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Sea lions and King Cormorant penguin colony sits on an Island in the Beagle Channel
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Ushuaia Vacation Packages and Tours

Beagle Channel
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Overview

Take a trip to Ushuaia on your Argentina Vacation

On Argentina tours, located on the southwest shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is the port and capital city of the Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. It is commonly believed to be the southernmost city in the world, however, this is sometimes disputed by the smaller Puerto Williams in Chile.

There has been human habitation in Tierra de Fuego dating back around 10,000 years ago with the Selk’nam Indians. The southern group, the Yámana people, lived in the area that is now Ushuaia. The British ship the HMS Beagle arrived in the channel that now shares its name in 1833 to survey Tierra del Fuego. Missionaries arrived in 1870 establishing a small settlement while the first Argentine citizens arrived in 1873. The beginning of the 20th century saw Ushuaia become centred around a prison built by the Argentine government who hoped to increase the Argentine population, following the example of the British in Tasmania, Australia.

Today, Ushuaia is very much a tourist destination commonly used for hiking, and winter sports and as a port for cruise ships heading to Antarctica. The wildlife in the region is spectacular with a great deal of bird life including penguins, as well as seals that colonize islands in the Beagle Channel and of course, whales. Many people also come to enjoy and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park on  Argentina vacations, the southernmost national park in the world.

At a Glance

Languages

Spanish

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist
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The best time to visit Argentina depends on the region you want to see, but Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) are generally ideal for visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Iguazú Falls, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. For Patagonia, the summer months (December-March) are best for hiking and accessible trails, though you can visit other times of year with appropriate clothing.
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Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist
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If you are lucky enough to visit during August, make sure you attend the iconic Buenos Aires Tango Festival, which fills the city with performances, lessons, and open-air parties celebrating the birthplace of Tango.
Kajal Gadhia

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist
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While football (soccer) is extremely popular, the official national sport is Pato, a game involving horseback riders trying to grab a duck or a similar ball.
Virginia Dameno

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist
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A unique local experience is visiting El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, one of the largest and most beautiful bookstores in the world. It’s set inside a former theater.
Virginia Dameno

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Argentina’s climate varies widely: the north is subtropical, the Pampas are temperate, the Andes are cooler, and Patagonia is cold and windy. Travelers should pack accordingly for each region.

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