Travel to the end of the world is more than a figurative expression when we speak of Ushuaia. Capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost of Argentina, Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the planet, located on the Big Island on the famous Beagle channel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The captivating port city -the only one in the country located west of the Andes is the starting point to endless adventures between glaciers, snowy mountains, lakes, unexplored forests, islands and channels. Boating, mountaineering, trekking, snow sports, ecotourism and a lively commercial and cultural life in the city center offering an incomparable panorama view in Ushuaia.
Tourist sites in Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park: Between the Sierra de Beauvoir and the Costa del Beagle Channel lies one of the most impressive parks in Argentina, where Fagnano and Roca lakes are interspersed with glaciers, valleys, snow-capped Andean peaks, Patagonian forests and dramatic coastlines marinas. Ecotourists enjoy subantarctic watch wildlife and flora, both in the area of the mountains, the Magellanic forests and coastline. The entrance is Lapataia Bay, 12 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia. The famous “Tren del Fin del Mundo” connected around the city with the Tierra del Fuego National Park, doing the same route by which prisoners were taken a century ago.
Martial Glacier: This natural wonder is one of the main tourist sites in Ushauia. 1050 meters above sea level rises, just seven kilometers northwest of the city. In winter it is an important ski center, while in summer is a fantastic setting for trekking. All year round you can move up the chairlift, getting unforgettable panoramic views of the glacier, the Beagle Channel and the city.
Ushuaia Mall: In the city center there is a good variety of historical sites, museums, restaurants, public spaces and shopping promenades, framed by the beautiful views of the sea. Houses typical mountain architecture, the waterfront, the Civic Plaza on October 12, the Provincial Legislature (1894) and Eduardo Brisighelli Tourist Pier are some of the major sites to see in Ushuaia.
Cerro Castor is one of the largest complexes snow in Ushuaia, only 26 kilometer s of the city. It stands out for having the highest ski season in the country, from June to October. It has 28 tracks ten lifts, a snow park and several restaurants and mountain huts. In the Cerro Castor you can go downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, skiblade and sleds.
Estancia Harberton: 1886 Historic establishment, founded by the missionary Thomas Bridges on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Famous for being the first stay of Tierra del Fuego, it is a National Historic Landmark where besides visiting the old town from the pier is possible to venture into the forests, rivers and islands in treks, visiting the famous colony of Magellan penguins on the island Gable. It is 85 kilometers from Ushuaia by land and 60 kilometers by sea.
Cabo de Hornos: The southernmost point of land is 146 kilometers from Ushuaia, on the Horn Island of Tierra del Fuego, Chile. To the south is the Drake Passage between America and Antarctica, which in turn connects the two oceans. It was a historic inter-oceanic passage for the first sailors who ventured to the region. El Faro Monumental de Hornos next to the post office are the most iconic image of this corner at the end of the Earth. Mare Australis cruise takes the classic crossing between Ushuaia and Cape Horn.
Tolhuin: About 100 kilometers from Ushuaia, in the heart of the Big Island, is this charming town, one of the main tourist sites in Tierra del Fuego. It is on the shores of spectacular Lake Fagnano, on the other side of the Cordillera. The scenic landscapes of valleys, mountains and crystal clear waters combined with an optimum range of Creole cuisine, confectioneries and sale of local products.
Rio Grande: This is the second city of the province of Tierra del Fuego, famous for being the best place in the Southern Hemisphere for trout fishing. Rivers surrounded by nature reserves, near stays and a handful of historic sites make up the attractions of Rio Grande, 103 kilometers north of Ushuaia.
Museums in Ushuaia
End of the World Museum: This museum is one of the must-see places in Ushuaia, where you can learn about the life of the first inhabitants of the area. It has two locations: the traditional (1915) on Avenida Maipu 173, and created in 2008, installed in the Old Government House in Av Maipu 465.
The Maritime Museum and Presidio: Housed in the former prison of Ushuaia (known as “Jail end of the world” where serving sentences the most dangerous recidivists), this historic site today houses four excellent museums: Maritime Museum, Museo del Presidio, José María Sobral Antarctic Museum and Museum of Marine Art. The resort is in Yaganes and Gobernador Paz.
