Ushuaia: The End of the World

Coming into Ushuaia was like stepping into a world previously known only through ads for mountain climbing gear or adventure travel guides. Dark, dramatic clouds with breaks of sunset, towering snow-capped mountains right up against the placid inlet. Seaside town crammed with colorful, weathered buildings. The wind was whipping up and a light snow was falling. Huge contrast to Buenos Aires, but the cold is refreshing. It was hard to contain our excitement. 

We rode through “downtown” Ushuaia and up, up, up a snaking road where all the resorts seem to be located. Hotel Acebo is high above the cove, with panoramic views of the inlet and surrounding mountains. From the window of my room, I can see the ship docks and there are a few cruise ships getting ready to set sail. As tired as we all were, it felt right to have a celebratory drink at the hotel bar, just so we could linger over the late sunset (it’s summer here, after all) watching the snow fall and the ships leaving out of the Beagle Channel for points south. 

I slept like a rock, and awoke to sun pouring in and that stunning view. We met for coffee and breakfast at the hotel’s wrap-around windowed dining room, enjoying the snow and sunshine and the local food and knowing how lucky we all are to be here.

After wandering up the mountain road a bit to enjoy the stunning day and clean, crisp air, we took a shuttle into town for the afternoon. We wandered around the port, explored some of the commercial streets, popped into fun and quirky shops. Took a lot of photos. The sun is full out and it feels delightful. 

By the time we got back to our hotel, my legs were tired and all I wanted to do was kick off my shoes and put my feet up. But that wasn’t going to happen: Jackie saw on her cruise ship watch app that our own ship, The World Explorer, was coming into port! We grabbed our binoculars and watched as our “home” for the next 2 weeks made its way up the Beagle Channel to the port below us. 

From our (now) usual spot at the bar, we toasted another amazing day and we’re all ready to get on with this adventure. Tomorrow we’ll  have time for some last minute Ushuaia sightseeing before we have to board the ship for an afternoon departure. I will take advantage of the time to enjoy my last opportunity to use my “land legs” for the next couple of weeks!