It is totally possible that there were expeditions frm South America, but I have never heard of any permanent settlement..., with the exception of the International Scientest sites of modern times...
Posts: 2258 | Location: Naples, Florida, United States | Registered: 06-03-02
There is no proof, and as was said, no-one ever lived on Antarctica permanently until the recent scientific stations, but it is very likely that early South Americans set foot on Antarctica during whaling expeditions: In 650 AD, according to Rarotongan legend, a Polynsian navigator named Ui-te-Rangiora sailed south to "the land that is always frozen".
It's doubtful that anyone crossed the water unless it was frozen. The waters around the point are pretty rough, small craft wouldn't make it (blue water vessels have a hard time).
Posts: 3632 | Location: Washington, US | Registered: 06-03-02