Upon arriving in Ushuaia, I was amazed by the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. I was unsure what to expect the city to look like, other than it may be full of tourists, as it is considered a gateway city to Antarctica. However, as we drove into town and went on walking tours, I sensed the city felt more residential than geared towards tourists, like certain cities in the United States. By this, I mean I could infer that tourism is not the only industry sustaining Ushuaia’s economy.
Regardless, my fondness for Ushuaia only deepened when we visited the Tierra del Fuego National Park, as the different scenery here was breathtaking. On our first hike, our group bonded with one another as we walked through the forest and ended at the Bahía Ensenada Zaratiegui. This specific trail highlights Ushuaia’s unique landscape where subpolar forests meet a rugged coastline. Another hike took us to Mirador Bahia Lapataia, which offered views of a blue bay from a forested hill. Later, we also traveled down towards this outlook on Senda La Baliza, where a crested caracara – a large tropical falcon – wanted to interact with us. Of course, following national guidelines, we did not touch the bird, but it was incredible to observe its lack of fear towards humans, as it kept walking towards us.
The weather in the national park was only slightly expected. I expected cold and rain, but I was unprepared for the way the weather could change at any moment – from windy to sunny to rainy, snowy, and back to sunshine. Overall, I was grateful for the few days we were in Ushuaia, Argentina, as it was the first city I had visited outside the United States. I was able to observe differences in our cultures. For example, Ushuaia seemed to value sustainability and a slower-paced lifestyle, reflected in business hours and the length of dining. On the other hand, the United States has a much faster pace of life with longer working hours and a greater emphasis on consumerism over environmentalism.
Nevertheless, this global business program has provided me with exposure to new cultural experiences and incredible views of nature, all while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
