The End of the World – Ushuaia, Argentina

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Ushuaia Downtown View

After more than 24 hours of flying and airports, I arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina. I’m here for one more day then I step onto Bark Europa & into a whole new world. Rather than wasting any time, even though I’m exhausted both physically and mentally, I decided to trek to Martial Glacier, explore downtown, and hike to the top of Ushuaia to get a full view of the city. My day was full, but it was totally worth it. 

The mountains surround Ushuaia. It’s breathtaking. Jagged peaks topped with stark white snow fill my view. It reminds me of Innsbruck, Austria.

I walked 7 km outside the city to reach Martial Glacier. I could have taken a taxi but the hike was half of the adventure and I saw stunning beauty along the way.

Downtown Ushuaia, Argentina

Across the street from the port is the best place to get an ocean level view of the city with the mountainscape behind.

It also puts the ocean, littered with ships, in the foreground.

Beached Ship in Ushuaia

To reach the glacier, visitors must go up the winding street bearing the same name. There are several trek options once you get there but all of the views are worth the journey.

Glacier in Ushuaia

Round trip, it took me over four hours from Hosteria Patagonia Jarke to Martial Glacier. And if that doesn’t sound long enough, freezing rain and high winds followed me back to the city center.

I couldn’t stop at the hotel when I returned though. It was only a few more blocks to reach the top of the city and look down on all of Ushuaia so I did it.

The rain had stopped but the dark clouds loomed overhead. It was like looking at a postcard for Argentina. I stood, alone, in a small park at the top of the end of the world. While I tried to catch my breath, the sun beamed out from behind the clouds and a ray shone down on my feet. I was being rewarded for my trek. This moment was glorious.

Views from the Top of Ushuaia It’s now 10 pm the night before I set of to the most remote place in the world – Antarctica. I’m filled with anticipation, anxiety, wonder, and excitement all rolled into one, but I’m just too stinking tired to think about it any more. I will rest well tonight.

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I will visit this unspoiled, natural environment from January 11th-February 1st, 2015. It will be my first 2015 bucket list item and most likely one of the greatest adventures of my life. Thankfully, I have three amazing sponsors to help me with the costs and gear associated with this type of travel. Without Bark Europa, Whitecaps Marine, and Pilotur, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity wouldn’t be possible.

57 thoughts on “The End of the World – Ushuaia, Argentina”

  1. I really look forward to your postings on this. This is pretty high on my bucket list as well. I’ve hit 5 out of 7 continents and Antarctica is 1 of the 2 remaining. I would also like to see the southern tip of Argentina and Chile. I’ve only been to the more northern parts.

    Have fun!

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  2. I really appreciated the lush, vivid colors in the photos you included in this post. The rich, deep blue of the sky and the horizon; the vibrant green of the water; the warm orange and ochre of the buildings. How beautiful! Good luck on your journey to Antarctica (I’ve always said it would be great for symbolism if the United Nations met in Antarctica rather than New York City)!

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  3. Fabulous photos Lesley! You’re not even on the ship yet and your adventures have already begun with a trek, amazing views and brilliant sunshine… can’t wait for the rest. My friend has spent many years guiding wildlife tours in Antarctica and surroundings; I know you’re in for a few weeks of nature’s indescribably exquisiteness 😉

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  9. Oh wow ~ just about to embark to the mysterious realms of planet Earth … and we get to travel with you !! I too am excited to read about your adventures and how your spirit feels after this intense journey. Wishing you safety, guided by the stars, cocooned by the moon and warmed by the sun !

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  23. This must be an astonishing place when I’m wowed just by the pictures!
    I wonder what’s on the shore–all that color–in the third photo.

    Do rest so you can tell us about this new and fan-tab-u-lous adventure. 😀 😀

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  27. What wonderful light in these photographs. I have a friend who is down that way at present — he is completing his final climb of the seven highest peaks in the seven continents, so it will be fascinating to hear his story and see his photographs as well as yours.

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  43. I will be in Patagonia in March. So I read your blog with great interest. Freezing rains and wind doesn’t sound great considering that this is summer in Ushuaia. The next step of your journey sounds fabulous. Let us know if the crossing is as rough as I have heard it can be. Happy sailing!
    Judy

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  50. This is on my bucket list. I am anxious to hear and see how the trip works out for you. The closest I got to Antarctica was my trip to New Zealand last January.

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