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USHUAIA
, the hub of tourism in Tierra del Fuego, lies in the far south of the island. Dramatically located between the mountains - amongst them
Cerro Martial
and
Monte Olivia
- and the sea, the town tumbles down the hillside to the wide, encircling arm of land that protects its bay from the southwesterly winds and occasional thrashing storms of the icy
Beagle Channel
. In addition to having several of its own sites of interest, Ushuaia acts as a convenient base for exploring the rugged beauty of the lands that border this historically important sea channel.
Puerto Williams
, on the southern side of the straits is a boat trip away, and there are other trips, too: to
Estancia Harberton
, and on to BahAa Lapataia in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. In winter, good skiing can be had in the
Sierra Alvear
region north of town; this area, along with neighbouring Sierra Valdivieso and Chile's Isla Navarino, are also the places to head for if you're looking for physically challenging
trekking
, some of it bushwhacking.
On June 21 of each year, the
Bajada de Las Antorchas
takes place, when the longest night of the year is celebrated with a torchlight ski descent of Cerro Martial's slopes that traditionally opens the season. Daylight lasts from about 9am till 4pm at this time of year. In mid-November, the town hosts the
Ushuaia Jazz Festival
, and between Christmas and New Year, the municipality organizes various events including live concerts, often with nationally famous bands.
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