Ushuaia

Ushuaia sits between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel at the far southern end of Argentina. Colorful houses line the waterfront while snow-covered peaks rise behind the town.

The Argentine government founded a penal colony here in 1896 that operated until 1947. The former prison now houses the Maritime Museum with exhibits from that period.

Residents view their town as the gateway to Antarctica and many work in shipping or tourism related to polar expeditions. In the evenings, restaurants fill with travelers and locals sharing king crab and Patagonian lamb.

The town serves as a departure point for Antarctic expeditions and offers hiking trails in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Warm clothing is necessary year-round as weather changes quickly and wind is common.

The End of the World Train runs on the old route once used by prisoners to haul materials. The narrow-gauge railway travels through forests and over bridges with views of the Pipo River.

Location: Ushuaia Department

Inception: October 12, 1884

Elevation above the sea: 23 m

Website: http://ushuaia.gob.ar

GPS coordinates: -54.80731,-68.30841

Latest update: December 15, 2025 23:21