Ushuaia

With a population of approximately 60,000 people, Ushuaia is the largest town in Tierra del Fuego. Founded as a mission in 1884, the town grew, firstly as a penal colony, then a naval base, and in the 1970’s, many Argentineans moved here due to tax breaks for local industries.

Today, tourism is an important economic activity, and there are several interesting things to do in and around the town. The End of the World Museum has a good display charting the history of the town and the indigenous population, as well as of the birds of the island. There are several other museums also worth a visit. The chairlift up Cerro Martial gives superb views across the Beagle Channel, and you can also walk through the lenga forest to the Martial Glacier.

Key Facts

Population: 60,000
Altitude: Sea level
Climate: In the summer, from October to March, the average daytime temperature is between 11 and 15°C. The night-time temperature ranges from 2 to 6°C in the summer months. On average, the city receives approximately 200 rainy or snowy days each year, and the weather is largely overcast.

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