Submerged at the southernmost tip in the barren, windswept, icy Tierra del Fuego, Argentina's Ushuaia is one of the most interesting destinations in the country. A cityscape unlike any other, Ushuaia is located dramatically on the northern shore of the Beagle Channel and is flanked by snow-capped mountainsides making it a perfect jumping off point for exploring the Tierra del Fuego. After operating for years as a Penal Colony, Ushuaia's history is dark and the varied museums take pains to illustrate the regions' past. The city has a strong tourism infrastructure to cater for the many different visitors who pass through so accommodation and facilities are easily available and suited to all budgets.
Ushuaia has some really interesting architecture that a stroll around town showcases beautifully. Head to the Plaza 12 de Octubre to see the towering obelisque which marks the heart of the city. The rather solemn looking Edificio de la Legislatura Provincial can be found here, first built in 1894 and then rebuilt in the early 1900's after a fire completely destroyed it in 1920. Ushuaia's best museum is undoubtedly the Museo del Fin del Mundo, which has interesting exhibits about the discovery of the region and also displays examples of all the birds common to Patagonia. See the section on Museums in Argentina for more information. The old prison which housed some of Argentina's most notorious criminals between 1884-1947 is now home to the Maritime Museum and the Prison Museum, which make an interesting afternoons' viewing despite the rather eerie setting. The Museo Yámana is a good place to learn about this indigenous population before visiting the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. If you are still curious about Yámana history why not head to the Estancia Harberton - a pretty collection of white houses built by Reverend Thomas Bridges who ran it as a refuge. Bridges' interest in the indigenous inhabitants of the Tierra del Fuego led him to write the English-Yámana dictionary.
Ushuaia is a comfortable city perfectly located for enjoying the great outdoors. The surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for rock climbers and hikers and during winter, Cerro Castor makes a perfect choice for skiing. A trip up the Cerro Martial (which can be done in the chairlift) gives access to the Glaciar Martial and some truly unforgettable views of the city of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. If you're feeling like indulging in being a tourist then a trip on the Tren del Fin del Mundo is a must - totally geared towards tourists, you won't feel as though it was a unique experience, but you will see some nice views of the weird and wonderful patagonian landscapes.
Argentina's Ushuaia is the perfect place for continuing your journey to Antarctica and much of the tourism is made up of people waiting to take one of the big cruise ships which come in and out of the dock at regular intervals.
Food and Drink in Patagonia differs slightly from the rest of the country due to the extreme weather conditions. You will find the restaurants serve warming stews and comforting dishes, perfect after a day out exploring in the cold. Goat and lamb are a lot more common in this part of the world, so if you're getting bored of beef then this is the place to come! Whilst nightlife is not crazy this far down south, there are plenty of cosy little taverns to discover if you're looking for a night cap.
