Tierra del Fuego: Adventures at the End of the World

From exploring unique landscapes to learning about its culture and history, here we tell you everything you can do in the province of Tierra del Fuego, which is part of the Argentine Patagonia.

Must-see tourist circuits in Ushuaia:

●       Tierra del Fuego National Park: A must-see place for nature lovers. It offers trails that run through lenga forests, rivers and lakes. It is ideal for hiking, bird watching and enjoying the local fauna.

●       Beagle Channel and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse: Sailing through the mythical Beagle Channel will allow you to see sea lions, penguins and birds, as well as appreciate spectacular landscapes. On this journey, you can visit the emblematic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, commonly known as the Lighthouse at the End of the World.

●       Ushuaia’s Prison: This historic building functioned as a prison between 1902 and 1947, housing some of the most dangerous criminals of the time. Today it is a museum that allows you to learn about the life of the prisoners, the work they used to do and the importance of this place in the history of Ushuaia and its development as a city.

●       Escondido and Fagnano Lakes: These lakes offer spectacular panoramic views and are perfect for those who enjoy fishing, kayaking or simply want to enjoy the serenity of the Fuegian nature. Lake Escondido is located about 60 kilometers north of Ushuaia, while Lake Fagnano is approximately 100 kilometers from the city, both accessible via National Route 3, which offers a scenic drive surrounded by mountains and forests.

Tourist Cities

●       Ushuaia: The capital and most important city of the province. Known as the southernmost city in the world, it is the starting point for most adventures in Tierra del Fuego. In Ushuaia you will find a vibrant urban life combined with incredible landscapes, local gastronomy and a rich history.

●       Tolhuin: This small town on the shores of Lake Fagnano is famous for its iconic bakery and natural landscapes. It is a quiet place and has access to forests and lakes.

Read more: Four-day Ushuaia itinerary

What’s the weather like in Tierra del Fuego?

Tierra del Fuego has a subpolar oceanic climate, which means that summers are cool and winters are cold. In summer (from December to March), temperatures are between 5°C / 41 °F and 12°C / 53.6 °F, while in winter (from June to September) temperatures are usually between 0°C / 32 °F and -10°C / 14 °F. Wind is a common factor, which makes the real feel temperature even lower in winter.

Best times of the year to travel to Tierra del Fuego

●       Summer (from December to March): It is the high season for tourism in Tierra del Fuego. The days are long, with up to 18 hours of sunlight, and the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities such as taking excursions, hiking, and sailing.

●       Winter (from June to September): Ideal for those who love winter sports. The snow season turns Tierra del Fuego into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, especially on Cerro Castor.

However, both autumn and spring are also good times to visit the province and do several of these activities.

How to get to Ushuaia?

For international tourists, getting to Ushuaia is relatively straightforward, with options for direct flights from abroad and several domestic connections from Argentina's major cities.

International flights

●       From Santiago de Chile (Latam): One of the most convenient options is the direct flight offered by Latam from Santiago de Chile to Ushuaia. This flight facilitates the connection between Chile and the southernmost city in the world, providing a quick and direct way to get to Tierra del Fuego without having to go through Buenos Aires.

Routes from other national destinations

●       From Buenos Aires: Most international tourists first arrive in Buenos Aires, which has two main airports: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). From Aeroparque, which is close to the city, there are direct flights to Ushuaia with Aerolíneas Argentinas. The flight takes approximately three and a half hours.

●       From El Calafate: For those who want to combine their visit to Ushuaia with other Patagonian destinations, there are also direct flights to Ushuaia from El Calafate, which is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. This journey takes around one hour and twenty-five minutes.

●       From Córdoba: Córdoba, Argentina's second-largest city, also offers direct flights to Ushuaia. Aerolíneas Argentinas operates this route, and the flight takes approximately three and a half hours.

These options allow tourists to plan with flexible itineraries, so they can combine visiting other tourist destinations in Argentina with Ushuaia.

Cerro Castor: The southernmost ski resort in the world

 Cerro Castor is the reference point for winter sports in Tierra del Fuego. With slopes for all levels and excellent snow quality, it has become one of the favorite destinations for ski and snowboard lovers. Just 26 kilometers from Ushuaia, this ski resort combines snow activities with spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel.

Tierra del Fuego or Tierra de Fuego?

A slight change in the preposition throws a different meaning, Fire’s Earth or Fire Earth? Despite its popularity abroad as Tierra de Fuego, Fire Earth, the province is called Tierra del Fuego, Fire’s Earth. The same discussion comes up with the "Lighthouse at the End of the World", which was originally called Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, but there is a lighthouse a little more southerly than this one. However, if you want to call it Lighthouse at the End of the World, no one will interrupt you and everyone will surely know what you’re referring to.

History of Ushuaia

Ushuaia has an interesting history that begins with the presence of native peoples such as the Yámanas and Selknam, who lived in the region long before the arrival of Europeans.

In 1884, the city was founded as a settlement for the Argentine Navy, and some years later, the famous Ushuaia Prison was built, which housed highly-dangerous convicts.

This prison was a key institution in the development of the city, as many of the prisoners worked on construction and carpentry projects, helping to form and give shape to the urban structure.

Typical food of Tierra del Fuego

The typical food of Tierra del Fuego is greatly influenced by its coastal location and cold climate, which has given rise to gastronomy based on products which are local and fresh.

 Fuegian lamb is one of the most traditional dishes, it is slowly roasted on the cross so as to make the meat tender and juicy. Another dish worth mentioning is spider crab, which is seafood taken from the cold waters of the Beagle Channel, well-known for its delicate flavor.

It is also common to find dishes with toothfish and trout, ideal for those who love fish in this region.

The End of the World Train

This train is one of the most iconic attractions in Tierra del Fuego. The End of the World Train has its origin in the train that was used to transport prisoners from the Ushuaia prison to work in the forest at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Today, it has been restored as a tourist attraction, offering a scenic journey through spectacular landscapes, including valleys, rivers, and mountains. It's a lovely way to give life to history while taking in the natural views.