Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

Just shy of latitude 55° south, Ushuaia tantalizes tourists with with its claim to be the southernmost city on the planet. Whether a population of about 60 thousand counts as a city or town, the surroundings are certainly spectacular and the impossibly remote setting lends itself to a palpable fin del mundo (ends of the earth) atmosphere.

Built on the north shore of the island-dotted Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is girded to the north by the Martial range, and on clear days the mountains of neighboring Chile are readily apparent across the water from the town's main drag. A stroll down to the waterfront opens up the view even more, and makes for a pleasant way to enjoy the changing colors of a long summer evening.

The town itself smacks of hasty construction and is likely to disappoint visitors, although there is a surprising selection of good restaurants. Ushuaia's sweet rewards come to those who venture away from town to explore the surrounding areas by boat, car, mountain bike or horseback. Ushuaia is also the primary departure point for cruises to Antarctica and around Cape Horn.