It might seem odd that in Latin America, that part of the world where the warmth of the people is so intense it almost burns, there is a place as cold as ice. On this side of the planet, the norm is warm beaches, the hot sun ideal for a tan and colorful landscapes. However, in the south, specifically in Argentina, there is a wonderful exception to this rule, a white, icy city (especially during the Winter), full of impressive corners that can leave anyone breathless: Ushuaia.
The name of this place, according to its first inhabitants’ tongue (the Yamane), means “bay that overlooks where the sun sets.” Ushuaia is the only Argentinian city that is located on the other side of the Andes. It’s the capital of the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) province, and it was founded over 100 years ago in 1884. It’s located on the Riverside of the Beagle Canal, precisely on the Ushuaia Bay, and it’s surrounded by the Martial Mountains Range. All those who visit can appreciate, in the same place, a miraculous combination of snowy mountains, glaciers, woods, and sea.
Ushuaia: The end of the world
Ushuaia is known as the southernmost city in the world, due to its proximity to the South Pole. That’s why visiting means being by the end of the world to some, and for others, the beginning of everything. In Summer, there are approximately six hours of daylight and during the Winter, just seven or eight. Its weather is cold and humid all throughout the year and strong winds are a constant in this secluded place.
Beautiful constructions are part of its scenery, very characteristic of this latitude. It’s a city for tourism, which is why we can find an important infrastructure that allows all those who visit to enjoy it to the fullest. And because of the fact that it’s a place where many people from different nationalities mix and blend, it’s not odd that several languages are spoken… Apart from Spanish, we can also hear English, German and Portuguese.
Much more than sightseeing
Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
In Ushuaia, everything is not only about sightseeing. And even though that might be more than enough reason to visit this wonderful place, there is a lot more to do in this town. Many people choose this Latin American corner to spend a vacation filled with adventure and fantasy. You can go for hikes and all kinds of activities related, above all, with nature. The same is the case for climbing, trekking, ice skating, diving and horseback riding. But for those with more traditional tastes, a great way to have fun is riding a bicycle or going fishing. You can also ski on Cerro Castor (Beaver Mountain) or ride a dog sled during the Winter.
Among its attractions, there’s sailing on Beagle Canal, visits to the Tierra del Fuego National Park and the famous Train to the End of the World. Other iconic places are the many museums you can find here, like the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio, and the Museo del Fin del Mundo. All of those are very important for understanding the past and present of this amazing place.
Walking among penguins
Tourists can visit the penguins on Martillo Island from November to April. All fans of these lovely creatures can spend an hour with them. Without a doubt, it’s an unforgettable experience that you can capture by taking as many pictures as you want and keep them as souvenirs. The most important part of the experience is following the rules as told by your guides: walk slowly without separating from the group, not making any loud noise, staying at least 3 meters away from the animals and stay within the boundaries signaled with logs at all times.
This city holds magic, all around. In Ushuaia, we can disconnect from the crazy rhythm of routine, the asphalt, and smoke. When we visit this unique Latin American corner, it’s easy to feel like we are inside a postcard… Without a doubt, it’s one of the most precious places in the world.
