Ushuaia Cruise Guide

Ushuaia really feels like it's at the end of the earth. This attractive town on the southernmost tip of Argentina sits on the shores of the Beagle Channel, which is the gateway to Antarctica. Massive icebreaker ships jostle with luxury liners docked in the city's dramatic harbour surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery of jagged icy peaks.

Because of Ushuaia's remote location it has a fascinating local history, which can be discovered in the local museums, and a wealth of wildlife and natural landscapes to be explored in the surrounding mountains, beaches and islands.

Sightseeing around Ushuaia is easy as most attractions are within walking distance, while those further afield are serviced by local tour operators. The Coastal Avenue is a promenade stretching the length of the city, passing sculptures and a must for visitors - having a photo taken by the End of the World sign.

No visit to Ushuaia is complete without a trip to the Museo del Presidio, Ushuaia's ex-prison where wax models of the prison's most dangerous and infamous inmates sit in their cells. A boat trip on the Beagle Channel is a great way to get close to penguins, cormorants, seals and the various other flora and fauna of this chilly destination.

Highlights
• Paseo Centenario (incredible panoramic views)
• The End of the World Museum
• Penguin and seal colonies
• El Tren del Fin del Mundo (steam train)
• Harberton Estancia (old English farm and marine museum)
• Tierra del Fuego National Park

Instituto Fueguino de Turismo
Maipú 505, Ushuaia, Argentina
Tel: +54 29014 23340.
Website: www.tierradelfuego.org.ar

As well as outdoor equipment stores and shops selling souvenirs and T-shirts, there are several places to pick up local handicrafts. In the Paseo de los Artesanos, local craftsmen make and sell items made of wood, silver, wool, leather and ceramics.

As with all other places in Argentina, the local parilla (grill) is the centre point of all culinary experiences. Ushuaia has several of these ‘steak houses' but there are also pizzerias and cafes selling global dishes and fine cakes and pastries.

Ushuaia has a chilly climate all year round but is pleasant in the spring and summer. The best time to visit is October to December, when temperatures are warmer and rainfall lower. Ushuaia becomes virtually impenetrable to the outside world in the winter.

Ushuaia.

2.6km (1.6 miles).

5-10 minutes.

Argentina

GMT - 3.

Peso (AR$) = 100 centavos.

Spanish.

Southern tip of Argentina, South America.

58,000.

Federal and Democratic Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1816.

Majority Roman Catholic.

The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. Dinner is usually served between 2100-2200. Avoid casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Dress is not usually formal, except at official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants.

Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars.