Looking for things to do in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina? Here’s your travel guide to “the end of the world”.
Ushuaia may be famous as the gateway to Antarctica, but there’s plenty to do even if you’re never setting foot on a cruise ship. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Beagle Channel and the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost city is one of the country’s best destinations for outdoor adventure.
From hiking to emerald lakes and spotting penguins to sailing the Beagle Channel and exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, there are enough things to do in Ushuaia to easily fill three or four days – or even longer if you love the outdoors.
I’ve travelled extensively through Patagonia and always recommend people spend more than just a night or two here. Whether you’re visiting before an Antarctica cruise or as part of a wider Patagonia itinerary, these are my favourite things to do in Ushuaia.
At the end of this guide, you’ll also find practical tips on the best time to visit Ushuaia, how to get there, where to eat and where to stay.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Need help planning your Argentina trip? 🇦🇷
Feeling overwhelmed about planning your trip to Argentina? I get it. And I can help! I offer one-to-one travel consultation calls to help you plan your trip to Argentina. In an hour, we can map out a realistic itinerary or work through your specific questions so you can book an incredible trip. Save hours of your time with my local knowledge and expertise.
Is Ushuaia worth visiting?
Absolutely. While many travellers only visit Ushuaia before or after an Antarctica cruise, it’s a destination that’s well worth visiting in its own right as part of your Argentina itinerary. Surrounded by mountains, forests and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia has excellent hiking, wildlife encounters, scenic boat trips and easy access to Tierra del Fuego National Park. It’s one of the best places in Argentina for outdoor adventures and a highlight of any Patagonia itinerary. And you can say you’ve visited the southernmost city in the world!
How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
Pronounced Usss-u-WHY-a, you should plan to spend at least three days in Ushuaia. While it’s possible to see the highlights in two days, three days gives you enough time to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, take a Beagle Channel cruise and enjoy one or two of the area’s other highlights, such as visiting Martillo Island to see penguins or hiking to Laguna Esmeralda. If you love hiking or are visiting in winter to ski or enjoy snow activities, four to five days is even better.
Best things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina
Here are my top recommendations for what to add to an Ushuaia itinerary, covering everything from food to outdoor adventures to wildlife experiences.
Cruise the Beagle Channel
A boat cruise along the Beagle Channel was one of my favourite experiences in Ushuaia and is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in the city. There’s something pretty special about sailing through the same waters that have been navigated by explorers and seafarers for centuries, with snow-capped mountains rising on either side.
Named after HMS Beagle – the ship that carried a young Charles Darwin on his famous voyage around the world – the Beagle Channel separates the islands of Tierra del Fuego between Argentina and Chile.
Most cruises pass small rocky islands where you’ll see South American sea lions basking in the sun and colonies of imperial and rock cormorants nesting on the cliffs. Many tours also stop at Bridges Island, where you can stretch your legs on a short walk while learning about the area’s Indigenous Yaghan people and native plants.
No Beagle Channel cruise is complete without sailing past Faro Les Éclaireurs, the red-and-white lighthouse that has become one of Ushuaia’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s often nicknamed the “Lighthouse at the End of the World”, but that’s actually a myth. The real lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne’s 1905 novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World stood on Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), about 200 kilometres east of Ushuaia. Even so, Faro Les Éclaireurs has embraced the association.
As you return to Ushuaia, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the city backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Martial Range.
This was easily one of the highlights of my time in Ushuaia, and there are plenty of operators offering half-day and full-day cruises. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I’d recommend booking a morning departure for calmer conditions. Whatever time you choose, don’t forget a warm jacket – even on sunny days, it can be surprisingly cold and windy out on the water.
🛳 My recommended Beagle Channel tours 🛳
You can book a tour at the wharf when you arrive in Ushuaia or plan ahead and reserve your spot on one of these experiences.
- Beagle Channel Navigation with Mini Trekking (4.8/5 with more than 700 reviews)
- Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island Catamaran Cruise (4.2/5 with more than 60 reviews)
- Beagle Channel Navigation on Yacht (4.1/5 with more than 20 reviews)
Walk with penguins in Ushuaia
The main reason I travelled to Ushuaia was to walk among thousands of penguins, a lifelong dream of mine.
The penguins live on Martillo Island. This island is only accessible by organised Ushuaia tours, so you need to book with a tour company in advance.
🐧 Book a tour to Martillo Island to see penguins up close! Book online here for the experience to walk on the island. It’s not cheap, however, so this alternative tour includes a Beagle Channel cruise and the chance to pass by Martillo Island to see the penguins from the boat. 🐧
On the day of the tour I arrived in excitement at the tour office where I was given my penguin boarding pass to get on the bus. After a beautiful two-hour drive through the gorgeous landscapes of Ushuaia and a short boat ride, we arrived on Martillo Island.
As soon as we got off the boat, hundreds of Magellanic penguins came to greet us. Walking around the island, we also saw a small colony of Gentoo penguins and one lone king penguin. I loved this tour because it’s an eco-friendly way to see three different penguin species up close in their natural habitat.
The best time to see the penguins in Ushuaia is between November and February as the population is highest then. However, I was there in March and saw many penguins. Just make sure to visit before April as that’s when the penguins start heading north to migrate.
If you’re a lover of penguins or wildlife encounters, visiting the penguins of Martillo Island is one of the most beautiful things to do in Ushuaia.
Recommended by Lora of Explore with Lora
Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
One of the best hikes in Ushuaia is the walk to Laguna Esmeralda, a glacial lake famous for its striking turquoise water (the colour is brightest on sunny days). Surrounded by mountains and peat bogs, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Tierra del Fuego.
The trail is around 9-10 kilometres return and takes 3-4 hours for most people. It’s considered a relatively easy to moderate hike, with only a gradual climb, making it suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
The trail can become extremely muddy after rain or during the spring snowmelt, so wear waterproof hiking boots or footwear you don’t mind getting dirty.
The trailhead is about 20 minutes’ drive from Ushuaia along Route 3. If you don’t have a rental car, it’s easy to join a guided hiking tour or arrange a taxi to drop you off and collect you later.
While you can hike independently, a guided tour is a good option if you’d like to learn more about the local flora, fauna and landscapes along the way.
🥾 Book this small-group hiking tour to Laguna Esmeralda, which includes lunch 🥾
Explore the hiking trails in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Hiking through Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of the Ushuaia activities that shouldn’t be missed!
It’s worth spending at least a couple of days exploring the landscape at the southern tip of the South American continent. Furthest south in the park is Bahia Lapataia, where the Pan-American Highway on the Argentina National Route 3 reaches its end after beginning in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
From the parking lot at the bay, you can walk down a short path to look out over the frigid ocean water, where it seems like it’s the end of the world in a fable where no ship returns from beyond that horizon. You’ll find interesting geology in the surrounding rocks, wild orchids growing along the forest path, and dramatic clouds passing over the nearby peaks.
Elsewhere in the park, you can walk along the historically significant Beagle Channel, named for the ship that carried its most famous explorer, Charles Darwin.
Another highlight (my personal favourite) is Lago Roca. Hiking along its edge takes you through stretches of interesting beach rocks and lush, mossy forests, flanking beautiful green- and blue-coloured water, with sharp peaks marking the lake’s far shore in the distance.
There are many interesting birds in the forest – my favorite was the green parrot. And they do make quite a ruckus!
For easiest transport through the park, rent a car in Ushuaia. Otherwise, hook up with a group shuttle van or hitchhike. My husband and I picked up several hitchhikers in our car; it’s very common.
We packed picnic lunches to eat along the trails, but there is also a lodge with a cafeteria and souvenir shop (which also makes for a good happy-hour beer stop at the end of the day).
Wear water-resistant footwear and bring your rain coat! You might think you don’t want to hike in the rain, but it’s this climate that makes for the bountiful green forests and kaleidoscope skies.
Need to know: Entrance to Tierra del Fuego National Park costs ARS$40.000 for foreigners. If you’re planning to visit multiple times, there are also flexipasses for 3 and 7 days, which cost ARS$80.000 and ARS$140.000 respectively. Check the latest fees and book tickets online here.
Recommended by Shara of SKJ Travel
Hike up Martial Glacier
One of the best things to do in Ushuaia is to hike up to the Martial Glacier, which is on the hill behind town.
You can walk directly from town, as I did, or take a taxi to the café at the base of the abandoned ski lift. Once out of town, the road winds up the hill in a series of switchbacks, but a hiking path cuts up more steeply between the curves of the road. Taking a taxi will save you this 7km walk and there are always return taxis waiting for the trip back into town.
From the end of the road it is a steep hike up the hill to the top of the chairlift (recently reopened), then another hour or so walk over and among snow even in December, alongside a small river to the glacier.
The glacier is not much more than a snow drift these days, but the views from there are incredible. There is a dramatic snow-covered cliff in one direction and a breathtaking panorama in the other direction looking down over Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel and Chile beyond.
This hike can in theory be done all year round, but keep in mind that the weather changes quickly here, so dress appropriately. You can stop off at a café near the bottom of the chairlift to warm yourself up before walking or taking a taxi back into town.
Recommended by James of Travel Collecting
Visit the Prison and Maritime Museum
A great way to while away a few hours, this interesting complex houses not only the Prison Museum but also the Maritime Museum, Antarctic Museum and the Marine Art Museum.
Wander through the cold, eerie cellblocks and try to imagine life as a prisoner here in the early 1900s.
The prisoners built the prison itself along with the End of the World Train. Conditions here were harsh for both the prisoners and the guards, and many people perished.
There are plenty of interesting exhibits with descriptions in English and Spanish and there are often special temporary exhibitions on display.
You can only buy tickets in person, and they cost ARD$44,000 for non-residents (as of June 2026). Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so you can check out a couple of museums one day and then come back the next for the other museums.
Try centolla
A specialty of the area, you’ll find centolla (king crab) in many restaurants in Ushuaia. Restaurants serve this sweet-tasting crustacean in huge portions so share a crab between two or three people.
We first ate centolla at El Viejo Marino (Avenida Maipú 227) and loved the kitschy interior and friendly staff. It’s a family-owned restaurant and you pick your crab from the huge tanks in the front window.
Other restaurants recommended for centolla are:
- La Cantina Fueguina de Freddy (Avenida San Martín 318)
- Volver (Avenida Maipú 37)
🦀 Combine crab-tasting with a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park on this fascinating crabbing tour! It follows the “Crab Route” and includes a sail on the Beagle Channel as well as a 4WD trek on land and, of course, centolla for lunch. 🦀
Go camping in Tierra del Fuego National Park
One of the highlights of any trip to Argentina is a visit to Ushuaia and the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Its unique flora and fauna, together with the feeling of being far away from everything, make it a fascinating hiking destination.
The best way to get the most out of the Tierra del Fuego National Park is dedicating a couple of days to hiking there and camping in the national park itself. The campsite is found near the precious lake called Lago Roca, a pretty basic campsite with toilet and wooden tables. There are also typical Argentinean barbecues to cook your meals.
There are many lovely trails in the park. You can’t miss out on Beaver Dam, for instance, an easy walk around the many small ponds created by the beavers when they were introduced. There’s another short walk around the dark-coloured Laguna Negra.
The Tierra del Fuego National Park is situated merely 12 kilometres from Ushuaia and there are buses almost every hour (in high season) to get there.
Need to know: Entrance to Tierra del Fuego National Park costs ARS$40.000 for foreigners. If you’re planning to visit multiple times, there are also flexipasses for 3 and 7 days, which cost ARS$80.000 and ARS$140.000 respectively. Check the latest fees and book tickets online here.
Recommended by Gábor of Surfing the Planet
Go 4×4 driving and canoeing
One of the best things to do in Argentina is hiking and getting outdoors, and we knew on our visit to Ushuaia that we wanted to do something adventurous.
The trouble was picking from all the different options on offer! We finally settled on this 4×4 and canoeing day trip and it was such a fun and varied day.
The tour started with an exciting 4×4 drive through muddy trails and even through the shallow edge of a lake, before stopping for spectacular views over Lake Fagnano. We then did an easy trek through the forest, even spotting a curious fox.
Lunch was at a shelter owned by the tour company. In the peaceful setting we ate antipasti, choripan, asado (barbecue) and salad, all washed down with wine of course.
The day ended with a canoe ride on Lago Escondido before we were taken back to Ushuaia.
If you’re visiting during winter, the tour will include typical winter activities in Ushuaia like snowmobiles and husky sledding instead of canoeing.
🛶 Book the 4WD and canoeing adventure online here 🛶
Hunt down a bargain trip to Antarctica
While Ushuaia is a destination in its own right, it also serves as a launching point for one of the most exciting and adventurous places on the planet: Antarctica.
With the average price for a cruise to Antarctica being close to US$15,000 (or more!), it’s hardly a budget-friendly destination but many local tour agencies in Ushuaia offer heavily discounted “last minute” cruises.
As outlined in my comprehensive post on the subject, if you write to some of the agencies ahead of time, they will put you on an email list with the latest sales, but another easy way to score an amazing deal on a cruise to Antarctica is to head to Ushuaia and talk to some agencies once you’re there.
This is how my husband and I found a 10-day cruise to Antarctica that was only US$3,900 per person (this was a past price and is not typical today; use it as proof that last-minute deals can exist, not as a current benchmark!). The agency that offered that price didn’t advertise it online and it was only offered locally. It ended up being the cheapest price I have seen for a cruise of similar length to Antarctica.
So if seeing the surreal beauty of the frozen continent is on your travel bucket list, head to Ushuaia and make it happen.
If this list of things to do in Ushuaia is any indication, you will have more than enough things to do while you wait for your cruise to leave!
Recommended by Thea of Zen Travellers
Ushuaia travel guide: What to know before you go
I’ve got a full guide to handy Argentina travel tips if it’s your first time visiting the country, and here’s some essential info you should know about visiting Ushuaia specifically.
When to visit Ushuaia
The best time of year to visit Ushuaia is the summer season of December to March but even then the weather can be unpredictable! December to February are the busiest months.
From late March to April, you’ll be able to see the foliage changing colours as the season changes to autumn.
From October to November, the weather can be fine but windy, but you’ll beat the busy summer period. Winter (June to August) is the time to visit for ski activities, as well as snow sledding and husky rides.
Pack clothing for all weather – regardless of the time of year you visit – and have a back-up plan if flights are cancelled because of bad weather.
How to get to Ushuaia
You can fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, which takes around 3 hours. There are daily direct flights from Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque) in Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
If you’ve been hiking in El Chaltén or trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, you don’t need to head back to Buenos Aires to get to Ushuaia. There’s a seasonal direct flight between El Calafate and Ushuaia.
✈️ SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS TO USHAIA ✈️
For those who love overlanding, you can piece together a bus and ferry trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. It’ll take more than 50 hours to travel some 3,000 kilometres. Break it up by stopping in places like Puerto Madryn and Rio Gallegos along the way. Check BusBud for schedules and prices.
You could also do the same by car if you’d prefer to hire a car and do the drive yourself. Check car rentals here, and I have a full guide to car rentals in Argentina.
How to get around Ushuaia
Ushuaia itself is fairly small, so it’s easy to get around by foot or bike (it is a hilly city, though!). Many hotels and hostels have bikes for guests for free or for rent. I don’t think you need to rent a car here unless you plan to take longer day trips and you want the flexibility of driving yourself.
If you’re taking one of the many tours in Ushuaia, most include hotel pick-up. Check this before you book. If they don’t, your hotel or hostel can arrange a taxi.
Where to stay in Ushuaia
There are plenty of hotels in Ushuaia, covering a variety of price ranges.
- Luxury: The 5-star Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa will be hard to leave. With only 55 rooms it doesn’t have the feel of other large resorts. The resort has a jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna and Turkish steam bath. Check the latest rates and book a room at Booking.com or Expedia.
- Moderate: Ushuaia Lodge Las Margaritas 430 is a classic wooden chalet-style building with a lovely garden and terrace area. Some rooms have views of the Beagle Channel. Check availability online now at Booking.com.
- Budget: Guests rave about the friendly staff and location of Antarctica Hostel. The hostel has a mix of private rooms and dorms. There are cozy communal areas for reading, playing music or making new friends. Book a bed online at Booking.com.
Where to eat in Ushuaia
There are plenty of restaurants in Ushuaia, most serving local seafood or traditional Argentinian food. Here are some recommendations to add to your Ushuaia itinerary.
- Ramos Generales El Almacén – we ate here multiple times during our visit to Ushuaia. The food was homey and comforting, and the restaurant itself is gorgeously rustic. A must-eat!
- La Cabaña Casa de Té – when you’ve hiked up Martial Glacier, stop for a cup of tea at this cute tea house. In Argentina, I always recommend order a submarino, a hot chocolate which involves melting a bar of chocolate into a warm cup of milk.
- Kalma Resto – lamb is a specialty in Patagonia, so if it’s on the menu at Kalma, order it! Bonus: Leonardo DiCaprio ate here when filming The Revenant.
- Kaupé Restaurant – high-end, beautiful dining experience.
- María Lola – popular restaurant which is always buzzing.
- Dublín – even the end of the world can’t avoid an Irish pub! This place is cozy and fun for a night out or bite to eat.
- Don’t forget the centolla restaurants I recommended earlier in this article!
What to pack for your visit to Ushuaia
The weather in Ushuaia can change quickly, so come prepared. Here are a few things I’d recommend you pack when visiting Ushuaia.
- It’s cold in Ushuaia, even in summer, so pack a windbreaker like this one (for women) or this one for men.
- Good walking shoes – there are plenty of hills in Ushuaia town, and there are also some great hiking options around Ushuaia. I recommend these hiking boots (for women) and these for men (my husband has them and loves them).
- It may be chilly in Patagonia but the sun’s still strong, so don’t forget sunscreen!
- A hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
Visiting Ushuaia: Final thoughts
Often called the “End of the World”, Ushuaia is much more than a stopover on the way to Antarctica. Whether you’re hiking through Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing the Beagle Channel, spotting penguins or tackling one of the area’s many scenic trails, it’s one of Argentina’s best destinations for outdoor adventures.
While many travellers only spend a night or two here, I’d recommend staying at least three days to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. If you enjoy hiking or are visiting in winter, it’s easy to fill four or five days exploring everything the region has to offer.
I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do in Ushuaia and inspired you to spend a little longer in the world’s southernmost city. It was one of the highlights of my time in Patagonia, and I think you’ll quickly see why so many travellers fall in love with this remarkable corner of Argentina.
FAQs: Things to do in Ushuaia
Is Ushuaia suitable for families with children?
Yes, Ushuaia is family-friendly, with activities suitable for children such as the Train of the End of the World, interactive exhibits at the Maritime Museum and easy walking trails in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Do you need a car in Ushuaia?
No. The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and many tours include hotel pick-up. If you want the flexibility to visit places like Laguna Esmeralda or explore beyond the city at your own pace, renting a car can be worthwhile, but it’s not essential.
Is Ushuaia expensive?
Ushuaia is generally one of the more expensive destinations in Argentina, particularly when it comes to accommodation and organised tours. However, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down, including hiking independently, using public transport to Tierra del Fuego National Park and choosing self-catered accommodation.
Can you see penguins in Ushuaia?
Yes, but only during the breeding season, which typically runs from October to March. The best way to see penguins is on a tour to Martillo Island, where you’ll usually spot Magellanic penguins, and depending on the time of year, gentoo and king penguins.
Is Ushuaia worth visiting in winter?
Yes! If you enjoy snow sports and winter landscapes, Ushuaia is a fantastic destination between June and September. During winter, you can ski or snowboard at Cerro Castor, go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, take a husky sled ride or snowmobile tour, or simply enjoy the snow-covered scenery. While some hiking trails may be inaccessible without a guide, winter offers a completely different side of Ushuaia and is generally quieter than the busy summer season.
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Would you like to visit the end of the world to discover the best things to do in Ushuaia? Leave your questions or tips in the comments below.
Need help planning your Argentina trip? 🇦🇷
Feeling overwhelmed about planning your trip to Argentina? I get it. And I can help! I offer one-to-one travel consultation calls to help you plan your trip to Argentina. In an hour, we can map out a realistic itinerary or work through your specific questions so you can book an incredible trip. Save hours of your time with my local knowledge and expertise.
Read next
Before you go… you might like these Argentina travel articles:
- Argentina Itinerary Ideas From 1-4 Weeks
- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Argentina
- 50 Incredible Things to Do in Argentina
- The Most Amazing Places to Visit in Argentina
- The Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Argentina
- 3 Days in Buenos Aires: A First-Time Visitor’s Itinerary
ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner. I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Wise is my choice for sending and receiving money and spending money overseas (you can get a digital and physical card).
- Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours across Argentina with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- How to get around? I use DiscoverCars for car hire, or Motorhome Republic and Jucy for campervan/RV rental. For buses, trains and ferries, I use 12GO, Busbud and Omio.
- Grab an e-sim to stay connected while on the road.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language phrasebook to help you navigate your visit.
- Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags.
- Check out my Amazon shop for my fave travel items – everything from backpacks and suitcases to travel adapters and beauty products.
PIN IT FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN USHUAIA
Save this Ushuaia travel guide to Pinterest so you can plan your trip later!
Wow, this article is jam-packed with fantastic recommendations for exploring the incredible sights and activities in Ushuaia – it’s definitely a must-read for anyone planning a visit!
I’m glad somebody mentioned eating the king crab! That was definitely a fun memory for us. We ate at Freddy’s.
Same for us! I couldn’t believe how big they were!
Probably Ushuaia has one of the best views among other cities in the world, which compensates for its remoteness. Impressive images, Rebecca!
So remote and so beautiful!