It finally happened.
For decades, Ushuaia in Argentina has proudly called itself “El Fin del Mundo” — the End of the World. But in 2026, that legendary title is under serious threat. Chile’s Puerto Williams is increasingly claiming the crown as the southernmost city on Earth, and the long-standing myth is slowly fading.
How Ushuaia Became the “End of the World”
Ushuaia’s global fame largely comes from Wong Kar-wai’s 1997 film Happy Together. Although most of the movie was shot in Buenos Aires, the characters’ ultimate dream was to reach Ushuaia — the mythical southernmost city. The film’s poetic imagery turned this remote Patagonian town into a symbol of escape, love, and the end of the world.
The Geographical Reality
In truth, Ushuaia is not the southernmost city in the world. That title belongs to Chile’s Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island, about 60 kilometers further south. While Ushuaia sits at approximately 54°48′S, Puerto Williams is at 54°56′S.
Why the Title Belongs to Puerto Williams
Chile has been actively developing Puerto Williams, transforming it from a remote naval base into a proper town with better infrastructure and tourism facilities. This development has sparked a friendly but intense rivalry between Argentina and Chile over the “southernmost city” title.
Ushuaia Today: The Antarctic Gateway
Even as it loses its exclusive “End of the World” status, Ushuaia remains incredibly popular. The boom in Antarctic cruise tourism has turned the city into one of the busiest ports in Patagonia, with over 500,000 visitors passing through each year. It is still the most practical and developed gateway to Antarctica.
Should You Still Visit Ushuaia?
Yes — absolutely. While Puerto Williams may technically be further south, Ushuaia offers far better infrastructure, restaurants, hotels, and accessibility. It remains one of the most beautiful and cinematic places in Patagonia.
I still remember the final scene of Happy Together. After exhausting everything in Argentina, the protagonist arrives in Taiwan and quietly begins living again. That quiet resilience stayed with me. The film used three dramatically different Argentine locations — Ushuaia in the south, Iguazú Falls in the north, and the gritty streets of La Boca — each feeling almost too cinematic to be real.
When you want to escape the world for a while, this is exactly why I still recommend traveling to Argentina.
Have you ever visited Ushuaia or Puerto Williams? Did the “End of the World” title live up to the hype for you? Share your experience in the comments below.
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