The southernmost city on the planet, Ushuaia revels in its end of the world status. Situated on Argentina’s southern tip, it benefits from its dramatic landscape where the Andes meet the ocean. A great place to set up camp before exploring this rugged part of the world, Ushuaia has seen casinos and great restaurants spring up to cater for the regular influx of travellers. And with hiking, sailing, skiing, kayaking and even scuba diving all on offer here, the city is a real magnet for the intrepid.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Ushuaia
Martial Glacier — For an incredible view down over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, you should strap on some sturdy boots and tackle this glacier trek. It’s quite a mission, but the sense of achievement you’ll feel upon beating it will make it worth your while. There’s a ski slope sometimes open in the winter months, so you might even have a chance to practice your slalom.
Tierra del Fuego National Park — The world's southernmost national park and home to a wealth of awe inspiring natural wonders and epic landscapes. With Patagonian lakes and dramatic, rugged scenery to explore, it’s even possible to head out on two- or four-day adventures across the park. Not to be missed by any hardy adventurer.
Mastil de General Belgrano — This intriguing outpost on Isla Redonda to the west of Ushuaia was built in honour of the renowned General Belgrano. It’s also a tribute to the warship that took his name and was famously sunk in the Falklands war. Remote and compellingly desolate, it even has a post office so you can send a postcard from the end of the world.
Patagonia — This huge and breathtaking region, of which Ushuaia is just a small part, has attracted travellers for as long as can be remembered. Should you head out to discover its wonders you’ll be dazzled by epic landscapes such as Nahuel Huapi National Park, El Chalten and Los Glaciares National Park. It’s also where you’ll find nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site Peninsula Valdes.
Things to See in Ushuaia
If you’re intrigued to learn a bit more about this fascinating city’s past, then there is intrigue to be found here. Museo Maritimo and Museo del Presidio occupy a former national prison, which was built by the prisoners themselves. Amongst the engineering heritage at this site you’ll discover are the remnants of the narrowest-gauge freight train in the world. This train was used to ferry the convicts to and from their labours and alongside the prison itself paints an evocative picture of tougher penal times.
Things to Do in Ushuaia
A stay in Ushuaia is really only about one thing, and that’s attacking the wilds at the end of the world. Tackle the Martial Glacier, venture across Patagonia and explore the Beagle Channel by catamaran or cruise ship. Alternatively you could head for Cerro Castor for skiing and snowboarding. If exploration of dramatic, remote, and frequently desolate landscapes fires your imagination then Ushuaia was made for you.
