Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego: Land of Fire

In 1520, Magellan became the first European to navigate the southern straits. As he sailed the rugged coast, he was surprised to see dozens of glowing campfires on shore. The fires, used by the Yamana tribes to ward off the cold, prompted the area’s current name: Tierra del Fuego—the “Land of Fire”.

Separated from the rest of South America by Magellan’s Strait, Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago, anchored by Isla Grande. The islands are also divided politically, split by the border with Chile.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is also the principal port of Tierra del Fuego. This town is sheltered in Ushuaia Bay, beneath the imposing Martial Mountains.

Several museums, including the Maritime Museum, End of the World Museum, and Antarctic Museum, can be found among Ushuaia’s colorful houses, sawmills, and shops. Day cruises on the Beagle Channel (home to orcas, penguins and sea lions) are also available.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is located just outside the city, enticing hikers with waterfalls, lenga forests, wildflowers, and glaciers. The park can be reached from Ushuaia via the End of the World Train, a narrow-gauge railway originally constructed to transport timber.

Several fine hotels now operate in and around Ushuaia, receiving cruise passengers bound for Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in Tierra del Fuego

Guests in Ushuaia have unparalleled access to unique outdoor adventures.

Among the most popular activities are:

• Navigating the Beagle Channel
• Exploring the Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Trekking Through Nearby Glaciers
• Horseback Riding
• Helicopter Rides
• Walking with Penguins
• Hiking to Beautiful Areas Like Laguna Esmeralda and Valle de Río Chico
• Flyfishing
• Birdwatching
• Cooking Classes
• Exploring’s Ushuaia’s Museums
• Cruising the Strait of Magellan

What is the Weather Like?

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, enjoys a sub-polar oceanic climate. The mountains and the sea keep temperatures up and the climate mild. Temperatures rarely exceed 60°F. While summer days enjoy 18 hours of daylight, Winter days tend to be short. Despite receiving an average of only 22 inches of precipitation yearly, Ushuaia is very humid. On average the city experiences 160 days of rain or snow a year, with many cloudy and foggy days. Because temperatures are cool throughout the year, there is little evaporation. Strong winds are also common.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Flights connect Ushuaia to both Buenos Aires airports; El Calafate; Cordoba; and Trelew.

Ushuaia’s port also allows connections to Chile through the Strait of Magellan, and to Antarctica. Cruises operate from October to April.

Start your journey today