Ushuaia is a city located on the Argentine part of the island of Tierra del Fuego, also known as the Land of Fire. It is not only the southernmost city in Argentina, but is also considered by many to be the southernmost city in the world due to the smaller size of places further south. This dramatic location at the foot of the snow-capped Andes Mountains and on the waters of the cold Beagle Channel gives Ushuaia a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. The city serves as a gateway to Antarctica and is a popular base for expeditions and adventure travel, but it also offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and natural beauty, making it a special destination for both nature lovers and those looking for a different travel experience.

Founded in 1884, Ushuaia originally served as a penal colony in the Argentine prison system. The city’s isolated location and harsh climate made it a logical choice for a penal colony, where prisoners were put to work in extremely harsh conditions. Initially, the population was small and consisted mainly of convicts and the military personnel who administered the colony. Over the years, the city grew steadily, especially after the discovery of its potential as a hub for tourism and trade routes south of the continent.

Ushuaia is known for its magnificent nature and a wealth of outdoor activities. The area around the city offers impressive landscapes from the snow-capped Andes to lush, green forests and the wildlife along the Beagle Channel. The city’s location also makes Ushuaia an ideal starting point for hiking, kayaking and sailing, and the surrounding national park, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, offers some of the best hiking trails in Argentina. Ushuaia is also a popular destination for cruises to Antarctica, and many travel from here to the cold, wild and fascinating continent.

There is much to experience in and around Ushuaia, and this is also true if you just consider it a stopover on the way to Antarctica. Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is a great choice for an excursion with its many trails that lead through stunning landscapes with wildlife. You can also take a boat trip on the Beagle Channel, where you can see sea lions, penguins and various bird species. It is also possible to take the train from and to the end of the world with the Tren del Fin del Mundo, a nostalgic railway trip and a historic narrow-gauge railway that was once used by prisoners in the Ushuaia penal colony to transport wood. Today it runs as a tourist train through the magnificent landscapes of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The trip offers a unique combination of history, nature and views of glaciers and forests at the end of the world.

In Ushuaia itself, you should of course also take a walk and experience the city’s squares and historic buildings. A visit can begin at Plaza Islas Malvinas, a memorial dedicated to the Argentine soldiers who fought in the Falklands War. From the square there is a beautiful view of the Beagle Channel. You can also see the former prison, Presidio de Ushuaia, which now functions as a museum, and which provides a fascinating insight into the city’s past as a penal colony. A walk along the main street, Avenida San Martín, is a must, and here the church Iglesia de la Merced is one of the dominant buildings. From here you can walk to the city’s harbor promenade, where you will encounter colorful buildings, small cafes and an impressive view of the Andes Mountains and over the water. Finally, you can also visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo, a museum that provides an insight into the history, nature and culture of Ushuaia.