FERDINAND MAGELLAN...
And The World
Was Finally Round
Ferdinand Magellan
Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521) was the first explorer to lead an expedition sailing westward from Europe to Asia and to cross the Pacific ocean- he actually named it Pacific.
Magellan attempted to find a westward route to the Spice islands of Indonesia (Moluccas islands).
He was the first to circumnavigate the world and even though he couldn't complete the journey - died in Philippines - he is acknowledged as such.
The impact of his journey was in providing the first positive proof that the world was round and that opened up trade routes to explorers all over the world.
He was also the first European to reach Tierra del Fuego, in Patagonia, the southern tip of the American Continent, and to discover the passage that join the two oceans.
He set sail from Spain in 1519 in command of an expedition composed by five ships...
- the Santiago
- the San Antonio
- the Conception
- the Trinidad
- the Victoria
The total number of crew members was 270.
Only 18 returned back to Spain under the captainship of Sebastian Elcano, after completing the world's first circumnavigation.
According to legend, in 1520, when he finally discovered the channel between the two oceans, he saw big man made fires on the southern shore of the strait.
That marked the discovery and name of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
Ferdinand Magellan route
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ARGENTINA MAP
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The archipelago of Tierra del Fuego is separated from South America's mainland by the Strait of Magellan.
It is formed by Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and a group of smaller islands.
Its capital is Ushuaia.
To learn more regarding South America adventure travel in general and the southern tip in particular, please visit...
- Patagonia
- Valdez Peninsula
- Glaciers National Park
- Nahuel Huapi National Park
- Tierra del Fuego
- Antarctica
- Ushuaia
Apart from the incredible contribution he made to the world, Magellan also provided us with a unique South America travel experience...
PATAGONIA PHOTO GALLERY PART TWO
To learn more about the fantastic journey of Ferdinand Magellan, have a look at this 5 part documentary regarding his voyage of discovery...
Part One...
Part Two...
Part Three...
Part Four...
Part Five...
How to Get to Ushuaia:
By Air:
There are direct flights from Buenos Aires (Aerolineas Argentinas / Austral)to Ushuaia.
You could also get a flight connexion in El Calafate, main gateway to Glaciers National Park.
To/from Chile you can fly with Aerovias DAP that service Punta Arenas-Ushuaia on a Twin Otters 20-passenger three times a week in high season. It costs around US$100.00
By Bus:It's a two-leg trip for a total of 3,220 km (one way)...
- From Buenos Aires to Rio Gallegos. There are several bus companies that run this service from Retiro Bus Station.
- Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia. This overland trip - serviced by Tecni Austral - crosses the Magellan Strait before reaching your final destination. So you will have to do Customs.
It certainly is a long journey but you will experience Patagonia in a unique way.
Time permitting don't hesitate to do it.
You'll love it.
There is not direct service between El Calafate and Ushuaia. Nevertheless, you have two options...
- Via Rio Gallegos
- Via Chile: You will do Puerto Natales-Punta Arenas-Ushuaia.
We did it and enjoyed all the way...
Where to Stay:
- Hostal Del Monte: Rosales 305, Tierra del Fuego
- La Posta Albergue: Peron Sur n 864, Rafaela Ishton Nš 865
- Hostel Cruz del Sur: Calle Deloqui 636,
- Cabaņas del Hain: Barrio Tierra de Leyendas
- Pueblo Viejo: Gobernador Deloqui 242,
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