Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego in Spanish translates to ‘The Land of Fire’ named by Magellan in 1520 when he was passing through, marking the first European to do so.

The fires from the Yamana Indians who inhabited the harsh climate were lit to keep themselves warm and it is in this way Tierra del Fuego was named.

This region of Argentina is shared with Chile and before 1881, both countries claimed to own it exclusively. Tierra del Fuego is the land that occupies the southern most region of Argentina and is known for its exquisite beauty and harsh climate. The countryside is difficult to pass but for true adventure seekers, it is heaven on earth. Sea lions occupy the coastlines of many of Tierra del Fuego’s islands and glacier forests contribute to its dramatic beauty. The mountainous backdrop and gorgeous ocean waters mark Tierra del Fuego has an historical landmark for its scenic beauty and geographic location.

Excursions through the Strait of Magellan as well as ice hiking and camping are among the outdoor adventures available for the true outdoorsman. Tierra del Fuego’s romantic quality and stunning beauty is perfect for anyone running away to the ends of the earth. Accommodations are rustic, but worth the bragging right to claim you visited.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego province and lays claim as the southern most city in the world. While most of the tourist attractions that take place in the city as well as the province lie in the fact of simply just being there, Ushuaia does have the scenic beauty and charm of other Patagonian cities. More specifically, the islands within the Beagle Channel offer whale watching (and penguins naturally) along with some skiing and hiking adventures. There is a museum in town, which outlines the regions history including the time when Ushuaia was designed to serve as a penal colony.

Ushuaia is popularly used for those traveling further into the south and serves as a transition point for scientific expeditions and cruises into Antarctica.

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