USHUAIA...
The city of
the end of the world
Argentina: Ushuaia - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
In Yámane (aboriginal) language, Ushuaia means "bay overlooking the west".
This picturesque town was founded in 1870 by British missionaries and for the first half of 20th. century remained centered around the prison for serious criminals - operative until 1947 - that was established following the example of the British with Australia.
More than prisoners, they were forced colonists and basically built the town altogether.
It's the capital of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and Southern Atlantic Islands Province and geographically situated in the southern part of Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Argentina, by the mountain region, with deep valleys, dense forests and lakes.
The northern part instead - Patagonian tableland - is where cattle raisers and oil companies are established. Its epicenter is the city of Rio Grande.
Estancia (Ranch) at Rio Grande - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
Ushuaia lies on the shores of the Beagle Channel, surrounded by Mount Martial to the west and Mount Olivia and 5 Hermanos to the east.
Ideally located, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy sea, mountains and forests at the same time and a diverse range of outdoor and adventure options...
In high season (October 15th. to March 15th.)...
- trekking
- horseback riding
- mountain biking
- fishing
- canoeing
- wind sailing
- diving (mainly in Bridges Islands and near Estancia Tunel)
For winter instead, you will love skiing at Mount Castor Sky Resort on Krund hill, where you can practice Nordic and Alpine skiing.
And if you feel like doing nothing......how about some shopping?
The whole island is a Tax Free Zone!
Ushuaia's main city attractions include...
- Port of Ushuaia and Nautical Club.
- Beban House.
- Museo del Presidio (Prison Museum) and Marine Museum.
It used to be the Jail of the End of the World. - Train of the end of the World (Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino).
It runs from the End of the Word Station to Tierra del Fuego National Park Station.
A short ride though, less than two hours. - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
You wouldn't to miss Tierra del Fuego National Park (and to see Lapataia Bay), particularly if you love nature and trekking.
You've several treks to choose from, or may as well do'em all..
- black lagoon
- the island
- lookout point
- meet the beavers
You could also hire a boat charter to Cape Horn (in Chilean waters), or the island in the Beagle channel, to appreciate rich marine life and birds.
Some tours also visit the Lighthouse of the End of the World (1905) at Isla de los Estados, made famous by Jules Verne in the novel of the same name.
And of course, Ushuaia is the main gateway to the fantastic Antarctica, a continent of about 5.4 million sq. miles (14 million sq. km)that takes three to four weeks to circumnavigate. You can choose shorter trips as well.
If you have no budgetary constrains, this is the most incredible journey of a lifetime.
Most cruise ships dock at the local port.
Ushuaia: Fueguina Spider Crab - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
Enjoy Ushuaia and please don't forget to try the exquisite Centolla (Fueguina Spider Crab)!
PATAGONIA PHOTO GALLERY PART TWO
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 Nº 865
- Hostel Cruz del Sur: Calle Deloqui 636,
- Cabañas del Hain: Barrio Tierra de Leyendas
- Pueblo Viejo: Gobernador Deloqui 242,
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