Things to do in Ushuaia

Things to do in  Ushuaia

Patagonia’s final frontier

Boasting a thrilling blend of natural wonders, adventure, and the title of “Southernmost City in the World,” there’s no shortage of things to do in Ushuaia. To discover Beagle Channel's azure waters, embark on a captivating half-day cruise, where you'll encounter playful seals, penguin colonies, and majestic glaciers. Active travelers can explore hiker havens like Tierra del Fuego National Park, Esmeralda Lagoon, or Lake Escondido. For leisurely, family-friendly excitement, hop aboard the End of the World Train to discover the region's history and nature.

Top 15 attractions in Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park

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When travelers make their way to the far southern reaches of Argentina, chances are they’re heading into Tierra del Fuego National Park. The country’s only coastal national park protects the Andean-Patagonian forest, a land of peat bogs, beech forests, glistening lakes, remote beaches, and snow-capped peaks ideal for outdoor adventures.More

Beagle Channel

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The narrow Beagle Channel, separating Argentina's island chain of Tierra del Fuego to the north from remote Chilean islands to the south, serves as a waterway for the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. It’s also one of the most important bodies of water in South America.More

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

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Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is often mistaken for “The Lighthouse at the End of the World,” made famous by novelist Jules Verne. Verne was actually inspired by the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, further east, but it’s a fitting description nonetheless: Les Eclaireurs is the last landmark many sailors see as they sail south to Antarctica.More

Lapataia Bay

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With deserted beaches, rocky isles, and glittering waters, and bordered by the snow-capped peaks of the southern Andes, Lapataia Bay serves up some of Patagonia’s most enticing views. Located at the very end of the Pan-American Highway, it’s one of the many highlights of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.More

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

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For the ultimate end-of-the-earth adventure, ride the world’s southernmost train to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Leave from outside Ushuaia and follow the historic convict train route, passing beech forests, peat bogs, and reminders of the timber-felling worksites of Ushuaia prisoners from 1901 to 1941.More

Esmeralda Lagoon (Laguna Esmeralda)

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The Esmeralda Lagoon hike is a popular afternoon and evening activity just outside of Ushuaia. Set in a wide valley in the Fuegian Andes, Esmeralda Lagoon is ringed by native coihue and lenga forests. The hike traverses several peat bogs, which cover much of Tierra Del Fuego’s low-lying lands, before arriving at the shore of the lagoon.More

Lago Roca

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This glacial lake in the south of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego National Park entices outdoor enthusiasts with its fishing spots, Patagonian forest hikes, and shoreline campsites. Crossing the border into Chile, where it becomes Lago Errazuriz, the area is also a convenient launch point for wider Andean adventure.More

Lake Fagnano

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The largest lake on Tierra del Fuego Island, Lake Fagnano (or Lake Cami stretches more than 62 miles (100 kilometers, all the way across the Chilean border. Flanked by virgin Patagonian forest and rolling steppe to the north and the steep peaks of the Fuegian Andes to south, it’s a thrilling introduction to Patagonia’s wild landscapes.More

Estancia Harberton

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Overlooking the icy waters of Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton offers a glimpse into the history and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego. The oldest residence in the area, the still-working property dates back to 1887 when it was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges and remains in the hands of his descendants.More

Lake Escondido

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Argentinian Patagonia’s Lago Escondido (which translates as hidden lake) may no longer be a secret, but you'll still have to make an effort to get to this beautiful place. Glacier-fed, it glows turquoise, is ringed by the mountains of Tierra del Fuego (the land of fire), and is well worth the day trip from the world’s southernmost city.More

Ushuaia Maritime Museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio)

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In Ushuaia’s former prison, the Maritime Museum explores the significance of sailing and the sea in the southernmost city in the world. Antarctic explorations generally left from the city, and the museum offers insight into how polar expeditions took place in bygone years. It’s one of four museums housed within the old prison.More

End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)

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Celebrate your visit to the world’s southernmost city by exploring the End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo). The museum focuses on Ushuaia’s natural and Indigenous history, with collections of taxidermy, weaponry, furniture, and various mementos from travelers throughout history.More

Garibaldi Pass (Paso Garibaldi)

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The Garibaldi Pass, at just under 1,500 feet (450 meters) above sea level, is tame by mountain pass standards. The views, however, are anything but tame. A sweeping panorama takes in the 60-mile-long (97-kilometer-long) Lake Fagnano, the Magallanes-Fagnano fault between the Scotia and South American plates, and neighboring Chile.More

Acatushun Museum

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Devoted to studying the marine animals and birds of South America’s Tierra del Fuego region, the Acatushun Museum is an impressive testament to the region’s biodiversity. More than 4,000 specimens are on display in the natural history museum, including the complete skeleton of a humpback whale.More

Akatushun Museum (Museo Akatushun)

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Museo Akatushun on the grounds of Estancia Harberton serves as a base for ongoing scientific research into Tierra del Fuego’s dolphins and other wildlife. The collection includes skeletons of more than 2,700 marine mammals and 2,300 seabirds, as well as underwater tableaus with taxidermied animals.More

Trip ideas

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All about Ushuaia

When to visit

Cruise ships leave Ushuaia for Antarctica in the milder summer months (November to March), and this is also the most popular time for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, with average temperatures around 52℉ (11°C). Skiers who want to hit the world’s southernmost slopes will find the best snow from June through August, but prepare for biting winds and temperatures that peak around 34℉ (1°C).

Getting around

Local buses connect Ushuaia with many of the regional sights, but it’s often more convenient to hop in a taxi—local drivers double up as tour guides, providing a wealth of information on your chosen destination. The best views are from the water, and regular boat cruises head out along the Beagle Channel or to Punta Arenas. If you don’t mind adding on a mile or so, you can reach a number of hiking trails from town on foot.

Traveler tips

Once you’ve hiked to a glacier and cruised out to see the penguins on Martillo Island, join local fishermen for a crab-fishing tour and set sail in search of gigantic king crab (centolla). No luck catching your own? The regional delicacy stars on just about every menu in town, but Kaupé and Kalma restaurants serve some of the tastiest claws around.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

What is Ushuaia known for?

Known as the “city at the end of the world,” Ushuaia is Argentina’s southernmost city and the launchpad for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia is known for its spectacular glacial landscapes and wildlife, including the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and Martillo Island, famous for its Gentoo penguins.

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What can u do in Ushuaia?

The most popular things to do in Ushuaia include exploring the Tierra del Fuego National Park, wildlife-watching cruises along the Beagle Channel, and hiking the Martial Glacier. You can also ride the ‘Train to the End of the World’, admire the penguins on Martillo Island, or go skiing at Cerro Castor.

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How many days should I spend in Ushuaia?

Plan at least three days to visit Ushuaia and take in the surrounding attractions. Be sure to include a day trip to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a cruise along the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, and a ride on the ‘Train to the End of the World’.

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Is Ushuaia worth visiting?

Yes. Not only can you brag about visiting the ‘End of the World’ and the world’s southernmost city, but Ushuaia is the gateway to some of Argentina’s most spectacular scenery. Where else can you hike to glaciers, admire wild penguin colonies, go skiing, and catch a cruise to Antarctica?

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Is Ushuaia safe?

Yes. Ushuaia is generally regarded as one of Argentina’s safest cities for both locals and tourists, with very low reported crime rates. However, the region’s extreme weather can sometimes make conditions dangerous for driving and outdoor activities, so it’s important to stay alert and follow local guidelines.

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Is Ushuaia expensive?

Yes, Ushuaia can be quite expensive. Due to the city’s remote location and reliance on tourism, prices for food, accommodation, and tours may be higher than in other cities around Argentina, especially during peak season. However, for travelers accustomed to US and European prices, it is still a very affordable destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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