Finding Peace

In Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world, exploring the Argentinian Patagonia presents travellers with opportunities for adventure and solace

By Edgary Rodríguez R.

Located at the southernmost point of South America, the Argentinian Patagonia charmed me as soon as I saw the mountains from the air – with the flight acting as an invitation to reflect on the immensity and beauty of the Andean range.

When the plane landed in Ushuaia, I knew Patagonia would become one of my favourite places on the planet, where a sense of peace comes just by thinking about the seagulls circling over the scenic bays.

One of the most popular trends these days is to put personal wellness first, to disconnect from stress and slow down. Travelling to a remote location can do just that. To obtain it, you just need to choose the perfect place. For me, it was Ushuaia – a city far from the hustle and bustle of the bigger ones and only 1,000 kilometres from Antarctica. I enjoy big cities, but it’s the small locations with natural beauty that steal my heart.

In the city at the end of the world, as Ushuaia is also known, you can walk through the charming streets without fear of getting lost. The city of about 70,000 inhabitants is big enough not to feel crowded and small enough to explore at a leisurely pace. To get the longed-for calm that many travellers seek in a fast world, you can get delightful spa treatments, attend a meditation retreat or simply connect with nature.

LUPINS BLOOMING IN USHUAIA

˝ ANDR.S CAMACHO PHOTOS / USHUAIA MUNICIPAL TOURISM

I chose the outdoors to find my balance. In Ushuaia, it meant listening to the sound of the ocean waves, wandering in the forest, feeling the breeze on my face and flying thousands of kilometres to venture into the icy waters of the Beagle Channel. After landing, I walked to the bay, sat on the sand and witnessed one of the greatest scenes – the sunset, which turned the water of the channel into shades of gold.

BEAGLE CHANNEL

˝ ANDR.S CAMACHO PHOTOS / USHUAIA MUNICIPAL TOURISM

The next day, during the catamaran trip, I decided to leave the comfort of the indoor seats and stay outside on the almost-empty deck. The breeze was cold, but the views were worth it. As the city gradually fell behind, passengers were welcomed to mountain chains, small human settlements, islets with wildlife and plenty of water – perfect to inspire a state of serenity.

USHUAIA SEEN FROM THE CATAMARAN

You could do as I did, a four-hour catamaran trip to see the Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and Martillo Island. Or you could go trekking, canoeing, flying in a helicopter or take other tours – such as a visit to Harberton Ranch to explore the nature trails and see the penguins up close. For that option, a visit during the months of October to April is best since both the magellanic and gentoo species arrive to nest during the warm season.

PENGUINS ON MARTILLO ISLAND

˝ ANDR.S CAMACHO PHOTOS / USHUAIA MUNICIPAL TOURISM

When you choose activities, try not to miss Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse – the majesty of the structure in the middle of the sea is a postcard-worthy image. You may want to call it (as many people do) The Lighthouse at the End of the World after the 1905 Jules Verne adventure novel, but it’s not the right name: Verne got his inspiration from the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse, also in Argentina.

LES .CLAIREURS LIGHTHOUSE

At the sailing’s end, the sunset greeted us to remind us of the charm of the city, too – with museums, restaurants and a mall with a privileged view, allowing us to get away to rest our minds, but at the same time feeling we are still surrounded by people. However, if what you want is solitude in the middle of nature, this will never be a problem in Ushuaia.

SEALS ON A ROCKY ISLET IN THE BEAGLE CHANNEL

I ventured to Tierra del Fuego National Park – a unique experience in a protected territory of more than 600 square kilometres, with impressive lakes, mountains and bays in a vast Andean-Patagonian Forest. Most visitors can take a catamaran, a car tour or the tourist train to visit the park. These are excellent options for those who are afraid of getting lost or don’t want to walk too far.

ADMIRING AN EMERALD LAKE

For my part, I decided to arrive by bus and walk without timetables along forest trails with breathtaking views. I didn’t have a guide. I just followed the bus driver’s instructions and calculated the time so as not to miss the last bus back to the hotel. (Between the park and the city, it is about 20 minutes by car, but walking is almost four hours.)

along forest trails with breathtaking views. I didn’t have a guide. I just followed the bus driver’s instructions and calculated the time so as not to miss the last bus back to the hotel. (Between the park and the city, it is about 20 minutes by car, but walking is almost four hours.)

YENDEGAIA NATIONAL PARK

I felt that this is the place where time stands still. The best part of the journey was understanding the vastness of the forest and experiencing no anxiety, just silence and a feeling of wellbeing. The crowning touch was the viewpoint towards Lapataia Bay. I saw the tourists arriving at the park by catamaran and, above them, a double rainbow that reminded me how after the longest and most challenging paths (in this case, a beautiful one) lies our reward. Perfect to achieve a greater peace of mind.

Our Experts Suggest

EXPEDITION CRUISING

If you’re up for an adventure, expedition cruises are a great way to really experience out-of-the-way destinations like Ushuaia and Antarctica without needing to do all the planning yourself. Because expedition ships are on the smaller side, opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers are aplenty, even for solo travellers. And with an emphasis often on nature and culture, expedition cruising offers many learning opportunities with onboard lectures, expert naturalists, local guest speakers and more. You could even contribute to conservation efforts yourself.

Curious to know more about expedition cruising? Talk with your travel advisor to look at options to fit your style.