Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina, nicknamed the “End of the World”. It is also the gateway for Antarctica. During the summer the dock is very busy with all types of expeditions, both civilian and scientific, setting out to or returning from the Southern continent.
Source: Wikipedia Ushuaia – Photograph by: Reinhard Berlin.
It is also the end, or beginning, of the adventure for many who travel from Northern Alaska to the End of the world. Some do it by Bicycle, others by Motorcycle or Vehicle.
Not all of the visitors are in transit. Some go there strictly for hiking or mountaineering in the mountain ranges that surround the city.
After I returned from Antarctica I spent a few days, including Christmas day, hiking some of the trails around Ushuaia. The days are very long so there is never the rush to get back before it gets dark. It was one of the best Christmas I have had.
Ushuaia has a wide range of restaurants to satisfy every taste. Also the Argentina wine is excellent.
It is a place I want to return to one day. Maybe on Bicycle starting in Mexico!
You can click on the thumbnail images below to see a larger image with captions.
The Ushuaia waiting to take us to Antarctica. The Russian square rigger "The Sedov" is the other side of the jetty. This is one of the largest sailing ships in the world. Unfortunately I was not able to get on-board for a visit.
The jetty is constantly busy with all types of ships even submarines.
Ushuaia, Argentina.
Islas Bridges in the Beagle Chanel. Looks very tropical but was cold.
From Islas Bridges with Ushuaia in the distance.
One of the many lakes in the mountains.
There was still some snow in the valleys even though it was summer.
A few hours later and the landscape and temperature has changed.
On the summit of Co.Del Medio. 925Meters.
Used in winter for Skiing and in summer for hikers.
This got me close to Glacier Martial. In winter this is prime skiing country.
From the café at the top of the ski lift it is a short walk to the snow line.
Lake Margot. At 900 Meters. A long Christmas Day hike from the Hostel. In the evening we met around the bar and sampled the home made beer and Barbados Rum. Later we went out to an Irish pub. Much later shared a bottle of Champagne.
Ushuaia fauna.
Wild horses.
A moment to relax and enjoy the unspoilt land.
War Memorial to the dead sailors of the General Belgrano in the war over the Falkland Islands.
Nido de Condores Hostel. I stayed here before and after the trip to Antarctica. Very clean, and friendly. And the owner makes her own beer!
