Ushuaia – Image Credit: cmichel67 (Flickr)
The city of Ushuaia is found on the tip of the South America on the shores of Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile. Ushuaia is so far south that it is actually considered the most southern city in the entire world. The small city is surrounded by dramatic scenery such as the Martial Mountain range and the Beagle Channel that more than justify the city’s ‘end of the world’ attribution. With a population of few than 60,000, the remote location is a small frontier town for travelers looking to explore the extreme surroundings whilst also soaking up the local culture. Here are 5 fantastic activities available to intrepid travelers seeking some ‘end of the world’ entertainment:
Take A Trip on the ‘End of the World’ Train
Originally built in 1909 to carry supplies for Ushuaia’s prison’s infamous inmates, the ‘End of the World’ train now serves as an attraction for tourists interested in the train’s rich heritage. Views from the track will vary depending on what time of year you choose to visit. In summer you can expect views across the lush green landscapes of the Tierra del Fuego National Park while in winter you will be treated to surroundings covered in thick white snow. The train runs every day with capacity to carry up to 208 passengers. The train takes 1.40 hours to cover the 14km journey from Fin del Mundo to the National Park Station.
Visit the Maritime Museum
Ushuaia is a city built from the sea and the Maritime Museum is the perfect place to learn about the ancient seafarers that first explored these remote lands. The museum hosts history regarding some of the most terrifying voyages that fell victim to the treacherous seas that surround Ushuaia and Cape Horn. The museum was given National Historical Monument status in 1997 and is run by a non-profit association that is also funded by the Navy and local authorities.
Trek the Tierra Del Feugo National Park
Ushuaia presents the perfect start location for trekking the world-famous Tierra Del Feugo National Park. The park’s vast 630 square kilometer borders include stunning scenery such as forests, waterfalls and glaciers. The park has a huge variety of treks available to tourists from relaxing lakeside walks to demanding week long expeditions through challenging mountain-top terrain. The park is only 11 kilometers from Ushuaia and is easily accessible by car or train.
Boat Based Wildlife Tours
The waters that surround Ushuaia are home to some of the planet’s most amazing wildlife. From huge orca whales and sea lions to undeniably adorable penguins, the surrounding sea is the perfect place to sight incredible creatures. The port of Ushuaia holds vessels that can take out of the harbor to get up close and personal with the giants of the ocean. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can even hire kayaks from the nearby Tierra del Fuego island. While these trips are available all year round, it may be preferable to get on the water during Ushuaia’s hotter months, between November and February would be ideal.
Set Sail on a Cruise to Antarctica
Why not sail south from Ushuaia to one of the most extreme environments in the world? Ushuaia’s port is the perfect place to embark on a cruise heading for the vast icy expanse of Antarctica. Follow in the footsteps of famous explorers to experience the frozen frontier in all its glory. Ships take a variety of routes which take from around 11 to 20 days. To avoid disappointment, it is best to book ahead. Check out the range of Antarctic cruises on swoop-patagonia.co.uk for more information on prices and itinerary.
This guest post was written by Jonny, on behalf of Swoop Patagonia, a website dedicated to providing a wealth of information, guides and tips on all things Patagonian.
