A Guide to Ushuaia, Argentine Patagonia – What to Do in the Southernmost City in the World

Also known as the ‘Southernmost City in the World’, ‘Fin del Mundo (End of the World)’, or the ‘Gateway to Antarctica’, Ushuaia is on many traveller’s Patagonian itineraries. When taking the city at face value, it doesn’t feel like there’s much to do there apart from snapping a photo with the giant ‘Ushuaia’ letters or setting sail to the White Continent. However, there’s actually way more to do around the city then you might think. So, in this guide we’ve listed many of the unique activities you can do in and around Ushuaia, including hikes, glaciers, boat trips, wildlife experiences and more.

If you’d like to see everything we did in the city, make sure to watch our Ushuaia video, which we shared on our YouTube channel Kitti and Jon. For more videos from the country, check out our Argentina playlist.

About Ushuaia, the Southernmost City in the World

Ushuaia is located in the province of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. The city sits on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan and divided between Argentina and Chile.

Ushuaia is often nicknamed the ‘Fin del Mundo’ (End of the World), even though the southernmost inhabited place in the world is Puerto Williams in Chile. Since it’s too small to be considered a city, Ushuaia is still the southernmost city in the world.

The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Yamana (or Yahgan) people before the city was founded in 1884. Up until the mid-20th century Ushuaia was a penal colony and its prison housed many dangerous criminals. In fact, prisoners essentially built the foundations of Ushuaia, including their own cells.

Today, Ushuaia is both an industrial port and a major tourist destination, attracting people from all over the world. Thanks to its close proximity to the White Continent, Ushuaia is also one of five internationally recognised Antarctic gateway cities.

How to Get Around Ushuaia?

On Foot. Walking is the best way to get around Ushuaia. There are many attractions in the city that you can easily reach on foot, especially if you’re staying within the central area.

Hire Car. We decided to hire a car for a few days in Ushuaia, which allowed us to drive to places located just outside the city. Visiting places independently allowed us to set off early to beat the crowds and stay at places for as long as we wanted to. If you also wish to see places outside the city in your own time, we recommend renting a car.

Shuttle Bus. For an independent visit to places like Tierra del Fuego National Park, you can opt to take a shuttle bus. They depart from this bus terminal and can get you to certain locations around Ushuaia. Just bear in mind that you’ll be tied to the shuttle’s schedule.

Organised Tour. If you only have a short time in Ushuaia and wish to see the absolute highlights, we suggest booking an organised tour. This day tour to Tierra del Fuego will take you to the must-see locations within the national park and also gives you the option to ride the End of the World Train. You can even book this organised hiking tour to Laguna Esmeralda, one of the most popular hikes around Ushuaia.

Things to Do in Ushuaia

Spend a Day in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must visit place on any trip to Ushuaia. The national park was created in 1960 to preserve this region’s rich biodiversity and unique landscapes. It’s the only national park in the country that combines marine, subantarctic forest and mountain ecosystems.

There are many shorter or longer hiking trails, as well as other points of interest, inside Tierra del Fuego that easily kept us busy for a day. Below are some of the highlights:

• Complete some of the short and easy hiking trails such as Laguna Negra, Mirador Bahía Lapataia or Senda La Baliza.
• There are also a few longer, moderate trails to consider, such as Hito XXIV or the Pampa Alta Trail.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest allocating a day to summit Cerro Guanaco or walk along the Senda Costera (Coastal Trail).
• Apart from hiking, you can also check out the End of the World Post Office building at Bahia Ensenada Zaratiegui.
• Don’t forget to snap a photo with the End of National Route 3 sign at Lapataia Bay.
• Stopping at Alakush Visitor Centre is also a great way to warm up with a hot drink or a delicious empanada.

Entry fee for foreign visitors to Tierra del Fuego National Park is $40,000 ARS per day. If you’re planning on visiting for more than one day, there are options for a 3-day or 7-day flexipass. 

🏔️Read my complete guide to visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Ride the End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo)

One of the most popular experiences in Ushuaia is to ride the End of the World Train to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Also known as the Southern Fuegian Railway, or “prisoner’s train”, it’s a steam train that was originally built to transport prisoners, food and other materials. The original route was about 25km long, connecting the city to the prison. The prison closed in 1947 and the train didn’t run again until 1994, when the line was restored to transport tourists into the national park.

Today, the route is only 7km and is widely known as the End of the World Train because it’s the southernmost train in the world still in operation. The ride takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (round trip) and depending on your budget you can upgrade to a more immersive experience, including special onboard services. The train station itself has toilets, a café and a gift shop, as well as some information boards and photos detailing its history.

Our Tip. In the high season, we suggest booking your End of the World Train ticket in advance.

Cruise Down the Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel is an approximately 240 km (150 miles) long strait, separating the main island of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego from other smaller islands. The western section is entirely within Chile whereas the eastern part is a natural border between Argentina and Chile. Unless you’re embarking on an expedition cruise to Antarctica, we highly recommend booking a dedicated Beagle Channel boat tour.

As we sailed down the Beagle, we could enjoy some lovely views of Ushuaia, with the towering peaks of the Fuegian Andes rising up behind the city. There are also many islands dotted along the strait and a dedicated boat tour will likely take you to a few of them, such as Isla Bridges, Isla de los Pájaros, Isla de los Lobos, Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and Isla Martillo.

This Beagle Channel excursion only takes a small group of people. It sails to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse before giving you the option to go mini-trekking on Isla Bridges, where you can observe the flora and fauna and also learn about the native Yamana people.

Alternatively, this 6-hour boat tour will also take you to Isla Martillo, also known as the penguin island, where you can observe a colony of Magellanic penguins from the boat.

Hike to Laguna Esmeralda

Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most beautiful – and also most popular – hikes around Ushuaia. It’s a beautiful glacier lake about 18km (11 miles) northeast of Ushuaia, just off Ruta 3. The lagoon is fed by Glaciar Ojo del Albino and surrounded by some impressive peaks of the Fuegian Andes.

It’s a 9 km (5.6 mile) long out-and-back moderate trail that starts from this car park. You can reach the trailhead with a rental car or a shuttle bus for an independent visit. Alternatively, you can also join this organised hiking tour.

The trail took us through some beautiful Lenga forest before we had to make our way through the peat bog area of the Carbajal-Tierra valley. From there, we ascended through a lovely native primary forest before traversing through another peat bog section. After following the meandering river, we finally made it to Esmeralda Lagoon. From here, you can also carry on hiking up to Ojo del Albino Glacier, although for that we suggest booking this guided hiking tour.

🥾Read my complete guide to hiking Laguna Esmeralda.

Walk with Penguins on Martillo Island

About 80 km east of Ushuaia, roughly halfway down the Beagle Channel, is Isla Martillo (which translates to Hammer Island). This small island is home to a colony of Magellanic penguins, although you may be able to spot a few Gentoo, or on very rare occasions, King penguins. Penguins arrive here to breed between October and March, which is the summer season in Argentina.

You can only reach Martillo Island with a boat. To protect the penguins there are only a handful of companies that have permission to land on the island. In addition, only a small number of people are allowed to be on the island at any one time. Therefore, when you book your tour, make sure to check whether it includes an onshore experience or not.

🐧This full-day Martillo Island tour will first sail along the Beagle Channel, visiting Sea Lion Island and the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. Then, in the afternoon, they will transport you to Estancia Harberton from where you’ll take a zodiac cruise to the penguin island. You can spend an hour onshore walking amongst and observing penguins accompanied by a guide.

🐧Alternatively, this 6-hour boat tour will also take you to Isla Martillo, although you can only observe penguins from the boat.

Since we’d already seen plenty of Magellanic penguins during our visit to Punta Tombo near Puerto Madryn, we skipped this trip to Martillo Island. We did sail past the island on our way to Antarctica and saw many penguins from a distance.

Take a Photo at the Ushuaia End of the World Sign

There are a few landmarks and points of interest within Ushuaia itself. One of them is the “Ushuaia – Fin del Mundo” sign, located right by the waterfront. Snapping a photo with the sign felt like a mandatory thing to do in Ushuaia. After all, have you even been to “the end of the world” if you don’t have a photo to prove it?

From here, we could also see all the cruise ships either returning or departing to Antarctica, with our anticipation growing for our own last-minute adventure.

Top Tip. Just across from the road is the Tourist Office, where you can get free souvenir stamps. Although, make sure NOT to stamp your official passport! Stamp a postcard or your travel journal instead.

See the Saint Christopher Shipwreck

Just on the other side of the port is where you’ll find the Saint Christopher shipwreck. It’s been part of the Ushuaia cityscape since 1957. It was built in the USA during World War II, classified as a rescue, or salvage tug. During the war it was loaned to the British Royal Navy under the name HMS Justice, then returned to the USA after the war.

Then, in 1953, it was re-named St. Christopher and was used in a salvage operation to rescue the Monte Cervantes, which sank in the Beagle Channel near the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. As a result of the failed rescue attempt, the ship got stranded in Ushuaia and was towed to the coast in 1957.

Want to see another shipwreck? There’s another interesting shipwreck, called El Desdemona, you can visit around Ushuaia. It’s more of an off-the-beaten path experience, as it’s located around Cabo San Pablo, a 3 hour drive from Ushuaia. You can also join this day tour to the shipwreck if you don’t want to drive that far in a day.

Snap a Photo with the Ushuaia Letters

If you carry on walking further along from the shipwreck you’ll end up at the giant Ushuaia letters. It’s another popular spot to commemorate your time at the southernmost city in the world.

It can get busy with people and tours, so either be patient or try and arrive earlier.

Find Ushuaia’s Street Art and Murals

As we wandered around the streets of Ushuaia, we came across some really impressive murals covering the walls of buildings. There are many different themes we came across, from local wildlife and landscapes to Ushuaia’s history and indigenous heritage. Below are a few to look out for:

• Penguin Mural (located here).
• Prisoners of the End of the World Mural (located here).
• Lionel Messi Mural (located here).
• Indigenous Women (Mujeres Pueblos Originarios) – located here.
• The Worker of the End of the Word (El Obrero del Fin del Mundo) – located here.
• Antarctica Mural (located here).
• Paseo de las Rosas (located here).

Visit the Museums of Ushuaia

There are a handful of museums you can visit in Ushuaia, where you can learn about the city’s history.

• Prison Museum is possibly the most popular museum in Ushuaia. It was once a high-security prison for some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. There are some interesting exhibits, as well as an area that’s preserved exactly as it was when the prison was operational. Entry is $44,000ARS. More information is available on the official website.
• Maritime Museum is part of the Prison Museum, where you can learn more about the maritime history of the region, including its discovery by Magellan.
• Antarctic Museum is also within the Prison Museum, displaying a collection of model ships from Antarctic expeditions.
• Museum of the End of the World is another one to consider if you want to learn more about Ushuaia’s history, and includes exhibits on the natural history of Tierra del Fuego. Admission is $9,000ARS. More information is available on the official website.
• Think Malvinas Museum offers information on the Malvinas/Falkland Islands with a tribute to those who fought in the war.

Visit Husky Park Nunatak

After completing the Laguna Esmeralda trail, we came across a Husky Park sign not far from the trailhead. We love dogs and the park seemed like a nice place to learn more about huskies.

For a small fee we could enter the park, where the staff showed us around and told us a lot of interesting information about huskies. There were a couple of them roaming around, so we could pet them if they came up to us. The dogs were incredibly friendly and well-cared for, with the staff knowing them incredibly well. We even saw some new-born puppies briefly.

In the summer months, for an additional fee, you can also go on a longer hike with the huskies, as they need plenty of exercise per day. Plus, in the winter months, they also offer other activities such as sledding.

They have a café with lovely views of the surrounding peaks and really delicious hot chocolates.

Road Trip Along Ruta 3

If you’re renting a car in Ushuaia, we suggest going on a scenic drive along Ruta 3. Apart from Laguna Esmeralda and the Husky Park, there are a few points of interest along the way, depending on how far you wish to drive.

• Mirador del Valle Carbajal. It’s an observation deck where we could enjoy some really lovely views of the Fuegian Andes in the distance.
• Cerro Castor. It’s the southernmost ski resort in the world, located on the southern slope of Mount Krund. The best time to visit is between June and October.
• Paso Garibaldi. It’s an iconic viewpoint of the zig-zagging old road, with Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano in the distance.
• Lago Escondido. You can also drive down to the lake, where you can go for shorter hikes or other activities, such as horseback riding.

Hike Up to Martial Glacier

Sitting just above Ushuaia is Glaciar Martial, a beautiful glacier that you can hike up to. From the trailhead, it’s a 6.5km (4 mile) out-and-back trail with over 500m (1,640 ft) of elevation gain. You can take a taxi up to the start of the path. If you don’t mind almost doubling your route, you can even walk from the city centre.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the city and the Beagle Channel.

Spend a Night at the 5-Star Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

If you want to splurge on a 5-star hotel experience, then why not do that at the “end of the world”. Sitting on a hill within the Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve is the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. It’s a 5-star hotel that also offers the best views of the entire city of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The hotel has everything you would expect from a luxury accommodation. Its architecture blends into the environment and the interior makes you feel like you’re in a cosy lodge. The rooms are also very spacious, with large windows overlooking the Beagle Channel. The spa has an outdoor infinity swimming pool which overlooks Ushuaia. They have their own restaurant offering a wide selection of delicious meals. The breakfast buffet is also incredible. Plus, guests can explore the hiking trails within the reserve.

We spent 2 nights at Arakur prior to our expedition cruise to Antarctica and it was our first ever 5-star hotel stay. Whilst staying at luxury accommodations isn’t the norm for us, after backpacking through Patagonia for almost 4 months, it was nice to just slow down and relax.

Book a Last Minute Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Ushuaia is the most popular gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. In fact, you might already have a cruise booked long before arriving in the city.

However, if you wish to save a large amount of money, consider booking a last-minute Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia. Local agencies offer unsold cabins on ships that are departing soon and you can usually get one at half the original price. Of course, you’ll still need to have enough savings set aside, as sailing to the White Continent isn’t a cheap adventure.

We ended up visiting Antarctica with one of these last-minute deals and it was both the most unforgettable and expensive trip of our lives. If you want to learn more about our experience and top tips on booking a cruise to Antarctica, then check out our dedicated guides.

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

Even though Ushuaia is often referred to as “the end of the world”, there are plenty of accommodation options in the city. Below are our favourite options:

• 🛏️Hosteria y Restaurante America ($). This hotel is located a short walk from the centre and offers comfortable rooms and free parking if you have a hire car. Breakfast is also included.
• 🛏️Australis Apartamentos ($). If you’re staying in Ushuaia a bit longer, then this is a great one bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen. It’s also right in the centre of the city, close to all amenities.
• 🛏️Original House Hotel Boutique ($$). This hotel is just outside the centre. It has spacious rooms with sea or mountain views and each room includes a kitchenette and breakfast.
• 🛏️Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa ($$$). For the ultimate luxury experience, consider staying at this 5-star hotel located in Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve. Perched high on the hills, you’ll get some incredible views across Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountains. They have their own restaurant, spa and other facilities. We spent 2 nights here before our expedition cruise to Antarctica and summarised our experience staying at the Arakur in this post.

Where to Eat in Ushuaia

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Ushuaia, although you may need to reserve some of the more popular ones, especially in the high season. Below are a few options to consider:

• El Mercado. It’s a great place to try a variety of typical foods, from empanadas to pizzas and other sweet treats.
• Bodegón Fueguino. This place serves many local dishes, such as Fuegian lamb and lentil stews, as well as pastas and pizzas. Plus, the prices are also great.
• Paso Garibaldi. They have a wide selection of both local cuisine, such as seafood, as well as pastas and risottos.
• Ramos Generales El Almacén. This place offers a variety of lunch and dinner options.
• La Cabaña Casa de Té. Cosy tea house at the foot of the Martial Glacier trail offering delicious pastries and, of course, tea.
• Husky Park Café. After your visit to the Husky Park, make sure to get a delicious hot chocolate from their café. The mountain views alone are worth popping in for.
• La Cravia. This is the Arakur Hotel & Spa’s restaurant, so if you’re spending a night there, we recommend dining there too.

Best Time to Visit Ushuaia

Depending on the activities you want to do and experiences you wish to have, every season in Ushuaia will offer something different:

• Spring (September – November): The snow will start melting and spring flowers will start blooming. We would aim to visit in mid to late November when the daytime hours are longer, the weather and trail conditions are better for outdoor activities and the penguins have returned to Martillo Island to start nesting. Plus, the Antarctic cruise season also begins in November, and prices can be slightly cheaper than during the summer months.

• Summer (December – February): This is peak tourist season in Ushuaia. You’ll have warmer temperatures and plenty of daylight to complete longer hiking trails. Whilst there will be less precipitation, strong winds and gusts are pretty common. By January, you’ll be able to see fluffy little penguin chicks before they start to moult around February. However, you have to prepare for more crowds and generally higher prices for tours, car hire and accommodations due to increased demand. We were in Ushuaia between the end of January and mid February, which was a great time for us. Last-minute Antarctica cruises will also get a bit cheaper from February onwards.

• Autumn (March – May): Daylight hours and temperatures start to decrease from March. However, forests will turn bright red and orange and you can still get good weather and trail conditions. The wind will also be much calmer than during the summer. We would aim to be in Ushuaia early to mid fall though for the best chances to see penguins before they migrate. In March, you can also catch the last ships sailing to Antarctica before the season ends.

• Winter (June – August): During this time Ushuaia becomes a winter wonderland. Temperatures will be low and the days much shorter. It’s not ideal if you want to do wildlife spotting or general hiking activities, which is why this season is probably the least popular in Ushuaia. There are also no cruises departing to Antarctica. However, if you enjoy winter activities, then it’s the perfect time for skiing at Cerro Castor or trying dog sledding.

How Much Time You Need in Ushuaia

As a minimum, we suggest spending 3 full days in Ushuaia. This will allow you to take a day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park, see the highlights in Ushuaia, including a boat trip down the Beagle Channel, and include another hiking adventure, such as Laguna Esmeralda.

There’s so much more to do in Ushuaia though, and you can easily spend 4 or 5 days there without running out of things to do. In case Ushuaia is just a quick stop before you embark on a cruise to Antarctica, we would prioritise visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park and have a wander around the city itself.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Ushuaia in Argentina

As you can see, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences you can have in Ushuaia. We ended up having a two-week-long workcation in the city prior to our cruise and really enjoyed waking up to mountain views every morning. There was just something magical about being at the end of the world, knowing just how far we were from home. To our surprise, the city and Tierra del Fuego had more adventures to offer than we had time for, but we still managed to fit in plenty of activities.

Have you ever visited Ushuaia before? If so, let us know what you got up to in and around the city. If you found this blog post useful and want to show your support, you can buy us a coffee here.