The Falklands comprise two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, plus over 200 smaller islets some 480km (300mi) east of Argentina. Combined, their area is about the same as that of Northern Ireland or the US state of Connecticut. Grassland and shrubs dominate the hilly-to-mountainous landscape, with peat bogs and 'runs' of quartzite boulders breaking up the terrain. There are no native trees. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, some 1280km (800mi) to 1900km (1200mi) to the east, were the Falklands' dependencies until 1985, when they were constituted as a separate colony of Britain. (They're still administered from Stanley by a civil commissioner who serves concurrently as governor of the Falklands.)

The islands' main draws are its assortment of relatively fearless birds and animals and the bushwalking necessary to see them. In terms of wildlife diversity, only the Everglades and the Galápagos Islands can compare. If you're coming from the northern hemisphere, chances are good that nearly every creature you see will be new to you, and even if you're not, you won't have seen them in such profusion. The five species of penguin that take up residence on the Falklands between October and March are probably the biggest attraction, but equally impressive are the massive elephant seals, sea lions and other marine mammals that breed on the islands' beaches.

The Falklands are not a cheap place to visit, which not surprisingly has more to do with the dearth of visitors than any glut. Flights to the islands are expensive, and there's little in the way of tourist infrastructure once you're there. Most facilities, however, are excellent, and guests pay accordingly. B&Bs and self-catering cabins are the cheapest accommodation options aside from camping. For such lodging and a three-meal day, expect to pay at least US$50. A moderate hike in standards can easily double that figure. For upscale accommodation (or the Falklands version thereof) and an allowance for inter-island travel, double your budget again.

The Falkland Islands pound is on par with the UK pound sterling, which circulates alongside the local currency. Credit cards are becoming more widely used, but travelers' checks are readily accepted. Brits with guarantee cards can cash personal checks up to £50 at the Standard Chartered Bank in Stanley.

Migratory birds and mammals return to the Falklands' beaches and headlands between October and March. December and January are the best months for wildlife watching, as the extended daylight hours provide ample viewing time as well as opportunity for other outdoor activities. However, December and January are also the wettest months, though rain falls throughout the year. October through April is the peak tourist season, but that's not saying much.

Annual sports meetings are the islands' other 'wildlife' attraction, with events including horse racing, bull riding and sheepdog trials. Stanley's sports meetings take place December 26th-27th, while camp sports are usually held in late February. Sea trout season runs from September through April, with the best fishing starting in late February.