Locations Ushuaia

Ushuaia, “El Fin del Mundo” (The End of the World), is the world’s most southern city.  Located in the southern tip of Argentina on the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Large Island of Tierra del Fuego), its port is the starting point for those heading to Antarctica. This, however, is certainly not the only reason for visiting the area. There are plenty of sights to be seen and excursions in which to partake in this wild and remote place, where the force of the wind can even make the trees grow horizontally.

Situated on the shore of the Beagle Channel, named after the boat in which Charles Darwin explored the surrounding waters in the 19th Century, the backdrop of Ushuaia is spectacular with dramatic glacial mountains all around, overwhelming skies and the Beagle Channel disappearing into the distance. During your stay we can arrange for you to make a guided trip either by motor or sailing boat out into the channel, which eventually leads in both directions to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, to visit some of the small islands nearby. These islands are only inhabited by wildlife and birds and most commonly you will see sea-lions lying leisurely on the rocks and a fascinating colony of rock-cormorants.  

Another highlight of the area is the Tierra del Fuego National Park which is located just outside of Ushuaia.  Here you can do some fantastic walks, including a stunning coastal walk along the shore of the Beagle Channel. Strolling in and out of beautiful lush forests of coihue and lenga trees and across beaches of white sands and rocky bays, you will certainly see a number of seabirds along the coast and, if lucky, in the forests you may be able to spot an enchanting Magellanic Woodpecker with its scarlet pointed crest unmistakable against the green leaves of the trees.

It is also possible to enjoy the Tierra del Fuego National Park on horseback and we can arrange for you to have day horse riding along the coastal paths and up into the hills for wonderful views of Ushuaia and its beautiful surroundings. Galloping over soft sands with the wind blowing through your hair, this is a fantastic way to breathe in the clean air and really feel a part of nature.

Another popular activity which attracts many to the lakes and rivers of Tierra del Fuego is fly fishing. Our local guide, Miguel, will take you to the most secluded spots to spend the day peacefully fishing some of the world’s best waters. Trout are abundant so you are almost guaranteed to be successful with your catch!

Although admiring and being amongst the striking scenery around Ushuaia is a very good reason to visit the area, your trip does not need to be all about the outdoors. The story of Tierra del Fuego, from the culture of the native Yamana people to the voyages of Magellan and Darwin, make it a very interesting place for those who like to know about the local history. There are a number of museums
to visit, including the old prison to which convicts from the isolated Staten Island were transferred in the early 20th Century.

To experience another piece of history we can arrange for you to visit Tierra del Fuego’s first estancia (farm), Estancia Harberton, which was begun in the 1880s by the Bridges family and is still a working sheep farm today run by their descendents.  Here you can learn about life on the farm in such a remote area and visit the sealife museum which they have created. We can also arrange a trip to  see the colony of Magellanic Penguins of the Yecapasela Reserve on a small island a short boat ride from the estancia.  Here you can walk amongst these entertaining birds and sit on the beach as they waddle comically around you.  Definitely well worth the trip!

Who should go?

Ushuaia is a place for those who want the adventure of heading to a distant land of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, sealife and history. The best time to visit is during the warmer months between November and April, although the weather can be ruthless no matter the time of year.  In autumn the leaves on the trees change colour so the hillsides around the town appear as beautiful shades of red and orange - a really picturesque view as Tierra del Fuego really does become the Land of the Fire.

It is also a place for those who love seafood and shellfish. There are plenty of delicious restaurants serving up mouth-watering fresh fish and we will give you tips on where to go to sample some of the best dishes.

Accommodation

Although a relatively small town, Ushuaia is well catered for visitors.  There are many hotels of different standards but smaller hosterias tend to be the norm. We have a wonderful selection to offer depending on what you are looking for, but our main aim is to ensure that your stay is warm, comfortable and tranquil, with the opportunity to enjoy views of the impressive mountainous surroundings and the sun setting over the Beagle Channel at the end of the day.