Arriving at the End of the World

The first thing that you will likely notice upon landing in Ushuaia (assuming a relatively clear day) are the enormous mountains just outside the city. Known as the Southernmost City on Earth and also the End of Patagonia, it certainly can feel feel like you are on the verge of terra incognita. It’s probably no coincidence that this is where many Antarctica trips begin and end, in this picturesque little town sitting on the Beagle Channel. 

As far as the town itself, well that feels a lot more familiar. Even the most directionally challenged of travelers will find it difficult to get lost here as almost all attractions are on San Martin, or a block or two away. San Martin itself is the road cutting through the little burg, crammed with steakhouses, seafood restaurants, cafes, bars, and trinket shops. Everything to the north is an uphill climb until you (eventually) reach the mountains just a few kilometers away. Everything to the south is literally the sea. 

What’s the overall vibe in Ushuaia? Besides being stunningly beautiful, the town has an admittedly touristy feel, and you are just as likely to run into a Japanese couple wandering the streets as you are a local. There are plenty of places to eat - of varying quality - and you also will find no lack of coffee shops which are uniformly excellent. Besides wandering over to the pier and the Beagle Channel, there are also a few museums that you can check out if you are historically inclined. But, let’s be real: you are probably not in the city for the culture. Since most travelers here are either exploring as part of their Patagonia or Antarctica adventure, I absolutely recommend that anyone with a free day here (and you should have at least one) make their way to some of the nearby hiking trails.