Punta Arenas
In 1520, Magellan was wandering through South America when he discovered Punta Arenas, on the southernmost tip of Chile. This region became enormously popular because of its geographic location, and the fact that it is rich in natural resources. Entrepreneurs, theologians, explorers, and pirates all made numerous trips to Punta Arenas to try and uncover some of its secrets and riches. Charles Darwin and Sir Francis Drake were said to have come here as well, and this amazing new city became the main draw in South America. Between 1892 and 1920, the area really thrived, as steam navigation greatly increased the commercial importance of Punta Arenas. There was an abundance of precious metals in the region, which kept the Europeans flocking to share in the riches of this new land. Other settlers found their prosperity in the form of giant sheep ranches. Hundreds of Europeans began calling Punta Arenas their permanent home.
Unfortunately, with the opening of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas lost a great deal of its attraction, and all the expansion stopped dead. But the city has stormed back, becoming the capital of the Magallenes region in Chile. It is hundreds of miles away from the other big Chilean cities, and nearly 2,000 miles away from Santiago, but this adds to the charm of this small, unique city. Sharing the territory with the locals is a marvelously interesting array of wildlife. The museums and sights in Punta Arenas are fabulous, and the services and dining facilities are top notch. It is a simple town with all the amenities of a fancy town, so you get the best of both worlds.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a glorious port city found at the southern-most end of Argentina. Right below the Straight of Magellan, Ushuaia is technically not on the Pacific side or the Atlantic side of the country. It stands at 55 degrees latitude south, making Ushuaia actually closer to the South Pole than to the north border of Argentina! Ushuaia is located on Tierra del Fuego, a small island just south of the Argentinean mainland. The island's aesthetic beauty is unparalleled, and demands a visit. Other than the gorgeous landscape, Ushuaia's incredible history cannot be ignored either.
For 6,000 years, Haush, Selknam, Alakaluf, and Yamana Indians inhabited the area in and around Ushuaia. In the 19th century, the Argentine Republic, led by Anglican missionaries, wished to expand their holdings and take over Ushuaia. This was in part because Chilean and European expansionary tactics had been growing rapidly, and Argentina was quite concerned with losing face as well as land rights to their rivals. So, in 1902, Argentina established a penal colony in Ushuaia, and settled all of the southern territories in that region. Political prisoners were the only ones sent to Ushuaia's penitentiary at first, but when the Argentinean government began to get nervous about invasions; they began to send all of the worst criminals possible there. It worked fabulously, and neither Europe nor Chile bothered Ushuaia again.
In 1947, the prison closed, and in 1978, Ushuaia was given a tremendous economic boost. The Industrial Incentives law enabled many home appliance and television manufacturing factories to be built in the area. Unfortunately, in the last few years, raging global competition has forced many of these factories to close down. Ushuaia has 45,000 inhabitants, all of whom are hoping that their picturesque city will soon become a haven for tourism and thus give a gigantic boom to their economy. There is a surprising amount of interesting and enjoyable activities in town, and the overwhelming scenery is always an activity in itself. The majestic Andean Cordillera mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the sunken city, and to the south and west, the Andes fade out, overshadowed by the tumultuous sea.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is 75 square miles of 19th-century homes, green parks, and small cafes. It is the cultural, economic, and political capital of the country, and because of its location and stature, it remains the gateway to all other parts of Argentina. The citizens do appreciate this fact, and are proud to be members of practically the largest and most influential city in all of South America. Interestingly enough, there are more psychoanalysts per capita in Buenos Aires than anywhere else in the world. Perhaps this extends from an identity crisis, as many of the ancestors of present-day Buenos Aires residents came over from Europe and settled in this beautiful port town. As a result, the locals, known as Portenos, are constantly struggling with their true culture and heritage.
The city as a whole is a must see. Buenos Aires is more than just fabulous architecture, great people and spectacular cuisine. It is dancing the tango in the middle of the night, strolling through a gorgeous park, sinking your teeth into a savory steak, or walking through the city and admiring the architecture and culture. Buenos Aires is simply dazzling.
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