Most people, including myself, have traveled to Ushuaia, Argentina, on route to another final destination. Is it worth spending an extra few days exploring "Fin del Mundo" aka the "End of the World"? Part 1. Read on to find out!
Is Ushuaia, Argentina really the southern most city in the world?
"Ushuaia is literally at the end of the world, located at the southernmost tip of Argentina and the capital city of the Tierra del Fuego."
I suppose it really depends on who you ask and how you define "city". With a population of approximately 75,000 residents, it is certainly more of a "city" than Puerto Williams, Chile, which has a population of approximately 2,900 residents and is technically further south.
Regardless, Ushuaia is literally at the end of the world, located at the southernmost tip of Argentina and the capital city of the Tierra del Fuego, "Land of Fire", province, this port city marks the end of South America and serves as a port of call for Antarctic cruises.
Situated between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin’s ship), Ushuaia is a nature lover’s paradise. Activities include hiking, diving, horseback riding, and climbing. During the winter months, skiing is offered at the nearby Mount Castor Resort.
My first trip to Ushuaia, Argentina, I only had a few hours to spend walking around the town before embarking on my trip to Antarctica. I was fortunate to correct this mistake on a subsequent trip to Ushuaia, Argentina by allowing a few extra days to explore the city and surrounding areas before venturing on. Below are a few of the best things to see!
"Tierra del Fuego National Park stretches over 150,000 acres of mountains, valleys, coves, and beaches."
Things to do around Ushuaia, Argentina
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park)
There are a number of tours and tour packages that you can book, that combine several of the activities and sites on this list. Depending on how much time you have, you can customize one to fit your time frame.
Tierra del Fuego National Park was created to protect the forestlands around the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego National Park stretches over 150,000 acres of mountains, valleys, coves, and beaches, making it an important ecosystem in the region.
Spend the day walking along peat bogs. Trails from the Park’s Interpretation Centre provide visitors access to panoramic views of Beagle Channel and Ensenada Bay.
Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train)
Many people don't know that Ushuaia, Argentina used to be a prison colony. The "Convict Train" has been repurposed and now tourists can ride the rails.
Located approximately five miles or eight kilometers from town in Tierra de Fuego National Park, this steam-powered train runs along the same route once traveled by convicts on their way to work in the forests.
During your one hour ride to the national park, a bilingual guide will talk about the history of the rail line as well as the significance of the local flora and fauna as you cross over the Pip River, through beech forests and past the Macarena Waterfall. There are several services daily to and from the national park and several seat classes aboard the train to suit all travelers.
"Ushuaia is a nature lover’s paradise."
Beagle Channel
The Beagle Channel is one of three navigable waterways around the southern tip of South America - the other two are the Straits of Magellan and the Drake Passage.
Like Charles Darwin, you’ll see lots of wildlife from the boat. Many tours pass by Isla de Lobos (Sea Lion’s Island), Isla de Pájaros (Birds’ Island) or Alicia Island for sightings of sea lions and various birds. You may even get lucky and spot dolphins and even whales along the way as well. Keep an eye out for the Faro Les Eclaireurs, the landmark red-and-white lighthouse which is still in operation.
Martial Glacier
Just a few kilometers from the city, the Martial Glacier affords spectacular vistas of the city, mountains and the Beagle Channel from its 1,050-meter summit. Named after the leader of an 1883 French expedition, Luis Fernando Martial, this is perhaps one of the most accessible glaciers you’ll find.
The route starts at a tea house where you can enjoy a hot beverage or meal before embarking on the approximately four hour round trip hike. Visitors can take a cleared path to the top or ride a chair lift closer to the trails approaching the glacier itself. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, visitors can also walk the ice trails as well.
"The Beagle Channel is one of three navigable waterways around the southern tip of South America."
Keep reading Part 2: Ushuaia - The End of the World for more information!
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