USHUAIA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO
The land of fire leads past penguin colonies to the charming city at the end of the world.
The most southerly city is beautifully situated on the edge of the Beagle Channel with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Despite being a major departure point for cruises to Antarctica, Ushuaia still remains a fishing port at heart. Restaurants here serve the daily catch alongside traditional Argentine dishes such as steak and lamb hotpot. For foodies, the king crab is a delicacy not to be missed. Ushuaia has an interesting history, aside from Darwin visiting the nearby area, it was once home to a large penal colony. The prison building has now been turned into an exceptionally good museum, which displays photographs, models and maps depicting the events of the past. This is just one of the many museums in this quirky city. Outside of the centre, there are lots of activities available, one of the most popular of which is a cruise out onto the Beagle Channel to spot colonies of penguins, fur seals and sealions, plus the postcard-perfect Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Visitors can also venture into enchantingly beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is less than an hour away by bus or car. In this stunning landscape, one of the few places where snow-capped mountains touch the sea, there are hiking trails galore, and some truly magnificent photographic opportunities. Other popular options are to take a ride on the ‘End of the World Train’, post a letter at the remote end-of-the-world post office (where you can also get your passport stamped) and in the winter months, enjoy a husky sledge ride through the snow-filled forests.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Australis Cruises Patagonia
Australis Cruises Patagonia offer short cruises around the breathtaking Patagonian fjords in Argentina and Chile in the comfort of a stylish and luxurious boat. Twin sister boats the Ventus and Stella offer all-inclusive services with delicious cuisine and a wide selection of Argentinean and Chilean wines. This is an up-close and personal experience of Patagonia with excursions on land or by boat. Special trips include whale-watching, photography trips, visits to local penguin colonies and following in the steps of Charles Darwin.
Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa
A luxury 5-star hotel and the only one of its kind located on the Beagle channel with its own private beach. The 54 rooms range from standard up to suites and are decorated in soft creams with subtle red and olive accents with spectacular views over the Beagle Channel or surrounding mountains. The restaurant serves award-winning gourmet cuisine with a strong Patagonian influence. The wine bar offers 100 different wines, married with tapas style dishes meaning guests have the opportunity to taste some of the best pairings.
Arakur Ushuaia
A luxury, 5-star hotel located 800m above sea level in the Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve. With a sustainable architecture design and views overlooking the valley or Beagle Channel, this is a hotel that will not be forgotten. The rooms are chic and elegant with stunning panoramic views over the bay or mountains and valley. The restaurant serves typical Argentinean cuisine, all served up with stunning views. Amenities include a variety of pools, making use of the natural water resources, including and indoor pool with a bar and a rooftop pool complete with hot tubs.
Lakutaia Lodge
A truly unique lodge in the far south of Patagonia, offering bucket-list adventures and some of the world’s best fly fishing. The lodge itself is simple yet charming, and offers a is a buffet-style breakfast served each morning. Guests can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and river from a cosy lounge area. The true luxury of this property lies in the activities that are available. The lodge has its own helicopter which it used to transport guests around this vast area which has no roads in order to access spectacular world-class fly fishing spots.