Explore Ushuaia: Where the World Ends but Adventure Begins 🗼

On days 374-375 of my journey, I finally reached the “end of the world.”

Antarctica was never a top destination on my travel bucket list, so I never felt an urgent need to secure the best sailing dates. While in Peru, a friend offered me a 3.5k transfer for a three-island trip, but the idea of flying there, taking a boat, and then returning to continue my overland adventure through Latin America seemed too complicated.

When I eventually made it to the port, I was eager to board the ship, but my hesitation cost me the last available spot. The full story and lessons learned from waiting for tickets can be found on P2.

🚢 Is Ushuaia worth visiting if you’re not planning to go to Antarctica?
Absolutely! For those of us who can’t afford the steep prices of Antarctic expeditions, Ushuaia is still the ultimate “end of the world” experience. In fact, South Americans, including Argentinians, often visit Ushuaia for vacations. It’s not just about the name; the town, nestled between mountains, lakes, and the sea, is a stunning holiday destination.

👀 What to do
Explore the town (2-3 hours), take a boat tour (3-5 hours), or go hiking (half a day to several days). For a taste of the local trails, 1-2 days should suffice.

1️⃣ Strolling
The main attractions are located on two primary streets that form a loop.
① Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina: A scenic coastal promenade, starting from the iconic Ushuaia sign, along the Beagle Channel, past the port, a WWII wreck, and ending at the Museo del Fin del Mundo (Bird Museum).

Nearby, you’ll find La Anónima, a large supermarket with relatively affordable prices (thanks to Leo for the tip).
② Av. San Martin: A bustling commercial street lined with outdoor gear shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, and the landmark church.

2️⃣ Boat Tours
Tour agencies are clustered around the port, making it easy to inquire and book on the spot. There are typically two departures, one around 10 am and another around 3 pm. ① Small tour: 2.5-3 hours, averaging 85k (negotiable down to 68k), offering a cruise along the Beagle Channel to see seabirds, sea lions, and the lighthouse at the end of the world.

② Large tour: 5 hours, averaging 120k, which includes an additional stop at Penguin Island. ⚠️ Bad news: By late March, penguin sightings are rare. Good news: You might spot whales on the small tour.

3️⃣ Hiking
Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost national park in the world, home to the End of the World Train, the End of the World Post Office, and the end of the Pan-American Highway. Various hiking trails are detailed on P3. Round-trip bus rides take about 25 minutes, with a single ticket costing 25k, and hostel bookings at 22.

5k. Check P3 for schedules and P4 for recommended entry and exit methods. ⚠️ Good news: The End of the World Post Office is open. Bad news: Its daily operation is uncertain. They accept US dollars in cash, provide change, but do not accept cards.

🍚 What to eat
Bamboo Chinese buffet ~210¥, with WeChat payment accepted. The Old Captain’s King Crab is a must-try, though it comes with a hefty price tag and long lines. A casual burger and fries will set you back around 200¥. Alternatively, cooking your own meal might be a more budget-friendly option.

🏠 Where to Stay
For a cozy and budget-friendly stay, I highly recommend Anum. At just 25€ per night, you get a comfortable bed in a female dorm and a self-service breakfast to kickstart your day. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful!

⚠️ Important Note: The local post office only accepts cash, so make sure to have some on hand!