Understanding the History of the Convict Train in Ushuaia Argentina

In the early 1900s, Argentina built a prison in Ushuaia. They wanted to secure their claim on the remote southern lands. The prison housed dangerous criminals and political dissidents. These men needed work to stay busy and provide for the colony. They also needed fuel and building materials for the growing town. This necessity led to the creation of the Southern Fuegian Railway.

The first tracks were laid in 1902. Initially, it was a wooden railway with oxen pulling carts. By 1909, the government upgraded it to a steam-powered narrow-gauge line. This made it much easier to transport heavy logs. The Tren del Fin del Mundo followed this original path. Prisoners spent their days cutting wood in the nearby forests.

Life for the inmates was incredibly difficult. They worked in sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds. The railway was their only link to the settlement. Following the prison's closure in 1947, the train fell into disrepair. It eventually reopened in 1994 as a heritage line. It now provides End of the World Train tips for travelers from across the globe.

10 Historic Stops on the Convict Train Route

The journey today covers seven kilometers. It follows the same route the prisoners took. Each stop tells a unique story about the history of the convict train in Ushuaia Argentina. The trains are comfortable, but the history remains somber. Here are the highlights you should see.

1. Name: Estación del Fin del Mundo
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the main departure station with a museum atmosphere.
   Best for: Learning the railway history.
   Where: 8km west of Ushuaia.
   Time: 45 minutes before departure.
   Cost: Free to enter the station.
   Getting there: Take a shuttle from downtown.
   Tip: Look at the historical photo gallery inside.
2. Name: Cascada de la Macarena
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This station offers a panoramic view of the Pipo River valley.
   Best for: Photography.
   Where: First stop on the route.
   Time: 15 minutes stop.
   Cost: Included in train ticket.
   Getting there: Train stop only.
   Tip: Climb the stairs for the best view of the water.
3. Name: Cementerio de Árboles
   Type: historical site
   Why go: You can see thousands of stumps left by prisoner loggers.
   Best for: Visualizing the scale of the labor.
   Where: Along the tracks between stations.
   Time: Visible from the train.
   Cost: Included in ticket.
   Getting there: By train.
   Tip: Notice how short the stumps are; they cut them at snow level.
4. Name: Valle del Río Pipo
   Type: nature
   Why go: This valley was the primary source of wood for the prison.
   Best for: Scenic landscapes.
   Where: Central part of the journey.
   Time: Throughout the ride.
   Cost: Included in ticket.
   Getting there: By train.
   Tip: Watch for wild horses in the meadows.
5. Name: Museo Marítimo y del Presidio
   Type: museum
   Why go: This is where the railway actually started its journey from the cells.
   Best for: Deep historical context.
   Where: Yaganes and Gobernador Paz.
   Time: 2-3 hours.
   Cost: Paid admission.
   Getting there: Walk from downtown Ushuaia.
   Tip: Visit the "unrestored" wing to feel the original atmosphere.
6. Name: Locomotora a Vapor (Nora/Camila)
   Type: experience
   Why go: These historic steam engines are beautifully maintained.
   Best for: Engineering enthusiasts.
   Where: Departure station.
   Time: 10 minutes.
   Cost: Included in ticket.
   Getting there: Viewable at the station.
   Tip: Arrive early to watch them prepare the water tanks.
7. Name: Estación Parque Nacional
   Type: station
   Why go: This is the end of the line inside Tierra del Fuego.
   Best for: Hikers.
   Where: Inside the national park.
   Time: Flexible.
   Cost: Included in ticket.
   Getting there: By train.
   Tip: This is a great place to begin a Tierra del Fuego National Park guide adventure.
8. Name: Turbales (Peat Bogs)
   Type: nature
   Why go: These unique ecosystems line the railway tracks.
   Best for: Botany lovers.
   Where: Throughout the park section.
   Time: Visible from train.
   Cost: N/A.
   Getting there: By train.
   Tip: Look for the vibrant red hues in the moss.
9. Name: Puente Quemado
   Type: historic bridge
   Why go: See the remains of an old bridge destroyed by fire.
   Best for: History buffs.
   Where: Near Macarena station.
   Time: Quick view from the window.
   Cost: N/A.
   Getting there: By train.
   Tip: The train slows down here for photos.
10. Name: Bahía Lapataia
    Type: site
    Why go: This is the official end of Route 3 near the train terminus.
    Best for: Milestone travelers.
    Where: End of the park.
    Time: 1 hour.
    Cost: Park entry fee.
    Getting there: Shuttle from the end station.
    Tip: Get your photo at the "End of the World" sign.

End of the World Train Tips for 2026 Travelers

Planning your trip to the end of the world is exciting. To ensure a smooth journey, you should know how to book end of the world train tickets in advance. During the summer months, seats fill up quickly. Many tourists come from cruise ships to see the history of the convict train in Ushuaia Argentina. It is best to visit in the morning to beat the crowds.

Dress warmly even in the summer season. The weather in Ushuaia changes very fast. The train carriages are heated, but you will want to get out at the stops. Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore the national park. You should also check the Tierra del Fuego Turismo site for seasonal updates. Some trails may close during high winds or heavy snow.

The most popular class is the Tourist class. It offers large windows for great photos. For a more luxury experience, choose the Premium or First Class. These include meals and drinks served at your seat. This makes the one-hour ride even more comfortable. Always bring your passport if you want to get an official End of the World stamp at the park station.