Mark and I were not looking forward to arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina, after entering the island of Tierra del Fuego and enjoying its stark beauty, but less so, its strong winds. It was an irrational fear. Not because reaching the “end of the world” was daunting; it’s never the end of the road for us.
Ushuaia – More attractive than we expected
We stalled, because Ushuaia is a city and we don’t like staying or running errands in cities. They are loud, busy, congested, and annoying. Ushuaia did not offer a different experience – we hated driving around and not finding parking – but… its surroundings were extraordinary, unexpected, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
(As always, hover over or click on photos in galleries to read their captions.)
We were soon drawn to the views and the hikes and ended up staying for five weeks. Mark anyway. I went on a little side adventure, while he and Maya patiently braved the strong winds and heavy downpours for those ten extra days. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Before reaching Ushuaia proper and the so-called end of the road, we attempted a loop hike in the mountains. That circuit didn’t work out (no signs or paths were detected), but the trail to Twin Lakes still offered a bit of exercise, peace, and mud for all three of us.
Ushuaia
Upon arrival, mid-December, we had to pose by the Ushuaia sign, of course, like thousands of other overlanders have done. For many, this is a serious milestone as they will have driven the entire Pan-American highway from Alaska to Ushuaia. It means their epic road trip and journey has come to an end. Most of them rush to a port from here to ship their vehicle back home, or they sell it in Argentina or Chile after 6-12 months on the continent. It took Mark, Maya, Thirsty Bella, and me exactly two years to get here from Cartagena, Colombia!
Our arrival dread changed into excitement upon witnessing this sign and the mountainous surroundings. The innumerous white caps on the famous Beagle Channel, coloring the water more white than blue, was a telltale of how windy this area gets. We better got used to it from the start!
The first plan of action, even before running errands, was to find a decent spot to replace our rear brakes. On day one in Ushuaia, we took the camper off our truck and Mark started this day-long project, while I stood by for assistance. The wind and dust weren’t helping and – of course – something had to go wrong.
One of the caliper pins had seized. Mark tried to get it loose with force and heat, but this failed. Eventually, he removed the caliper bracket with the help of our friend, Jeff. He and Sheri had planned to head into town that afternoon, so they gave me a ride (there and back). Patience and finding the right mechanic paid off. After an hour of banging and using a hot torch, Edgardo of Gato Garage managed to get the stubborn pin out, to everyone’s relief. Cost: $50.
Mark could continue the work. After the new brakes were installed, we rotated the back and front tires, reset the sensors, adjusted the air pressure, and put the camper back on the truck. We also picked up tons of nails that had been discarded on the gravel road. It was a busy day, but… mission accomplished.
After a failed attempt because all the parking lots were overflowing, Mark, Maya, and I eventually succeeded in exploring the actual downtown and waterfront of Ushuaia and running errands in town.
Martial Glacier
On this first hike near the city, we expected to see a real glacier. Jeff joined Mark, me, and Maya for a steep climb to a viewpoint and snowy patches. Summer hadn’t quite started, but we surely didn’t expect to be snowed upon!
The men and Maya kept climbing after the first snowfield, but never saw a glacier. We don’t think there is one anymore, but the name of this hike has remained and – since the beginning of this year – there is a fee to enter. Despite the okay views, we wouldn’t recommend paying for this excursion.
What we do recommend, though, is a stop at the brewery on site, La Cabaña. Mark and Jeff tasted a couple of microbrews and we all enjoyed amazing burgers and gin concoctions for dinner. The local gin in combination with tonic water and frozen berries makes for an exquisite cocktail.
Jeff’s partner, Sheri, flew to Canada for the Christmas holiday, so he tagged along with us for ten days. After a second night of rain, hail, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures on the mountain, we followed a dirt road and camped along the Beagle Channel. From here we could watch cruise ships come and go and we followed a coastal trail for exercise. The heater purred. Almost summer!
Rio Olivia
On our initial approach to Ushuaia, we had spotted a scenic, grassy area along a river, which promised decent camping. Since it was close to a few attractions, only a 10-minute drive to the city, and relatively quiet, this site became our go-to on several occasions. Plus, the river offered water for laundry.
Pretty river spot
It was here that we helped out an Argentinian needing tools for an engine issue and where my patience and bargaining power paid off: I managed to snatch a basic bunk on a ship to Antarctica, something that had become less and less likely the previous week. More about that in a future post.
Esmeralda Lagoon
The six-mile hike to Laguna Esmeralda is a must-do activity, hence it is very popular. We picked a great day, Christmas Eve, and started early. Dogs are allowed on this beautiful, well-maintained trail. Only a few tourists were ahead of us, so the shores of this azure-blue lake weren’t too crowded when we arrived after a couple of hours.
It was hard to stop taking photographs of the stunning scenery. Mark and Maya walked around the lagoon, while Jeff and I rested on a tall rock, before we all headed back to our campers.
Puerto Almanza
The holidays were approaching, so we hunted for a quiet place without potential parties and fireworks. We found exactly that in the hamlet of Puerto Almanza. A few camping spots are highlighted in the iOverlander app. We settled for a wind-protected patch over Christmas, inviting whoever wanted to share our homecooked meal. Across the quiet gravel road, the Beagle Channel and the Chilean mountains allured.
On Christmas Eve, an Austrian tourist who was renting a camper joined us and on Christmas Day, a Dutch couple (also campervan renters) and two overlanders we’d met before – and their dog – arrived. That day, we lucked out with the weather. Mark got up early to collect fresh mussels in the channel at low tide and he even heard a pod of whales. It was that quiet!
Brunch consisted of poached eggs, toast, and tea and late-afternoon, steamed mussels and an appetizer plate of salami, prosciutto, cheeses, and crackers followed. For the main dish, Mark prepared squash risotto and ossobuco. We shared good food, drinks, and conversations that day, as 2024 drew to a close.
The real end of the road
Officially, Ruta 3, which is the road we followed south for over 3,000km (2,000 miles) all the way from Buenos Aires, ends in Tierra del Fuego National Park. To take a photo of this sign, you need to pay an entrance fee of $40 per person (we heard it has recently been lowered to $30 pp) or sneak in after hours. Since we don’t care about signs or checking things off the list, we passed on this activity.
Instead, we drove to what we feel is the real end of the road, Ruta J, located over three hours east of Ushuaia. The last half is dotted with potholes and washboard and brings you to the most southern point you can drive in South America.
The first part of this road offers amazing views; the second part ends at a naval base and you might be able to see “Bob,” a lonesome King penguin. Although, others have reported seeing more than one of his kind here, so hopefully he does have a family or friends around.
Mark and I planned to camp in this area for a few nights, but Jeff – who had picked up Sheri by then – needed help. On their way to join us, car engine problems had stranded them near Ruta 3. We decided to forgo our rest and reach them as soon as possible, which, based on the crappy road conditions, still took two hours.
Mark could diagnose the engine problem, but, unfortunately, couldn’t help our friends out. They had to get towed back to Ushuaia. We kept them company for hours, but eventually left to camp at Rio Olivia. It had been a very long day. We took advantage of being back in Ushuaia to fill up with fuel, water, and groceries, before returning to the place we’d left.
Estancia Harberton
Remote Harberton Ranch, east of Puerto Almanza, owns a lot of land, some of which they opened up to free wild camping. We found an idyllic grassy spot alongside a river, where we decided to spend the last days of 2024. Being on grass is important when it rains a lot and you have a dog. It’s the best way to prevent muddy paws – and shoes. We love it!
The three of us managed to go for a few walks in the area, but, unfortunately, the weather was dismal on New Year’s Eve, so we huddled inside Bella with the heat on. It was too cold, windy, and rainy to celebrate the start of 2025 outside with friends. To cheer me up, Mark suggested a skinny dip in the river at midnight. Meant as a joke, I held him to it and so that’s how we started the new year. 😊
Lasifashaj Waterfall
On New Year’s Day, we managed to fit our camper into the small parking lot for Cascada Lasifashaj, named after the river it plunges into. The weather had turned nice and warm in the afternoon, so we really enjoyed this easy, 40-minute hike to a surprisingly attractive waterfall. It doesn’t happen often that a non-demanding walk offers such a reward!
After a couple more days back in pretty and relaxed Puerto Almanzo, doing laundry, working, writing, making phone calls, and taking care of other administrative tasks, the three of us moved to a completely different area, two hours north of Ushuaia.
Beaver Pond
I had looked forward to spotting beavers in Tierra del Fuego, which appeared to be infested by them. A non-native species, brought there by Canadians, they cause a lot of destruction and we’d seen plenty of downed trees and beaver dams, but only one animal.
As often in Argentina, the iOverlander entry about this spot had not been updated. There were no beavers to be seen. Not at noon. Not at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, or even 9pm. Just before bed, I checked one more time, as a local guide had told me beavers are nocturnal. Nope. At 11pm, still no beavers, whether I wanted it or not. After getting up, in vain, at 7am (maybe they’re early risers) and returning to bed and then, one last look and walk with Maya, we left mid-morning without beaver sightings.
Laguna Margarita
Jeff and Sheri joined us at Beaver Pond for a blueberry pancake breakfast after a week at the mechanics. Since that spot got busy with tour companies (not sure why) and it wasn’t scenic, we moved to Margarita Lake for the day and the night.
Despite it being Sunday, we secured a pretty camping spot and weren’t bothered too much by music and noise. Our little group took the day off, went for a lakeshore walk, and celebrated a belated New Year’s Eve with good food, drinks, and company.
Rio Olivia
The last two days before my Antarctica departure were jam-packed with preparations and tying loose ends. We went shopping for Mark, filled the camper with potable water and propane gas and the truck with fuel. Thirsty also received a wash and I packed. After discovering that none of the laundromats in town could wash our sheets and clothes within 24 hours – something we’d never had a problem with before – I laundered my most important pieces in the river, when we returned to “Camp Olivia.” Mark would clean everything else later, during his ten days without me. Or not.
My big day arrived on January 8th. In the morning, I said goodbye to Jeff and Sheri, who continued their travels northbound, Mark and Maya squeezed in a hike to a waterfall while I published a blog post, and at 3:30pm, it was time to hug my husband and dog, before walking the long pier to the vessel Ushuaia.
Antarctica, here I come!
Next up: Our annual expense report for the year 2024
Curious about a previous ten-year chapter in our nomadic lives, which includes eight years aboard a 35-foot sailboat in the tropics with dogs, check out my compelling, inspiring, and refreshingly honest travel memoir:
Discover more from Roaming About
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
January 27, 2025 at 15:43
What an amazing post/place….but penguins 💕 🐧 💕
January 28, 2025 at 11:09
We are so happy to encounter all these different penguin species, Margie. And, it’s particularly special when we can just spot them along the side of the road or after a short walk. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 15:50
I typically think of penguins as small creatures and was unfamiliar with king penguins. We had a great blue heron who used to show up at school each morning before the kids arrived to look for food on the playground. We named him Bob too.
January 28, 2025 at 11:11
Hi Pete,
Most penguins we’ve come across in Patagonia (and Antarctica) are quite small. Much smaller than I actually thought, in many cases. And it’s amazing how much they can resemble a bird. King penguins are much larger. They are the second-biggest species, after the Emperor penguins, which we won’t get to see.
Funny about the blue heron. I wonder if he’s still there. And, if the kids sometimes left crumbs on purpose. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 15:55
Hi Liesbet, love all the photos!! I laughed at the photo of you and Maya “on standby”. Maya must love all her travels as much as you and Mark do. As always give your sweet girl a hug from me. How unique your Christmas day was. Mark heard whales? WOW!!! How amazing.
January 28, 2025 at 12:46
Hi Lea,
Welcome back!
Maya has a great life, with different walks and smells almost every day. Her backyard is the world! But, she always loves returning home to the camper. And our bed is her happy place! Just like for me. 🙂 She is resting on the bed as I write this. Hug will happily be delivered!
Pods of whales travel through the Beagle Channel and when it’s really quiet and they’re around, you could hear them breathing. Their blowholes; just like you usually hear dolphins before you see them. When it’s calm.
January 27, 2025 at 16:12
Dear Jolly Travelers, Oh My Goodness!
Yes, the family photo with Maya looks three-dimensional, great for calendar or ______?
I love the photo of your doing hand laundry: I may fit this photo into a future blog post.
Skinny dipping for New Year’s?? Bravo to each of you. (Gasp!!)
And did I hear whispering about Antarctica?
Bon voyage and all that! :=D
January 28, 2025 at 12:49
Hi Marian,
Whether we like it or not, hand laundry has been a big part of our weekly chores. It’s either too expensive to drop off our clothes, we are in the middle of nowhere, or it takes too long to involve others. Doing a load like this gives us a lot of satisfaction and saves us a bunch of money. 🙂
Once in a while, we have to push our comfort level. Plunging in cold river water (or the south pole) does that for me. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 16:19
Nothing like I would have ever expected, Liesbet! The end of the world! How amazing, and it’s beautiful!
January 28, 2025 at 12:51
Hi Terri,
You and me both! Ushuaia exceeded our expectations. But, then again, we didn’t have many before we arrived, haha. It’s a great area to stay busy for a while. Especially since half the days are lost due to crazy winds or rain. Luckily, we always have a lot to do, especially online.
January 27, 2025 at 16:50
I love seeing the pride in so many of these towns. How gratifying.
January 28, 2025 at 12:52
Hi Jacqui,
Ushuaia is a special place. And it’s quite remote. Especially Puerto Almanza, which is super clean, cozy, and pretty.
January 27, 2025 at 17:37
Very beautiful! The tip of South America – who knew it looked so rugged? And he heard whales? Wow!
January 28, 2025 at 12:54
Hi Alex,
The entire island of Tierra del Fuego, with Ushuaia at the tip is quite rugged. A bit like Alaska. Some parts remind me of valleys in mountains or of the tundra, but it’s all at sea level!
Hearing whales (or dolphins) breathe over a calm body of water is always special. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 18:26
Jaw-dropping scenery at every turn! Skinny dipping at midnight sounds about right for you two. Happy New Year! Can’t wait to hear about your solo journey.
January 28, 2025 at 12:55
Hi Suzanne,
I’m glad you liked the vistas of Ushuaia. My camera has been busy the last couple of months. Except when we went for that midnight plunge. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 18:41
Taking the ship Ushuaia was our first “cruise”. Then we headed up on a real 4 day cruise to Torres del Paine National Park where we rented a car for a week. Can’t wait to hear about your experience on the ship. I can’t even imagine the energy it must take to travel like you do.i get exhausted just reading about it.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
Steve
January 28, 2025 at 08:26
I’ll just add that we also visited Beaver Pond, Liesbet, but also failed to see any beavers!
January 28, 2025 at 13:19
Thanks for the add-on, Annie. I wonder how long those beavers have been gone. Their house looked quite old and there certainly weren’t any signs of recent habitation or damage when we were there. Yet, tour groups still stop here and the guides claim the beavers are somewhere…
January 28, 2025 at 13:04
Hello Steve (and Annie),
I vividly remember your blog post about Antarctica and how you went very early in the season to encounter pristine snow. You two – and your blog – inspired me to go and I’ve thought a lot about your experience and your photos, before and during my own trip.
But, I had no idea you also took the Ushuaia down there. That is super interesting! Very basic stuff, especially when you share bunk beds and a bathroom with strangers, like in my case. But, I got to go! 🙂 This was my first ever cruise, but I hesitate to call it a cruise.
Your comment about all this energy while traveling had me smile, because I ALWAYS think that about you two when you go on vacation. Every day, you pack in sites and activities like no other, something I couldn’t do and I get exhausted reading Annie’s blogs, haha. But you return home to charge your batteries.
That’s why it takes us so long to cover distances and why we travel so slowly. Home and travel blur constantly. Unlike most other travelers, we have our life to live during the travels and it gets seriously busy to combine everything. We do get tired from trying to get everything done and trying to see the world, especially with our jobs and the need to work around seasons and the weather.
January 27, 2025 at 19:01
Being that I have never heard of Ushuaia, your post opened my eyes to a beautiful place. And you stayed 5 weeks and it took 2 years to get there from Colombia. Wow! I have to visit La Cabaña Brewery!!!!! I love the photos of Esmeralda Lagoon. Looking forward to hear abut your trip the ship Ushuaia. Thanks for sharing. Jim
January 28, 2025 at 13:06
Hi Jim,
I guess what we didn’t realize was that Ushuaia is – or can be – a destination in itself. One can easily stay busy for a couple of weeks there. It’s not only the end of the road or the gateway to Antarctica. And, it’s quite stunning to look around as well.
You and Carmen would LOVE La Cabaña. It’s right up your alley with the drinks and the food, but also with the setting. Especially when it’s warm enough to sit outside. They have a cozy garden and a tea house as well!
January 27, 2025 at 19:46
What beautiful countryside. I enjoyed seeing every one of your photographs and look forward to hearing all the details regarding your cruise.
January 28, 2025 at 13:08
Hi Ingrid,
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. We never expected to stay this long in Ushuaia, but between the holidays, enough to see and do, and a cruise ten more days out after I booked it, we got a bit stuck. 🙂
Oh, I took 1,000 photos and videos in Antarctica, so there is much more to come, haha.
January 27, 2025 at 19:58
Awesome adventure!
January 28, 2025 at 13:08
Thanks for following along, Leslie. I’m not sure our Westy could have made it all the way here! It’s been a hell of a ride at times. 🙂
January 27, 2025 at 20:37
Beautiful photos, Liesbet! It is so nice that you are able to meet up with other friends now and then. I imagine it makes your journey much more fun. Looking forward to reading about your Antarctica adventure.
January 28, 2025 at 13:11
Thanks, Janis. It’s been good the few times we met up with friends. And these – as well as our US motorcycle friends – have turned into longterm friends. It’s amazing how our meet-ups with Sheri and Jeff have woven around each other, as they leave for eight months every year to work in Canada. So, they get ahead of us, store their truck camper, and by the time they return, we have caught up and we travel together for a bit, haha. The next year, repeat. Maybe there is one more rendezvous in store for us, next winter, before we all leave the continent.
January 27, 2025 at 22:20
Really beautiful! I’m glad you all got some quiet, scenic time after so many of your more troublesome spots this past year. Very eager to hear about Antartica!
January 28, 2025 at 13:14
Hi Lexie,
For us, to charge our batteries, we REALLY have to slow down. A week doesn’t cut it, because when you work and explore and run errands (and are sick), that week flies. So, we feel Ushuaia gave us a bit of a forced base at the end of the day. Which we seemed to need. And, of course, from the moment we got going again, things turned to … trouble again, haha. It’s just par for the course.
January 28, 2025 at 02:03
That’s a real cliff hanger! Can’t wait for the next installment!
January 28, 2025 at 13:14
Yay, Martha. Get ready for Antarctica!
January 28, 2025 at 03:11
Great blog post with wonderful photos. The scenery there is so beautiful, you found some great places to overnight. I can understand your hesitation at arriving in the city, like yourselves we are not a fan of cities with our motorhome.
I laughed at your midnight skinny dipping at New Year 😂
I really can’t believe it has taken you 2 years, so many amazing adventures. It has been epic.
January 28, 2025 at 13:17
Hi Gilda,
Campers and cities aren’t a good combo. Although, some people don’t seem to mind as they happen to always squeeze in somewhere, whether it’s legal, safe, or comfortable or not, haha. The congested parking and driving situations stress us out, especially when there are no traffic signs, pedestrians abound, and drivers are impatient and cranky.
Two years seems like a long time to get here, but we feel it went quite fast. It’s also been exhausting at times, so we shall see how much longer we will roam about on the continent. We are really looking forward to your home country! But, it will take us a while longer to get there.
January 28, 2025 at 12:13
It does look amazing! And I can’t believe there have been 2 years of S American blogposts, time flies. Looking forward to reading about Antarctica.
January 28, 2025 at 13:21
Hi Anabel,
It somewhat feels like we’ve been here a while (we have become locals, haha), but on the other hand, none of it has been boring or has seemed too long. Now, we have to make it all the way back north again on the continent! Maybe another two years of SA blog posts? 🙂
January 28, 2025 at 16:52
I love Bob. I wonder why he is there all alone. He is beautiful.
I remember another midnight New Year’s swim in the desert, but I think there were clothes. Or maybe not?
I love Mark and Maya’s high-ten. How exciting to get to the end of the road!
I feel pretty lucky to have seen, kayaked by, and walked on a glacier. Who knows how much longer any of that will be possible.
Esmeralda Lagoon is so pretty! I’m imagining this is what Huaraz will be like. You know we like cities, but I’m looking forward to being back in nature for a bit.
Hope you and Mark feel better soon.
February 1, 2025 at 07:50
Hi Duwan,
I remember your glacier visit in Alaska. That was spectacular. To be able to kayak by one is super special!
Bob was pretty. Mark called him the most beautiful penguin he’d ever set eyes on. We hope he has a mate or friends somewhere close by. I have no recollection of a midnight swim in the desert. Oh, yes, wait a minute. I do! In that little palm oasis in Arizona. You’re right. I don’t remember if that was over the holidays. It could have been. I had no idea this was a trend, haha.
Yes, Esmeralda Lagoon is similar to the colors and scenery of the Cordilleras Blancas. I hope you manage to get up there and do some of the trails and lagunas. Not sure how without your own transportation. Maybe you and Greg could rent a car for a handful of days out of Huaraz? Or your new friend might be able to help. 🙂
January 28, 2025 at 18:06
Hi Liesbet! Wonderful adventures and a Christmas and New Year you will always remember! While the scenery was stunning it was also great to see you having fun with friends and exploring the area. Plus it looks like you’re eating well (which I’m sure is important after all your exercise) and making the most of every day. I’m looking forward to the continuing story! ~Kathy
February 1, 2025 at 07:53
Hi Kathy,
Mark is a keeper when it comes to his cooking skills and healthy eating habits! 🙂 We don’t exercise as much as people think or as we should. Maya is getting older and, yes, we take her for walks, but true hikes are not for me anymore. My migraines get too awful when I exert myself. That being said, as I write this, Mark is undertaking an 11-mile hike in the Andes mountains. His physical level is much better than mine. Maya stays with me, because dogs are not allowed in Argentina’s national parks.
January 28, 2025 at 18:52
Incredible travels and amazing photos. U hadn’t heard of king penguins either
February 1, 2025 at 07:54
Hi Donna,
King penguins are quite big, the second largest in the world, I believe, after the Emperor penguins. I’m glad you’re still enjoying our wanderings and photos!
January 29, 2025 at 13:20
Wow, you’ve really found a treasure trove of sights and experiences! That must go a long way toward making you feel as though your previous struggles were worth it. 🙂
I loved your video of the penguin just… standing there. I guess I shouldn’t have been so amused/bemused by it – a couple of decades ago I watched the movie March of the Penguins; and standing around is really all they do when they’re not trekking across the Antarctic. Still, it was cool to see your video – it seemed more “real” than the movie.
February 1, 2025 at 07:56
Hi Diane,
I’m glad you enjoyed my little, “boring” penguin video. You are right, they don’t do much more than stand or lie around, cleaning their feathers, breeding, or walking back and forth to the ocean. Oh, they swim as well. 🙂
Life of a penguin is quite simple and, watching it for hours, quite boring, haha. But they are still cute. Especially when they run and trip and slide. I’m hoping to post a few more videos of them soon. Stay tuned!
January 29, 2025 at 18:49
Beautiful scenery, Liesbet. I love the mountains and lagoons. I look forward to reading about your solo adventure. I saw beavers a few times, the most recent sighting was last winter.
February 1, 2025 at 07:58
Hi Natalie,
I have to imagine beavers are quite prominent in nature in Canada. They look cool. I have seen them, but not often and I’d hoped to see an entire colony in Ushuaia. I think you’ll enjoy my Antarctica post, whenever I get to it! 🙂
February 1, 2025 at 19:02
Wow! As you said, it’s so unlike what I would have expected.
February 3, 2025 at 08:08
Hi Mitch,
Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment. I’m just curious: What would you have expected from Ushuaia?
February 3, 2025 at 11:10
5 weeks in Ushuaia is a longtime, but I can see why with all that lovely scenery. And the city itself looks quient. It must have felt very odd reaching the end of the road and not being able to drive any further. I admire all those who drive from Alaska to Ushuaia. What a journey. Do you know how long it usually takes?
And I would never have believed that you reached Antarctica, Liesbet. Can’t wait to read about it.
From the photos, it looks like you had a white Christmas, even though it was summer.
February 4, 2025 at 08:59
Hello Hugh,
While Mark and I didn’t do the entire stretch from Alaska to Ushuaia in one go, over time I’ve traveled every part of the way. It only took me twenty years with many distractions and diversions! 🙂
The usual overlander does this journey within one to two years. This seems very short to us, especially the one-year adventures. All those people do is drive and quickly fit in the highlights. It’s not our style. If we’d be short on time, we would do this track in multiple stages or episodes and immerse ourselves in a few places along the way, since it’s all about experiences and not about checking things off the (travel) list.
While it didn’t actually snow on us over Christmas and New Years (it did rain), we did enjoy the views over the snowy mountain tops. 🙂 That being said we did get snowed on a few times during this summer!
February 5, 2025 at 05:42
It does seem like a long way to do the trip in a year. I, for one, would want to spend some time stopping in various places and having a leisurely few days exploring the area.
I was thinking what it would be like if there was a railway from the north of Alaska all the way to the southern tip of South America. That would be some trip to do, although I wouldn’t want to be on the train everyday.
February 6, 2025 at 19:38
Hi Hugh,
I feel that many overlanders rushing from Alaska to Ushuaia just want to accomplish finishing the Pan-American journey to check it off their list. Few venture on side roads or take their time exploring places in depth. Most, for example, skip Brazil, because it’s not “on the way.”
A railroad trip that crosses all of the Americas from north to south would be quite the journey. I bet it would be a popular means of travel, since it’s more comfortable than a car seat and you don’t have to do anything while still moving along! I would love to attempt some of the world’s existing, famous train rides, but, unfortunately, they have become unaffordable.
February 3, 2025 at 22:18
Looks beautiful and majestic. The end of the world indeed. <3
February 4, 2025 at 09:11
Hi Debby,
While the city itself didn’t feel like the end of the world at all, the deteriorating gravel road to the most southern point of the continent did! Now, there is only one way to go: north! 🙂