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 amongvUshuaia’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: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, & Glaciers

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.