PORTS OF CALL - South America
Ushuaia, Argentina
No other place on the planet will make you feel like a modern-day explorer quite like Ushuaia will. After all, how often do you travel to the end of the earth? This southernmost city in the world is located on the border of the Beagle Canal and offers wild and diverse terrain made up of mountains, sea, glaciers and subantarctic forests. Ushuaia has been charted by the likes of Magellan, Cook, and Darwin and still offers plenty of wide-open space to blaze your own trail.
Don't Miss
Hike or hop a chairlift to the top of Glacier Martial. This towering snow-capped mountain offers some the most amazing views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
Fun Things to Do
- Hit the trails of Tierra del Fuego National Park for an eyeful of native wildlife and artifacts of ancient Yámana aborigines. And keep an eye peeled for rare Andean flowers such as the Nassauvia, which smell like chocolate.
- If hiking is not your thing, you can always take a ride on the Train at the End of the World. Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino is a more leisurely way to get a glimpse of the magnificent Tierra del Fuego.
- Because of the remote nature of the place, Ushuaia was the headquarters of a famous prison from 1902-1947. Today it's a fascinating museum that welcomes visitors.
Sporting Adventures
Ushuaia offers an endless supply of outdoor adventure. In the summer months you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and sport fishing. And make sure to squeeze in a half-day cruise through Beagle Channel where you can spot oodles of resident wildlife including sea lions and penguins. Or better yet rent a kayak. What better way to get up close and personal?
Shopping for Bargains
Looking for the perfect souvenir? Search the shops on the street of San Martin for mementos local handmade specialties like jams and maté.
Local Flavours
As you can imagine the seafood is spectacular. A regional favorite is southern king crab.
Currency
The Argentine peso is the official currency. Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. Several shops do accept U.S. dollars and Euros. American Express, VISA, Diners Club and Master Card are also widely accepted. Please note there may be difficulty in exchanging traveler's checks.