Are you heading for Tierra del Fuego, the splendid territory of the southern hemisphere? Here’s where to stay in Ushuaïa, the city at the end of the world!
Ushuaïa is the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, in Patagonia, just south ofArgentina near the Beagle Channel: the city is considered to be the southernmost in the world! With a population of 57,000, Ushuaïa boasts a deep-water port where liners dedicated to polar cruises dock, and with good reason: due to its geographical position, the town is the gateway to the vastness of Antarctica, and benefits from a humid, cold oceanic sub-polar climate.
Historically inhabited by hunter-gatherer populations, Tierra del Fuego became an archipelago cut off from the mainland by erosion, forming a strait between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; much later, a certain Magellan would give his name to this corridor for posterity. The city of Ushuaïa was founded in the 19th century by Anglican missionaries, then developed around… a penal colony: the city was built by dreaded criminals, charged with chopping wood around their prison and ensuring the city’s expansion! But don’t worry: today, Ushuaïa is a very pleasant place to visit, and many tourists come to discover the surprising lunar landscapes and unspoilt nature.
Looking for a breath of fresh air in Patagonia? Here are our tips to help you find the accommodation of your dreams in Ushuaïa!
Centro
Photo credit: Flickr – ravas51
Ushuaïa is a seafront town, and as such has no city center to speak of, as the city forms a strip along the coastline. But in the middle of this urban line lies its historic heart: why not visit the War Museum (Museo Maritimo) dedicated to the conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom during the Falklands conflict? It’s also a good idea to enjoy a hot drink as you stroll along the quays and narrow streets with their distinctive atmosphere. Restaurants are also located on the seafront and offer tasty local specialties: red meat is a must in this Argentine city, but the establishments also feature fish from the region’s cold waters. When it comes to accommodation, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel, but be warned: you’ll need to set aside a substantial budget for lodging in Ushuaïa!
Cerro Condor
Photo credit: Flickr – Eduardo Fonseca Arraes
Those looking for a place to stay in Ushuaïa will no doubt be delighted to learn of the existence of a number of « albergues » (chalets) in the Cerro Condor district: typical inns offering rooms at preferential rates, much cheaper than hotels. The clientele is mainly European and North American, and numerous: it’s essential to book a room well in advance to avoid disappointment. What’s more, the area boasts a number of cosy pizzerias and authentic cafés. Of course, Ushuaïa’s nightlife is of little interest: the region is all about discovering the region, so night owls will be well catered for!
Southern districts
Photo credit: Flickr – Deensel
In the south of the city, accommodation in Ushuaïa is available in one of the maisonettes rented out on rental platforms by local residents. The opportunity to increase your income by making your home available to visitors is a godsend for local residents. Those lucky enough to benefit from this service will be able to take to the hills nearby, kayak on the ocean or explore the area in depth by taking the Tren del fin del Mundo: the train to the end of the world!