Curator’s statement
Unlike any other destination on Earth, Antarctica is a place where nature reigns in its purest, most untouched form. This was not just a cruise, it was a journey through majestic wildlife and serenity. Being surrounded by endless white landscapes is both humbling and serene, the silence broken only by the distant crack of shifting glaciers, making you feel infinitesimally small. Yet, there is a sense of comfort in this world of silence. Before embarking, the adventure begins with a pre-cruise stay in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where rugged landscapes and rich history set the stage for the extraordinary voyage ahead. This expedition is not just about reaching the White Continent, it’s also about experiencing it in a way that is both luxurious and deeply transformative.
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Where to stay in port
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Things to do in port
Hotel: Arakur Hotel & Resort
A 15-minute drive to the port — you won't regret the view. Perched high above town, Arakur has luxurious outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, hiking trails and a gourmet restaurant. Perfect to rest in between your flight and expedition.
Tours / museums
Panoramic tour: Get onboard to discover the main highlights in Ushuaia, the End of the World city, on a train. Get the best views and stunning landscapes within the city. Two stops to take photographs (about an hour).
Ride to Tierra del Fuego: A 4.5-hour train tour to the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. The National Park will take your breath away. Enjoy lakes, lagoons, rivers and the Beagle Channel.
Beagle Canal and seals: 2.5 hours to start cruising. Set sail and cross the wide Ushuaia Bay until you reach the Beagle Channel through Paso Chico.
Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia: The Jail at the End of the World, as a correctional facility, was closed in 1947. Declared a National Historic Monument, it houses four very interesting museums that introduce us to the history of the region (1-2 hours).
Museo del Fin del Mundo: The End of the World Museum has two locations: Foundational House (Ex Banco Nación, Maipú 173) and Antigua Casa de Gobierno (Maipú 465). It offers permanent and temporary exhibitions and preserves a large historical archive and important collections available for consultation (1 hour).
Fly over the Andes - helicopter tour: Fly over the city of Ushuaia to get a wonderful view of Mount Olivia. From there, your flight continues to Mount Five Brothers, the turbans of the Carbajal Valley, Valle de Tierra Mayor and the Emerald Lagoon and then finishes at the Ushuaia Bay (15 minutes).
Day trips
Tierra del Fuego National Park: Connect with nature and the history of the southernmost city in the world. The park protects 68,909 hectares and is the only one in the Argentine Republic that combines marine, forest and mountain environments. Additionally, it features lakes, valleys and extensive peat bogs. You can book the train, private 4x4 to get there or even plan a combo with trekking and canoes.
A note from Manon
The best shops for souvenirs are Monte Olivia Souvenir and Feria Artesanal. The cruise terminal is very easy to access and controls are smooth. Unless you're up in the hills, Ushuaia is walkable.
Places to eat & drink in port
Ramos Generales: Breakfast / lunch / diner option; step into what feels like an antique shop and you will be tempted to come back since the food is so good!
Volver: Focuses on seafood, but you will find more than that, and fantastic ceviche.
El Viejo Marino: Family kitchen that makes you feel at home away from home. The food is great and it's the place to grab a local beer.
Taberna del Viejo Lobo: Perfect for grabbing a drink or a snack after stopping by Ushuaïa's gallery.
Tante Sara: Great place for a small bite, even better if you get a chance to go for brunch.
Ana & Juana - Onas: Great breakfast place with tasty pastries, nice decor.
Kalma: Great for dinner and Argentinian cuisine — you won't regret the meat. A must-go for foodies.
Need to know
Antarctica is a unique and fragile ecosystem, where the delicate balance of nature and the protection of its wildlife are paramount. Every visitor must approach it with the utmost respect and mindfulness to preserve its pristine beauty.
Travel Advisor
Manon Ropital
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