Ushuaia is a booming frontier at the end of the world, the waters of the Beagle Channel lapping its shores. Colourful wooden houses crown up the surrounding hills, whilst snowcapped mountains rear up behind.
Originally hosting a penal colony, and a military base (the memory of the local conscript soldiers and sailors who died in the war for the Malvinas is still deeply felt), the city has doubled in size in recent years. This is where cruise ships leave for the Antarctic, so the main street is lined with souvenir stores, outdoor gear shops and restaurants.
Originally hosting a penal colony, and a military base (the memory of the local conscript soldiers and sailors who died in the war for the Malvinas is still deeply felt), the city has doubled in size in recent years. This is where cruise ships leave for the Antarctic, so the main street is lined with souvenir stores, outdoor gear shops and restaurants.
We arrived in Ushuaia to the news that our sailing to the Antarctic was delayed due to engine trouble. The operator organised a couple of tours to take our mind off the delay. First, an afternoon in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the next day a cruise on the Beagle Channel. And yes, we did set sail that evening for Antarctica. Phew!