Rounding the Cape as spectacular as it will be, our travels continue onward into the Southern most points of the continent. By this time in our trip, the scenery should remind us a lot of our days on the Radiance of the Seas during the Ultimate Alaska adventure. On day 9, we will port in Ushuaia, Argentina in the Tierra del Fuego region. The city has a varying climate and this time of year is 40 degrees to 60 degrees but it's not as severe as you would think because the mountains and the sea keep the climate mild.
Ushuaia is a charming city with the Beagle Strain by one side, the snowcapped peaks of the Andes Range with hanging glaciers as a background and the woods acting as a border.
I was thinking about taking a catamaran trip the will take groups around the Beagle Channel with nice views of the mountains, cormorants, sea lions and penguins.
Initially, Ushuaia was set up as a penal colony. El Museo Maritimo and the Presidio are two museums give history of the region and you can receive admission to both. They have also established collections by local artists.
By this time we have spent a lot of time on the ship. Some walking around on land just might be the thing. If you love the outdoors and want to explore nature, the Tierra del Fuego National Park might be the place. There are two types of forests in this area: the lenga and coihue forest which grow in the humid regions and mainly on the coast of the Beagle Channel. The thick forest is open with an abundance of moss and ferns.
The days ahead promise to be peaceful and full of the natural scenery as we continue onward to Punta Arenas. Punta Arenas meaning "Sands Point" in Spanish also clains to be the southernmost city and is on the Strait of Magellan. This will probably be one of the coldest days on the trip as Punta Arenas is usually chilly and windy.
Punta Arenas rivals Alaska with its views but one thing it has over the Northern hemisphere parallel is penguins. Two major colonies of Magallanes penguins are located, one on Isla Magdalena, the other at Seno Otway.
Punta Arenas is also famous for its industry from pre-Panama Canal. In the 19th Century until after WWII, this region was a popular port, especially for wool. If you go to la Plaza del Armas, the mansions of the time are still available for stays or for lunch. And as many other South America cities I've mentioned, the cemetery also seems to be a great place to look at the tombs within it's confines.
If you like reading this article there are others about our previous member cruises and travel locations featured in the 'Crown & Anchor Society' group at Gather. Go to the yellow bar at the top of the page and click 'featured articles'. By clicking, you will go to a page of featured articles by me. Clicking on the three buttons to the right: 'articles', 'images', and 'video', you will get a list of items featured from other group members by scrolling down. Enjoy!
Are you a Crown & Anchor Society member? Connect with other members and share your insights. Click here to join the group. If you're not a member but have cruised with Royal Caribbean before, become a member today at royalcaribbean.com/crownandanchor!
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 21
10 4 u
Again thanks for the info. 2 weeks from today we will be in Sao Paulo. And it will be warm. It is so cold in Wisconsin (-3 degrees). Even the temps. in Argentina sound warm compared to what we have here right now. You are even making this cruise more exciting. I actually love being on the ship. For me it is so relaxing. Also meeting so many great people.
Jan
The tour featured trekking, climbing and a number of other adventure possibilities in the place. However, I guess there would be nothing like trying out some backcountry skiing in the beautiful landscapes of Ushuaia and camping in a unique natural setting. Can you advise on this or any other tours to Ushuaia?