Ushuaia – first impressions

Ushuaia turned out to be much bigger and more “industrialized” (more cars and people) than we had imagined. Both of us had imagined a calm port-city with a faraway atmosphere. In contrast to our expectations, we instead found a touristic city with visitors from all around the world. And with several cruise ships moored in the port, you hear many more languages than the local Spanish. We also find it remarkedly expensive (but with some well hidden exceptions), most likely due to a combination of the high inflation, and the effect of “mass” tourism made worse by frequent cruise ship visits (at the same time) letting hordes of cash rich foreign tourist roaming the streets.  Probably good for business, but frankly a little destructive in regards to the local ambience. Anticipating this, we were frankly glad we arrived with provisions already secured further north.   

The last few days, waiting for our Antartic cruise, we have also visited Ushuaia’s national park and the glacier just above the city.

In the video below we share some impressions from the port-area of Ushuaia (probably close to where we will embark on our Antartica-adventure next Tuesday.