Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego) / Argentina

Ushuaia is considered the southernmost city in the world and is the gateway to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. The city, which today is home to more than 50,000 people, is located in a wide bay on the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, separated from the mainland of the South American continent by the Strait of Magellan. To the north, it is surrounded by the Martial Glacier massif, and to the south, it is bordered by the Beagle Channel.

Indigenous tribes arrived in Tierra del Fuego as early as 10,000 years ago and lived in constant conflict with the inhabitants of the northern part of the island. In 1520, during their journey around the world, the crew of Ferdinand Magellan's ship sailed along the northern coast of the island and saw its native inhabitants and their fires – giving this part of the world its name. 

The first Europeans to the area where the city is now located arrived in 1833 aboard the HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert FitzRoy. In the second half of the 19th century, a British settlement was established here. However, the city was officially founded only in 1884 by Captain Augusto Lasserre of the Argentine Navy. It took several more years - until 1904 - before the Argentine government recognized Ushuaia as the capital of Tierra del Fuego.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a prison was built here for Argentine criminals, and the city became a penal colony that grew steadily. The prison served its purpose until 1947, and in the 1990s, it was converted into a museum.

Despite being located far south in South America, in the subpolar zone, its tundra climate is moderated by the ocean's influence. Therefore, its surroundings do not resemble typical tundra; instead, they are covered with dense forests.

Besides thriving in fishing, natural gas and oil are extracted here, and sheep are raised, Ushuaia primarily lives off tourism, with an emphasis on ecotourism. People come here mainly for the stunning nature of Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lapataia Bay. In addition, they can visit a museum in the city that tells the history of the original indigenous population, as well as British and Argentine settlements, including its penal stage. The islands in the Beagle Channel are home to colonies of birds, penguins, seals, and even orcas can be seen here – an ideal destination for wildlife lovers.

Places worth seeing

Tren del Fin del Mundo – Enjoy a ride on the southernmost railway on our planet and take a trip on the "Train at the End of the World."

Penal de Ushuaia – Visit the former Argentine prison, which today houses an interesting Antarctic museum with rich collections.

Cerro Castor Ski Resort – Even if you visit in the summer, take a cable car to the Martial Glacier and stretch your legs on one of the treks through the beautiful nature.

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse – Take a short boat trip to the northernmost island of the Les Eclaireurs archipelago and enjoy the breathtaking views from the local lighthouse.

Cape Horn - Rent a boat and go watch sea lions, penguins, or huge colonies of nesting birds.