Beagle Channel Cruise

Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego, with snow-capped mountains rising behind the town. It calls itself the end of the world, and it is the main port for ships heading to Antarctica. Flights from Buenos Aires take about three and a half hours.

Channel cruises of around three hours sail to rocky islands crowded with sea lions and cormorants, and circle the red-and-white Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. Longer trips continue to a penguin colony on Isla Martillo, usually between October and March.

Back on land, ride the End of the World Train into Tierra del Fuego National Park, where boardwalks lead along lakes and peat bogs to the shore. Weather changes quickly here even in summer, so bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves.