Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego

Ushuaia, on the island of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America, is billed as the southernmost city in the world, the fin del mundo, the end of the world. Set dramatically on the Beagle Channel beneath snow-dusted mountains, it is a base for cruising the channel among sea lions and penguins, hiking the wild Tierra del Fuego National Park, and, for the adventurous, the main gateway for expedition ships to Antarctica.

What you actually see

• The Beagle Channel - the boat trip past sea lions, penguins and the lighthouse.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park - the forests, peaks and end of the road.
• The end-of-the-world setting - the city beneath mountains at the continent's tip.
• The Antarctica gateway - the port for expedition cruises south.

When to go

November to March, the southern summer, for the mildest weather, longest days and open trails and cruises; even then it is cool and windy. Winter brings skiing but short, cold days. Antarctic cruises depart mainly from November to March.

Honest expectations

It is very remote and, being a bucket-list 'end of the world' spot, prices are high. The weather is cool, wet and windy even in summer, so pack layers. The city itself is a workaday port rather than pretty; the draw is the dramatic setting and the wilderness, cruises and Antarctic voyages beyond.

Nearby

Tierra del Fuego National Park is alongside; the Chilean fjords and Antarctica lie beyond.