Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego Argentina
Ushuaia is Argentina's Southern Most City and Gateway to Antarctica
Dramatically set under the white peaks of Cordillera Darwin mountains and beside the Beagle channel rich in marine life, Ushuaia is an attractive resort town.
Located on Isla Grande in far flung Tierra del Fuego this is a land of extremes, extreme wind, extreme cold and very changelling seas. A place of adventures attracting famous explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake and naturalist Charles Darwin.
With a seafaring past it is small wonder that today's tourism focuses on voyages like Antarctica and the infamous Cape Horn. However if you are not one of the lucky people hopping on a boat to these destinations you will still find plenty to do in Ushuaia and the surrounding area. The best attractions like taking a voyage to explore the Beagle Channel and visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park are on the town's doorstep.
Beagle Channel
Standard voyages on the Beagle Channel visit;
- Isla de los Pajaros to see Imperial and Magellan cormorants, Fullman and Giant petrels, squas and other marine bird species.
- Isla de los Lobos (sea Lions Island)
- Les Eclaireurs also incorrectly called the lighthouse at the end of the world.
While out in the channel there is a good chance you will see penguins, dolphins, black-brown albatross and maybe even a minke whale or orca. Voyages last 3 to 4 hours and cost ARS100 to ARS165 (USD32 to USD52). Longer voyages visit the Isla Martillo penguin colony and Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino Chile. Puerto Williams holds the title as the town at the end of the world and if you like sea voyages a cargo ferry leaves once a week for a spectacular 34 hour journey through the Chilean fiords.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
There are some beautiful and easy day walks in the Park;
- Senda Costera is a walk of 3 to 4 hours winding around Bahia Ensenada spectacularly back dropped by snowy mountains. This easy walk comes out on the road to the camping, backpackers and cafetaria as well as the bus back to town.
- Lapataia is an area of several short trails along the lake side, through peat bogs and to lookouts with information plaques explaining the flora and fauna. The Castorerea path has a beaver dam and they can be spotted early morning or dusk.
- Cerro Guanaco is more challenging as it is uphill for 4 hours to the summit for great views of the Park.
Buses leave for Tierra del Fuego national Park daily at about 9am and the last bus returns at 7pm. Tickets for the 12km journey cost ARS40 (USD13) can be bought at the bus station near the pier and Muelle Turistico. Park entrance fee is ARS30 (USD9)
Wildlife
The large Upland and Ashy Headed geese and the red headed Magellenic woodpecker are commonly seen in the Park. Mammels include guanacos, Patagonian grey foxes and the destructive beaver.
Other Attractions
- Haberton Estancia a scenic and historic estancia.
- Museo al Fin del Mundo (Museum at the End of the World) which has displays of early exploration and information on the indigenous Yamana people whose fires gave the area it´s name of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
- Adventure companies have glacier treking tours and in winter dog sledge rides. Inquire at the tourist office at A674 Avenida Maipu.
When to Visit
The high season is summer from November to March which coincides with cruises to Antarctica. At this time the town is very busy and prices are high. To avoid crowds visit April to May for a spectacular display of the lenga forest in autumn red hues.
Accommodation
Ushuaia has the full range from camping to luxury hotels. In the high season it is wise to book ahead.
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