Explore Ushuaia Argentina: Independent Travel Tips and Hidden Gems (Part 2)

Heading Out to Sea: This was the highlight I had been most eagerly anticipating during my three-day adventure. Ever since I started learning Spanish, the lighthouse at the end of the world has captivated my imagination. To ensure a smooth start, it’s wise to arrive at the port about half an hour early to exchange your tickets and board the boat.

You can choose a seat by the window; the spacious vessel has two levels, with a cozy indoor area complete with tables and heating, and an open-air deck for those who prefer the fresh sea breeze. Eager to soak in the views, I opted for the deck, but the biting cold and splashing waves soon had me retreating inside after just an hour, my shoes and pants drenched.

Surprisingly, watching the scenery through the windows from the warmth of the indoor area turned out to be quite delightful. The entire journey lasts around two and a half to three hours, with generally calm sailing, except for a slightly turbulent section. After about an hour, the boat gradually approaches the lighthouse, moving closer and closer, building excitement.

When it gets close, the boat pauses for a while, allowing ample time for photos. You can see seals and seabirds on the island, so close you feel you could almost reach out and touch them. The boat then circles the lighthouse, providing stunning views from every angle. There’s also a 15-minute stop at another island where you can observe the daily life of the indigenous people and enjoy the breathtaking sea views.

Tierra del Fuego National Park: Exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a variety of options, such as joining a guided tour, renting a car with a guide, or taking a small train, which costs around 70,000 pesos per person and takes over four hours. Having read numerous travel guides, and not wanting to walk much, I decided to go solo, initially planning to take a taxi.

However, I heeded the driver’s advice and hired his car, a decision that proved to be the best. It was the low season, and taxis were scarce at each attraction, with no one in sight on the roads, making walking or waiting for a bus the only alternatives. Once past the ticket office, there’s no cell signal, so calling for a ride is out of the question.

I took a taxi directly from the hotel to the End of the World Post Office, but it was too early, and it wasn’t open yet. Checking in outside, I found a certain primitive and desolate beauty. We then drove up to the highland lake, where I walked for about 30 minutes, a relatively easy trek, before continuing to other attractions.

The scenery is generally similar, and some compare it to Jiuzhaigou, though it’s quite different. South American national parks tend to share a common aesthetic, and if you’ve visited a few, you might experience a bit of visual fatigue, but it’s still highly recommended for first-timers, as it’s perfect for hiking.

I spent about three and a half hours in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the driver kindly dropped me back at the hotel. The total cost for the private car was 60,000 pesos.

Restaurants: For the sake of convenience, I explored some of the local hotspots like Old Captain and Bamboo Restaurant. These eateries have already been praised by many, so I won’t delve too deeply. However, it’s worth noting that due to the significant rise in prices in Argentina, a meal at these places now typically costs around 350 RMB per person, depending on your selections.

The culinary offerings are exceptional, with standout dishes such as king crab, whole roasted lamb, grilled cod, and fried rice, all of which come highly recommended.

Random thoughts: Ushuaia is a charmingly compact city, and I strongly suggest setting aside a morning or evening to sit by the sea, basking in the refreshing sea breeze, and allowing yourself to unwind in a moment of tranquility. It feels like a timeless conversation with my younger self, who, long before I learned Spanish, read about Ushuaia in a book and dreamed of living in this quaint city at the end of the world.

I look forward to returning in the winter, when the snow-covered landscape will offer a breathtakingly beautiful scene.