Ushuaia

Sobre Ushuaia

Ushuaia: The End of the World

Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city with 90,000 inhabitants, capital of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands province. Located at 54° south latitude on the shores of the Beagle Channel, surrounded by the final peaks of the Andes, it is one of the most unique and emblematic destinations on the planet. "The End of the World" is not just a slogan — it is a geographical, emotional and adventurous experience like no other.

The Landscape: Mountain, Channel and Austral Sky

Ushuaia's surroundings are wild and dramatic. Mountains blanketed in sub-Antarctic forest drop almost vertically to the waters of the Beagle Channel. The Fuegian sky changes with extreme speed: sun, snow, wind and rain can follow one another within hours. In winter, snow covers everything and southern lights illuminate the night sky on clear evenings. In summer, the sun sets near 11 PM with up to 17 hours of daylight.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park, 11 km from the city center, is the only Argentine national park with a marine coastline. It protects 63,000 hectares of Fuegian forest, peat bogs, Beagle Channel shores, mountain rivers and Bahía Lapataia — kilometer zero of National Route 3, Argentina's longest highway. Home to the Canadian beaver (an invasive species), the Fuegian red fox, upland geese and colonies of cormorants and sea lions. Bahía Lapataia offers some of the most iconic views in Patagonia.

The Beagle Channel and Sea Lion Island

The Beagle Channel, named by Charles Darwin during his HMS Beagle expedition (1833), separates Argentina from Chile. Channel boat tours are among the most popular activities: visitors spot sea lions, Magellanic penguins, imperial cormorants and in season, austral dolphins. Sea Lion Island and Bird Island are regular stops. Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, lies at the far end of the channel.

History and Fuegian Culture

Ushuaia has a fascinating history: it was home to the Yaghan people, the world's southernmost indigenous group, for thousands of years. In 1896, the Recidivists' Prison — the famous "Prison at the End of the World" — was established here, today the Maritime and Prison Museum, the city's most-visited attraction. In the early 20th century, prisoners built the city and the railway that carried them to the forest to cut firewood — today the End of the World Train, the world's southernmost locomotive.

Main Activities

Trekking: The national park and Martial, Olivia and Cinco Hermanos mountains offer trails of all levels with views of the channel and city.

Skiing: Cerro Castor (26 km away) is the world's southernmost ski resort, with 30 km of runs. Season: June to September.

Boat Tours: Half-day or full-day excursions on the Beagle Channel. Multi-day voyages to Cape Horn also available.

Antarctica Expeditions: Ushuaia is the world's most-used departure port for Antarctic expeditions. From November to March, dozens of cruise ships and sailing yachts depart southward.

Kayaking: Independent navigation on lagoons and rivers inside the national park.

Mountain Biking and 4x4: Off-road circuits through Corazón de la Isla Reserve and Lago Escondido valley.

Wildlife Watching: Penguin colonies at Estancia Harberton, the oldest farm in Tierra del Fuego (1886).

World Recognition

Ushuaia is world-famous as "The City at the End of the World" and appears on every extreme and unique destination bucket list. It is the departure point for most Antarctic cruises in the world, welcoming thousands of expeditioners each season. The End of the World Train and the Prison Museum are world-class attractions.

Economy

Ushuaia's economy is driven by tourism (the main engine), electronics manufacturing (the city has had a free trade zone since 1972), fishing (king crab, hake, shrimp) and Antarctic and cruise port activity.

Education and Science

The National University of Tierra del Fuego is based in Ushuaia. CONICET-linked Antarctic and austral research institutes operate here. The city is the logistical base for Argentina's scientific expeditions to Antarctica.

Getting There

Malvinas Argentinas International Airport receives direct flights from Buenos Aires (3h 20min), El Calafate and in season from Santiago de Chile and São Paulo. It is the world's southernmost commercial airport. By land, National Route 3 connects Ushuaia to Río Grande (120 km) and to the mainland via ferry at Punta Delgada.

Adventure Infrastructure

Ushuaia has complete tourism infrastructure ranging from hostels to luxury lodges. The national park has authorized campsites at Bahía Ensenada and Lago Roca. Trekking, skiing, kayaking, sailing and Antarctic expedition operators serve all levels and budgets.