Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego — The End of the World
★★★ Ushuaia — The Southernmost City in the World
Ushuaia (54°48' South) is located on the Beagle Channel — named after the ship that Charles Darwin sailed through here in 1833 — nestled between snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Darwin and the icy waters of the channel. It is the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams in Chile is smaller and officially considered a "settlement"), the gateway to Antarctica (all Antarctic cruises start here), and a place full of symbolism and adventure.
The city itself is not an architectural gem — more a collection of colorful houses climbing up the steep slopes. But the location is breathtaking: Snow-capped peaks behind the city, the silvery Beagle Channel in front, and in the evening, a light that brings photographers to tears. The famous sign "Ushuaia — Fin del Mundo" (End of the World) at the harbor is a must-photo for every visitor. At the post office at the harbor, you can get the legendary "Fin del Mundo" stamp in your passport — the coolest passport stamp souvenir in the world.
Beagle Channel — Boat Tour with Sea Lions and Penguins
★★★ Beagle Channel Boat Tour
The boat tour through the Beagle Channel is Ushuaia's No. 1 highlight (besides the national park). The trip passes by:
- Isla de los Lobos: Hundreds of sea lions (Lobos Marinos) lie on the rocks and roar — you get close enough to smell them (intense!)
- Isla de los Pájaros: Thousands of cormorants (Magellanic and Imperial cormorants) on the cliffs — a bird paradise
- Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: The iconic red-white lighthouse on a small rocky island — often mistakenly called the "Lighthouse at the End of the World" (Jules Verne's lighthouse is actually on Isla de los Estados, further east). Nevertheless: The most photogenic image of Ushuaia
- Isla Martillo (Pinguinera): The extended tours go to the penguin colony — Magellanic penguins (October–March) and rare rockhopper penguins. You can disembark on the island and walk among the penguins!
Standard tour (2.5–3h): approx. 30,000–40,000 ARS (approx. 30–40€). Extended tour with Pinguinera (5–6h): approx. 60,000–80,000 ARS. Several providers from the harbor. Best time: Nov–March (penguin season). Warm clothing — it's COLD on the water, even in summer!
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
★★★ Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
Argentina's southernmost national park, 12 km west of Ushuaia, protects 63,000 hectares of subantarctic forest, peat bogs, lakes, and coastline along the Beagle Channel. The landscape is unlike anything you've seen in Patagonia: Moss-covered lenga forests, beaver dams (an invasive species causing enormous damage), quiet lakes, and the rugged coast of the Beagle Channel.
The Best Hikes:
- ★★★ Senda Costera (Coastal Path): 8 km, 3–4h. The most beautiful route — along the coast of the Beagle Channel, through forest and over pebble beaches. Endpoint: Bahía Lapataia, the absolute endpoint of Ruta Nacional 3 (which begins in Buenos Aires, 3,079 km to the north). Here stands the famous sign: "Aquí finaliza la Ruta Nacional 3"
- ★★ Senda Hito XXIV: 10 km (round trip), 3–4h. To the boundary marker at the Chilean border, through dense forest by Lago Roca. Flat and peaceful
- ★★ Laguna Negra: Short loop (950 m) through a fascinating peat bog — a landscape like from another planet
- ★ Cerro Guanaco: 8 km, 4–5h, steep (950 m elevation gain). For the ambitious: 360° panorama over the Beagle Channel, Lago Roca, and the mountains of Chile
Entrance: approx. 15,000 ARS (approx. 12€, foreigner price). Daily 8:00–20:00 (summer), 9:00–17:00 (winter). Getting there: Shuttle bus from Ushuaia center (approx. 5,000 ARS round trip) or taxi (approx. 8,000 ARS one way).
Martial Glacier, Tren del Fin del Mundo & more
★★ Glaciar Martial — The City Glacier
The Glaciar Martial hangs on the mountains directly behind Ushuaia — you can see it from the center! A chairlift (Aerosilla, approx. 5,000 ARS round trip) takes you up to 1,050 m, from where you hike 1–1.5h to the glacier edge. The view over Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and — on clear days — to the islands of Chile is sensational. In winter: Skiing and sledding!
7 km from the center (taxi approx. 3,000 ARS). Chairlift: daily 10:00–17:00 (summer).
★ Tren del Fin del Mundo — The Train at the End of the World
The historic narrow-gauge railway runs on a section of the route that once transported prisoners of Ushuaia's notorious prison (1910–1947). The 40-minute ride through the lenga forest, over bridges, and through gorges is picturesque — but honestly: touristy and expensive for what it is. A must for railway fans, optional for everyone else.
Approx. 40,000–60,000 ARS (40–60€!) depending on class (Tourist, First, Presidential). Start: Estación del Fin del Mundo (8 km west of Ushuaia). The ride ends in the national park. Note: Park entrance is NOT included in the train ticket!
★★ Museo Marítimo (Old Prison)
The former Presidio de Ushuaia (1902–1947) — one of the toughest prisons in the world, located at the literal end of the world. Argentina's most dangerous criminals were sent here — political prisoners, murderers, anarchists. The cells are preserved, the stories of the inmates documented on the walls. One wing is dedicated to the Maritime Museum (maritime history), another to Antarctic exploration. Impressive and oppressive at the same time.
Gobernador Paz & Yaganes. Daily 10:00–20:00. Approx. 8,000 ARS.
Winter Activities (June–September)
- Cerro Castor: The southernmost ski resort in the world! 34 slopes, 650 m vertical drop, good snow, and — compared to European ski resorts — no queues. Day pass: approx. 30,000 ARS
- Dog Sledding: Through snowy forests at the foot of the mountains — a magical experience. From approx. 30,000 ARS
- Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: In the valley of Tierra Mayor, 20 km from Ushuaia