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Monthly Newsletter - September 2008

Ushuaia - More than the Southernmost City

Tucked between the Beagle Channel and snow-covered peaks, Ushuaia is the capital city of the mythical Tierra del Fuego. The sweeping landscape of this extreme land hugged by the sea, glacial mountains and forests create a dramatic backdrop to the city. Once remote and desolate, this city has transformed the land with corrugated iron covered houses with gingerbread decorations, modern concrete structures, wooden shanties; a crab fishery, sawmills and farms.

Once home to the Yahgan Indians, Ushuaia was settled in 1870 by missionary Thomas Bridges. Not easily accessible until the last few decades, Ushuaia was a penal colony until 1947 where criminals and political prisoners were held.

The “Southernmost City” serves as a jumping off point to Antarctica as well as exploratory cruises. The offshore fishing industry is burgeoning. Offering myriad activities in and around town, the entire mountain range behind Ushuaia is inundated with lakes and rivers which offer first-rate hiking, skiing and boating opportunities as well as the chance to go as far south as the highways go: the RN 3 ends in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego.

Unknown to many, Ushuaia also serves as a shopping haven in the southern hemisphere. While no goods are produced in the city, you will find an array of lower priced imported items (sweaters and jackets from Europe, whisky and cigarettes).

Here you can visit the old octopus-shaped prison that now houses the Museo Maritimo with miniature models of ships and artefacts from the days of exploration and settlement; in the cells, the Museo Penitenciario that relates the history of the prison.

In the Museo del Fin del Mundo, you will encounter information about the indigenous Yamana people, artefacts and a collection of local birds. The Museo de Maquetes Mundo Yamana recounts the history and extinction of the the Yamana people.

A major tourist attraction, the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is a 50-minute train ride away. The park spans 63,000 hectares of lakes, rivers, valleys with astounding views. Geese, duck woodpeckers and parakeets are only a few of the animals you will encounter here. In winter snow covers the ground creating perfect ski slopes along with cross-country ski tracks. Summer time allows for pleasant hikes, horseback-riding, mountain biking and sport fishing. The summer months (October to April) have 18 hours of light and mild temperatures making it the best time to visit.

Argentina For Less offers fully-customizable tours and packages to the majestic Ushuaia. Follow the links for more information or contact a Travel Advisor for further details.

by Leah Li & Matt Greenberg

Source:
Lonely Planet
Footprint

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