1 Day In Port: Ushuaia – Exploring The End Of The World
After a rough night rounding Cape Horn, our cruise ship arrives in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city on Earth. Nestled at the southern tip of South America, this city is often called “The End of the World.”
Ushuaia is a gateway to Antarctica, and the day we arrived on the Sapphire Princess, our ship docked alongside the National Geographic Resolution, either returning or heading out to Antarctica.
In the most recent “season,” around 540 cruise ships docked in Ushuaia, bringing around 200,000 tourists to town between October and March. Cruise passengers generally have just one day to explore this port, and there are many experiences to choose from. Planning ahead is always the best way to ensure that in your 8 hours in port, you can embark on a journey combining stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and intriguing history.
Morning: Sailing the Beagle Channel From The Port of Ushuaia
We start the day with a boat trip through the legendary Beagle Channel. The narrow, winding waterway stretches approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) through the southern tip of South America, separating the main island of Tierra del Fuego from smaller islands to the south. This is one of the most iconic waterways in the world.
The Beagle Channel is flanked by the rugged Andes mountains and dotted with tiny islets. The channel offers a stunning landscape of dramatic cliffs, glacial rivers, and lush forests. It was named after the HMS Beagle, the British survey ship that carried Charles Darwin during his famous voyage in the 1830s. The channel’s strategic and geographical importance and breathtaking scenery make it a key feature of Ushuaia and the surrounding region.
As our boat passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” Though it’s not the same lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne’s novel, it’s an iconic symbol of Ushuaia and an excellent photo opportunity. Everyone was on deck trying to get the best “selfie.”
Cruising through this natural strait offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and thriving wildlife.
Wildlife Encounters In The Beagle Channel
Everyone has their cameras ready as the boat glides across the channel’s icy waters. The Beagle Channel is a haven for wildlife. We spot colonies of sea lions lounging on rocky outcrops, their guttural roars echoing across the water.
Penguins—primarily Magellanic and Gentoo species (we recognize these from our recent visit to the Falklands)—are shuffling along the shores and diving into the water for a meal while the ever-present Gulls wait to steal a fish or just the leftovers.
Bird enthusiasts were thrilled to see the majestic seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and Imperial cormorants soar, adding to the moment’s magic.
Late Morning: A Train Ride to the End of the World
After our Beagle Channel sail, we headed over to the Train at the End of the World. Officially called the Southern Fuegian Railway, this charming narrow-gauge train is steeped in history and offers a journey like no other.
A Brief History Of The End Of The World Train
The railway was initially built in the early 20th century to serve the Ushuaia Penal Colony, which housed some of Argentina’s most notorious criminals. Inmates worked as laborers, cutting timber in the forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park and transporting it back to town via the train. While the penal colony closed in 1947, the railway has since been transformed into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to travel through the same rugged landscapes that once echoed with the sounds of convict labor.
The train chugs along, slowly passing through the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Rolling hills, dense forests, and glacial rivers create a picturesque setting. You can spot wildlife like foxes, Andean condors, and rabbits here. The train ride is narrated and provides insights into the region’s history, geology, and ecology.
The train makes several stops, including at Macarena Waterfall and a former logging camp. Before continuing the journey, we enjoyed the views and learning about the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Don’t Forget To Visit the Post Office at the End of the World
Before you board your return train, make your way to one of the quirkiest attractions in Ushuaia: the Post Office at the End of the World. Situated on Ensenada Bay within Tierra del Fuego National Park, this tiny post office is a delightful spot to send postcards to loved ones. Mail sent from this post office is stamped with a unique postmark, making it a wonderful souvenir.
While there, you can also meet the postmaster, who is often happy to share stories about the post office’s history and the travelers who have passed through. Don’t forget to take a photo with the iconic signpost pointing to far-off destinations like Buenos Aires, New York, and Antarctica.
Getting to the post office requires about a 30-minute walk out and a 30-minute walk back. So, if you want to send a postcard, include time in your travels for the hike.
Cost To Ride The End Of The World Train
There are a few types of passenger fares for the train. Tourist Class, just the ride, is around USD 65. Premium Class, about USD 150, includes a traditional Argentinian meal. In addition to the cost of the train, you will need to book entrance to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. You can do this in advance at https://ventaweb.apn.gob.ar/ or at the train station ticket office on the day of your excursion. Depending on the season, the fee is between $5 -$7 for general admission.
If you booked Premium Class, the morning departures offer a breakfast menu of local delicacies accompanied by drinks (hot, cold, or alcoholic). On midday and afternoon departures, you can choose a dish from different options: lamb casserole, lentil casserole, chicken, sirloin, lamb sandwich with rustic potatoes, or vegetarian wrap accompanied by drinks (hot, cold, or alcoholic).
Lastly, you can book VIP Class if you want to be fancy. This is a unique and exclusive service provided in the presidential car of the train. This car has only eight seats. You will have a private hostess for the journey and be served a 3-course meal selected by you that can include a variety of high-end dishes, even King Crab. Along with the meal, Train personnel will also give you a private tour of the railway workshops to see “behind the scenes.” If this is what you are looking for, contact the railway for more information @ comercial@trendelfindelmundo.com.ar
Exploring Ushuaia’s Historic Downtown
If you choose not to take a Beagle Channel Cruise or The Train to the End of the World, you can still get a good dose of history and local culture in Ushuaia.
Visit the Museum of the End of the World (Museo del Fin del Mundo). This is an excellent place to delve deeper into the area’s past. You’ll find exhibits covering the indigenous Yaghan people, who lived in the region for thousands of years, as well as the explorers, missionaries, and settlers who shaped Ushuaia’s history. Highlights include artifacts from shipwrecks and displays about the penal colony’s impact on the town’s development.
The Prison Museum is the place to go to learn more about the infamous Ushuaia Penal Colony. Housed in the original penitentiary building, the museum features reconstructed cells and accounts of the harsh conditions endured by prisoners. The exhibits also delve into the history of early Antarctic exploration, making it a well-rounded experience.
If you have extra time, walking through downtown Ushuaia is fun. We headed straight for the local Hard Rock Café. If you’ve read some of my other posts, like Oslo Layover, you know we are ardent pin-and-shot glass collectors. Unfortunately, we were in for a letdown as the café did not have pins or shot glasses.
There are colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and shops offering everything from artisanal crafts to Antarctic souvenirs. We stopped in a local café to sample yet more Argentinian empanadas. You can also sip a cup of mate, a traditional herbal tea that locals cherish.
Final Thoughts On 1 Day In Port: Ushuaia
Before heading back to the ship, it was nice to soak in the panoramic views of the Beagle Channel from the town’s waterfront.
A day in Ushuaia is a journey to the edge of the world. From cruising the Beagle Channel, marveling at its vibrant wildlife, riding the historic train, and exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park. We learned about the rich history of the penal colony and, finally, walked through the charming town and enjoyed empanadas at a local cafe. Leave us with an unforgettable experience.
As our cruise ship pulls away from the port, we take one last look at Ushuaia’s rugged beauty and know that we’ve experienced one of the most unique destinations on Earth. The next stop on our 32-day cruise is Punta Arenas. Safe travels!
