Traveling in Southern Argentina

For many visitors, a visit to Southern Argentina is a bucket-list item. This fascinating region of the country, known as Patagonia, is home to a diverse array of wildlife and landscapes that range from sandy beaches to majestic glaciers. Patagonia is also home to Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point of South America, known in Patagonia travel circles as “The End of the World.”

Exploring the Vast Land of Fire

Patagonia is a vast, remote region of South America that encompasses half of Argentina and half of Chile. Only half of either of the country’s people inhabit the region, making it the planet’s least populated region. But the remote location of Patagonia didn’t stop explorers; in fact, it was the Spaniards who first discovered Patagonia by way of Tierra del Fuego.

When the Spaniards came upon the remote archipelago in 1520, they saw fires burning on the coastline. The fires were most likely set by indigenous inhabitants, to signal the Spanish ships, but the eerie sight earned the remote outpost the name “Land of Fire.” Ironically, this remote region of Southern Argentina has become a tourism destination, with visitors flocking to it every year to experience the dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.

5 Fun Facts About Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago, a group of islands that are grouped close together in the Beagle Channel, where sea lions, penguins, and migratory birds cavort year-round. Its location at the southernmost point of Southern Argentina has earned it the nickname “The End of the World.” This location also makes it the gateway to Antarctica. Each year, thousands of cruise ships depart from the archipelago on cruises to Antarctica!

• Tierra del Fuego is known for its dramatic landscapes: glaciers, lakes, mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
• For more than a century, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, also known as the Lighthouse at the End of the World, has guided ships safely through the Beagle Channel.
• The archipelago is home to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Those embarking on Patagonia travel adventures flock to the park for hiking, bird watching, wildlife sighting, kayaking, climbing, fishing, and cruises.
• The archipelago is home to a diverse body of marine life, including humpback whales, king penguins, and elephant seals.
• Tierra del Fuego is a birder’s paradise, with species ranging from Magellanic woodpeckers, condors, and austral parakeets. The archipelago is also home to mammals such as guanaco and Patagonian foxes. If you’re looking for a wildlife adventure in Southern Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego is an excellent place to begin!

Visiting Ushuaia: The Largest City in Tierra del Fuego

Most visitors to the Tierra del Fuego archipelago make pilgrimage to the southernmost city, Ushuaia on the Argentine side of the island, and from where the most accessible day trips and other tourism in the region are located. Ushuaia was founded in 1884 and its name comes from the indigenous people who lived there for thousands of years. Ushuaia means “deep bay,” which pays homage to the channel on which it is located. This port city plays up its location and secondary nickname at “the end of the world,” a tactic that works well as many tour operators include Ushuaia as a stop on small group tours! The city is also a major point of departure for cruises heading to Antarctica and is considered a “gateway” to that region of the world.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ushuaia and Tierra del Feugo?

Before you plan your Patagonia travel to Southern Argentina, you’ll want to learn more about the weather in Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia. Most seasoned travelers consider the summer months, specifically December to February, as the best time to visit the city since the weather is warm, the days are long, and conditions are ideal for activities like hiking and boat tours around the Beagle Channel. However, the summer season is also peak tourist season, which means you’ll have lots of other tourists to contend with and prices at hotels and restaurants will likely be higher than in the off season.

Curious to learn more about traveling to Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia at other times of the year? Here is a season breakdown for you to consider!

Season	Pros vs. Cons
Summer (December – February)	Best weather with longer days, perfect for most outdoor activities, but also the busiest time.
Autumn (March – May)	Shoulder season – fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. However, the weather will be cooler and there will be some rain.
Winter (June – August)	Coldest time of the year with shorter days. However, the season is suitable for winter sports enthusiasts. (Please note that many services may be limited.)
Spring (September – November)	Temperatures start to rise, wildflowers are in bloom, and crowds are small for your travel in Southern Argentina!

Dressing appropriately is essential when you are traveling through Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia. It is important to pack waterproof clothing and to dress in layers if you are visiting Southern Patagonia. Don’t forget to wear waterproof and non-slip footwear for outdoor adventures. The good news, however, is that if you can’t pack everything you need, many shops in Ushuaia rent technical winter clothing to travelers! So, if you are planning a trip to the end of the world during the winter season, you can still pack conservatively and rent the gear you need once you arrive.

Top 5 Things To Do In Ushuaia

The lure of Ushuaia as the southernmost point of the world cannot be denied, and thousands of visitors descend on this remote city each year to say they’ve stood at the “end of the world.” But if you are planning to visit Tierra del Fuego in Southern Argentina, what activities can you plan on doing? Keep reading to learn more about the top five tourist activities in Ushuaia!

• Beagle Channel Cruise: A must-do activity that offers views of the channel, wildlife sightings like sea lions and penguins, and a stop at the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park: Hike trails with diverse landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and forests. View over 90 species of birds and 20 species of mammals within the park’s subarctic forests.
• "End of the World Train" (Tren del Fin del Mundo): Take a scenic train ride through Southern Argentina’s history, with views of the landscape.
• Estancia Harberton: Add a stop at a working estancia (ranch), with opportunities to see local wildlife, to make your Patagonia travel complete!
• Day trips to nearby attractions: Consider visiting Esmeralda Lagoon or Lake Escondido for an even more complete picture of the beauty of Tierra del Fuego.

An Epic Adventure with Gondwana Ecotours

If you’re planning to visit the End of the World in Southern Argentina, why not leave the logistics to the experts and book your trip with Gondwana Ecotours? Gondwana’s knowledgeable guides will give you an inside glimpse of Tierra del Fuego that you may not get traveling solo, and will guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll remember long after you return home. Book your Patagonia travel today to uncover the mystery of Ushuaia!