Explore the End of the World in Ushuaia, Argentina

If you hop on the Pan-American Highway at the road’s origin in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and drive 18,640 miles all the way to the end, you will find yourself in the magnificently beautiful city of Ushuaia. Located in Argentina‘s rugged Patagonia region, Ushuaia is often referred to as the ‘End of the World’ and the ‘Gateway to Antarctica,’ as it is the closest city to the world’s coldest and most remote continent.

Ushuaia is a charming city surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Booking a room at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa isn’t the cheapest option, but the resort does offer a panoramic view of Ushuaia Bay, towering mountains, and sparkling glaciers. The eco-friendly resort features geothermal air conditioning and rooms decorated with materials commonly used by Argentina’s indigenous population, such as copper and leather. Guests also have access to scenic hiking trails that allow travelers to immerse themselves in Ushuaia’s spellbinding beauty.

If you’re a nature lover, hiking to Laguna Esmeralda is an absolute must. Visitors can catch a bus from the Tourist Information Center in Ushuaia to the Laguna Esmeralda trailhead. Laguna Esmeralda is a moderately strenuous hike that is well worth the effort. The trail winds through stately forests, peat bogs, and gorgeous meadows that are punctuated by turquoise streams. The grand finale is a jewel-toned lake flanked by the majestic Ojo del Albino Glacier. It generally takes about 5 hours to hike to Laguna Esmeralda, or 2.5 hours each way. For optimal comfort, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks and wear sturdy shoes.

No trip to Ushuaia is complete without a visit to a penguin colony. Travelers can take a boat tour of the Beagle Channel—which is named in honor of biologist Charles Darwin’s research vessel—that stops at Isla Martillo. The small island is home to a multitude of friendly penguins. Visitors can walk among the penguins and take photos of them.

The logical endpoint of any exploration of the End of the World is Bahia Lapataia, which marks the end of the Pan-American Highway. Once you reach a sign that signals the official end of the road, you can follow a winding boardwalk that offers a sweeping view of a sapphire blue fjord that is ringed by snow-capped mountains.

Ushuaia is a strikingly beautiful city that never fails to thrill travelers who are intent on exploring the world’s most remote, rugged, and mesmerizing places.