Photo by Michael R. Morris
Plenty of hikes will lead you to a spectacular view, but there is only one journey that will take you to the end of the earth. Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
Ushuaia is located on the southern coast of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (which translates to The Land of Fire’s Big Island). It is surrounded by the Beagle Channel on one side and by the Martial Mountains on the other. Because of the variety of places to explore and exciting attractions available, the “Land of Fire” is one of the hottest destinations in Argentina.
Photo by Michael R. Morris
Isla Martillo
One of the most popular attractions in Ushuaia is Isla Martillo, also known as “Penguin Island,” where more than six thousand penguins live between October and April every year. You can take a boat ride to the island and then experience a guided tour, getting as close as two meters away from the penguins. If you’re planning a trip to Ushuaia, this island is a must-see.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park is filled with dramatic landscapes that include waterfalls, forests, mountains, and glaciers. While here, you can hike trails between lakes and mountains, take the “End of the World Train” tour that runs through the park’s forest, or visit the Cormoranes archipelago to see the local wildlife. Whatever adventure you choose, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the national park.
Photo by Michael R. Morris
Outdoor Adventure
See the world from a new perspective by hiking Martial Glacier, one of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions. Other outdoor activities include trekking up Mount Carbajal to see the Turquoise Lagoon, one of Ushuaia’s hidden beauties. Or you could go skiing at the Cerro Castor resort, which has one of the longest ski seasons in South America. There’s a different outdoor adventure waiting for everyone who visits Ushuaia.
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
If you’re looking for a little history, you can take a boat ride out to see an Argentine piece of history known as “Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse,” which has helped lead ships safely to port for almost one hundred years. The red and white brick lighthouse is thirty-three feet tall and overlooks a small island often inhabited by penguins and sea lions.
Photo by Michael R Morris
Lodging and Culinary Delights
At the end of every exciting day, don’t forget to take some time to relax. Eat at any one of many the beautiful lodges and hotels in Ushuaia where restaurant options range from fresh seafood to delicious steakhouses to traditional Argentine cuisine. After you’ve eaten, enjoy an evening at the spa or curl up with a book by the fireside, making the perfect end to your day.
A vacation to Ushuaia is a journey that you will never forget. So pack your bags—the end of the earth is waiting.
Written by Michael R. Morris Jr.