2025_26 Oosterdam, Ushuaia, Argentina...

I was up at 0 dark 30 waiting for our sail through Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel into Ushuaia. After posting those photos, I barely had time to relax because it was time to get busy for the sail in photos to Ushuaia…  Ushuaia, Argentina is located at the southern tip of South America on the Beagle Channel, known as the "southernmost city in the world". It's a major gateway port for Antarctic cruises, offering access to Tierra del Fuego National Park for hiking, wildlife viewing and winter sports. Founded as a penal colony, Ushuaia grew into a naval base and is now a vibrant town and significant tourist destination. Our guide Nicholas picked us up at the ship and we left Ushuaia headed for Tierra del Fuego National Park. Tierra del Fuego National Park, is at the southern end of the Andes, bordered by the Beagle Channel and Chile.  We drove from Ushuaia on Route 3, to the end of the Pan American to Lapataia Bay fondly known as “The End of the World". At Lapataia Bay we walked along the boardwalk to the Puerto Arias docking station overlooking the scenic mountains. The Park is known for its dramatic landscape of snowy mountains, glaciers and wind sculpted trees. Additionally, the area features lakes, valleys, and extensive peat bogs. We took a walk on the Black Small Lake trail to see the peat bog in the process of formation. Our last stop in the park was the lake pier, unfortunately the end of the world post office has been closed. Nickolas provided us with some hot beverages and delicious cookies. After leaving the Park, we returned to Ushuaia and Nicholas drove us up to a couple of viewpoints over the city. Before returning to the ship, we made a quick stop at Tante Sara for some Christmas cookies for the crew. The weather was predicted to be very rainy, windy and cold but we lucked out and dodged the rain. It was another great but long day in Ushuaia.