Journey to the End of the World, Exploring the Frozen Continent, Antarctica

Once you've checked into your hotel, it's time to venture around town. Exploring the charming streets of downtown Ushuaia is an absolute delight, whether it's day or night. You'll stumble upon cute cafés, mouthwatering restaurants, and intriguing little shops that are perfect for a leisurely browse. And when it comes to dinner, beef is no longer the star of this Argentinian town. To truly immerse yourself in the local flavors, don't miss the opportunity to savor the exquisite king crab known as Centolla. It's a culinary experience you won't want to miss!

If you're in the mood for devouring an entire crab, give El Viejo Marino Restaurant a try!

Depending on your interests, there are countless options for day trips near town.

One popular choice is to embark on a trek to Emerald Lagoon. During this adventure, you'll follow the path alongside the Emerald River until you reach the breathtaking Emerald Lagoon. This glacial lake gets its name from the sediments carried by the Ojo del Albino Glacier, giving it a mesmerizing emerald color that is truly indescribable.

If you can't get enough of the fresh king crab, you should definitely consider exploring the authentic fishing village of Puerto Almanza. As you head further south, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Beagle Channel along the way. Once you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the capture and breeding of this delectable delicacy. Take a tour of the village, which is home to around 15 fishing families. Most of them relying on artisanal fishing methods, using small boats to catch crab and harvest seafood.

While both destinations can be reached by car, I personally chose to eliminate any stress by booking a tour through Latitud Ushuaia. They offer a variety of options and can provide a seamless experience for your day trip. Check out their website for more information.

Today is the day you've been waiting for - the day to begin your cruise to Antarctica! Most ships don't leave until later in the afternoon, so you'll have the entire morning to relax. If you're looking for one last activity in Ushuaia, I suggest exploring the old prison, which was designated a National Historical Monument by Congress in 1997.

I recommend arriving at the port a little early and taking a picture next to the famous "El Fin Del Mundo" sign! You can then enjoy sitting on one of the many benches, soaking in the surroundings and cherishing your final moments on land while setting eyes on your ship for the first time.

Finally, the time has come to embark on your Antarctica cruise! I personally chose Antarctica21 and had an incredible experience. It was a small expedition cruise with only 60 passengers on board. Once you've presented your documents and familiarized yourself with the ship, watch as Ushuaia fades into the background as you set sail towards the frozen continent.

We embarked on a journey along the Beagle Channel towards Puerto Williams, a charming town nestled on Navarino Island in Chile. After docking, we had a couple of hours to explore the town and soak in its unique atmosphere. Our next destination was Cape Horn, an extraordinary and seldom-visited island. Unfortunately, due to unfavorable weather conditions, we were unable to disembark and explore Cape Horn. Without wasting any time, we set sail across the notorious Drake Passage.

Let me tell you, the Drake Passage was not for the faint-hearted! Out of the 60 passengers on board, only around eight managed to make it to breakfast the following day after braving the turbulent waters. Luckily, we had a doctor on board who made cabin calls, providing anti-nausea medications to anyone in need.

During our voyage, there were numerous captivating programs consisting of lectures and presentations. Expert guides were readily available to assist us in spotting the diverse wildlife from the comfort of the lounge or the outside decks. Keeping our eyes peeled for magnificent seabirds like albatrosses and petrels, as well as various species of whales making their way south towards Antarctica.

Waking up to the peacefulness of the early morning, I suddenly realized that the engines had been turned off and we had reached our destination in Antarctica! As I peered out of the windows, I was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of this remote land. After breakfast, we eagerly boarded a Zodiac for our very first shore visit to a penguin colony. In the days leading up to this moment, we had attended informative lectures about the penguin highways and the necessary precautions to preserve this pristine land. Exploring the snow-covered terrain and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of this place was truly awe-inspiring. We had the incredible opportunity to hike around the island and catch glimpses of the adorable penguins. I was so happy watching them waddle and seeing their playful slides down the slopes into the water. It was an experience beyond words.

Upon returning to the ship, we were offered the chance to take a daring plunge into the icy waters. Without hesitation, I eagerly volunteered to be the first person to be harnessed and jump into the freezing cold! The rush of adrenaline was indescribable and a must-do in Antarctica!