Argentina

Set between the Beagle Channel and jagged glacial peaks, the southernmost city in the world is a coveted destination for belt-notching travelers. As the most important gateway to Antarctica and a port for cruising yachts, Ushuaia caters well for its growing numbers of tourists.

Before the 20th century

In 1870, the British-based South American Missionary Society made Ushuaia its first permanent Fuegian outpost, but only artifacts, shell mounds, Thomas Bridges' famous dictionary of the Yahgan language, and memories remain of the Yahgan people who once flourished here.

Between 1884 and 1947, Argentina incarcerated many of its most notorious criminals and political prisoners here and on remote Isla de los Estados (Staten Island).

Modern history

In 1906, the military prison was moved to Ushuaia and, in 1911, it was combined with the Carcel de Reincidentes, which had incarcerated civilian recidivists since 1896.

Since 1950, the town has been an important naval base. The growth of industries such as electronics assembly encouraged people to settle here with higher wages and other perks. This resulted in a jumble of housing developments advancing in the few directions the mad geography allowed.

Recent history

A coveted destination for its remote location and 'end of the world' status, Ushuaia is attracting a growing number of tourists.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

Ushuaia is on the chilly side year-round, with average daily temperatures of 4°C (39°F) in winter and 13°C (56°F) in summer. The coldest months are June to August, when the temperature drops below freezing at night. Rainfall keeps to a minimum throughout the year.

Average weather

• Temperature
• Rainfall

Transport

Getting around

It's easiest to catch a taxi to/from the modern airport (USH), 4km (2.5mi) southwest of downtown on the peninsula across from the waterfront; there's also a local bus service along Av Maipú. DTT (San Martín 1258) rents bikes for a reasonable daily rate. Taxis can also be chartered by the hour.

The best rates for hiring compact cars are with C2, Tagle Rent A Car and Localiza. Drop-off fees may not be charged in other parts of Argentine Tierra del Fuego.

Getting there and away

Aerolíneas Argentinas jets several times daily to Buenos Aires, sometimes stopping in Río Gallegos or El Calafate. Chilean airline Aerovías DAP flies on Monday and Friday to Punta Arenas, and has two-hour charter-only overflights of Cabo de Hornos via Puerto Williams.

Aeroclub Ushuaia offers sightseeing flights, and flights to Puerto Williams, Chile, on a charter basis.

Charter boats anchored in Ushuaia's harbor may take passengers to Puerto Williams the next time they are heading out. Travel agencies such as Témpanos Viajes link travelers with yachts for an extra fee. Around 20 private yachts charter trips to Cabo de Hornos, Antarctica, and, less often, to South Georgia Island. These trips must be organized in advance; the most popular week-long charter rounds Cape Horn.

Book outgoing bus tickets with as much anticipation as possible; many visitors have complained about getting stuck here in the high season.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Unguided trekkers should note that many trails are poorly marked or not marked at all; some hikers who have easily scurried uphill have become lost trying to find the trail back.