Exploring Ushuaia
Ushuaia is located on the southern coast of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Founded in 1884, Ushuaia has grown into a bustling tourist hub, serving as the gateway for Antarctic expeditions and attracting visitors with its stunning natural scenery and rich history.
Ushuaia city center is worth exploring, with its unique shops, cozy cafés, and vibrant local culture. I particularly recommend hiking Cerro del Medio from Mirador de Ushuaia to enjoy a high view of the city:
In Ushuaia, you can feel the unparalleled sensation of being in one of the most remote places on Earth!
But let’s delve deeper into a specific aspect of Ushuaia: the city proudly markets itself as the ‘Southernmost city in the world.
Puerto Williams: A Southern Challenger
However, just across the Beagle Channel, in Chile, lies Puerto Williams, a small but significant town on Navarino Island. With coordinates at 54°56′S, Puerto Williams sits slightly further south than Ushuaia. Despite its smaller population of around 2,800 residents, Puerto Williams is officially recognized by Chilean authorities as a city and even houses the Chilean Antarctic Province’s administrative center. This town’s remote location and harsh climate add to its unique charm and appeal for those looking to explore the “end of the world”.
We actually went there in order to take a commercial ferry that brought us all the way to Punta Arenas. The hardest part was finding a boat to take us from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams since there are no commercial ferries from Argentina to Chile. The only way was to find a sailboat to take us there. It was not easy, but we found a guy named ‘Ferrari’ walking by the harbour who safely took us to Puerto Williams and ensured we went through immigration in both countries.
We did not stay long in town but Puerto Williams offers a range of activities, including hiking the challenging Dientes de Navarino circuit, which provides breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding landscapes.
The local economy is driven by tourism, fishing, and serving as a base for scientific research related to Antarctica. Additionally, the town’s strategic location makes it an important hub for naval operations and maritime activities.
In conclusion, while Ushuaia proudly claims the title of the world’s southernmost city, Puerto Williams offers a compelling challenge with its remote charm and strategic importance. Both destinations provide unique gateways to the stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit of the southernmost reaches of our planet. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling tourism of Ushuaia or the rugged tranquility of Puerto Williams, the end of the world awaits with unforgettable experiences!
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