End of the World Train
Tierra del Fuego
The End of the World Train is a historic narrow-gauge railway located near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Originating as a transport line for prisoners in the early 20th century, it once served the Ushuaia prison colony by moving timber and supplies through the Patagonian forest. After decades of inactivity, the train was revived in 1994 as a tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The route covers approximately 8 kilometers of the original 25 km track, passing through notable sites such as the Cañadón del Toro and crossing the Río Pipo via the Puente Quemado. Along the way, passengers can observe remnants of the old wooden bridge and traces of the prisoners' daily routines. The train features five historic locomotives and provides multilingual audio guides in nine languages, enriching the visitor experience with stories of the railway's past and the region's natural beauty. The End of the World Train is recognized as the southernmost railway in the world and offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and scenic wilderness in one of Argentina's most remote national parks.
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Tip: To fully enjoy the experience, consider visiting during the warmer months for better weather and scenery. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure preferred seating including premium compartments with heated interiors and meal service. Multilingual audio guides are available, enhancing understanding of the train's history and the park's environment. Visitors can disembark at stops like La Macarena and the National Park station to explore historic sites and natural surroundings. Wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a camera is advised to capture the stunning landscapes along the route.
Interesting facts
- •The End of the World Train is the southernmost railway in the world.
- •The original railway was built and operated by prisoners at the Ushuaia penal colony starting in 1909.
- •The train crosses the Puente Quemado, where remnants of the old wooden bridge are visible beneath the current tracks.
- •The route passes through the Cañadón del Toro, a scenic valley within Tierra del Fuego National Park.
- •Multilingual audio guides on the train are available in nine languages to narrate the history and natural context of the journey.
History
The railway was originally constructed in the early 1900s to serve the Ushuaia prison, transporting timber and supplies from the forest to the settlement.
Initially a wooden rail system with animal and prisoner-powered carts, it was upgraded in 1910 to a narrow-gauge Decauville railway with steam locomotives.
The line expanded to 25 kilometers at its peak, with branches reaching into forested valleys.
After prison operations ceased, the railway fell into disuse until it was revived in 1994 as a tourist attraction, preserving a significant piece of Patagonian and penal history.
Today, it commemorates the region's past while offering access to Tierra del Fuego National Park's pristine landscapes.
Place Guide
Main Station
Located just 7 km from Ushuaia, this is the departure point for the End of the World Train journey, featuring ticketing and visitor facilities.
Cañadón del Toro
A spectacular valley the train passes through, showcasing the rugged Patagonian landscape and native forests.
Puente Quemado (Burnt Bridge)
A bridge crossing over the Río Pipo where visitors can see the remains of the original wooden bridge beneath the modern tracks.
La Macarena Station
A historic stop where the original prisoner train would take on water for its steam locomotive, known as 'La Coqueta'.
National Park Station
The final stop within Tierra del Fuego National Park, offering access to hiking trails and natural sights near the park boundary.
Contact
Phone: 02901 30-1141
