Ushuaia, Argentina: Where the world begins...

February 12, 2010

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, a fact that not only has a particular significance, geographically speaking, but also a natural attraction for those world explorers and travelers who are looking for the most unique locations on our beautiful planet….

The remote location of Ushuaia has given the city and surrounding zone, the nickname of “World’s End”.  However, the locals, have ingeniously shifted the concept all the other way around to call it the “Land where Everything begins”…. Perspectives or word games, the location of Ushuaia and the many attractions to be experienced in the area make it a world class destination and, certainly, one of South America’s most spectacular regions…  With the southern hemisphere’s summer at its best now, the area teems with visitors from all around the world and Ushuaia is at this time one of the busiest ports of call for international and locally based cruise ships, offering a variety of touring, cruising and exploring alternatives and proposals…

Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, Anctartica and South Atlantic Isles.  The city is located along the shores of the historic Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains, Mount Olivia and Mount Cinco Hermanos, thus creating a unique combination of sea, mountains, forests and glaciers… The unusual topography of Ushuaia makes it an unimaginably picturesque city full of colors and levels, as it nestles between the sea and the Andes mountains, on a dramatic backdrop.  It is also a city of architectonic contrasts, where the old wooden houses with their typical old-style roofs share spaces with modern buildings, creating a convivial collage of the old and the new…

At such a southerly position, the climate in Ushuaia is not as rigorous as it may be thought, as the mountains and the ocean temperate the weather.  However, it may be  unpredictable and sudden changes may occur in the same day.  Thus, it is always convenient to dress in layers, to add or remove, according to the temperatures and conditions.  During the summer months (December to May), due to the proximity with the South Pole, there are approximately 18 hours of light while, for the same reason, on the winter months (June to November), there may only be some 7 hours of light.. During the winter, the scenery is dominated by the white cover of snow and days are generally clear and sunny.  There are skiing resorts, like Cerro Castor where snow associated sports may be practiced during those months.

Meanwhile, the summer months are the perfect time for adventure tourism activities such as trekking, horseback rides, mountain biking or sports fishing.  The tours and boat rides along the famous Beagle Channel are fascinating experiences which attract thousands of visitors to the “World’s End” (or, otherwise, to the Land where All begins..)

The city has a very fine hotel infrastructure.  Its people, their origins and culture and nature can be enjoyed through the dance, painting, ceramics, handicrafts and theater. There are several cultural centers, show rooms and theaters and, in the summer, occasional outdoor presentations are performed, with the magnificent mountain or sea background of the city. The local gastronomy is an additional pleasure, offering local delicacies, predominantly fish and sea-food platters, like the “fuegian centolla”, black merluza or besugo.  But there is also the “Patagonian lamb” to be tasted on the numerous restaurants which enrich the tourist offer of the city….  Ushuaia is waiting for your visit and we are ready to organize it for you…..