Amazing Places To Visit When You're In Ushuaia
At “The End of the World” sits Ushuaia, an easy going resort town surrounded by scenic mountains and glaciers. It is a common jumping off point for Antarctic tours but before heading to the South Pole be sure to take at least 3-4 days to see all that Ushuaia and the surrounding area has to offer. Ushuaia is known for its breathtaking landscapes from the celebrated Tierra Del Fuego National Park, t
At “The End of the World” sits Ushuaia, an easy going resort town surrounded by scenic mountains and glaciers. It is a common jumping off point for Antarctic tours but before heading to the South Pole be sure to take at least 3-4 days to see all that Ushuaia and the surrounding area has to offer. Ushuaia is known for its breathtaking landscapes from the celebrated Tierra Del Fuego National Park, the chillingly beautiful Beagle Channel and its penguin dominated Isla Martillo, as well as numerous azure glaciers and lakes. You shouldn’t be surprised to find dog sledding or skiing at Ushuaia’s pristine resorts too. With so much to do we’ve listed the top 6 things we recommend doing in Ushuaia to finesse your travel plans.
1. Tierra Del Fuego
Just outside Ushuaia is Tierra del Fuego National Park, known for dramatically diverse scenery ranging from colossal glaciers to cascading waterfalls. This “Land of Fire” is the microcosm of Patagonia -rugged, beautiful and largely untouched by man. Take a day to see the bays by traversing the coastal path Senda Costera or hike through beech forests where red and gray foxes dart in the underbrush on the way to the vivid Laguna Esmeralda. Lake Roca is an atmospheric alternative that doubles as a great place to do birdwatching where the Andes divide Chile and Argentina. If you are lucky you might also be able to spot wild guanaco among the sub Antarctic flora or legendary Andean condors flying high on their wingspans just shy of 10 feet. You can’t say you’ve been to Ushuaia if you haven’t visited Tierra Del Fuego National Park
2. Laguna Esmeralda
Hike to Laguna Esmeralda to experience the divinity of nature where a lake of many hues and singular beauty reflects perfectly the snow capped mountains guarding it. Found within Tierra Del Fuego, this relatively flat hike takes a half day maximum round trip and is enjoyed by hikers old and young. Gear up in your galoshes as the majority of this hike is through peat bog and damp mist-shrouded beech forest. When hiking in Tierra del Fuego it’s always good to come prepared with sunscreen and a lot of water. Once you’ve reached the final hill you’ll be met with views of the serene hanging glacier Ojo del Albino across the glacial lake waters of Esmeralda. Common advice is to take a moment to absorb the tranquility and peace of this lakeside. Before heading out make sure to snap some pictures as a higher sought after photo opportunity in Tierra Del Fuego is unlikely to be found.
3. Martial Glacier
The trail to Martial Glacier is a steep but fairly short climb on which you will be rewarded by the smiling faces of locals that frequent the trail as well as panoramic views from the top. It is easily the most popular hike in Ushuaia due to its year round, easy access and low difficulty. On a clear day you can see for hundreds of kilometers; this is the place for the best aerial view of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel with its islands. If you opt to take the chairlift up you’ll also be offered some of the best city views on the way up to Martial Glacier. Something special about Martial Glacier itself is though it’s small it is the biggest water source for the town of Ushuaia. You can refill your bottles in the crystal clear streams trickling down the mountainside for the way back. Headed down you’ll still have something to look forward to since the teahouse at the bottom of the trail is an excellent place to reward yourself with tea and cake after your trek
