be first, coupled with courage and a love for new experiences, positions Aries as natural pioneers. They thrive on innovation and are often the ones to break new ground or start trends.