At the end of Patagonia, there is la Tierra del Fuego, and at the end of la Tierra del Fuego, there is Ushuaia, the Southern tip of the continent, but also the entry gate to Antarctica and the South Pole. Ushuaia is commonly known as the Southernmost city in the world and is therefore nicknamed “el fin del mundo” by the Argentinians. The city is located on the banks of the Beagle Channel, which is named after the boat of Charles Darwin who navigated trough this region during his trip around the world between 1831 and 1836.
Ushuaia as a city isn’t particularly attractive during the day but at night the situation changes and the city gets very lively. At some times it even feels like a ski village in the Alps :-). The main attractions consist of a boat excursion on the Beagle channel and a visit to the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, both really worth your time. However, the other attractions are of little interest.
For the ones doubting, Ushuaia is definitely worth the detour given its mythical status, but you shouldn’t stay longer than 1-2 days.
Jean observing the sea lions 🙂
Isla de los Pajaros on the Beagle Channel with hundreds of cormorans and two sea lions (if you can spot them)
A sea lion smiling to Camille
The Beagle Channel
The legendary lighthouse on the island of Les Eclaireurs
Camilita
The Beagle Channel
Walking through the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
Happy face #1
Happy face #2
The Ushuaia prison, now turned into a museum
Our favourite picks/tips:
- Boat excursion on the Beagle Channel with “Patagonia Explorers”
- Visit to the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
- Stay at Antarctica hostel or Yakush hostel, both very good!
Next stop: W hike in Torres del Paine (Chile)!