Destinations > South America > Argentina holidays > Ushuaia
Ushuaia
Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world, lies on the shores of the
Beagle Channel, a community that depends variously on fishing, heavy
industry and tourism for its livelihood.Founded in the late 1800s, it is the capital of the desolate, sparsely-populated, mountainous and windswept triangular island of Tierra del Fuego which lies to the south of the Magellan Straits. Ushuaia was originally home to the kayak paddling Ona and Patagon Indians and the first settlers were missionaries who built simple wooden dwellings on the water’s edge to house their families, not so different from the wooden Scandinavian-style houses which line the main street of Ushuaia today. The city is an excellent base from which to explore the Martial Glacier, which overlooks the town, the Lapataia National Park or to take one of the many boat excursions along the Beagle Channel to sight the wildlife, from sea lions to penguins and cormorants in a natural habitat of spectacular and remote beauty.
In summer, you can carry out exciting activities such as trekking, horse-riding, mountain biking, sport fishing and the most fascinating trips along the Beagle Channel, or even to the Antarctic. In winter, there are several winter sport centres where you can ski.
Current Time is
Climate:
The weather in Tierra del Fuego is extremely unstable at any time of the year but especially so during autumn and spring, changing completely from one day to another or even during the same day. However, it is not as cold as you may think, as mountains and the sea regulate the strong winds and cold temperatures. In January, peak summer, the average temperature is 10°C at night rising to 18°C during the day. The lowest temperatures occur in late July / early August with an average of 1°C. Due to its proximity to the South Pole, in January summer daylight can last up to 17 hours whereas in winter (July), it may last only 7 to 8 hours, even when days are clear and bright. Like the rest of Patagonia, this is an area of strong winds that peak between August and September.
Tailor Made Travel is a trading name of Acromas Holidays Ltd (registration no. 2174052), which is a subsidiary of Acromas Travel Ltd. Both companies are registered in England. Registered office: Enbrook Park, Sandgate, Kent, CT20 3SE. Acromas Holidays Ltd is an appointed representative of Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
