Argentina's Southernmost National Park Is Its Breathtaking Land Of Fire

There are so many places in Tierra del Fuego where you can look across a vast landscape and imagine that the world has been born anew. Rocky mountain ranges rise out of still fjords. Glaciers wedge into valleys and waterways. Moist woodland seems to extend forever. Yes, hiking trails cut their way through the wilderness and cruise ships sail the Straits of Magellan, dropping anchor in local bays, yet this remote archipelago is largely free of roads and power lines, high rises, and gas stations. This lack of development helps to make Tierra del Fuego one of the most incredible national parks to visit in South America.

Tierra del Fuego is a vast park, and it's also the name of a triangle-shaped province in Argentina. Separated by land and water from the rest of the country, this primal land is a world unto itself. Being one of the most southern points of South America, it symbolizes the far reaches of the Western Hemisphere. Indeed, in the provincial capital of Ushuaia, there's a sign marked "fin del mundo," or "the end of the world."

Why does the name Tierra del Fuego translate as "the land of fire"? Back in the 16th century, Spanish ships hugged the shores and spotted Indigenous campfires speckling the dark land. This may seem like a misnomer for a region that is filled with greenery and trees, but the name has stuck for centuries. Another peculiar title is the "Beagle Channel." In 1833, scientist Charles Darwin rode on a ship called Beagle to survey the area, a journey that would help him cultivate the concept of evolution. There's also the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which stands in the middle of the channel and boasts an anomalous non-Spanish name. Built in 1920 under the direction of a French sea captain, Les Eclaireurs roughly means "the scouts."

The qualities that make Tierra del Fuego famous are much more interesting than a few cooking fires: The region boasts 212 named mountains, which are often snow-capped and free of human habitation; the population density is less than 10 people per square mile. Thousands of miles south of the Amazon's tropical rainforests, the climate here is famously chilly and overcast; the average "summer" temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which you'll experience in the middle of February. Temperatures here are actually colder during our traditional summer months. The province faces intense wind and rain, plus fierce storms, which is the main reason tourists need to be cautious of the clothing they pack for Argentina. Thanks to its relative proximity to Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego is a favorite habitat for king penguins, and the animals congregate on the rocky coasts. The province is also beloved for its sheep, and herds can be spotted grazing in meadows and crossing backroads. When you shop local stores, authentic wool sweaters and caps make the perfect gift.

True to its signage, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, and it attracts 150,000 tourists every year. Starting from the coastal capital, there are many ways to enjoy Tierra del Fuego's sprawling open spaces: Myriad trailheads lead into the national park, where civilization is instantly eclipsed by an Alaska-like wilderness. On warmer days, kayaking is a favorite way to explore the area's shores and waterways. The rugged terrain is practically designed for horses, and the gaucho, or cowboy, is a cultural icon of Argentina; travelers can pick from any number of equestrian outings. For naturalists, bird-watching and sea lion-spotting are favorite excursions.

The vast majority of visitors to Tierra del Fuego arrive by ship, owing to the many cruise lines that stop in Ushuaia. But Ushuaia International Airport is also a popular entry point, with direct flights from different destinations in Argentina. The provincial capital has a respectable population of around 80,000, and it is here that you can hop a ride on the End of the World Train, a narrow-gauge locomotive that crosses rivers, valleys, and peatland. From the windows, passengers will see why Tierra del Fuego is among the most beautiful destinations to visit during a South American summer.