How FAR will you travel?

It’s the End of the World!!! No, we’re not talking about some great apocalypse, Ha!

At the southern tip of South America, sits the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, known as “the end of the world.”. Set with a mountain range to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, the city is nestled amongst some of the wildest and most unforgiving landscapes in Patagonia. Those who make it there are rewarded with stunning views and an experience that is unforgettable. 

For Argentinean people Ushuaia began to be known in the early 20th century when a prison was decided to be built there. The prison of Ushuaia is part of the city’s history and the prisoners were the “first settlers”.

Today, despite its remoteness and bracing climate, the city is a fascinating place in its own right, as well as a launchpad for wider explorations of wild and wonderful Tierra del Fuego. It has an international airport and all necessary services, It is also a cruise port and the closest deepwater port to the Antarctic.

How to Get There?

The easiest and most direct way to get to Ushuaia (USH) is a direct flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina, which takes about 3.5 hours. 

There are also flights from Santiago in Chilé which stops over in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas.

If you are adventurous, you can consider taking the 5 days 4 nights cruise from Punta Arenas (Chilé) and cross over the Magellan Straits. This scenic journey takes you across the whole Tierra Del Fuego island and its diverse scenery, it is going to a journey of a lifetime. This is definitely a trip I will be making in the future.

Tierra del Fuego, it literally means Land of Fire is an archipelago at South America’s southernmost tip, shared by Chile and Argentina. It’s known for its dramatic landscape of snowy mountains, glaciers, tundra and wind-sculpted trees.

Check out skyscanner or Aerolineas Argentinas website for more details of the flight going to Ushuaia.

What to Do in Ushuaia?

Most travellers arrive Ushuaia by air, the city is just less than 15 minutes away by car. It is a very peaceful & windy city, it does make you feel like you are far away from the rest of the world. For a city that is so unique with its very own characters, history and geography location, Ushuaia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination.    

Let’s take a look some of the THINGS TO DO in Ushuaia:

Take a Walk in the City

Facing the Beagle Channel and with the Martial Mountains as a backdrop, Ushuaia is a picturesque city by the harbour. 

After settling down at my hostel having flown over don’t know how many miles and hours from Asia, the excitement of heading out to the city has definitely overpowered my tiredness. 

It was really nice to take a walk in the city, breathing in the fresh cold air from the end of the world, feeling the tranquility and admiring the surroundings. Feel the vibes of the local life in the market where they sell fresh catches from the sea, local produce and food, you are completely in a Spanish environment. I didn’t understand anything but it’s the unfamiliar feeling and environment made me so happy and excited. 

There’s a beautiful promenade by the sea with benches. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the scenery, having a picnic or running. Walk along the promenade towards the tourist pier and you’ll be seeing many ticketing booths and a tourist information centre. Go get information about some interesting excursions that you must not miss in Ushuaia. 

The “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse

The one most important thing to see when you are in Ushuaia is this iconic lighthouse. The “Les Éclaireurs” lighthouse is located in one of the many promontories that populate the Beagle Channel, in front of the city. It’s one of the typical postcards you’ll see of Ushuaia. This lighthouse is a tower painted in red and white stripes, 11 meters tall, and is equipped with a solar energy based lighting device.

The Train of the End of the World

Experience the world’s southernmost railway! Travel back in time as you discover the fascinating beauty of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The Train of the End of the World is one of the biggest Ushuaia’s attractions. It’s true name is “Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino” which, along with the jail, constitutes an icon of the island. An elegant and antique formation of heated wagons, with wide windows and pulled by a steam locomotive, will take you on a 8 km long tour departing from the End of World Station up to the Tierra del Fuego National Park Station. The round trip total time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Ushuaia’s Jail & Marine Museum

Known as the Alcatraz of Argentina, this historical prison was shut down in 1947. Nowadays most of it still stands conserving its original state, with the cells used by the convicted, their stone walls and the bars and grids.

This jail is the symbol of Ushuaia’s colonisation. It began to be built in 1902 and was finished in 1920. The works were carried out by the prisoners themselves, and had 380 one-person cells.

The main reason for its existence was to lodge re-offenders, but it ended up with a mixture of the most dangerous criminals, thieves, political prisoners, members of the armed forces, etc.

Those prisoners with good behaviour were rewarded with the chance of working outside the jail, or in the workshops. This was paid work, fact that enabled some of them to save some money for the moment they were released or to send it to their relatives outside.

Among the workshops there were: press, photography, shoe repair, tailor, carpentry, bakery, medical service, pharmacy and so on, all of which gave Ushuaia’s inhabitants the basic supplies in order to live. Otherwise they would depend on ships arriving to the port only once a month, or even less. In this way Ushuaia’s life was being built around this prison and along with it.

After a period of restoration since the prison’s closure in 1947, the building has reopened as a museum. Visitors can see the original cells, just as they were left with memorabilia from the final prisoners, look through a detailed photographic exhibition and hear fascinating stories from local guides, such as when a group of escapees begged to be let back in after struggling through the harsh Patagonian wilderness beyond the prison walls. 

Boat Excursion on Beagle Channel 

This half-day sailing experience in a rather small boat along the Beagle Channel is definitely a must do, it is going to be the best part of your trip to Ushuaia.

The journey starts with the boat sailing southwest, away from the city and towards the heart of the Beagle Channel, the narrow waterway in Tierra del Fuego that serves as the natural border between Argentina and Chile.

Firstly, the boat takes you near to the Isla de los Pájaros, or Bird Island. You’ll soon see how it earned this name when you observe the many different species of birds here: from seagulls to albatrosses to ducks and more.

The boat will then sail to another important place in the archipelago, the so-called Isla de los Lobos (Sea Lions Island) for about 20 minutes, which gives plenty of time to observe closely these sea mammals’ games and rituals. The reigning silence emphasises the impression that you are truly at the end of the world. Get your cameras ready, you won’t want to miss snapping photos of the adorable sea lion colony!

After seeing the sea lions, the boat will slowly sail until it reaches the “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse, standing on a small island in the archipelago of the same name. This old light house dating back from 1919 is one of the icons of Ushuaia, and the farthest point of the excursion.

After that, the boat starts to head back through a different route.

The final stop of the excursion will be at Puerto Karelo, where you’ll disembark for a brief 20-minute guided tour, during which you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the local wildlife and the beautiful plants on the island. It’s a very pleasant walk before returning to the pier.

End of the World Sign

Don’t forget to check out and take a picture with the End of the World Sign, “Ushuaia – fin del mundo”. It is located very close to the tourist pier.

Antarctica Expedition

The Antarctic expedition is a navigation with a duration of 11 days in which you can discover life enclosing the frozen continent, the surrounding islands, the giant icebergs and sea passages that defy navigators and demand the most from ships that dare to face this adventure. Departures are from Ushuaia sailing through the Beagle Channel. Then navigation continues through the Drake passage to the South Shetland Islands and from there to the Antarctic Peninsula.

How Many Days?

There are plenty of things to do and see in Ushuaia, a minimum of 3 days is recommended. One day in the Tierra del Fuego National Park taking the End of the World Train, half a day cruising on the Beagle Channel watching the wildlife & the “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse, and a day walking in the city visiting various museums & chilling. 

“ Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. ”

– Ibn Battuta

If you have more time, you can go hiking, kayaking and visit more beautiful nature like Martial Glacier, Lake Escondido, and Lapataia Bay.

Best Time to Go?

Ushuaia is a destination to visit throughout the year, but still, the best time to go is from December through March, during the summer time.

In Summer, the temperatures are very pleasant reaching 20 degrees Celsius and have a medium average of almost 10 degrees Celsius. Sunrise is very early in the morning and it gets dark after 10 pm. This characteristic is essential for those who visit Ushuaia because they may have long days with sunlight to enjoy all type of excursions. However, wear enough warm clothings and dress in different layers because it does get cold, do not forget you are at the end of the world! 

The Movie – “Happy Together 春光乍洩” 

Happy Together (春光乍洩) is a 1997 Hong Kong romantic drama film directed by Wong Kar-wai starring Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung and depicting their turbulent romance. This movie was shot in Argentina, you’ll see places like Ushuaia, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires in the film.

“Ho and Lai are a gay couple from Hong Kong with a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent separations and reconciliations. They travel to Argentina in an attempt to mend their relationship, but break up after they become lost while traveling to visit the Iguazu Falls.”

Happy Together (春光乍洩) had earned Wong Kar-wai the Best Directing award in 1997 Cannes Film Festival and cemented his position as an art-house superstar. Tony Leung also won the best actor award in the 17th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Where to Stay?

We booked 3 nights at Antarctica Hostel during our trip to Ushuaia, this hostel is located in the heart of the city, few blocks away from the tourist pier, and there are restaurants, supermarkets, banks and post office nearby. 

The vibe of Antarctica Hostel is very youthful and lively, you’ll meet young travellers all around the world. I remember meeting a cute couple from Brazil, they were just getting married and travelling around South America, we are still keeping in touch until now.  

As soon as I walked into the lobby, I was already loving the place, it is very bright and beautifully decorated, very cozy. Breakfast is served daily from 0700 on the first floor and the 6 persons dormitory we were renting, we had to share the bathroom & toilet with other travellers, it’s on the ground floor. 

Cleanliness of this hostel is excellent and the staff speak very good English and they are very friendly. They are more than happy to give you some insights about their city and answer your questions. 

There are plenty of accommodation choices in Ushuaia, but if you are visiting during Summer, I’d strongly advice you making your booking in advance to prevent disappointment. 

Check out booking.com and airBnB to look for something you like.  

My Video in Ushuaia

Check out my video in this breathtaking resort town, if you have the chance to go there, you are going to love it as much as I do.