Charles Darwin Exploring the Area & a Brief History of Ushuaia 

In 1833, when Charles Darwin came exploring the area on board HMS Beagle he encountered a tribe of people known as the Yamana. These Indians were known for their paint-covered bodies.

The first time the name Ushuaia appeared in writing was when, in 1869, the English missionary Waite Hockin Stirling documented his experiences of living with the Yamana people. More British missionaries arrived in 1870 and established a very small settlement, erecting European-style houses which were pre-built in the Falkland Islands and shipped over in for the Reverend Thomas Bridges. His house comprised of two bedrooms which were allocated one bedroom for the Bridges family and the other for a married Yamana couple with a third room used as a chapel.

First Marriage

In 1871 the first official marriage was recorded and in 1872 Thomas Despard Bridges was registered as the first birth to a European.

Argentine Citizens

It was not until 1873 when Argentine citizens arrived to teach at the newly-constructed school and the then Argentine President, Julio Argentino Roca, decided to make Ushuaia a penal colony for serious criminals, based upon the British model of using Tasmania and Australia for the same purpose. However, behind this plan was a ploy to establish a colony for Argentina to lay claim to Tierra del Fuego. At the time the land was part of Chile, but eventually in 1881, after the boundary agreement between Chile and Argentina, Tierra del Fuego became Argentne territory.

The plan to build the new prison also required the construction of houses for staff and logistical support personnel. However, even though the prison was ready for its inmates, it was not until 1896 when the prison was officially recognized by Executive Order from President Roca and received its first occupants.

South Atlantic Expedition

On the 12th of October 1884, as part of the South Atlantic Expedition, Commodore Augusto Lasserre established Ushuaia as an Argentine sub-division, with the missionaries and naval officers signing the “Act of Ceremony”. Don Feliz Paz was named as the Governor of Tierra del Fuego and in 1885 named Ushuaia as its capital, but it was not until 1904 when the Federal Government of Argentina recognized Ushuaia as the capital of Tierra del Fuego.

Census

The first census was carried out in 1893 and recorded 113 men and 36 women living in Ushuaia, but at the 1914 census the registered population had gown to 1,558.

Maritime Museum

In 1903 a military prison opened at the nearby Puerto Golondrina, which later merged with the original public prison in 1910 and operated through to 1947 when President Juan Peron closed the facility by executive order due to reports of prisoner abuse. The building continued as a storage and office facility for the Argentine Navy until the early 1990’s. Today it is the Ushuaia Maritime Museum.

Ushuaia suffered several epidemics, including typhus, whooping cough, and measles, all of which decimated the indigenous population, but because the native Yámana were not included in the census data the exact numbers of the Yamana people lost to disease and illness are not known, but by 1911 the Yámana had all practically disappeared, so the original mission was closed.

 

Ushuaia Arrivals

By air to Ushuaia airport from Buenos Aires or from El Calafate, and by road on a 12hr bus trip from Punta Arenas in Chile.

Also by small boat from Puerto Navarino (close to Puerto Williams) in Chile, opposite Ushuaia. Access to Puerto Navarino is by road (1.5hrs from Puerto Williams), but the Beagle-Channel crossing is governed by weather conditions, so only possible if you have a very flexible time period.

The other option is aboard the Australis cruise ship from Punta Arenas or at the end of an Antarctic expedition cruise.

Ushuaia Places of Interest

Apart from its importance as an Argentine military base, Ushuaia serves as the principal departure port for cruise ships heading out to Antarctica. It is also possible to cross the Beagle Channel in a rib-zodiac dinghy to get over to Puerto Williams in Chile (by previous arrangement and subject to local weather conditions) and for cruises to Punta Arenas in Chile.

Local attractions include: The Tierra del Fuego National Park, containing the End of the World Train (which is very commercial and touristy) and a variety of marine fauna in the area such as penguins, seals and orcas.

Suggested Clothes to Bring for Patagonia 

Note: There is a full illustration below.

You should try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily. The reason for this is to be able to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Ideally Pack Clothes Such as:

Top Part of Your Body

An under vest (long sleeved if possible) made, ideally, from synthetic fibres so it dries quickly. Moreover, if very cold weather (ie early spring, winter months or autumn) then thermal underwear made from synthetic fibres. Most importantly, we suggest synthetic fibres because when you are walking several hours you will build up a sweat and your under garments will get wet, this then gets cold when you stop and will make you cold unless the wet material dries quickly. For example, cotton does not dry quickly, whereas synthetic material will dry more quickly.

Over Your Under Vest

A breathable top. For example a fleece, or polar top.

Over Your Fleece / Polar Top

Idealy a waterproof, windbreaker over jacket.

For Your Legs

Trekking pants, resistant to rain and wind. However, these should be made from a breathable material otherwise you will sweat. Moreover, jeans are NOT good as they can get wet and not dry.

Over Your Trekking Pants

Waterproof shell pants to go over your trekking pants in the event of heavy rain.

For Your Feet

Wool or MUCH BETTER – synthetic socks. Most importantly, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and none-slip sole. However, if new make sure you break them in prior to using them on a trek.

Over Your Hands

Gloves. For example, close to glaciers it can be very cold.

For Your Head

A warm hat (not a jockey cap), sunglasses and sun-protection cream. Also, bring a headband to keep your ears warm when not using the hat.

For Your Personal Use

Ideally a small back pack for food, water and clothes.

For Your Safety

A battery-operated torch for when power is out or if you are arriving to a refugio in the dark. Most importantly, take with you during the trek extra water and snacks. Above all, prepare for all weather conditions and dress for the outdoors. Do NOT go off the trail because if you have the slightest incident such as twisting an ankle, you may not be found.

Average Temperatures in TDP during the year
Summer (Dec – Jan – Feb) Max + 23.5°c / Min + 0.8°c.

Charles Darwin Exploring the Area & a Brief History of Ushuaia 

In 1833, when Charles Darwin came exploring the area on board HMS Beagle he encountered a tribe of people known as the Yamana. These Indians were known for their paint-covered bodies.

The first time the name Ushuaia appeared in writing was when, in 1869, the English missionary Waite Hockin Stirling documented his experiences of living with the Yamana people. More British missionaries arrived in 1870 and established a very small settlement, erecting European-style houses which were pre-built in the Falkland Islands and shipped over in for the Reverend Thomas Bridges. His house comprised of two bedrooms which were allocated one bedroom for the Bridges family and the other for a married Yamana couple with a third room used as a chapel.

First Marriage

In 1871 the first official marriage was recorded and in 1872 Thomas Despard Bridges was registered as the first birth to a European.

Argentine Citizens

It was not until 1873 when Argentine citizens arrived to teach at the newly-constructed school and the then Argentine President, Julio Argentino Roca, decided to make Ushuaia a penal colony for serious criminals, based upon the British model of using Tasmania and Australia for the same purpose. However, behind this plan was a ploy to establish a colony for Argentina to lay claim to Tierra del Fuego. At the time the land was part of Chile, but eventually in 1881, after the boundary agreement between Chile and Argentina, Tierra del Fuego became Argentne territory.

The plan to build the new prison also required the construction of houses for staff and logistical support personnel. However, even though the prison was ready for its inmates, it was not until 1896 when the prison was officially recognized by Executive Order from President Roca and received its first occupants.

South Atlantic Expedition

On the 12th of October 1884, as part of the South Atlantic Expedition, Commodore Augusto Lasserre established Ushuaia as an Argentine sub-division, with the missionaries and naval officers signing the “Act of Ceremony”. Don Feliz Paz was named as the Governor of Tierra del Fuego and in 1885 named Ushuaia as its capital, but it was not until 1904 when the Federal Government of Argentina recognized Ushuaia as the capital of Tierra del Fuego.

Census

The first census was carried out in 1893 and recorded 113 men and 36 women living in Ushuaia, but at the 1914 census the registered population had gown to 1,558.

Maritime Museum

In 1903 a military prison opened at the nearby Puerto Golondrina, which later merged with the original public prison in 1910 and operated through to 1947 when President Juan Peron closed the facility by executive order due to reports of prisoner abuse. The building continued as a storage and office facility for the Argentine Navy until the early 1990’s. Today it is the Ushuaia Maritime Museum.

Ushuaia suffered several epidemics, including typhus, whooping cough, and measles, all of which decimated the indigenous population, but because the native Yámana were not included in the census data the exact numbers of the Yamana people lost to disease and illness are not known, but by 1911 the Yámana had all practically disappeared, so the original mission was closed.

 

Ushuaia Arrivals

By air to Ushuaia airport from Buenos Aires or from El Calafate, and by road on a 12hr bus trip from Punta Arenas in Chile.

Also by small boat from Puerto Navarino (close to Puerto Williams) in Chile, opposite Ushuaia. Access to Puerto Navarino is by road (1.5hrs from Puerto Williams), but the Beagle-Channel crossing is governed by weather conditions, so only possible if you have a very flexible time period.

The other option is aboard the Australis cruise ship from Punta Arenas or at the end of an Antarctic expedition cruise.

Ushuaia Places of Interest

Apart from its importance as an Argentine military base, Ushuaia serves as the principal departure port for cruise ships heading out to Antarctica. It is also possible to cross the Beagle Channel in a rib-zodiac dinghy to get over to Puerto Williams in Chile (by previous arrangement and subject to local weather conditions) and for cruises to Punta Arenas in Chile.

Local attractions include: The Tierra del Fuego National Park, containing the End of the World Train (which is very commercial and touristy) and a variety of marine fauna in the area such as penguins, seals and orcas.

Suggested Clothes to Bring for Patagonia 

Note: There is a full illustration below.

You should try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily. The reason for this is to be able to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.

Ideally Pack Clothes Such as:

Top Part of Your Body

An under vest (long sleeved if possible) made, ideally, from synthetic fibres so it dries quickly. Moreover, if very cold weather (ie early spring, winter months or autumn) then thermal underwear made from synthetic fibres. Most importantly, we suggest synthetic fibres because when you are walking several hours you will build up a sweat and your under garments will get wet, this then gets cold when you stop and will make you cold unless the wet material dries quickly. For example, cotton does not dry quickly, whereas synthetic material will dry more quickly.

Over Your Under Vest

A breathable top. For example a fleece, or polar top.

Over Your Fleece / Polar Top

Idealy a waterproof, windbreaker over jacket.

For Your Legs

Trekking pants, resistant to rain and wind. However, these should be made from a breathable material otherwise you will sweat. Moreover, jeans are NOT good as they can get wet and not dry.

Over Your Trekking Pants

Waterproof shell pants to go over your trekking pants in the event of heavy rain.

For Your Feet

Wool or MUCH BETTER – synthetic socks. Most importantly, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and none-slip sole. However, if new make sure you break them in prior to using them on a trek.

Over Your Hands

Gloves. For example, close to glaciers it can be very cold.

For Your Head

A warm hat (not a jockey cap), sunglasses and sun-protection cream. Also, bring a headband to keep your ears warm when not using the hat.

For Your Personal Use

Ideally a small back pack for food, water and clothes.

For Your Safety

A battery-operated torch for when power is out or if you are arriving to a refugio in the dark. Most importantly, take with you during the trek extra water and snacks. Above all, prepare for all weather conditions and dress for the outdoors. Do NOT go off the trail because if you have the slightest incident such as twisting an ankle, you may not be found.

Average Temperatures in TDP during the year
Summer (Dec – Jan – Feb) Max + 23.5°c / Min + 0.8°c.