Ushuaia, Argentina: Ushuaia is located in Argentina, has around 64,000 inhabitants and is the southernmost city in the world.
Ushuaia is located in Argentina, has around 64,000 inhabitants and is considered the southernmost city in the world. Puerto Williams, located on the Chilean island of Navarino, would also like to claim this title, but has only 2700 inhabitants. It is at least the southernmost place in the world. Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego) and was originally founded by missionaries. It is located directly on the Beagle Channel, which connects the Atlantic with the Pacific.
Ushuaia’s city history begins with a prison building
In 1870, English missionaries penetrated into what is now the area around Ushuaia for the first time. However, the urban development of Ushuaia was significantly influenced by the construction of the Presidio, a prison built for recidivists that initially consisted of only a few wooden and tin huts. Little by little, roads, buildings, bridges, a hospital, a printing shop and a power station were built (built by the prisoners). In addition, the southernmost railway line in the world was built in this way in 1910.
The prison closed in 1947, and Ushuaia did not regain its prominence until the 1970s and 1980s. The city was seen as an ideal starting point for Antarctic expeditions, many cruise ships anchored here and the streams of tourists came (and still come) to southernmost Argentina to visit the “end of the world”. More and more tourists choose their trips beyond Ballermann & Co., come by boat or as hiking tourists, go on study trips or adventure vacations. In any case, due to the tourism boom, the population of Ushuaia has increased well six times since the 1980s.
The most beautiful sights in and around Ushuaia:
Beagle Channel and Penguin Colony
A boat trip on the Beagle Channel is a real experience for nature lovers. Not only the snow-covered foothills of the Andes, but also the view of the city and a visit to the penguin island (Isla Martillo) are always worth a trip. With a little luck you can also get whales, sea lions and cormorants in front of the camera lens.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
The Panamericana can be used to get to Tierra del Fuego National Park. The train ends in the park, where a wooden path (the so-called Bahia Lapataia) leads further into the untouched nature. This also ends at some point and the traveler really feels like he is at “Fin del Mundo” (at the end of the world). Wonderful, not too difficult hiking trails lead through the park, and the unique natural and animal world impresses with its fascinating biodiversity.
Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina
This museum is the largest in the city and is located in the former prison complex. Here you can learn interesting facts about the indigenous population, the history of the Antarctic expeditions and those of the prisoners of the former prison. The history of Ushuaia is conveyed in an entertaining way and is also interesting for families with children.
Faro Les Eclaireurs
A catamaran excursion to the lighthouse island takes about 30 minutes from the main pier. Here you are greeted by the roar of sea lions and the most diverse species of sea birds can be admired.
Valley of Wolves
In the footsteps of Jack London you can follow the “call of the wild” in the Valley of Wolves. Dog sledding tours, snowshoe hikes and excursions into the surrounding area (for example to the beaver castles or the Laguna Esmeralda) are offered here. A great experience for young and old!
Estancia Harberton
The journey to Estancia Harberton alone is a real highlight. The road leads from Ushuaia through incredible natural beauties; the journey will continue by boat and with a little luck you can see three different species of penguins on the island (usually the funny tailcoats leave the island in March, which is why the tours are not offered all year round). A tour of the historic settlement and a visit to the botanical garden make the excursion an unforgettable holiday experience.
