A Visit to One of the Ends of the Earth

Filed in archive A World Away on December 12, 2007

Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city. It lies on the Argentinian owned archipelago known as Tierra del Fuego. These islands are home to some of the most rugged territory in the world. Mountains and glaciers give birth to rivers which tumble down towards the Ocean (the border waters between the Atlantic or Pacific).

Despite being a very rugged and seemingly inhospitable landscape, it is easy to get around Tierra del Fuego. There is a national park that is well mapped and has well-marked trails and areas designated for camping. The park, which is actually in the borderlands between Chile and Argentina is home to deer, foxes, and the Albatross and condor. Most of the trails lead uphill, so there will be plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery below, including the famous Beagle Channel.

And of course there are the penguins. Many tourists find the way these flightless birds move amusing. They are found on the coastline near the city of Ushuaia.

Cruises around the islands are also popular. Outfitters run kayak expeditions along the rocky coastlines, while catamarans and traditional cruise vessels ply the waters further out in the ocean.

Room and board are actually quite cheap in Ushuaia and Tierra de Fuego. Of course, if you have a tent, you can get buy for almost nothing in the national park, but there are several guest houses and dorm-style hostels catering to budget travelers.

For most travelers, Tierra de Fuego truly is as far south as you can get. Unless you plan on buying a dog-sled and heading for Antarctica, this is one of the ends of the earth.