On board the End of the World Train, you'll follow the same route as the prisoners in Ushuaia prison, crossing the valley of the Pipo River to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. You'll also learn plenty of interesting facts thanks to an audio guide in English.
A Bit of History
At the edge of the world, where the southern wind whispers memories, the End of the World Train was built at the beginning of the 20th century. With it, the connecting thread between the prison of Ushuaia and the forests of Mount Susana emerged. In its freight wagons travelled the prisoners and the product of their work: stones, logs and other materials collected in tough and endless days.
The Southern Fuegian Railway, as it's also called, extended up to 25 km (15.5 mi) into the forests and crossed the rivers of the area, such as the Pipo. However, in 1947 the prison closed and two years later the railway was destroyed by a strong earthquake, which caused the route to close definitively in 1952.
But the story didn't end there. After almost four decades of neglect, the End of the World Train was reborn as a scenic train in 1994, respecting part of the original prisoners' route. Today it meanders through Tierra del Fuego National Park as its past comes alive with every bend and whistle of the train.
End of the World Train Route
At the indicated time, head to the Main Station of the End of the World Train in Ushuaia. Ready for an incredible journey?
Once in your seats, the train will start an hour-long, 7 km (4.3 mi) route. You'll cross the Cañadón del Toro and cross the Pipo River over the Quemado Bridge, where you can still find wooden remains of the original structure. Thanks to the audio guide in English, you'll learn about the history of this route, which was used by prisoners on their way to Mount Susana to collect building materials.
Through the large windows, you'll admire the surrounding mountains and the forest of lenga beech and antarctic beech trees. When you least expect it, you'll arrive at La Macarena station, where you'll make a 15-minute stop, during which you can get off to explore the area and see the waterfall. You can also go up to the viewpoint and admire the panoramic view of the Pipo River Valley and the Guanaco and Portada hills.
Back on the train, our route will take us to the station of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, where the Patagonian forest announces the end of the continent. There, the train will stop for 5 minutes before setting off on its return journey. This return journey will be non-stop and will take a total of 45 minutes to Ushuaia Main Station.
Ticket Options
When you make your booking, you can choose whether you prefer to travel in economy or premium class. In the latter, you'll enjoy more comfortable seats in luxury carriages, with heating, decorated tables, fine table linen and the option to get yourself some local cuisine to taste while you enjoy the scenery.
