Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mounts. It is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands Province. Ushuaia city has a population of approximately 57,000 and is a settlement by English missionaries in the 1870’s. It was taken over by Argentine naval forces in 1884 and lumber, livestock and fishing are important to the local economy.

See:

• Tierra del Fuego National Park and also see Lapataia Bay. The city has a museum of Yamana, English and Argentine settlement, including its years as a prison colony.  Wildlife attractions include local birds, penguins and orcas.
• Capture the essence of the city that goes beyond its “end of the world” tag as you meander around the reconstruction of the old town, historic Beban house and port. Venture along the streets into hilly terrain and be rewarded with remarkable views. Experience Ushuaia’s fascinating legends of adventurers and Indians.
• Museo del Fin de Mundo displays an assortment of Indian hunting tools and colonial maritime instruments. The museum also has a natural history display of stuffed birds and a “Grandfather’s room” set up to resemble an old general store, packed with antique products.
• Martial Glacier is absolutely beautiful. It is the newest glacier in Argentina, only 50 years old but it is on the mountain slopes and is sadly gradually disappearing. Martial Glacier is only four and a half miles from downtown of Ushuaia, so you can visit on foot or a very inexpensive taxi ride will take you there and on the way you will also see beautiful views of Ushuaia and of the Beagle Channel.

Experience:

• A meal at Saint Christopher’s which is right on the waterfront with amazing views of the bay and mountains. This is the place to be for a late night drink, dance or meal. A live band usually plays on weekends but the locals may also entertain you with some sing-a-longs.
• The “End of the World Train”, the southernmost railway in the world. The city grew around a prison, whose prisoners helped to build the town and the foundation for the Tren del Fin del Mundo, this railway connects you to Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Secrets of the City:

• The food of Argentina is an absolute adventure on its own. Not only is the food superb here but so is the service, friendly and unpretentious. Even their tea (chai) is delicious.
• A cruise to the Beagle Channel is very interesting and allows you to experience the abundant marine life, mammals and birds of this popular ecotourism destination.