Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Originally founded as an outpost on the Beagle
Channel by the South American Missionary Society, Ushuaia has developed into
a fast-growing frontier town. The capital of the Argentinian part of Tierra
del Fuego boasts a spectacular setting. The jagged peaks of the Martial
Range rising from sea level to nearly 4,500 feet provide Ushuaia with a
dramatic backdrop. The surrounding areas offer great outdoor recreational
possibilities, such as trekking, hiking and fishing. Rugged roads lead into
the mountain and lake region and to Lapataia, which is part of the Tierra
del Fuego National Park.
Ushuaia itself has an interesting museum and a wide variety of shops selling
everything from souvenirs and outdoor wear to duty-free luxury items.
Several restaurants offer excellent seafood. Most of the town can be
explored on foot in a fairly short time; the real attraction lies in the
rugged beauty and unspoiled nature of the area surrounding Ushuaia.
From the 16th-century voyages of Magellan and the 19th-century explorations
of Charles Darwin to the present time, Tierra del Fuego has held an
ambivalent fascination for scores of adventurous travelers. Separated from
the South American mainland by the Strait of Magellan, the archipelago
consists of one large island, with numerous smaller islands surrounding the
Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Most of them are uninhabited. The name
derived from the fires that the Yahganes Indians kept burning day and night
in order to keep warm.
This prompted the first Europeans to name their discovery Tierra del Fuego
(Land of Fire). For more than three centuries the climate and terrain
discouraged European settlement; the island, which is shared by Argentina
and Chile, is now famous throughout the world. Charles Darwin visited here
in 1832 aboard the vessel Beagle and incorporated the region’s biological
diversity into his theories.
Travelers to this remote and rugged area of South America never can be
certain what the weather is going to be like; experiencing four seasons in
one single day is the norm rather than the exception.
However, one fact is always certain: the spirit of the rough frontier
prevails and the scenic beauty is awesome. Guests who delight in nature that
is still largely unspoiled will appreciate our call at the world’s
southernmost town. |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |