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A busy port and adventure hub, Ushuaia is a sliver of steep streets and jumbled buildings below the snowcapped Martial Range. Here the Andes meets the famed Beagle Channel in a sharp skid, making way for the city before reaching a sea of lapping currents.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Marítimo & Museo del Presidio

Museo Marítimo & Museo del Presidio

Convicts were transferred from Isla de los Estados to Ushuaia in 1906 to build this national prison, finished in 1920. The depressing cells, designed for…

Parque Yatana

Parque Yatana

Part art project, part urban refuge, this city block of lenga forest is being preserved from encroaching development. The forest, whose name in Yaghan…

Museo del Fin del Mundo

Museo del Fin del Mundo

Built in 1903, this former bank, close to the port, contains exhibits on Fuegian natural history, stuffed birdlife, photos of natives and early penal…

Casa Beban

Casa Beban was built between 1911 and 1913 using materials ordered from Sweden. It sometimes hosts local art exhibits. Guided tours are offered but aren't…

Iglesia de la Merced

Iglesia de la Merced

The century-old Iglesia de la Merced was built with convict labor. Don't make a special trip to see it, but if you pass by when strolling the main street…

Legislatura Provincial

Legislatura Provincial

The 1894 Legislatura Provincial was the governor’s official residence.

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Ushuaia in 5 days, the perfect itinerary

Discover things to do in the southernmost city of the American continent with this ideal itinerary to visit Ushuaia in 5 days based on our experience.

Located in the extreme south of the American continent, where the Andes Mountains plunge into the ocean, the city of Ushuaia is considered the southernmost city in the world . With its stunning natural beauty surrounding it, the city is one of the must-see destinations to visit in Patagonia Argentina .

Among the many activities to do in Ushuaia in 5 days are the exploration of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, navigation through the channels and fjords of the Beagle Channel, hiking on Patagonian lakes and the tour of the famous End of the World Train and the Presidio Museum.

We have designed this 5-day Ushuaia itinerary based on our experience visiting the city on more than one occasion. Don’t miss it!

🔎 You want to know the best time, the must-sees and how many days to dedicate to it. See our guide to travel to Ushuaia .

Table of Contents

Detailed itinerary in Ushuaia in 5 days

Day 1 : Downtown and Martial Glacier

Day 2 : Tierra del Fuego National Park and Train to the End of the World

Day 3 : Beagle Channel Navigation

Day 4 : Escondido and Fagnano Lake Excursion

Day 5 : Trekking to the Esmeralda Lagoon

Day 1: downtown and Martial Glacier

A good way to start your visit to Ushuaia is to visit the Martial Glacier , a destination easily accessible from the center of the city of Ushuaia, since it is only seven kilometers away and you can reach the base by cab or car . Also, above the base there is a beautiful tea house with prices a little high, but the environment where it is located is worth a stop for a snack or a bite to eat.

The climb from the base to the viewpoint takes about two hours in total . The slope is quite steep and requires medium physical effort. We recommend wearing trekking shoes as the ground becomes slippery with the presence of snow in winter.

The viewpoint is really impressive with the view of the city of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel in the background . It is worth the effort.

In winter, the ski center operates at Cerro Martial. There is a school where you can even take classes. Skiing down the mountain slopes overlooking the city is breathtaking.

📷 Book here the Martial Glacier trekking which includes guide, lunch, transfers and trekking equipment.

View from Martial Glacier to Beagle Channel

In the afternoon and after the effort, we recommend a stroll through downtown Ushuaia so as not to get too tired in view of the activities of the following days.

The Presidio Museum with extended hours (admits visitors until 19:30) is a fabulous place to explore the history of the city and especially of the so-called End of the World Prison, where highly dangerous prisoners were sent to survive in extreme conditions. There are many stories that the guide can tell you about some of these characters such as Petiso Orejudo or Mateo Banks .

In the same area you can visit the  Ushuaia Maritime Museum ,  Maritime Art Museum   and  Antarctic Museum , referring to the history that links the local inhabitants with the sea. You can also learn more about the first settlers of Ushuaia.

In addition, we recommend a walk along San Martin Street , which is home to countless shops, restaurants, cafes and the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Parish Church, and go to the waterfront to take a picture with the sign of the End of the World .

📷 Book here the panoramic tour of Ushuaia by bus .

The first day we recommend dinner at the Taberna del Viejo Lobo , a place excellently set in the prison at the End of the World and with a beautiful naval decoration. Here you can eat pasta, fish and meat. Portions are always abundant.

Church in the center of the city of Ushuaia

On the second day in Ushuaia it is time to start enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds the city, more precisely to enter the Tierra del Fuego National Park .

This large protected area includes forests with lush vegetation , the presence of animals such as beavers and turquoise water lakes. There are many trails that you can walk through the park, we especially recommend you to go to the Acigami Lake viewpoint, and do the coastal trail , the most popular one.

This trail is one of the most beautiful as it runs along the coast of the Beagle Channel from Ensenada Zaratiegui Bay to Lapataia Bay . The first is where the Post Office of the End of the World is located, a stone beach and a parking lot. The trail ends at the RN3, very close to the Alakush Visitor Center. It takes about 3 hours to walk it.

To enter the Tierra del Fuego National Park you must pay a fee, which varies if you are an Argentine resident or a foreigner. Updated prices can be found on the official website of the national parks .

There are many activities that can be done in Tierra del Fuego National Park, we recommend the excursion with trekking in the park , or the one that includes trekking and a canoe ride on Lake Acigami .

The best is to combine in the same day the visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park and the End of the World Train, since the last station of the train is inside the national park. The last station of the train is located inside the national park and can be linked with hikes and different trails.

The End of the World Train follows the route that prisoners used to take between the prison and Mount Susana to collect firewood and other materials. Nowadays, replicas of the wagons and machinery used at the beginning of the 20th century are still preserved and the route is only used for tourist purposes.

In the evening, we make the second recommendation where to eat in Ushuaia. This is El Viejo Marino , the reference place to eat fresh spider crab in the city. However, it is advisable to go early because it is very crowded and they do not make reservations in advance. We were there around 9 pm, that is a good time to enter without waiting in line.

Trail through Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia

Day 3 Beagle Channel Navigation

Undoubtedly, in a 5-day itinerary through Ushuaia, navigation through the Beagle Channel is a must. The tour, in most cases, includes the lighthouse of Les Éclaireurs , wrongly called the lighthouse of the end of the world, the island of sea lions and the island of birds with birds such as seagulls and albatrosses.

It is a nice ride to enjoy from the beginning , since you can see the entire coastal area of the city and then when the boat enters the Beagle Channel you begin to observe marine fauna and small islands inhabited by animals.

Among the excursions we recommend are:

  • Traditional tour of the lighthouse, bird island and wolf island . In this case, you do not get off the boat at any time. It is the cheapest excursion to navigate the Beagle Channel.
  • Traditional tour plus the penguin colony of Isla Martillo . In this case, we add to the previous excursion the observation of the Magellanic penguin colonies on Martillo Island.
  • Tour of the lighthouse, Alicia Island to see fur seals, Bird Island and Wolf Island . In this case, a trekking route through the latter island is made.

In all cases, the excursions usually last as long as maximum about five hours . There is still time to stroll around downtown, take a picture with the Ushuaia sign on the waterfront, go shopping at the Paseo del Fuego shopping mall, or just relax with a good coffee and something sweet (for this we recommend Tante Sara with excellent cakes).

Navigation around the Lighthouse at the End of the World

In the evening, we recommend eating at Isabel . You may have already tried it in El Calafate, they are from the same owner, but if not it is worth it. It is food prepared on plow discs with a delicious taste, there is a great variety of beef, chicken, pork and fish. The portions are very abundant, even for sharing between two.

Day 4 Excursion to Escondido and Fagnano lakes

On the fourth day in Ushuaia it is time to head towards the interior of the province of Tierra del Fuego to visit one of the most beautiful and largest lakes in the Argentine Patagonia . This large body of water is shared by Chile and Argentina, it is Lake Fagnano .

Very close to it is the small Escondido Lake . In both cases they are surrounded by the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian forest.

There are two ways to make the excursion to Lake Fagnano and Escondido:

  • By bus with stops at the viewpoints Valle Carbajal and Garibaldi Pass . It is the cheapest excursion .
  • On a 4×4 excursion : a unique experience as you will travel on dirt road, surrounded by the Patagonian landscape.

It should be clarified that both excursions can only be done in Ushuaia in summer , since due to weather conditions and the presence of ice and snow, they cannot be done in winter.

In the evening, we recommend dinner at Ramos Generales El Almacén . Decorated as an old still life with antique objects, here you can drink mate, have a snack or eat. We recommend you try the lamb ravioli, exquisite.

Reflection of the mountains on Lake Fagnano in Ushuaia

Day 5 trekking to the esmeralda lagoon

On the last day in Ushuaia it is time to make a moderate effort to reach a lake of green water, the Esmeralda Lagoon .

It is a two-hour trek through forests to reach this true paradise. Although it can be done most of the year, it is advisable to do it during the summer , since the rest of the year, due to the thaw and the ice, it becomes slippery and muddy. In any case, good trekking boots are essential to do so.

Although it can be done on your own since the trail is well marked, there is an excursion that includes transportation to the trailhead, guide and lunch .

The last dinner you can have at La Estancia grill to taste the Patagonian lamb or have a free fork and try different types of meats.

The list of activities to do in Ushuaia is much more numerous such as a helicopter ride , a trip to Castor Hill or scuba diving in the Beagle Channel. If you want to stay more days, you won’t get bored.

Laguna Esmeralda with the Andes Mountains in the background

Where to stay in Ushuaia

If you are looking for accommodation in the city, we made an article with our recommendations on where to stay in Ushuaia for all budgets. Don’t miss it!

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Ushuaia Itinerary in 5 days

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Ushuaia, the provincial capital and tourism hub for the whole of Tierra del Fuego , lies in the far south of Isla Grande. Dramatically situated between the mountains – among them Cerro Martial and Monte Olivia – and the sea, the city tumbles, rather chaotically, down the hillside to the encircling arm of land that protects its bay from the southwesterly winds and occasional thrashing storms of the icy Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is primarily a convenient base for exploring the rugged beauty of the lands that border the channel, a historically important sea passage, but be warned that it exploits tourism to the full – prices vary between high and astronomical.

Brief history of Ushuaia

Getting to ushuaia, ushuaia travel information and tours, accommodation in ushuaia, eating in ushuaia, places to visit in and around ushuaia.

Puerto Williams lies just across the channel, on the southern (Chilean) side of the strait, and there are other trips as well: to historic Estancia Harberton and its small penguin colony, and to nearby Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. In winter, there’s decent skiing in the Sierra Alvear region north of town; in warmer seasons, it’s also good for trekking.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Argentina, created by local experts

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The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

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In 1869, Reverend Waite Stirling became Tierra del Fuego’s first white settler when he founded his Anglican mission among the Yámana communities here; the city takes its name from the Yámana language, and means something akin to “bay that stretches towards the west”. Stirling stayed for six months, before being recalled to the Islas Malvinas/Falklands Islands to be appointed Anglican bishop for South America. Thomas Bridges, his assistant, took over the mission in 1871, after which Ushuaia began to figure on mariners’ charts as a place of refuge in the event of shipwreck. Bridges went on to found the first estancia in Tierra del Fuego. A modest monument to the achievements of the early missionaries can be found where the first mission stood, on the south side of Ushuaia Bay.

The penal colony

In 1884, Commodore Augusto Lasserre raised the Argentine flag over Ushuaia for the first time, formally incorporating the area into the Argentine Republic. From 1896, in order to consolidate its sovereignty and open up the region to wider colonization, the Argentine state established a penal colony here. Forced convict labour was used for developing the settlement’s infrastructure and for logging the local forests to build the town, but the prison had a reputation as the “Siberia of Argentina” and Perón closed it in 1947.

Ushuaia today

Nowadays, Ushuaia has a quite different reputation: the most populous, and popular, city in Tierra del Fuego, it depends largely on its thriving tourist industry, capitalizing on the beauty of its natural setting. You’ll soon catch on that this is the world’s most southerly resort, allowing you to amass claims to fame galore – golf on the world’s most southerly course, a ride on the world’s most southerly train, and so on. Ushuaia has plenty of sites worthy of a visit on their own merits, but unfortunately tourism has been allowed to develop with scant regard for the unique character of the town, and has changed it almost beyond recognition. At certain moments you can still get a sense of the otherworldliness that used to make Ushuaia special, but if you are coming expecting a Chatwin-esque frontier town, you will be disappointed.

The international airport, Malvinas Argentinas , is 4km southwest of town. There’s no public transport; a taxi to the centre costs around $250. The Aerolíneas Argentinas office is at Maipú and 9 de Julio, and LADE is at Av San Martín 542.

There’s no single bus terminal; buses depart from their respective company offices. Buses Pacheco and Bus Sur (book both through Tolkeyen at San Martín 409) and Tecni Austral (book through Tolkar at Roca 157) run to Punta Arenas via Río Grande and Tolhuin; Bus Sur carries on to Puerto Natales ; Río Gallegos is served by Taqsa , also via Río Grande and Tolhuin; change in Río Gallegos for buses to El Calafate. These timetables are for the Nov–March period; out of season, services are reduced drastically.

Avis and Hertz have offices at the airport. Most companies do not permit you to take your rental car out of Argentina . Roads are fairly reliable Oct to early May; outside this period, carry snow chains and drive with caution.

Cruceros Australis operates luxury cruises between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, with three-, four-, seven- and eight-day trips, including one retracing the route of Charles Darwin.

Tourist information

The tourist office is opposite the Muelle Turístico . There’s also a smaller branch at the airport.

Trekking and climbing information

Serious trekkers and climbers should contact the Club Andino Ushuaia , at Leandro N. Alem 2873, which can advise on longer treks outside the normally visited areas of the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego and put you in touch with qualified guides. Register here or at the tourist office before embarking on any independent trek or climb.

Canal Fun & Nature and Rumbo Sur offer a range of tours and day- trips, from kayaking and beaver-spotting to horseriding and dog-sledding. Birding Ushuaia provides birding-, wildlife- and nature-focused tours in and around Ushuaia, the national park, Estancia Harberton and the region as a whole.

In order to boast that you have been to the end of the world to ski or snowboard, you’ll need to visit between late May and early September – June to August are the most reliable months. Most runs are for beginners and intermediates, but several companies, such as Gotama Expediciones offer guided back-country skiing for the more advanced. Equipment rental is reasonable and there are a couple of downhill ( esqui alpino ) pistes close to Ushuaia: the small Club Andino, 3km from town, and the more impressive one up by Glaciar Martial, 7km away.

Better runs are to be had, however, in the Sierra Alvear, the resorts of which are accessed from the RN-3. These include the modern Cerro Castor centre, 27km from Ushuaia, with 15km of pistes in runs, including a few black ones, up to 2km long. The Sierra Alvear is also an excellent area for cross-country skiing ( esqui de fondo or esqui nórdico ). In addition, there are several winter-sports centres ( centros invernales ) along the Valle Tierra Mayor where you can try out snowmobiles, snowshoes, ice-skating and dog-sled trips ( trineos de perros ), including Valle de Lobos and Nunatak. Bear in mind that winter this far south entails short days, and it can be bitterly cold.

Antarctic cruises

Ushuaia lies 1000km north of Antarctica but is still the world’s closest port to the white continent. Most tourists pass through the city to make their journey across Drake’s Passage, the wild stretch of ocean that separates it from South America; the two-day crossing is notoriously rough.

The grandeur of Antarctica’s pack ice, rugged mountains and phenomenal bird and marine life will leave you breathless: whales, elephant and fur seals, albatrosses and numerous species of penguin. Kayaking, hiking, Zodiac boat trips and diving are among the activities on offer.

Regular cruise ships depart from November to March and most cruises last 8–21 days. Some of the longer cruises also stop at the South Atlantic islands (Islas Malvinas/ Falklands, South Georgia, the South Orkneys, Elephant Island and the South Shetlands) en route. Some ships are huge, carrying 500 passengers or more; travellers generally report a better experience on smaller vessels, plus the biggest ships are banned from landing passengers on Antarctica.

As an alternative to the cruises, several agencies, including Quark, also offer packages in which you fly from Punta Arenas (Chile) to Antarctica, explore by Zodiac boat for several days, and then fly back.

Booking a cruise

Cruises are very expensive, but you can sometimes get last-minute discounts (bringing trips to around US$4000/person in some cases) in Ushuaia, especially on the newest ships and on the companies’ last cruises of the season. Ushuaia’s Oficina Antártica, next to the tourist office, has details of current sailings and can advise on what each trip involves. Otherwise, try contacting the following agencies: Antarpply ; Canal Fun & Nature ; Rumbo Sur ; or Puerto Williams-based Sim Expeditions .

Whoever you book with, make sure they are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel.

Recommended cruise companies

  • Polar Latitudes Excellent operator with luxurious, 100-passenger ships and a range of itineraries lasting 11–22 days; the three-week voyage taking in the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula is highly recommended. Kayaking, camping on the ice and an extensive “citizen science” programme (including penguin surveys, whale migration mapping and microplastics tests) are among the activities on offer.
  • Quark Expeditions Offers a range of cruises, lasting 11–23 days; prices start at around US$7700 per person. Some vessels take as few at twelve passengers, giving you a more private and intimate experience, though you have to pay more for this privilege.

Ushuaia has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and hostels, many of which are clustered along the first four streets parallel to the bay. Nonetheless, most get booked up in the height of summer, and all are expensive. The most attractive options tend to be up the mountainside on the road to Glaciar Martial, west towards the national park, or on the northeastern outskirts; some of these have shuttle buses into the centre.

The city centre has plenty of places to eat or grab a coffee, but many are tourist traps. You’ll get better-quality food at lower prices – and, often as not, breathtaking views into the bargain – if you move around a bit. The quality of cuisine in Ushuaia is generally pretty high and there are several places where you can splash out on a memorable meal and sample the local gastronomic pride, centolla . Prices are high; those on a tight budget should consider self-catering.

Antigua Casa de Gobierno

The best place to start exploring Ushuaia is down by the pier, the Muelle Turístico (Tourist Dock), where an obelisk commemorates Augusto Lasserre’s ceremony to assert Argentine sovereignty in this part of the world. Overlooking the sea from the other side of the street is the late nineteenth-century Antigua Casa de Gobierno, originally the governor’s house before being used by the local government and then the police. It has been restored to reflect its original use, so you get an idea of how the wealthy would have lived in Ushuaia’s early years.

Museo del Fin del Mundo

The worthwhile Museo del Fin del Mundo , a five-minute walk from the Antigua Casa de Gobierno, has exhibits on the region’s history and wildlife, including the polychrome figurehead of the Duchess of Albany , an English ship wrecked on the eastern end of the island in 1883, and a rare example of a Selk’nam–Spanish dictionary.

Museo Marítimo y Presidio

Ushuaia’s former prison is now the must-visit Museo Marítimo y Presidio , and houses a motley collection of exhibits, including meticulous scale-models of famous ships from the island’s history in the maritime section as you first enter. The prison building itself, though, is the main draw, an example of the panopticon style popularized by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, its wings radiating out like spokes from a half-wheel, most of which have now been opened to the public.

The cells in wing four are complete with gory details of the notorious criminals who occupied them, and details of prison life, with informative panels in Spanish and English. The most celebrated prisoner was early twentieth-century anarchist Simón Radowitzsky, whose miserable stay and subsequent brief escape in 1918 are recounted by Bruce Chatwin in In Patagonia.

Upstairs, fairly dry displays tell something of Antarctica and the history of its exploration, as well as prisons around the world. Wing three has been given over to an art museum and a gift shop, while wing two contains an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions.

Finally, wing one, which has not been restored and contains no exhibits at all, is perhaps the most interesting – the unheated and bare cells with peeling walls are quite spooky, and give something of an idea of what it must have been like to have been locked up or working here.

Antigua Casa Bebán

Southwest of the centre, the Antigua Casa Bebán is a pavilion-style building with

a steep roof and ornamental gabling prefabricated in Sweden in 1913. It hosts exhibitions of photos and artwork, as well as occasional films, and is the venue for the Ushuaia Jazz Festival every November.

Glaciar Martial

For first-rate Beagle Channel views, head up to the hanging (and fast receding) Glaciar Martial. A chairlift (currently closed) runs from beside the Cumbres del Martial hotel, which has a great tearoom. During the winter, Glaciar Martial offers the closest decent skiing to Ushuaia. Canopy tours are on offer in peak season.

Beagle Channel

No trip to Ushuaia is complete without a voyage on the legendary Beagle Channel, the majestic, mountain-fringed sea passage south of the city. Most boat excursions start and finish in Ushuaia, and you get the best views of town looking back at it from the strait. Standard trips visit Isla Bridges, Isla de los Pájaros and Isla de los Lobos, looping around Faro Les Eclaireurs, sometimes erroneously called the Lighthouse at the End of the World – that title belongs to the beacon at the tip of Isla de los Estados – on their way back. Look out for the black-browed albatross, the thick-set giant petrel, southern skuas and the South American tern, as well as marine mammals such as sea lions, Peale’s dolphin, and the occasional minke whale.

Top image: A view of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego © ocphoto/Shutterstock

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Andy Turner

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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  • Travel advice

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 The area
  • 1.2 History
  • 1.3 Climate
  • 1.4 Tourist office
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.4 By boat
  • 3.2 By taxi
  • 4.1 Buildings
  • 4.2 Memorials
  • 4.3 Museums
  • 7.2 Mid-range
  • 7.3 Splurge
  • 9.2 Mid-range
  • 9.3 Splurge
  • 11 Stay safe
  • 12 Stay healthy

ushuaia argentina travel

Straddling the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia [dead link] is the largest city in Argentine Tierra del Fuego island, with about 75,000 residents (2019). It is 3,260 km south of Buenos Aires . It lays claim to the title "the southernmost city in the world". Puerto Williams, across the channel in Chile, also claims this title, but has only about 3,000 residents.

Ushuaia has been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base for the Argentine navy. Ushuaia is now a major tourist town, complete with casinos and nice restaurants, and commonly used as a base for hiking, winter sports and cruises to Antarctica .

Understand [ edit ]

Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, itself the eastern half of Tierra del Fuego island (and archipelago) in the southern tip of South America. The city has been transformed from a sleepy village to a lively tourist center, so you will not feel quite like you are at the end of the world. The scenic landscape around the city, with good outdoor sports including one of the southernmost winter sport resorts in the world complete with a view to the sea, make Ushuaia a place worth visiting.

The area [ edit ]

Ushuaia is east-west elongated city crushed between the Andes foothills to the north (which do not run north-south at this latitude) and the Beagle Channel to the south. Its sole road connection is "Ruta 3" which traverses the city from west to east and later drifts north-east across the Andes and all the way to Buenos Aires.

Consequently, Ushuaia's tourist attractions are either to the west (End of the World Train & National Park), to the east (Fagnano Lake, Harberton ranch and lots of hiking trails), within the city (Presidio Museum, Martial Glacier or the Beagle boat tours).

The city borders one of the southernmost legs of the Andes and has several urban centers. The mall is about 2 km long and stretches from the freight port past the Avenida Alem (National Road 3). East of downtown there is the industrial area, and the western side is dominated by residential buildings and the airport. Most hotels and resorts, particularly at the upper end of the price scale are on the road to the Martial Glacier.

ushuaia argentina travel

History [ edit ]

Prior to the late 19th century, the land that is now called Ushuaia was inhabited entirely by Yámana (or Yaghan) people and a handful of missionaries. Due to outbreaks of typhus, pertussis and measles, by 1911, the Yámana had effectively disappeared; as of 2017, there was allegedly one pure-blooded native-speaking Yámana left, a woman who lives in Chile.

In the late 19th century, the Argentine government established a penal colony in Ushuaia intended for repeat offenders, serious criminals and some political prisoners, following similar examples by the French and British. The prison population became forced colonists who spent most of their time chopping down the now-protected lenga trees, which they used to build the town. The prison was shut down in 1947, and is now the Museo Maritimo. The railway to the settlement has become the Tren del Fin del Mundo.

Today the town is growing fast as a result of increased tourism since the 2002 economic crash. The government has encouraged this growth by designating Tierra del Fuego a virtually tax-free zone to encourage people to settle; many of the inhabitants of today's Ushuaia come from Chaco, in the north of Argentina. The cost of living, however, is relatively high as all goods have to be transported long distances, usually by container ship.

Climate [ edit ]

Climate-wise, Ushuaia is warmer than many assume; it is no further south than Belfast is north, and temperatures rarely drop below -10°C. However, it is still cooler and more unstable than on the drier northern half of the island. In the summer, there are hardly any clear days: On most days there are sun, clouds and short rain showers, with temperatures around +15°C. There is daylight from 04:30 to 22:30 The winters are somewhat clearer, with temperatures around -2°C, a lot of snow, and little daylight, the sun is only up from 10:00 to 17:00 The ski resorts have snow from May to early November. As in all of southern Argentina, strong winds add a significant wind chill factor.

If you plan to hike, you should have weatherproof clothing, and even if you are just visiting the city, you will need both a pullover and a jacket even in the summer months of January and February. In January, the city is full of domestic tourists (which means you should book your accommodation beforehand). There are fewer visitors from mid-February until the start of the ski season in June.

Tourist office [ edit ]

There are several tourist offices. Aside of the central one on the main street (which is closed, the nearest is in the port next to the 'end of the world' sign) there are smaller ones on the airport and the port.

  • -54.8074 -68.3078 1 Central Tourist Office , San Martín 674 ( corner of Juana Fadul ), ☏ +54 2901 424550 , +54 2901 432001 , fax : +54 2901 432000 , [email protected] . free WiFi, toilets  

Get in [ edit ]

You can get there by plane in three and a half hours in a non-stop flight from Buenos Aires, or you can go by car, but it is a long trip (about four days travelling on desert roads). You can also go on a cruise ship.

By plane [ edit ]

There is one major airport serving the city:

By bus [ edit ]

Buses from all destinations except Puerto Natales stop at Rio Gallegos . It can be cheaper to buy a ticket to Rio Gallegos and purchase an onward ticket from there. The ride from Rio Gallegos costs AR$1,300 and involves crossing into Chile and taking a ferry across the Magellan Strait. There are three daily departures and the journey is advertised as taking around 12 hours, but it is often much longer in practice.

By car [ edit ]

Argentine National Route 3 connects Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, ending at the Tierra del Fuego National Park . Tierra del Fuego is an island, and the route requires crossing into Chile and taking a ferry to cross the Magellan Strait. There are two ferries connecting Tierra del Fuego to the South American mainland: a short crossing at Punta Delgada at the northernmost point of the island and a longer crossing from Punta Arenas in Chile to Porvenir on the island's west coast.

By boat [ edit ]

A number of cruise ships stop at Ushuaia, either as an attraction or as the destination.

  • Cruceros Australis , ☏ +54 11-5199-6697 , +1-305-695-9618 , toll-free: +1-877-678-3772 (U.S.) . 4-night cruise from Punta Arenas . Excursions in Ainsworth Bay and Tuckers islets to view sea lions, penguins and other wildlife. Travels through the Beagle and Murray channels, stopping at the Pía Glacier and Wulaia Bay. Also stops at Cabo de Hornos National Park , the last piece of land before Antarctica. 7-night Punta Arenas–Ushuaia–Punta Arenas cruises (including a day tour of Ushuaia) also available. 4-night cruise from US$2,148 .  

Get around [ edit ]

Map

There are city buses within Ushuaia, but they reach few of the tourist attractions. They are good to get to Playa Larga, for example, or from one part of the centre to another, along the east/west axis. The bus lines are nowadays labelled with letters, though the former route numbers may still be visible at some bus stops. The bus fare is AR$6.80 as of 2017, and the system to pay is the SUBE card, the same as for other big cities in Argentina.

Tours/transport to the main tourist attractions can be booked through the Tourist Office (on San Martin) or through many of the hostels.

Regular minivans leave for the National Park (first van 08:00), Glaciar Martial, the trailhead of Laguna Esmeralda or other places from a parking lot at the corner of Maipu and Fadul. To catch one, turn up at the lot, pay for your return ticket and you will informed of the pickup times to catch the minivan back. The cost for a return ticket to the national park is AR$850 (Nov 2019), excluding the entry fee, Laguna Esmeralda AR$300, and Glacier Martial AR$150. In the case of Glacier Martial a return taxi for 2 passengers is cheaper than the minivan and more flexible as there are usually taxis waiting for passengers at the Glacier base that can take you back immediately rather than waiting for a van.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are another option, costing, for example, AR$250 to get from the city centre to the airport and AR$130 to the Glaciar Martial. There are plenty of taxis and remises , the fares being somewhat higher than in Buenos Aires. Taxis use the meter and are generally a trustworthy option.

There are also several car and bicycle rental companies. Be aware that in Ushuaia, all vehicles on hillside streets automatically have the right-of-way. In most places there are signs, but even if there isn't, this rule still applies. This is intended to prevent accidents due to ice and snow on the steep mountain roads.

See [ edit ]

ushuaia argentina travel

There aren't really any architectural sights in Ushuaia. The city is modern, but the architecture is Scandinavian and positively different from other cities in southern Argentina.

Buildings [ edit ]

  • -54.80637 -68.30385 1 Casa de Gobierno , San Martín . The local government building is a strange mixture of functionalism with Alpine elements and is hard to miss.  

Memorials [ edit ]

  • -54.8103 -68.3157 3 Plaza Malvinas , Maipú ( on the seafront ). Monument to the Falkland Islands War of 1982. These islands are called the Islas Malvinas in Argentina.  
  • -54.8635 -68.4828 4 Mastil de General Belgrano ( accessible by boat from Playa Larga ). A remote area west of the city of Ushuaia on Isla Redonda, paying tribute to one of the founders of Argentina, and to the navy cruiser named after him which was sunk by the UK in the Falklands War. It was a stop on one of the televised Amazing Race contests, and features a one-person post office for sending letters from the end of the world. ~$100 .  

Museums [ edit ]

  • -54.80376 -68.29665 5 Museo Marítimo , Yagones and Gobernador Paz . Located in an old prison, this is four museums in one. The maritime museum displays a collection of the history of Tierra del Fuego. One wing has been converted to an art gallery named Museo de Arte Marino featuring the work of local artists. There is also an Antarctic museum and, of course, a museum of the prison. adults $120, students $70, family ticket $250 .  
  • -54.80634 -68.30133 6 Museo del Fin del Mundo , Maipú 173 . The museum exists in two separate buildings on Av. Maipu a few blocks apart. Highlights include the largest exhibited collection of birds from Tierra del Fuego, the figurehead of the Duchess of Albany (a sunken vessel), and a library dedicated to the history and nature of Tierra del Fuego. Admission AR$3000, cash only .  

Do [ edit ]

ushuaia argentina travel

It’s a city that has charm in every season, in winter the weather is very cold, but it is the best season to practice skiing and other mountain sports, such as sledging by Siberian dogs and biking snowmobiles. The most important place to practice skiing is “Beaver Hill”, where you can enjoy this sport and also a typical meal or a rich chocolate to soothe the cold. In the city you can visit the museum of the jail where they used to take the most dangerous criminals.

In summer the temperature can reach 20 °C allowing us to enjoy the greenery. In summer you can hike, climb hills and visit the “Esmeralda” lagoon (in winter is difficult to reach because of the snow). Biking is difficult because the streets have many slopes. During the summer you can enjoy the landscape and get to places which are not accessible in winter due to the snow. There are many things to do. A highlight is a train tour called “The train where the world ends”; you can visit the national park “Tierra del Fuego”, where you can see “The Green Lagoon” and the “Black Lagoon”, which owe their color to the local flora. You can have a picnic on “Roca Lake” and watch a lot of rabbits. Another nice activity is to take a boat trip in The Beagle Channel, visiting The Birds Island and the “Lighthouse where the world ends”.

Summer [ edit ]

The area around Ushuaia is excellent for hiking and there are several marked paths. The most popular one leads up to the Glaciar Martial, a 1300-m-high snow covered peak with a small glacier and a spectacular view of the city and the surroundings. If you are going up the mountain you need sturdy and waterproof shoes - the path is steep and often slippery. You can pick up a map in the tourist office which is sufficient for shorter and popular hikes.

For serious hiking you should invest in the "Ushuaia Trekking Map," which can be purchased for around AR$230 at many stores downtown. You can head to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, 12 km west of Ushuaia, or hike the valleys around Estancia Haberton (where many paths aren't marked).

  • -54.69 -68.129 1 Laguna Esmeralda ( about 15km northeast ). Before 15:00 . It's a short but muddy hike from the highway through peat bogs to get there, but the stunning lake is worth it. The colour of the water changes with the time of day. Try to be there before noon, which is when the majority of tourists start pouring in. Free .  
  • -54.784 -68.406 2 Hike the Glaciar Martial . Provided that you wear comfortable shoes and have the patience, a hike up the Glaciar Martial will provide a very beautiful view of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. There is also a single ski slope open during the winter months, and ski rentals are available from the site.  
  • Mountain biking . The downhill trails are not to be underestimated: Bring your stamina. Club Andino sells mountain biking guidebooks with rough maps and trail descriptions. Mountain bikes can be rented at the Alamo car rental at Belgrano 96.  
  • -54.833 -68.453 3 Ushuaia Golf Club . West of town just before the entrance to the National Park, this is probably the southernmost golf course in the world.  
  • -54.8334 -68.4238 4 Tren del Fin del Mundo ( west of town just before the entrance to the National Park ). The "train to the end of the world" is a pleasant 45-minute train ride with an audioguide into the park on a narrow gauge railway rebuilt on part of the roadbed of the old logging train. The train line operated from 1909 to 1952, transporting timber and other material in the penal colony, and reopened in 1994 as a tourist train. You won't get very good views of the park but train enthusiasts in particular will enjoy the ride. The train also stops for about 15 minutes at a station in the middle of the journey, just long enough to take the 5 minute walk to the waterfall, or buy a drink and take a picture with the employees dressed as prison inmates. AR$1800 .  
  • Parque del Tierra del Fuego . Just go to the "bus station" (next to the Tourist Information office) and ask for a ticket (see getting around section on this page) Get out at the second stop (number one being the ticket office) and do the long seaside walk. Do not spend too much time there though, make sure you do it in three hours. Have a cup of coffee at the refuge and then head down to the Policia Nacional and do the round routes (route number 1, 3 and 6 are the best). Hop on the last bus at 19:00 (make sure you don't miss it or you will have to travel "a dedo" back to Ushuaia). ( updated Feb 2016 )

Water [ edit ]

  • -54.857 -68.203 5 Beagle Channel . Catamaran trips will take you around the Beagle Channel and give you nice views of the mountains, cormorants, penguins, orcas, seals and sea lions. Make sure that your guide is English speaking before booking a trip.  
  • Kayak the Beagle Channel . Kayaks with a guide can be hired near the Aeroparque on the promontory jutting out from Ushuaia.  
  • Motonave Barracuda Sail . Ship trips will take you around the Beagle channel and give you nice views of the mountains, cormorants, sea lions and penguins.  
  • Ushuaia Divers located in the AFASIN Yacht Club , L.N.Alem 4509 , ☏ +54 9 2901 61-9782 (Carlos Giuggia) , [email protected] . US$150 + AR$40 for 2 dives .  

Winter [ edit ]

In the winter, the area turns into a large ski resort. In Ushuaia there are two pistes on Glacial Martial, both with sea view.

  • -54.716 -68.019 6 Cerro Castor ( 20 km to the northwest ). If you want more, this centre for winter sports offers alpine and cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Nearby in Las Cotorras you can also ride snowcats or husky sleighs.  

Buy [ edit ]

The main shopping district of Ushuaia is near the waterfront, mostly on San Martín. There is a smaller center west of the city, north of the airport, where the locals mainly shop.

Prices in Ushuaia are higher than central Argentina, but there is no sales tax (IVA). Furthermore, due to low tariffs on imports in Tierra del Fuego, imported goods (electronics) are a comparative bargain. There is a duty free store on San Martín that sells perfume, alcohol and cigarettes, but keep an eye on the prices as some items may be cheaper elsewhere.

While Antarctic travelers should arrive with proper gear already in their possession, quality winter gear including boots, coats, and other necessities — as well as souvenirs — can be purchased from a variety of shops.

There are also souvenir shops, such as La abuela Oma, La ultima Vita and Fin del Mundo.

The Paseo del Fuego Shopping Center is a largish modern shopping mall featuring a cineplex showing first-run movies in English and Spanish, providing an additional option for rainy-day activities.

Eat [ edit ]

Highlight are lamb, crabs and other seafood dishes. Most Ushuaia restaurants are centrally-located, clustered around San Martín and Maipú. The western part of the city offers affordable rotiserías (pre-made/fast food) with standard Argentine dishes such as pizza and empanadas.

Seafood and meat dishes are very typical, as fruit and vegetables have to be transported from thousands of kilometers away and, as such, are rarely tasty and rather expensive. Be sure to try the centolla ( king crab ) for price around AR$350.

Regarding restaurants: Las cotorras, Mostacho, Chichilo, Tante Sara, all located in the city center, and many others in the outskirts of the city. As to the chocolate houses: La Laguna Negra and El Turista, where you can enjoy a rich hot chocolate with various cakes of different flavors.

Budget [ edit ]

  • -54.80675 -68.30813 1 Barcleit 1912 , Juana Fadul 148 , ☏ +54 2901 43-3015 . Small restaurant with a variety of local dishes and a few unconventional options. Try the pizza alemana with mustard and sausage.  
  • -54.80714 -68.30781 2 [dead link] Tante Sara , San Martín 701 , ☏ +54 2901 43-3710 . Su-Th 08:00-20:30; F Sa 08:00-21:00 . A popular two-floor café. Coffee, sandwiches and hot fast food, along with beer, wine and other spirits.  
  • -54.8096 -68.3178 3 El Turco , San Martín 1410 , ☏ +54 2901 42-4711 . Argentine (not Turkish) cuisine. One of the most affordable restaurants in the city.  
  • -54.806976 -68.314138 4 El Bambu , Luis Piedrabuena 276 . Vegetarian. Takeout only, but you can also eat-in on a stool, at a stand, with plastic forks. Some dishes are charged by the weight, others by the unit, all of them are delicious, vegetarian and extremely affordable. ( updated Nov 2018 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • -54.8039 -68.3576 5 Chez Manu , Luis Fernando Martial 2135 , ☏ +54 2901 43-2253 . Local cuisine. Patagonia lamb, seafood and fish. Ask for a seat along the large windows for great views of Ushuaia.  
  • -54.8044 -68.3 6 Chiko , Antartida Argentina 182 , ☏ +54 2901 43-6024 . Seafood.  
  • -54.8053 -68.3009 7 La Rueda , San Martín 193 ( corner of Rivadavia ), ☏ +54 2901 43-6540 . Typical Argentine parrilla (barbecue). All-you-can-eat meat with a self-serve veggie and side bar.  
  • -54.8075 -68.308 8 Marcopolo Cafe Restaurant , San Martín 748 , ☏ +54 2901 43-6612 , [email protected] . Local cuisine.  
  • -54.8076 -68.3128 9 Maria Lola , Deloqui 1048 , ☏ +54 2901 42-1185 , [email protected] . M-Sa 12:30-15:00, 20:00-23:00 . Local cuisine, seafood. ( updated Nov 2022 )
  • -54.8059 -68.3021 10 Moustacchio Parrillada , San Martín 298 , ☏ +54 2901 42-3308 , [email protected] . Argentine parrilla.  
  • -54.80642 -68.30167 11 Tante Nina , Godoy 15 , ☏ +54 2901 43-2444 . Local cuisine.  
  • -54.806 -68.30327 12 Tía Elvira , Maipú 349 , ☏ +54 2901 42-4725 . Local cuisine.  
  • -54.8056 -68.2983 13 Volver , Maipú 37 , ☏ +54 2901 42-3977 . Known for its king crab.  
  • -54.806309 -68.302099 14 [dead link] El Timonel Restobar , Gdor. Pedro Godoy 46 . Tu-Su 12:00-00:00 . Friendly family all-day seafood cafe with fish, seafood empanadas, and a few grills. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Splurge [ edit ]

  • -54.8072 -68.3047 15 Gustino Restaurante , Maipú 505 , ☏ +54 2901 43-0003 , [email protected] . Local cuisine.  
  • -54.8032 -68.3061 16 Kaupé , Roca 470 , ☏ +54 2901 42-2704 , [email protected] . Expensive compared to other restaurants in Ushuaia, but the view is spectacular and the food is absolutely, positively guaranteed not to disappoint. Also known for its king crab.  
  • -54.8049 -68.3567 17 Temaukel , Cno. Glaciar Martial Km. 3.5 , ☏ +54 2901 43-0640 .  

Drink [ edit ]

There is not much of a nightlife in Ushuaia; most bars and pubs close early.

  • -54.8061 -68.3036 1 Bar Ideal , San Martín 393 , ☏ +54 2901 43-7860 . Open until midnight . Irish pub.  
  • -54.8077 -68.3095 2 Bodegon Fuegino , San Martín 859 , ☏ +54 2901 43-1972 . Locally-sourced, artisanal, home-cooked food. Tapas-style picadas recommended as sampling menu. Good wine selection.  
  • -54.8069 -68.3096 3 Dublin Bar , 9 de Julio 168 . Popular with tourists.  
  • -54.7972 -68.2687 4 Küar , Perito Moreno 2232 , [email protected] . A couple of kilometers outside town, right above the rocks by the sea, breathtaking bay views and good live music scene, sophisticated and good but not outstanding and somewhat pricey dining. If you don't mind the occasional dropping by of a bunch of gringos, be sure to book a table by the window in the restaurant area or to take a seat by the big wooden steps in the bar area.  
  • -54.80986 -68.31812 5 Macario 1910 , San Martín 1485 , ☏ +54 2901 42-2557 . Local pub food and beers.  
  • -54.8098 -68.3136 6 Nautico , Maipú 1210 , ☏ +54 2901 43-0415 . Open until 06:00 on the weekends . Ushuaia's only real nightclub/disco.  
  • -54.80577 -68.30177 7 Cafe Bar Banana , San Martín 273 .  
  • -54.8064 -68.30431 8 Ushuaia Che , San Martín 452 .  
  • -54.7978 -68.279 9 Fusión , Perito Moreno 1530 .  
  • -54.80408 -68.30038 10 Kaitek , Antartida Argentina 280 . Club focusing on electronic music.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotels in Ushuaia are often fully booked, especially during peak tourist season, so it is advisable to arrive in Ushuaia with reservations. On the other hand, hostels ( albergues ) are numerous, so even in midsummer you should have no problem finding a bed.

  • -54.80369 -68.3009 1 Albergue Antarctica Hostel , Antártida Argentina 270 , ☏ +54 2901 43-5774 , [email protected] . Free internet access and breakfast are included. Shared kitchen. Dorm bed $70, double $250 .  
  • -54.8034 -68.3096 2 Albergue Aonikenk , 25 de Mayo 576 , ☏ +54 2901 42-2098 , [email protected] . Check-out: 10:00 . Free internet access and breakfast are included. Great view of the bay from the dining room/kitchen/living room. Double $220/$290, triple $260/$340 (shared/private bathroom) .  
  • -54.805 -68.3022 3 Albergue Cruz del Sur , Deloqui 242 , ☏ +54 2901 43-4099 , [email protected] . Hostel. Bed in 6-person dormitory: 370ARS .  
  • -54.8062 -68.3109 4 [dead link] Albergue Free Style , Paz 866 , ☏ +54 2901 42-2833 , [email protected] . The Free Style has an excellent view of the bay from their 3rd-floor common room. The hostel is clean, new and well-maintained, with internet costing $1 per half hour, and breakfast is included. The kitchen is clean and fully stocked, with room for perishables. Dorm rooms, private rooms and private rooms with kitchenettes are available. Dorm bed $100/$120 (shared/private bathroom) .  
  • -54.806534 -68.309122 5 [dead link] Albergue Los Lupinos , Deloqui 750 , ☏ +54 2901 42-4152 , [email protected] . Centrally located, big kitchen, free breakfast, padlockable lockers, free Wi-Fi. Dorm bed $400 .  
  • -54.80788 -68.33157 6 B&B Casa Tekenika , Tekenika 192 , [email protected] . Affordable B&B. 423117 .  
  • -54.7969 -68.2975 7 B&B Familia Piatti , Bahía Paraíso 812 , ☏ +54 2901 43-7104 . Located in the forest, isolated from the city center. Single $350, double $450, triple $550 .  
  • -54.8029 -68.3152 8 B&B Tango , Valdez 950 , ☏ +54 2901 42-2895 , [email protected] . Offers daily room service, excellent location, seven blocks away from the main street, with warm and drinkable water 24 hours available, free Internet, cable TV in the living room, optional TV in the room, conditioned atmosphere, safe box at the front desk, buffet breakfast and the good quality that only the owners/hosts can give you. Tango show free with the unique view of the Beagle channel and the islands that surround it. Double $500 .  
  • -54.815 -68.3408 9 Cabañas Las Aguilas , Provincia Grande 519 , ☏ +54 2901 44-0352 , [email protected] . Well-maintained, nicely furnished cabanas with kitchen. Double $360, triple $400 .  
  • [dead link] La Casa en Ushuaia ( La Casa de Silvia Casalaga ), Gobernador Paz 1380 ( Corner of Gobernador Paz and Patagonia, 200 m from the main street ), ☏ +54 2901 423202 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 10:00 . This wooden house, designed and refurbished by its owner/architect, features six rooms, singles or doubles, with bathrooms to be shared between two adjoining rooms only, some of them with great views across the town and the Beagle Channel. The owner speaks Spanish, French and English and is very helpful with local information. There is wireless internet throughout the house and a home made continental breakfast is included in the room price. from US$55 to US$70 . ( updated Mar 2016 )
  • -54.8049 -68.3017 10 Hotel Antártida Argentina , Rivadavia 172 , ☏ +54 2901 43-6668 , [email protected] . Centrally located. Single $400, double $460 .  
  • -54.8063 -68.3101 11 Hotel Austral , 9 de Julio 250 , ☏ +54 2901 43-5268 , [email protected] . 10 rooms, centrally located. Single or double $420, triple $490 .  
  • -54.8114 -68.323 12 Hotel Las Lengas , Goleta Florencia 1722 , ☏ +54 2901 42-3366 , [email protected] . This is the first eco-friendly hotel of Ushuaia and it is located over a natural elevation of the terrain. Thanks to its large floor-to-ceiling windows, which are insulated and provide natural lighting, it is possible to enjoy the fantastic views over the bay of Ushuaia and Beagle Channel from all public areas of this unique hotel. All 46 rooms and suites are completely insulated and all of them have views to mountains and/or Beagle Channel. They all have in-room heating temperature controls, LCD and cable TV, hair dryers, safety boxes, LED and/or low energy bulbs, flow regulators and dual-flush system. Wi-Fi is complimentary in all rooms and public areas of the hotel. The attached restaurant integrates traditional dishes from Patagonia. Single or double $635, triple $810 .  
  • -54.8018 -68.3049 13 Hostería Posada del Fin del Mundo , Rivadavia 603 , ☏ +54 2901 43-4847 , [email protected] . Lodge located in a residential area a few minutes from downtown. Single or double $600/$660, triple $720/$780 (shared/private bathroom) .  
  • -54.831 -68.3487 14 Hostería Tierra de Leyendas , Tierra de los Vientos 2448 , ☏ +54 2901 44-3565 , [email protected] . Cozy lodge with five rooms and a small restaurant with large windows facing the Beagle Channel. Single or double $1,000 (standard), $1,300 (superior) .  
  • -54.8073 -68.30496 15 Hotel Albatros , Maipú 505 , ☏ +54 2901 43-7300 , [email protected] . Located on the waterfront near the port, this hotel offers 78 comfortable rooms and suites and excellent service. Although most of its rooms do not have a view, they are warmly decorated. Free Wi-Fi is available to all visitors, the room price includes a continental buffet breakfast, and the staff are helpful and speak English. Amenities include the Albatros Spa: Sauna, Scottish and Finnish showers, hydro-massage and a gym. The use of the spa & health club is included in the rate (only massage sessions incur an extra cost). An on-site restaurant serves international food and also traditional dishes from Patagonia, with an air-conditioned wine cellar featuring Patagonian wines. Single or double $780, triple $945, suite $1,170 .  
  • -54.80743 -68.30545 16 Hotel Canal Beagle , Maipú 547 , ☏ +54 2901 43-2281 , [email protected] . On the Beagle Channel near the harbor. Single $732, double $818, suites from $1,026 .  
  • -54.8005 -68.3142 17 Hotel Las Hayas Resort , Luis F. Martial 1650 ( 2.5 km from the city, on the road to the glaciar Martial ), ☏ +54 2901 43-0718 , [email protected] . Surrounded by a natural forest with a view of the town and Beagle Channel Bay. Single or double $1,160, suites from $1,552 .  
  • -54.7984 -68.3108 18 Hotel Ushuaia , Lasserre 933 , ☏ +54 2901 42-3051 , [email protected] . Single $528, double $672, triple $768 .  

Work [ edit ]

ushuaia argentina travel

Industry and tourism were until the 1990s major draws for workforce from elsewhere. As some tax privileges were removed, this had a negative effect on the employment market. Today it isn't as easy to get a job in Ushuaia as it once was, but there are still job openings in the tourism and restaurant sectors, especially if you can speak many languages.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Usuaia and the region in general isn't entirely free of crime, but significantly safer than most of Argentina. There aren't any slums, and businesses seldom have bars installed in the front of their windows. Potential criminals from elsewhere would have a hard time getting out of Tierra del Fuego undetected, as the only ways out would be via the airport or Chilean territory.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

There are two hospitals in the city:

  • -54.8284 -68.3428 2 Centro Médico Ushuaia , La Estancia 1925 , ☏ +54 2901 445130 .  
  • -54.814 -68.3235 3 Hospital Regional , Malvinas y 12 de Octubre , ☏ +54 2901 422950 .  

There are no particular health risks in Ushuaia; the biggest threat would be catching a cold due to the varying weather conditions. But also note that especially in the summer and when trekking in the mountains, you should protect yourself from sunburn , as the ozone layer is relatively thin in this part of the world.

Cope [ edit ]

  • The local newspaper is Diario del Fin del Mundo (literally the Newspaper of the End of the World); however, it does not feature cultural events very widely.
  • Banks and exchange booths can be found along San Martín.

Connect [ edit ]

  • The calling code for Ushuaia is 02901 and the postal code is V9410. Broadband Internet and a cell phone network are available.
  • Internet cafés can be found on San Martín. Rates are higher than elsewhere in Argentina, $5/hour.
  • Should you want a special "end of the world" stamp on your postcards, head to the small post office in Bahía Ensenada in the national park.

Go next [ edit ]

ushuaia argentina travel

  • Tierra del Fuego National Park - In Lapataia, 12 km west of Ushuaia. This national park provides some nice day hikes on well-marked trails in a forest and bog landscape. Longer treks are also possible, such as Paso de la Oveja (2 days) or the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit (4 days). These treks cross part of the national park but start and end elsewhere. The Compania de Guias de la Patagonia and Club Andino Ushuaia can help with organization and renting gear. The fee for each day spent in the park is AR$170, but there is no extra charge for camping there. Guided treks start from $200. You can get there by rental car, taxi, bus (AR$300 round trip) or the Tren del Fin del Mundo (AR$540).
  • Isla Navarino - Zodiac boat to Puerto Williams, one way $1,000. It's a 15-minute boat ride to Puerto Navarino and then the minibus takes you to Puerto Williams.
  • Estancia Haberton - Open only in the summer months, Estancia Harberton is a worthwhile trip for those interested in the Bridges family and their role in the local history. It's the oldest farm on the island and quite a popular place to visit. It's about 60 km east of Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel and there is no public transport, but some tour companies arrange tours. Going there by rental car is also possible, and in that case you can also continue further along the coastal road to the farm Estancia Moat .
  • Isla de los Estados is the only ocean island of Argentina. It's an uninhabited and protected natural area with fiords and mountains. However people are not allowed to land there, but just to look at it from a boat.
  • Punta Arenas - Daily buses depart at 05:00 from the bus station (there is one now), $180-210
  • Antarctica - Ushuaia is one of the largest, if not the largest port and airport for cruises and flights to Antarctica. There are three ways of getting in: normal (luxury) cruises, cruise expeditions and overflights. Most cruises go to South Georgia Island , South Orkney Islands , South Shetland Islands or the Antarctic Peninsula . The season is from November to March.

ushuaia argentina travel

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Things to do in Ushuaia | The ultimate travel guide with tips for your stay

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, also called the end of the world. From here the boats leave for Antarctica. Ushuaia is located between the Beagle Channel, glaciers and eternally snow-capped peaks. Ushuaia is a city that you absolutely want to visit during a trip in Argentina. The Ushuaia area lends itself to beautiful hikes in Tierra del Fuego, to glaciers, tours of remote farms and husky dogsledding in winter. But also for boat trips on the famous Beagle channel where you are able to observe penguins, seabirds, seals and with a little luck even whales. Discover the best things to do in this Ushuaia Argentina travel guide, including tips for hikes, tours, my favorite restaurants, best travel time and where to stay.

Go on an expedition to Antarctica – unique things to do in Ushuaia

Best tours and things to do in ushuaia, ushuaia travel guide | 20 tips and things to do.

Ushuaia is a destination that I visited many times, to make television reports and as a tour guide, to guide visitors around the area. And still, after all those years, I love visiting Ushuaia. The idea of being at the end of the world, makes for a special feeling.  I hope you will enjoy my travel guide with tips and things to do in Ushuaia.

Sail on the Beagle Channel

One of the top things to do in Ushuaia is a trip on the Beagle Channel. It is a unique feeling to sail at the end of the world, knowing that you are sailing the same route as the ships to Antarctica. With Chile on one side and Argentina on the other, you can enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks. And if you are lucky, you can even spot whales during the trip.

There are different tours to choose from. The short trip sails past the bird and seal island: Places where you can take great pictures. This tour also includes a picture spot at Les Eclaires, the end of the world lighthouse, that is depicted in many photos.

If you opt for the long tour (about 4 hours), you will also sail to Pinguïnera, Isla Martillo, the island with the penguins where you have a good chance of seeing the King penguin. Make sure to check the penguin population in advance. Early in the season there are sometimes not many penguins and the longer trip might not be worth it, especially if you are also visiting Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo in Argentina.

Visit Estancia Haberton

Optionally, you can extend the trip on the Beagle Channel with a visit to the historic Estancia Haberton, known for the book, Uttermost Part of the Earth , about the end of the world and its indigenous people by Lucas Bridges. You get off the boat, after penguin island and then enjoy an extensive tour of the old farm. Afterwards you return to Ushuaia by bus.

Curious about the book: Uttermost part of the world by Lucas Bridges? You can order it here .

I myself enjoyed the visit a lot but that’s because I have read the book. If you don’t know about Estancia Haberton, you might want to enjoy other things to do around Ushuaia. If you don’t go to penguin island and Estancia Haberton, you can also choose to book a boat trip where you stop at one of the islands and go for a walk.

Beagle Channel tours in Ushuaia

Want to book your tour in Ushuaia in advance and secure your spot? Check out prices and availability.

  • Beagle Channel boat tour
  • Beagle Channel tour with penguins
  • Tour Beagle Channel with penguins + Estancia Haberton
  • Beagle Channel tour with hike

Hike in national park Tierra del Fuego , one of the famous things to do in Ushuaia Argentina

One of the famous things to do in Ushuaia is to visit Tierra del Fuego, the land of fire. The main reason to visit this southernmost national park in Ushuaia is to go for some beautiful hikes. There are several trails, including short distance hikes of 45 minutes or long walks of a few hours.

Do you want to read more about Tierra del Fuego in Argentina? In the next article you will find a comprehensive guide with national parks in Argentina , including what to do, hiking trails and how to best visit the park.

Costera – one of the popular hikes in Ushuaia

The most beautiful walk is the Costera, a trail of about 3 to 4 hours (8 km). You walk partly through the woods but most of the time along the Beagle Channel. All places and corners offer a different view of the canal, because of the trees and the special light. And every minute of the trail is worth it. Along the way you will encounter vegetation consisting of beech forests, marshes and peat. Numerous waterfowl, geese, beavers, birds of prey also live here and if you’re lucky, you’ll even bump into a red fox.

Do you know where the name Tierra del Fuego comes from? When the Europeans first visited this part of the world, they saw many fires from a distance which were lit by the local peoples. At that time it was named Tierra del Fuego.

In this isolated place in Ushuaia you will also find a special post office, “the end of the world post office” where you can send a post-card and have a stamp put in your passport (please note: this is officially not allowed).

Transportation tip: Book a taxi and have him drop you off at different places in the Ushuaia national park, where you can go for short or long hikes. There are fixed rates and you can book transportation at the taxi station. Want to go on a guided tour? Check out prices and availability and book your Tierra del Fuego tour here.

Go on a husky dog sledding tour | best things to do in Ushuaia Argentina in winter

Are you in Ushuaia in winter? Then you want to do one thing for sure and that is to take a dog sledding tour with the husky dogs through the snow. Actually, it is a reason in itself to visit Ushuaia in winter. On a sled thickly wrapped with a blanket over you, you drive through the snow and enjoy the animals and surroundings. Afterwards you drink a cup of hot chocolate. Make sure to dress very warm. As you are not moving, you feel the cold even more.

Want to book your tour in advance and secure your spot? Check out prices and availability for a dog sledding tour in Ushuaia here.

Laguna Esmeralda | one of the best hikes in Ushuaia

One of the hikes and things to do in Ushuaia that you can easily do on your own, is the walk to Laguna Esmeralda, a glacier lake surrounded by the Albino Glacier and the peaks of Las Torres and Cordón Toribio.

Have yourself dropped off at the starting point by taxi, along the road in the east of the city. You then walk for 1 hour to 1.5 hours on a trail, leading you through different vegetation zones: Through forests, along beaver dams, peat bogs and moors another valley, until you reach the glacial lake. Some parts are a bit steep but overall this is a fairly easy hike. You can’t get lost because you walk the same way back and forward. Do bring warm clothes. It can be very windy and cold, especially at the lake. Make sure to arrange a timeslot with your taxi driver so that he will pick you up when you finish your hike

Do you want to see Ushuaia and Emerald lagoon from above? It is possible to book a helicopter tour, where you get to enjoy spectaculair views.

Walk among the penguins on Isla Martillo

Are you looking for a unique experience? With Piratour you can visit Isla Martillo and walk among the penguins. While everyone has to stay on the boat, you will walk with a few others on the island and have the chance of seeing the penguins up very close. A unique experience.  You first drive by bus along the Beagle channel and then board a small boat towards the island. There is only one organization that has the permit for this tour, so you will need to book your tour in advance. Check prices and availability for your Isla Martillo tour in Ushuaia here.

Taste the famous king crab – culinary things to do in Ushuaia Argentina

Everywhere in Ushuaia you will find the famous centolla, the Patagonian king crab. And if you like fish just like me, you just have to taste it. You can find them in all shapes, sizes and flavors. The nicest and best restaurants to try the centolla are Volver, Tia Elvira or Mi Viejo Marinero, one of the oldest restaurants in Ushuaia. Looking for a delicious risotto with centolla? Then you should have diner in Kuar.

The Patagonian king crab can be found in the inland seas of Patagonia, including the Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan around Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams.

Hike to the Martial glacier

One of the other hikes in Ushuaia you can easily do by yourself is the one to El Martial glacier. Let the taxi drop you off at the foot of the former ski slope. From here you walk in about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to a small glacier up the mountain. Keep in mind that this hike is a steep climb because the ski lifts are no longer working.

Along the way you can enjoy views of Ushuaia and the mountains. You also pass the tree line, something special to observe as the vegetation changes very quickly. Make sure to arrange a time with the taxi so that he will pick you up again at the end of your hike.

Enjoy a drink at Ramos Generales

Ramos Generales is one of the unique restaurant bars in Ushuaia. You will enter historic Ushuaia and be amazed by the authentic setting. The walls are filled with photos and attributes from maritime shipping. Traditional Argentinian dishes are served: Meat, fish, lots of tasty starters, of course in combination with a good glass of wine. Always a success. This place should therefore not be missed in my Ushuaia travel guide.

Take a picture at “the end of the world” sign

It’s a bit touristy but hey, you are only once in Ushuaia, so take a photo at “the end of the world” sign. It’s a photo you just want to have and that’s why I included it in my Ushuaia travel guide.

Have a look at “end of the world” museum – El fin d el mundo

In this museum you will find information about the end of the world, its early indigenous inhabitants and its special flora and fauna. Walk in and have look, it is a small but interesting. The opening hours can be a bit unclear, so sometimes you just have to check several times whether they are open or not.

Visit the old prison – historical things to do in Ushuaia

In the 20th century, Ushuaia was known as the Alcatraz of Argentina. Countless convicts were banished to this far corner of the world. At its peak, more than 800 prisoners would have lived there. Today you can visit the old prison and read stories about the harsh life of the prisoners that lived here at the end of the world. You will read about escape attempts, but also how the prisoners were put to work: They had to build their own prison and railway.

Part of the former prison consists of the Maritime Museum with information about the expeditions in and around Tierra del Fuego. One of the interesting things to do in Ushuaiaon a rainy day.

Get an “end of the world” stamp

At the tourism office in Ushuaia you can have your passport stamped with: Puerta de entrada de Antartida , the gateway to Antarctica. Of course this is not allowed officially, but there are many people who do this. If you do not want to stamp your passport, there is always the option to have it stamped in one of your notebooks or diaries.

Check out the street art

You will come across interesting street art in Ushuaia: From funny penguins to stories about Ushuaia’s first inhabitants and prisoners that lived there. Nice to walk around and spot of some of the works.

Several times I was in the harbor waving goodbye to people who were going on this unique journey. One day I hope to go on the Antarctica expedition myself. But this trip should of course not be missed in my list with tips for things to do in Ushuaia Argentina. Ushuaia is the international capital of Antarctic tourism and therefore the Gateway City to Antarctica, which is 100 kilometers away.

Tips: In Ushuaia you will find numerous travel agencies that offer these expedition. Several times I have seen last minute offers. So it could be an option to travel to Ushuaia and see if you can get a last minute deal here. Please note that expeditions only depart between November and April.

Mini travel guide Ushuaia

Restaurant travel guide ushuaia argentina | 8 tips.

There is nothing better than enjoying a drink and great meal after a day full of activities, hikes and exploring the many things to do in Ushuaia. Here are some of my favorite places in Ushuaia.

  • One of the best restaurants in Ushuaia is Kuar, for fish, meat, wine and lots of delicacies.
  • You can eat king crab at Volver, Tia Elvira or Mi Viejo Marinero, one of the oldest restaurants in Ushuaia.
  • Maria Lola is located a few blocks from the main street and is a good choice if you want something more culinary.
  • Tanta Sara is a nice place for lunch, coffee and cake or a simple dinner.
  • At Deli Cafe you can enjoy a tasty quick lunch, coffee, tea and cake.
  • At Ramos Generales you will enjoy food and drinks in an authentic setting. Not to be missed.

Hotel travel guide Ushuaia Argentina | 3 tips

Are you looking for a place in nature to spend the night? Cumbres Del Martial is a mountain lodge, located 7 kilometers from Ushuaia. There are several bungalows surrounded by woods, with a view over the Beagle channel. Try to book a luxury bungalow, then you will have your own acuzzi. Looking for more luxury? A nice place, located in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve is Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa . Located on a private beach is the Los Cauquenes Resort + Spa + Experiences . In both places the rooms are spacious, luxurious and the views spectacular. Moreover, you will be completely pampered.

Check the latest prices and availability for: Cumbres Del Martial and Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa and Los Cauquenes Resort + Spa + Experiences . Do you prefer a hotel in the center of Ushuaia? Here you will find a comprehensive overview of hotels in Ushuaia.

Tips for Ushuaia travel itineraries

How much time do you need to visit Ushuaia? I think this is fully depending on your interests and the way you schedule your stay. If you book certain tours, hikes and things to do in Ushuaia in advance, you are able to do more in a short amount of time. Traveling by taxi within the city also gives you more flexibility. Have a look in my Ushuaia travel guide and itineraries and learn how to get the maximum out of your stay.

  • 3 days in Ushuaia itinerary
  • What to do in Ushuaia for 2 days
  • One day in Ushuaia itinerary

Best time to visit Ushuaia

The best time to visit Ushuaia is between November and April, the Argentinian spring, summer and autumn. In winter it is cold and slippery and many hiking trails are closed. But keep in mind that even in Summer months it can be really cold. The beauty of visiting Ushuaia in winter is that it will be snowing in many parts and you can go on a husky dogsledding tour.

Weather in Ushuaia + packing list

It is said that you are able to experience 4 different climates in Ushuaia in one day. Bring warm clothes, no matter what season you are in. Wear layers, bring rain coats, wind jackets and sun screen at the same time. The weather can change quickly so it is important to be prepared. Check out my handy packinglist.

  • Good hiking boots
  • Windbreaker,
  • Scarf, hat, glovees
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterbag and/or bottle

How to get to Ushuaia in Argentina

Ushuaia is located in the southernmost part of Argentina. There are daily flights with Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart en FlyBondi from Buenos Aires (3 hours and 20 minutes), El Calafate (1 hour and 20 minutes) and Bariloche.

Tips for the Ushuaia flight: Make sure you have a window seat, as the views on the snow- capped mountains during the arrival route are truly spectacular.

  • Dog sledding tour
  • Helicopter flight
  • Isla Martillo tour
  • Tierra del Fuego national park visit

Other tours in Ushuaia

Ididn’t participate in these tours myself yet, but others did and they are well-reviewed and therefore on my to do list for next time:

  • Vinciguerra Glacier trek
  • Escondido y Fagnano Lakes tour
  • King Crab route
  • Beavers watching
  • 4WD Off-Road Lakes Tierra del Fuego Adventure
  • Looking for more tours in Ushuaia? This is an  overview of tours in Ushuaia.

Argentina travel itineraries

Argentina is such a beautiful and diverse country that you can explore it for months. But what if you a limited amount of time and still want to get the most out of your travels? What should you see and do? Have a look in my Argentina itineraries, I will give you tips for destinations, hikes, national parks, tours, things to do and restaurants to include in your trip. Enjoy and get inspired to visit Argentina!

  • Argentina itinerary 3 weeks 
  • 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
  • 10 days in Argentina itinerary

More about Argentina

Did you enjoy reading this Ushuaia travel guide with tips and things to do? Do you want to learn more about this beautiful country? With Passport the World I am taking you on a journey to discover Argentina. Discover more in my next articles.

  • Things to do in Argentina
  • El Calafate – a comprehensive guide with everything you want to know
  • Discover whales, penguins and sea lions in my Puerto Madryn travel guide
  • El Chaltén Argentina – a comprehensive guide with hikes and tips for your stay
  • Things to do in Bariloche Argentina – tips, hikes and tours
  • National Parks of Argentina
  • Iguazu falls – everything you want to know

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City of Ushuaia

End of the world, beginning of everything..

Ushuaia is located at the end of southern Patagonia, it is the southern tip of Argentina, the end of the world or as some people call it: the beginning of everything. It is surrounded by the sea and the mountain range; from wherever you stand you can get to see either and be surprised by the colors and the immensity of nature present in the city.

As the capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands, Ushuaia is more than its landscapes of glacial valleys, peat bogs and ancient forests. The city offers you urban tours and places to enjoy the culture, gastronomy and thus delve into the history of this mythical corner of the world.

ushuaia argentina travel

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ushuaia argentina travel

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ushuaia argentina travel

Accommodation

A little bit of history..

Formerly, Tierra del Fuego was inhabited by the Selknam or Onas, Haush, Alakalufes and Yámanas peoples. The latter, nomadic, moved in canoes through the waters of the Beagle Channel and the southern islands. The story goes that when the first European navigators approached this area, they saw large columns of smoke everywhere, which led to the name of the island "Tierra del Fuego".

It was not until October 12, 1884, in Ushuaia that the Subprefecture of the same was created, belonging to the Argentine State. From then on and through various actions, such as the penal colonization, Ushuaia began to be Ushuaia began to grow in population and infrastructure to become the thriving town we know today.

Learn more about the history of Ushuaia

"pequeña historia fueguina" thematic gallery.

Temporarily closed

End of the World Museum and Old Government’s House

Maritime museum and former prision, espacio "pensar malvinas", museo de la ciudad, touring around the city.

You go for a walk around the city center and Ushuaia never ceases to surprise you.

The waterfront is a quiet place to walk, ride a bike and learn a little more about the end of the world. Starting at the Bahía Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve, a natural, historical, cultural and bird nesting environment, you will feel very close to nature. If you cross the walkway that encloses the bay and gives it its name, you can admire Ushuaia's postcard from another perspective. In front of it is the Old Settlers' walk that contains old houses turned into museums, cultural exhibition center and itinerant exhibitions that transport us to other times of Ushuaia.

Among the curiosities found along the waterfront is the Saint Christopher, emblematic ship stranded on the shores of the Beagle; the Falkland Islands Memorial in tribute to the fallen in the war; the Paseo de las Rosas; the walk of artisans and the mythical sign that welcomes the city at the end of the world. At the end of this tour along the waterfront you reach the commercial pier and the Paseo Pioneros Antárticos.

"Caminos del turismo" tour

Not available

Enriqueta Gastelumendi Craft’s Fair

End of the world fibers, "bahia encerrada" natural urban reserve, paseo del fuego shopping, duty free shop atlántico sur, circuito de murales.

Walking along the main street or nearby you can find houses that maintain their original facade and have been declared historical monuments; they are samples of the cultural heritage of the city. Some of them offer different services, transporting you to distant times.

If you prefer, you can visit these and other points of interest in a city tour, with tour guides who accompany the tour with their story, either in vehicles or on foot.

The main street called San Martìn concentrates the largest number of stores of all kinds: restaurants, agencies, souvenirs and more. There you will find the Open Air Gallery that consists of 4 blocks with vehicular traffic without the possibility of parking. It is a shopping promenade with all kinds of offers.

Approximately 15 blocks from downtown is the only shopping mall in the city, which can be reached by car or on foot through a pedestrian path that starts at Maipú and Yaganes street.

Martial Glacier

In less than 10 minutes you will arrive to a mountain path that looks like it was taken out from a fairy tale. Landscapes here are unique.

Are you starting to get hungry after all that walking? In Ushuaia the gastronomic offer is super wide. From cozy little bars to have a coffee to restaurants with typical dishes such as spider crab or Patagonian lamb.

If there is one thing we know for sure, it is that in Ushuaia there are options for all tastes, and unique experiences that will make your trip a lifetime memory.

ushuaia argentina travel

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Ushuaia and Patagonia: 15 Things to See

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, a tiny tourist-driven town that welcomes visitors who arrive to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park or quickly depart for lands even further south, as we did when we left for Antarctica . Adam and I left from Buenos Aires on an early flight and spent the duration of our time in the air napping and watching TV shows on our iPad. As our plane started to descend I lifted the window shade and gasped: we were clearly far from our starting point. Jagged, snow-covered peaks jutted upward, piercing the cloudy sky. Glacial lakes and dark green trees dotted the landscape. After a week exploring metropolitan Buenos Aires and Montevideo , the change in scenery was startling-and welcome.

Ushuaia, Argentina

If your travel plans will take you to or through Ushuaia or Patagonia, there’s a lot to love about the remote city that’s becoming an important destination for travelers from all over the world.

Getting to Ushuaia

There is really just one good option for getting to Ushuaia, and that is to fly.

Streets of Ushuaia, Argentina

Flying is certainly the best option, but we’ll share a very strong word of caution about booking your flights: with just a few flights arriving at and departing from the airport each day, even during the high season, a delay of any kind can leave you stranded in Ushuaia for an indefinite amount of time. We learned this lesson the hard way, when an airline strike grounded every plane in Argentina and cancelled flights for tens of thousands of people, including everyone trying to get home from our Antarctica cruise. Because flights are often completely full, some people spent more than a week in Ushuaia as they tried to find a seat on a plane—any plane—leaving the city. Combined with standard problems like mechanical issues or weather delays, and coupled with the lack of ground transportation options, we strongly recommend arriving in Ushuaia a few days early and having flexible plans after your intended departure. We shared the details of our Fin del Mundo horror story in separate post, but the more flexibility you can add into your travel and the more informed you are about your options , the better off you will be if you find yourself with extra time to spend in Ushuaia.

Getting Around Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a lovely, small city with a pretty contained downtown area that is well-served by taxis. Taxis are inexpensive (and cash only!) and like in Buenos Aires it is smart to look for radio taxis, which are clearly labeled and will be able to provide printed receipts upon request. A taxi from the airport to the downtown area was about 160 pesos (8 USD) for a 15-minute ride.

ushuaia argentina travel

What to Do in Ushuaia

► fin del mundo: end of the world sign.

As soon as we secured our luggage in our hotel room on our first day in Ushuaia, we immediately walked down to the waterfront to take a photo with the End of the World sign. Ushuaia is affectionately known as the end of the world-el fin del mundo-because of its geographical location as the southernmost city, and a popular way to commemorate your visit is to pose for a picture with the sign right by the waterfront. It’s also a pretty popular place to greet other travelers from around the world. We chatted for a few moments with a group of people who had just returned from Antarctica and were getting ready to return to Michigan, and we encountered another group who booked the same cruise we did. It was a fun first stop to make, especially before our Antarctica departure!

► Ushuaia Visitors Center

If you need some insight into how to best spend your time in Ushuaia-especially if your time is limited-the Visitors Center is a great place to stop. It’s very close to the End of the World sign, and you’ll find a lot of information about tours and museums available during your visit. As a nice bonus, the staff will stamp your passport with the Fin del Mundo stamp if you ask them. They also have an Antarctica stamp, and if your cruise doesn’t make it to Port Lockroy for the highly-desired Antarctica stamp the visitors center stamp can be a nice alternative.

► Shopping in Ushuaia

Ushuaia, Argentina

More Information: MonteOlivia.com More Information: BoutiquedelLibro.com.ar

► Museo del Fin del Mundo

If you are interested in learning more about Ushuaia’s history, the Museo del Fin del Mundo has a nice collection to browse. They have quite a bit of information on the animals and birds native to Ushuaia, artifacts from famous shipwrecks, and a food exhibit. It’s a small museum, though, so don’t expect to spend a lot of time there—30-45 minutes will be plenty to see what they have.

More Information: MFM.TierradelFuego.gov.ar

► Museo Maritimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia

If you have a lot of time on your hands and aren’t planning to leave the downtown area, the Maritime and Prison museums might be your best option. The prison museum shares a look at life in one of the world’s coldest, most remote prisons, which bears some resemblance (especially with the hub-and-spoke structure) to the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Admission also connects you to the marine museum, which includes an art gallery. The admission fee includes both museums (as well as the Antarctic Museum), but it’s comparatively steep at 400 pesos (about 20 USD). That said, you can easily spend a couple of hours looking through the many exhibits, so it could be a cost-effective choice if you want to learn more about some very specific parts of the city’s history.

More Information: MuseoMaritimo.com

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Patagonia

If you aren’t going to Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego National Park in the Patagonia region of Argentina is more than likely your reason for visiting Ushuaia.

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina

► Getting to Tierra del Fuego

There are two ways to get to Tierra del Fuego: take a taxi on your own or take a tour. We would have preferred to spend an entire day visiting on our own, but we ended up booking a bus tour instead. The reason we made that decision is because we were a bit risk-adverse at that stage of our trip; taking a taxi there would have been easy, but we weren’t sure how easy—or quick—it would be to find a taxi to return to our hotel. Because we didn’t want an unexpected delay to keep us from making our cruise, we took the easy way out by booking a half day tour with Rumbo Sur, a company that contracts with Quark Expeditions to handle logistics and provide optional tour opportunities for cruise guests. We were able to purchase our tour during our transfer from the airport to our hotel, and the following morning we were promptly picked up in our hotel lobby and returned two hours before our departure from the pier. Although we didn’t get a chance to explore the park on our own, it was better than not going at all, and we ended up enjoying the guided hike and tour that helped us understand the areas we visited.

► End of the world train

The End of the World Train

It would be easy to spend a lot longer than we did, especially if Tierra del Fuego is your intended destination. Camping, dozens of hiking trails, and some incredible bird watching are all popular activities, and it would be worthwhile to extend your visit if time allows. For us, we were just happy to have the chance to visit at all, especially because we arrived without a confirmed tour and with reasonable doubt as to whether our schedule would be flexible enough to accommodate a stop there. If another visit is in our future we would probably go without a tour, but for an initial visit it’s a great idea to book a tour with a knowledgeable guide capable of sharing the history and importance of the park to really provide some perspective to your visit.

Where to Eat in Ushuaia

We ended up with a bit more time on our hands than expected when we visited Ushuaia. Here are a few of the restaurants we discovered.

► Tante Sara

We stopped in for dinner the night before we left for Antarctica, and we enjoyed our meals. We split nachos to start, Adam had a chivito (the sandwich he discovered in Montevideo), and I had a salmon wrap. Service was a bit slow, but the food was really tasty and we had plenty of time to relax, so we didn’t mind. Tante Sara is right on the main shopping street, so it’s easy to find and is a nice place to take a break from wandering through the city.

More Information: TanteSara.com

► Hard Rock Cafe

ushuaia argentina travel

More Information: HardRock.com

► BarDpizzas

Somehow, one of our favorite meals was at a tiny pizza restaurant we walked into because our first choice was closed. BarDpizzas had tons of options for toppings, and they had a decent beer and wine list as well. The ham and caramelized onion pizza was a hit for many people at the table, and the classic napolitana was another favorite.

More Information: BarDpizzas.com.ar

► Andino

We ended up eating at Andino twice, trying both pastas and sandwiches since each time we visited we were in a bit of a rush. The quality of the food was pretty good; not as great as BarDpizzas or Tante Sara, but we appreciated that the menu was pretty diverse, and it would be a great option for a larger group trying to cater to many different tastes.

More Information: AndinoGourmet.com

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

► hotel albatross.

We had a night at the Hotel Albatross included with our cruise, so we didn’t pick this particular hotel, although we were happy enough with it. The rooms were somewhat outdated, the bathroom was really small, and the rooms got very warm very quickly (not a surprise since air conditioning is not common in Ushuaia). However, wifi was free for guests, and they provided us with a nice continental breakfast in the morning. The Hotel Albatross also has a spa, so it’s considered a luxury hotel in Ushuaia. It has a nice location between the main shopping street and the waterfront, so it’s a great launching point into the city.

More Information: Booking.com/Albatros

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina

► Mil810

We picked Mil810 on the first night of our extended stay in Ushuaia. It’s a lovely, modern hotel with kind staff and big, comfortable rooms. We spent little time there because we got up early to go to the airport and join the standby list for flights departing that day (and no, we did not succeed), but we were happy with our stay. When we realized we were going to be stuck in Ushuaia for at least another night we didn’t return, though, only because the hotel is slightly removed from the main points of interest, and we decided to try a hotel a little closer to the action.

More Information: Booking.com/MIL810

► Lennox Hotel

Our final stop in our tour of Ushuaia hotels was the Lennox Hotel, by far our favorite. Right on the main street, we had a huge room with a great bathroom, a wonderfully comfortable bed, and fast, free wifi. Restaurants and entertainment were mere feet from the hotel lobby, but the room was really quiet, so we were well-rested for our triumphant return to the airport when we finally got on a plane headed north. The Lennox was well-priced, and despite booking at the last minute we got a good deal on our room.

More Information: Booking.com/Lennox

Are you looking for more hotel options for your trip to Ushuaia? Here are a few more deals to consider:

One More Consideration

Ushuaia is a very remote part of the world, and as we learned when we were stranded there for a few days it can be difficult to get out if your flight is cancelled. We were beyond grateful we purchased travel insurance for our trip to the End of the World! We selected a policy from World Nomads, and it’s a good idea to research available plans and pick the one that’s right for your trip before you go.

More Information: WorldNomads.com

Visit Ushuaia and Patagonia!

Although Ushuaia and Patagonia are popular as jumping-off points for Antarctica, the area is a worthy destination in its own right. Take some time to research and explore what the small town offers before booking your flights and enjoy discovering how life is lived at the end of the world!

Patagonia, Argentina

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Ushuaia and Patagonia, Argentina: 15 Things to See

32 Best Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina

best things to do in Ushuaia

Welcome to the “End of the World” , well, the city anyway, given its nickname thanks to its positioning on Earth.

Situated on the southernmost tip at the Tierra del Fuego archipelago , Ushuaia is a winter wonderland, and as a gateway to Antarctica, make sure to pack your warm clothing for this adventure.

The things to do in Ushuaia will make any outdoors enthusiast’s heart skip a beat, from skiing to snowmobiling through the white-capped mountains, passing glaciers amid valleys and the most breathtaking natural scenery .

Cruise along the same waters where famed world explorers once sailed in, and feel like Charles Darwin himself as you navigate the Beagle Channel , or stop by historical museums for insightful titbits.

Say hello to cute penguins, or spot sea lions lounging about on tiny isles, and the day trips from Ushuaia are pretty spectacular. Sharing the Andes mountains, travel the ranges and venture the Patagonia landscapes.

Considered a resort town, check into a comfortable lodge or resort spa for the weekend, dine at the local restaurants, and enjoy some downtime in the picturesque surroundings.

Travelers headed to this unique destination, here are some of the best and most awe-inspiring things to do, see and attempt in Ushuaia .

1 – Step back in time at the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia

Maritime Museum of Ushuaia

How many times in your life can you say you’ve visited a gallery inside of a former prison?! The Maritime Museum of Ushuaia is not only an intriguing endeavor, but the exhibitions are insightful and interesting.

An actual prison until 1947, the detention center officially closed in 1947 and the buildings were left abandoned. In 1995, it reopened as a maritime museum and has since undergone renovations to bring more life to the place, and eliminate the clinical feel.

Ushuaia Jail Museum

As you wander around the former cells, exhibits on display help to paint a picture of Ushuaia’s naval past, as well as highlighting famous explorers and local traditions from way back when.

Some permanent exhibitions to scout include the ‘Model Collection’ showcasing remodels of ships used over the last 500 years, the ‘Yaghan Canoe’ (to learn more about wooden traditional canoes used by “canoe nomads”), and ‘Shipwrecks.’

Others comprise ‘Isla De Los Estados’, ‘Lighthouse At The End Of The World’, ‘Cape Horn’, ‘History’ and ‘Cartography’ — drawn maps and geographical charts.

FYI: The Museum of the Prison Of Ushuaia is located in the same block, and visitors can take a tour of inmate cells where some famous serial killers were once held.

2 – Opt for a jeep tour to the Lake District

Lake District jeep tour, Ushuaia

With certain parts of the magnificent Andes Mountain range accessible from Ushuaia, discover the Lake District en route to Patagonia (in the northwest) during an epic jeep tour.

The few lakes in the area complete the Lake District, famed for picture-perfect moments, especially in wintertime when the snow-capped peaks of the Andes sit in the background.

Off-road adventures are a fun way to explore and sightsee the lake areas and get a sense of local life — there are tiny villages around the lakes.

Lago Fagnano (also known as Lake Cami) and Lago Escondido (nicknamed “Hidden Lake”) are two popular lakes that tours cover, both located inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Get ready to zoom (and wheelspin) around the surrounding landscapes with constant views of the southern Andes range. Jeep tours are full-day excursions, lasting eight hours on the road, with lunch included.

  • jeep tours in Ushuaia

3 – Drink in the views at Mirador de Lagos Escondido y Fagnano

Mirador de Lagos Escondido y Fagnano

If you’re hunting down the best viewpoints in Ushuaia, add Mirador de Lagos Escondido y Fagnano to your lists — translating to ‘Escondido and Fagnano Lakes Viewpoint.’

Situated 30 kilometers outside of town, the easiest way to reach the pass is to drive up, and you can stop off along the way at your own leisure to take photographs of the scenery.

Forming part of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, some travelers choose to walk through the park to take in the sights.

Even in the summer months, this part of the country remains cool and the mountains are often covered in snow up until November, and the valleys remain icy! Dress warmly!

4 – Take photographs at Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Sitting in both Argentina and Chile on the southernmost point, the Tierra del Fuego National Park is a stunning, protected reserve to spend the day out in nature, whether it’s chasing waterfalls or trekking the white-tipped mountains.

What makes this UNESCO Heritage site so special is that it is the only park in Argentina that boasts coastal, forested and mountainous landscapes all inside one area, creating unique and diversified ecosystems — from the flora to the wildlife to see.

Hop on board the End of the World Train and take a tour around the protected reserve, adventure on the lakes via canoe or go kayaking on Lapataia Bay.

For a totally “hands-on” experience, one of the best ways to explore the depths of its natural scenery is by walking through the reserve, and there are full-day Ushuaia hiking tours lasting between five to eight hours. Cycling is also an option for the most active ones.

cycling at Tierra del Fuego National Park

Make sure you’ve got your camera close by, especially when approaching Laguna Turquesa, dubbed the Emerald Lagoon because of the color of its water!

Snap pictures of the Patagonian and subantarctic forests filled with glaciers, snowy peaks, valleys, lakes and bays.

The National Park is a 20-minute drive from Ushuaia.

  • Tierra del Fuego National Park tours

5 – Canoe around Lapataia Bay

canoeing around Lapataia Bay

Picture this; a large serene lake with crisp, clear water stretching into the distance, surrounded by mountains and stark trees and a landscape that changes color with the seasons … Welcome to Lapataia Bay .

Situated inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the scenery reflects the same as its home. In winter, the area is a Christmas card of white, and the mountains and even the ground around the lake get covered in snow and glaciers start to form.

Enjoy a picnic around the lakeside, or a popular activity is canoeing around the bay.

Connected to the Beagle Channel, Bahía Lapataia (as it’s locally known) is actually a fjord (a narrow waterway with cliffs or glaciers on either side), and there are a few isles dotted in between, as well as Chilean islands to spot across the way.

Another gripping feature is the chance to learn about local Yámana history. This indigenous group was the land’s first inhabitants, and there are even fossils and remains of animal bones dating to this time to try to uncover around the bay.

  • canoeing tours in Ushuaia

6 – Enjoy the views during a helicopter tour

helicopter tour in Ushuaia

Calling all couples, photographers and adventurous souls, a helicopter tour is not only exciting, but it also offers unparalleled views of Ushuaia, the Andes and parts of Patagonia.

From glaciers to forests to native wildlife and national parks, get to see it all during the most scenic flights, and different helicopter rides have varying routes and air-time.

The shortest and most localized is seven minutes where you’ll soar over the city center of Ushuaia, passing iconic attractions and sites like the Museo Maritimo y del Presidio and the Glacier Martial.

Other flights range from 15 minutes to one hour, and these types of tours head outside of the main city region and over the Andes Mountain range.

For something out of the ordinary, book a helicopter flight that actually lands in the Andes mountains, and when everything is dusted in snow, the experience feels surreal.

Swoop over Emerald Lagoon, Carbajal Valley, Valle Tierra Mayor , the Five Brothers Mountain, and more!

  • helicopter tours in Ushuaia

7 – Witness penguin colonies in the Beagle Channel

penguin colonies in the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia

Untamed and uninhibited, travelers from all over arrive at the Beagle Channel just to see where Charles Darwin once sailed in.

The channel is a strait separating the small surrounding islands with the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, and the famous biologist crossed over here with a fleet from the Royal Navy named the Beagle HMS — hence its name.

Come here to explore the scenery, or you can go kayaking to Martillo Island, home to Magellanic penguins! If you’re not keen on rowing yourselves over, join a tour around the Beagle Channel which includes a boat ride to the isle for penguin watching.

sea lions in Ushuaia

As your captain navigates the waters of the Argentinian-Chilean border, look out for cute sea lions too (especially around Sea Lion Island)! The channel is made up of subantarctic sea water so it’s common to see the magic marine creatures around here.

An iconic tourist attraction on the 240-kilometer stretch of water is the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and there are many boat trips traveling here daily thanks to its popularity.

  • Beagle Channel tours

8 – Boat tour to Faro Les Eclaireurs

Boat tour to Faro Les Eclaireurs

Traveling through the Beagle Channel, don’t miss a stop at the Faro Les Eclaireurs (Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse), which is more than 100 years old and built between 1919 and 1920.

Standing on a lonely island, the red and white striped watch tower is built like a classic, old-school lighthouse and is popular for photo-taking. As a result, boat tours make sure to stop by the teeny isle for tourists.

Made completely from brick and in its original form, the landmark is still in use, guiding boats out at sea. The tower stands 11 meters tall and you can also see penguin colonies waddling on the rocky area around the lighthouse, as well as herds of sea lions.

With many names it seems; Faro Les Eclaireurs is nicknamed the ‘Lighthouse at the End of the World’, or in Spanish, “Faro del Fin del Mundo.”

  • boat tours in Ushuaia

9 – Ski and stay at Cerro Castor

Cerro Castor ski resort

Put on your ski boots, suit up and hit the slopes at Cerro Castor ski resort , open in-season with promising wintery weather most days thanks to its location in the Tierra del Fuego region (a 50-minute drive from Ushuaia).

Situated in the southern mountains of Mount Krund, spend endless hours skiing or snowboarding — or both — on the powder-white slopes.

Comprising 29.1 kilometers worth of riding space around the mountain hills, there are 32 trails to tackle. The highest slope reaches an elevation of 958 meters, and the lowest trail is elevated at 195 meters.

If you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding before, book a private class or group lesson at the Ski and Snowboard School. If you are seasoned, try their cross-country or off-piste skiing lessons.

snowboarding at Cerro Castor

Another awesome feature of the resort is its ice rink which kids love, and on that note, children are well-thought of. The snow garden is for ages three to six, ski school for ages seven to 13, as well a kindergarten for babies to toddlers.

With a whopping 12 ski lifts, forget about having to wait in queues for a chair lift or your turn on the teleski — which means more action time on the slopes!

Opt for a day pass, or play and stay at the resort in one of their cozy wooden cabins at Castor Ski Lodge.

  • Cerro Castor tours

10 – Enjoy a double-decker bus tour

double-decker bus tour in Ushuaia

Visit monuments, historical attractions and iconic parts of Ushuaia with views from up above during a double-decker bus tour.

A fun way to sightsee, jump on the two-story vehicle, and for the best experience, make sure you sit on the second level up top.

During the one-hour tour starting at Maipú Avenue, be driven around the city to sites like   Beban House and the former Ushuaia prison-turned-museum, then routing towards Tierra del Fuego, passing by Devil’s Lagoon and the Buena Esperanza Stream.

A charismatic local guide will share local knowledge, facts and titbits about each place you stop at. The double-decker bus tour ends back in Ushuaia town.

Kids ride free!

  • bus tours in Ushuaia

11 – Hike to the Glacier Martial

Glacier Martial, Argentina

Do you think you have what it takes to climb up a rocky, snowy mountain? Save your endurance for Glacier Martial — also referred to as the “Martial Glacier.”

Starting from town, or at the foothills of Martial Mountain, hiking this route is super popular, but it’s not for first-timers, and some sort of fitness level is required.

With no real pedestrian pathway (these parts are favored for skiing and snowboarding so watch out), it can be tricky, especially in the areas that have iced over and are extremely slippery.

To make your way to the top safely, appropriate walking snowshoes are needed, and if you don’t have your own, a coffee shop at the bottom of the mountain rents out boots for trekkers.

Once you make the summit, the views of the glacier (and parts of the Beagle Channel) are so worth it. It should take roughly two hours to complete the hike, and the trail back down is much easier.

  • Martial Glacier tours

12 – Snap a pic next to the End of the World Sign

End of the World Sign, Ushuaia

One of the most photographed signs by travelers — probably — the End of the World sign is easy to reach, free to photograph and is proof that you really have traveled to the ends of the earth.

Located along Maipu Avenue in downtown Ushuaia, and in front of a strew of anchored boats in the bay behind it, its convenient location is another reason why it’s a popular pit stop.

One of the main tourist ports — Muelle Turístico (Ushuaia Tourist Pier) — is here, and cruises to and from Antarctica jump off at the port.

Reaching the sign, don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line to take photographs! Across the board it has the town name, proceeded by the words ‘fin del mundo’; directly translated it means ‘end of the world.’

Points of interest nearby include Monumento Antiguos Pobladores and the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia (a 4-minute drive away).

13 – Educate yourself at the Museo del Fin del Mundo

Museo del Fin del Mundo, Ushuaia

Brush up on your history, and add new bits of information to your brain collection during a visit to the historic Museo del Fin del Mundo (Museum of the End of the World).

First opening in 1979, the original name was the Territorial Museum, changing to the ‘Museum of the End of the World’ in 1991.

Focusing on the local culture and history, learn about this area’s rich past, from its first ethnic inhabitants; the Yámana, to the first explorers arriving to these lands from out at sea.

In 2008, a second building was added under the museum’s keep. The original (Antigua Casa de Gobierno) is a former governor’s home, and the newest (named the Casa Banco Nación building) is housed inside an old bank.

Both buildings transformed from antiquated blocks house the museum’s collections, covering the themes of Archeology, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. There is an on-site library and an archive center where a conservation team helps to restore museum items.

14 – Trek to Laguna Esmeralda

Laguna Esmeralda, Argentina

Make sure to pack a fully charged mobile phone before setting off for the journey to the awe-inspiring Laguna Esmeralda, also known as the Emerald Lagoon. You’re going to want to fill your social feeds with sights of this glacier lagoon.

To visit the natural site, you have to hike here, and there are walks and trails to suit different levels, each varying in distance and in the time to complete.

If you’re keen on a long walk through forested spaces where you can spot native wildlife like beavers, foxes and condors, choose a three or four-hour route. Or, get dropped off closer to the glacier and trek for one or two hours only until you reach the lagoon.

Avoid the trek in the rainy months as these paths get extremely muddy, slowing you down, and are not fun to navigate through.

There are designated markers along the routes to point you in the right direction, or join a group hiking in Ushuaia and heading to the Emerald Lagoon.

  • Laguna Esmeralda tours

15 – Hike your way up to Vinciguerra Glacier

Vinciguerra Glacier, Argentina

Why would you want to spend time indoors in a place like Ushuaia? Another fantastic hiking opportunity presents itself at Vinciguerra Glacier (also called the Glacier Vinciguerra).

Situated in Tierra del Fuego, trails start from Ushuaia town and offer a great hiking trail for trekkers who are seeking a full-day walking excursion through the mountains.

Rivers, forests, ice caves and lagoons are some of the scenery to ramble through, and don’t miss stopping at Laguna de los Témpanos (Témpanos Lagoon).

Like most of the mountain hikes in the area, appropriate clothing and gear need to be worn, like snow gloves, thermals, a waterproof jacket and hiking boots that can hold icy landscapes.

In fact, once you reach the glacier, you will need to attach crampons (a shoe device that allows you to walk on ice) onto your trekking boots to attempt walking its surface — which is surreal!

Much of this hike features steep inclines and is not suitable for children.

16 – Stop by Plaza Malvinas

Plaza Malvinas, Ushuaia

Honoring those who fought and lost their lives during the Falklands War in 1982, this national monument is located on the waterfront in Ushuaia.

A place to pay your respects, travelers find themselves marveling at the memorial.

The main feature is a cut-out stone sculpture depicting the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). If you’re here on a sunny day, the light shines through the hollow shapes and makes for super pretty pictures.

Running along the wall is a marbled memorial containing the inscriptions of names of the soldiers that fell during the short-lived battle between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

To the one side and enclosed on a small patch of grass, an eternal flame burns constantly and it serves as a symbolic remembrance of the event.

More visual aid, like photographs and storyboards (accompanied by English subtitles), help visitors learn and understand the history of this war, and what it means to the local people.

17 – Visit Antigua Casa Beban

Antigua Casa Beban, Ushuaia

Standing out in stark contrast to its fellow surroundings, Antigua Casa Beban arrived from Sweden to Argentina in 1911, and yes, this is a house!

Built as the family home to a man named Tomás Bebán, a typical Swedish home was sailed over to Ushuaia in disassembled parts, and then constructed and completed by 1913. The family resided here all the way up until 1963.

After the family sold the house, the Municipality of Ushuaia restored the building in the years to follow, relocating it from Maipú Avenue to its current address. Throughout its time it has played host to tons of social events, as well as cultural exhibitions.

Today, visitors can appreciate its unique architecture from the outside — you can’t miss it thanks to its bright red roof — and inside is a museum exhibiting some information about the family history, as well as antiques and items that once belonged to the Beban family.

18 – See penguins at Isla Martillo

penguins at Isla Martillo near Ushuaia

Whether you’re a marine biologist, are a crazy fan of Happy Feet, or are traveling with children and are looking for fun things to do in Ushuaia, Isla Martillo is one of the most special experiences.

Home to dozens of penguins that live and migrate to the teeny tiny island (found in the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego), the only way to reach it is by boat, and the ride across is 10 to 20 minutes — sea conditions dependent.

Once you reach Isla Martillo, hop off the small boat and onto land where Magellanic and Papua (also known as Gentoo) penguins swim, sunbathe and waddle all day long in their natural habitat.

  • Penguin colony tours

penguin watching boat tour in Ushuaia

That’s what makes this excursion so special; see the aquatic birds in person in their native wild surroundings — not stuck inside an aquarium.

The only way to take a trip to the island is with a guided tour, and interacting with the birds is not allowed.

Take note when booking your boat trip; some expeditions bring passengers to Isla Martillo, however, you can only enjoy the penguin watching from out at sea, not stopping off on the island itself.

  • Isla Martillo tours

19 – Chill out at Long Beach (Playa Larga)

Playa Larga near Ushuaia

Looking out onto the Beagle Channel, Long Beach (officially Playa Larga) is a small, quiet pebbled-sand beach that’s ideal for a picnic, or catching some sun rays with a good book in hand.

If you’ve rented a car, or are taking a taxi, from the center of town the drive here is under 15 minutes, but a few of the public bus lines travel to this area too. From the bus stop, there are multiple scenic paths to walk that lead to the beach.

The curved bay has a small strip of actual beach, but there is a grassy park directly behind to chill on too. During weekends, public BBQ grill facilities are set up which you can utilize.

Many pass by Playa Larga en route to trekking the one-kilometer-long Estancia Túnel trail, also popular for mountain biking.

20 – Go horse riding

horse riding in Ushuaia

Smell the fresh air and hear the wildlife cooing in the background during a peaceful horseback riding expedition through forests and valleys.

Before the trail begins, you’ll be designated your own trusty steed, and then it’s time to saddle up and start the ride.

During the one-hour journey, be guided to touristy points of interest like Lake Escondido and local villages nearby. Learn about native flora and fauna, wildlife, and useful geographic information as you trot on by.

Some horseback rides form part of half-day tours and include an off-road drive and a picnic (or lunch).

  • horse riding tours in Ushuaia

21 – Cruise past Isla de Los Pajaros

Isla de Los Pajaros, Ushuaia

Add another isle to explore while navigating the Beagle Channel to your list, and like its counterparts around the strait, Isla de Los Pajaros is named after its inhabitants … birds!

Translating to ‘bird island’, as travelers approach the minute island made of rocks, the first thing to catch your eye are dozens of birds.

From afar, it seems like Isla de Los Pajaros is home to more penguins, however, the closer your boat approaches, you soon realize that they’re not penguins, but Imperial Cormorants.

(These aquatic birds are native to Argentina, and they love the cold waters of this region.)

Admire the marine species from your boat, however, you are not allowed to step foot into their natural habitat. Many boat tours pass by here on a cruise of the Beagle Channel, and captains stop for passengers to take photographs of the wildlife scene from the catamaran.

22 – Get ready for snowmobile fun!

snowmobile tour in Ushuaia

Forget about skiing, snowboarding or hiking … riding a snowmobile through the mountains is one of the most epic outdoorsy things to do in Ushuaia!

Fun (and suitable) for the whole family, ride a motor sled through the valleys and to lake views like Fagnano and Escondido. The minimum age requirement is five years old.

Starting at a winter center, beforehand receive a brief, interesting talk about the localities of your surroundings and the natural wildlife, and then it’s time for snow adventuring.

These ski scooters offer a way to experience action on the snowy slopes … If you’ve got two left feet, or mountain trekking isn’t your thing, snowmobiles let you explore nature and the outdoors up close too.

Choose to go snowmobiling in the daytime, or there are nighttime excursions too! At the winter center, there are a few more activities to try, like sleigh rides, snowshoe hikes and meeting Siberian huskies.

  • snowmobile tours in Ushuaia

23 – Take a stroll through the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve

Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve, Argentina

Veering away from the typical-mountain scenes you’ve seen so far, the Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve is a perfect place for a quiet, relaxing afternoon walk among a wild forest brimming with native fauna and flora.

Arriving at the nature reserve, choose to wander around the forest, or make the summit to the top of Cerro Alarken instead. These trails to the top are more difficult than the casual routes, and marked out, require a bit of climbing too.

Once you reach the top, 360-degree panoramic views of the outlining mountainscapes, as well as parts of  Ushuaia Bay bless hikers. Different route circuits each have unique points of interest to spot along the walk.

For example, one trail boasts sights of Andorra and Rio Chico valleys, Mount Olivia and Vinciguerra Glacier and another provides views of the Beagle Channel.

Look out for wildlife like cute foxes and keep an ear open to the birds like woodpeckers, and the other animals inside.

24 – Take a tour around a National Monument; Harberton Ranch

Harberton Ranch, Ushuaia

When the first European settler — a man named Thomas Bridges — landed on the shores of Tierra del Fuego, Harberton Ranch was founded, and to this day, it is operated and run by fifth and sixth-generation Bridges family members.

Step back in time at the park-come-lodge-come-restaurant and deep dive into the history of Tierra del Fuego, its culture and its native inhabitants as you take a tour around the area’s first-ever nature reserve.

Learn about how the gradual integration between new settlers and the local people took place, and during a guided walk around, investigate traditional Yámana hut replicas, the family cemetery and garden, and see old boating, shear and carpentry sheds.

At the main house on the property, a new historical museum has opened. Investigate antiques and items belonging to the family, from a wedding dress to everyday tools.

Acatushun Museum, Ushuaia

Another museum to explore at the ranch is the Acatushun Museum displaying collections of over 5,000 wildlife species in life-size form — including 2,800 mammal species and 2,300 species of birds.

Inside this museum is also a dedicated Laboratory and the Bone House, and there is also a skeleton exhibition of underwater animals.

Feeling hungry after all the investigating? On the hillside and with stunning views are the Acawaia Restaurant and Manacatush Tea House. Taste traditional Patagonian cuisine, made using fresh farm ingredients.

  • Estancia Harberton tours

25 – Try dog sledding

dog sledding in Ushuaia

As a gateway to Antarctica, it’s no surprise that travelers get to experience dog sledding as another unique activity in Ushuaia.

Covering nine kilometers of snowy pathways through a forested nature reserve, sled, glide and feel the immense power (and intelligence) of incredible Alaskan or Siberian Huskies as you sleigh through the Tierra Mayor Valley!

During the expedition, your expert “musher” shares interesting knowledge and information about these special breeds of dog (wolf-like in their appearance and beautifully natured), like the history, breeding and habits of Huskies.

huskies in Ushuaia

After the sledding adventure, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate back at the winter center.

  • dog sledding in Ushuaia

26 – Visit the iconic Cabo San Pablo

Cabo San Pablo, Ushuaia

Photographers especially love the scenes down at Cabo San Pablo — a lonely, isolated mountain on the eastern coastline and also home to an old rusty, abandoned ship on the shore!

Also known as Cape San Pablo, explore the area by foot and head down to the shoreline to marvel at the ‘Desdemona’, a German cargo ship that had to dock at Cabo San Pablo to avoid sinking after it endured damaging cracks in its hull.

Fascinatingly, the bags of cement that the cargo ship was carrying seeped through these cracks, literally cementing it on the shore where it has remained shipwrecked ever since.

Checking the tides before visiting is important as it can affect how close to the wreck you can get, depending on whether or not the shoreline is exposed. Walking on the boat, or inside is not advised.

A two-hour drive from Ushuaia, combine a visit to the shipwreck when touring the Cabo San Pablo area, and other famed tourist attractions and sites are nearby, like the leaning Cape San Pablo Lighthouse, built in 1945.

  • Cabo San Pablo tours

27 – Shop at Paseo de los Artesanos

Paseo de los Artesanos, Ushuaia

Bursting with creative flair, shop for handicrafts, unique souvenirs and handmade organic goods at Paseo de los Artesanos, also called the ‘Artisan Walk.’

Home to 48 local stalls, browse products for sale created by artists from all around the world, and there are a few stores that host artsy workshops too. If you’re hunting down that flea-market vibe out of the things to do in Ushuaia, this is the place to feel right at home.

Inside the indoor market, the shops are set up next to one another in a row, and shoppers walk down the corridors with stalls on either side.

Purchase painted graphic prints, incense holders, vintage jewelry, woodwork and leather goods, to name a few, and there are artists who paint and create live on the spot.

Bursting with ambiance and color, from the market building covered in painted murals, to the friendly vendors, it’s the perfect shopping destination.

28 – Step back in time at Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina

Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina, Ushuaia

This part of the world is steeped in history where famed explorers arrived to navigate the then undiscovered parts of Earth, and the southernmost tip was where the country’s first primitive settlers inhabited the lands thousands of years ago.

At the Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina (Fuegian History Thematic Gallery), understand and learn more about the history of Tierra del Fuego with the help of 36 recreated scenes, and 120 life-sized figurines of the region’s first indigenous groups.

recreated scenes at Galeria Tematica Historia Fueguina, Ushuaia

The gallery has four main themes to investigate, and the displays are organized accordingly.

Start with the indigenous villages and study three indigenous groups from around Tierra del Fuego and what makes each distinct.

The Selknam lived in the mountains to the north side, the Haush settled on the eastern tip of the Mitre Peninsula, and the Yámanas inhabited the Beagle Channel.

Discover the history of the HMS Beagle which influenced the channel’s name and fame, and scenes of the first explorers, adventurers and sailors that attempted the waters.

Witness moments from the Ushuaia prison, or take an in-depth look into the past at the Historia Fueguina area, and how it became known as the “gateway to Antarctica”.

29 – Feast at the best restaurants

restaurant in Ushuaia

Home to such a diversified landscape, from the ocean to the mountains, there are some excellent restaurants in Ushuaia to satiate your palettes.

Offering tasting and a la carte menus, enjoy a superb evening of fine dining at Kalma Resto , focusing on Argentinian flavors and inspiring food presentation.

For a French feast of haute gastronomy, with a highlight on the freshest seafood, book a table at the warm and ambient Kaupé Restaurant .

Located inside the Las Hayas Hotel is the Le Martial restaurant and the menu features local delicacies and fanciful presentation. They’re renowned for their service too.

Boasting gorgeous views to win your heart, and a menu of local Argentinian dishes, Reinamora is a romantic and cozy pick for couples. Restaurant Orange is another choice for a dining spot with views, with international and local cuisine on offer.

For hearty plates that shine brightly on local flavors, Paso Garibaldi keeps visitors coming back for more, and they serve incredible, affordable seafood.

30 – Attempt crab fishing

crab fishing in Ushuaia

Have you ever tried crab fishing before? Feel like a local during an expedition on the Beagle Channel where you will have the opportunity to try and scoop up a spider crab!

Boarding a tour boat, be driven to a spot on the waters easiest for crab fishing, and with the help of the experts, cast your net into the water and wait until you feel the tug of a massive crustacean.

Once you’ve caught your catch — if you’re lucky — enjoy a three-course lunch on deck as you cruise the channel, scoping the natural scenery and wildlife en route.

Most crab fishing expeditions start late morning around 10.30 AM, or from midday at 12.30 PM, and this is one of things to do in Ushuaia suitable for all ages.

  • crab fishing in Ushuaia

31 – Sample the local craft beer

beer tasting in Ushuaia

Quench your thirst with the local craft beer scene in Ushuaia, and there are a handful of local craft breweries to visit for tastings.

Beagle is the name of the locally-produced craft beer hailing from these parts, and the Beagle brewery has been in operation since 1999 (located at Fuegian Beverage Company S.A. – Cerveza Beagle).

Most bars, restaurants and pubs in town stock the brand.

Try out the local brew at Cervecería Grut ’84, and enjoy a night of beer games, good music, tapas and beer like IPA and golden ale on tap.

Van Gogh Beer House is another spot to hit up for cold pints of local brands, and apart from the beer, they also serve themed cocktails.

32 – Travel on The End of the World Train

The End of the World Train, Ushuaia

Chugging through the Tierra del Fuego reserve, experience the hills, countryside and waterfalls where horses graze on a journey on the vintage End of the World Train.

Interesting fact: the first locomotive operations in Ushuaia began at the beginning of the 1900s after the Ushuaia prison opened. The inmates from the prison helped to build the railway (which was used to transport prisoners to and from the prison to Monte Susana to collect materials like timber).

Fast forward more than 100 years later and tourists can ride the old railway on a diesel locomotive brought in from South Africa to tour the area with a touch of old-world charm.

There are different ways to experience the train ride, and just like most locomotives, there are three types of classed carriages to choose from.

The End of the World Train tourist class

Purchase a standard ticket (the tourist class) or upgrade to Premium Class and enjoy early boarding advantages, as well as breakfast/or lunch, a box of chocolates and more. For the celebrity treatment, the VIP class is the only way to go.

Get to meet the train driver, there are workshops available included, as well as meals and free beverages.

Running for seven kilometers, the journey is roughly two hours.

  • The End of the World Train tickets

How to get to Ushuaia?

Traveling to Ushuaia you’re presented with two ways to get here, depending on where you are arriving from.

If you’re flying into Ushuaia, arrive at the Ushuaia Airport (also known as Malvinas Argentinas International Airport). Before traveling, pre-book and organize airport transfers to save you time and the hassle of haggling taxis.

Upon arrival, your private drivers await you, ready to transport you directly to your accommodation.

Arriving in Ushuaia by boat at the Port of Ushuaia, consider guided shore excursions around Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Where to stay in Ushuaia?

hotels in Ushuaia

Make sure to book a stay in Ushuaia that brings you plenty of comfort and joy while you’re traveling around the chilly city and mountain ranges. Here are some of the best hotels, resorts and apartments around.

For the five-star experience, check into the Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort and immediately feel transported to the Swiss Alps — from the location to the resort interiors.

Mountain dreams are made of these and a night at Los Cauquenes Resort promises to be utterly romantic, offering rooms with hot tubs.

Feel like you’re waking up in a children’s fairytale book at Aldea Nevada and the wooden cabins are inside a forest.

If an apart-hotel is more your style, check into Ushuaia Drake Departamentos with their fully equipped, clean apartments and a beachfront location.

Cozy, warm, spacious and with glaciers as your backdrop to wake up to, feel totally relaxed during your stay at the Wyndham Garden Ushuaia Hotel del Glaciar .

With friendly staff and great on-site facilities like a wooden sauna, gym and restaurant, there is everything you need to keep you happy at Hotel Albatros , with room and suite options available.

A fabulous family option is the Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel , featuring a kid’s play room and activities.

  • best hotels in Ushuaia

Looking to visit several sites in Ushuaia?

If your time in Ushuaia is limited, or you’re the type of traveler that enjoys guided, pre-organized trips, consider multi-day tours from Ushuaia .

Your itinerary is taken care of, with no need to worry about handling dozens of bookings for attractions, museums, day trips and outdoor activities. There are even some multi-day trips that include your air tickets, for example, the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

During a three or four-day adventure, be taken around Tierra del Fuego National Park, cruise the Beagle Channel, and sightsee all of the iconic monuments and natural landmarks in between.

For the most adventurous ones, cruise through Patagonia´s glaciers to Punta Arenas – an amazing journey to the “uttermost end of earth”.

Final thoughts

You will truly feel worlds away during your time in Ushuaia, and this part of Argentina is like none other.

For serious outdoor enthusiasts at heart, enjoy your time in the mountainous landscapes no matter the season, and there are many things to do in Ushuaia where you won’t come across the same opportunity very often.

Plan properly to make the most of your time, and as always, happy, safe and warm traveling.

If you’ve got any favorite places to sight-see in this part of Argentina, share with us in the comments.

Ushuaia, Argentina: Why You Should Visit The City At The End Of The World

There are countless reasons to visit Ushuaia. The end of the world is the perfect destination for nature lovers offering dozens of attractions.

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Is Ushuaia The World's Southernmost City?

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Why is ushuaia called the end of the world, how to get to ushuaia, the best time to visit ushuaia, things to do in ushuaia, is ushuaia really the southernmost city in the world.

There are several reasons for visiting Argentina , but for nature fans, Ushuaia would probably top the list. Known as the end of the world , this remote location in South America has many attractions, including a former prison, rides on a scenic train , fantastic landscapes, glaciers, and outstanding wildlife.

Ushuaia is a unique place where travelers can walk among penguins during the day and try some of the best Argentinean wines later. Unsurprisingly, visiting Ushuaia demands some planning, and tourists often feel puzzled when planning their first trip to Ushuaia.

UPDATE: 2023/02/04 14:48 EST BY AARON SPRAY

One of the great appeals of Ushuaia as a destination is that it is the world's southernmost city - or is it? It turns around Ushuaia is not without its Chilean detractors. This article was updated with information about whether Ushuaia really is the world's southernmost city (not that that should stop one from visiting anyway).

Ushuaia is known as the end of the world thanks to its location. The capital of Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost spot of Argentina, and it's a gateway to Antarctica, making it a strategic hub for many Antarctica cruises.

Tierra de Fuego is an archipelago that stretches over Argentina and Chile and is known for its landscapes. The name means Land of Fire, and it received this name because when European explorers approached the archipelago, they saw columns of smoke .

RELATED: What Are The Best Ski Resorts In Argentina?

Despite its remote location, Ushuaia is reachable by plane, car, or bus. Yet, planning how to get there depends on how much time travelers have in Argentina and the itinerary.

The fastest way to get to Ushuaia is by plane, and there're direct flights from some cities in Argentina. Buenos Aires has the most significant number of options , but it also depends on the season, and the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. Aerolineas Argentinas and Latam operate the flights.

Travelers exploring other spots in the country can also catch flights in Córdoba, El Calafate, or Rio Gallegos, most of them run by Aerolineas Argentinas. There's no public transportation at the Ushuaia airport, but travelers catch a taxi or book a transfer in advance.

It's possible to start the journey in Alaska and drive through the Pan America highway until Ushuaia , while those already in Argentina must travel 1,864 miles between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Still, the journey by car is filled with scenic views along the way, going through Mendoza, the pampas, and Patagonia.

Travelers need to catch a ferry from the Chilean territory to cross the Strait of Magellan, which takes approximately 390 minutes. After that, there is a short drive to Ushuaia.

This is the longest way to get to Ushuaia, and travelers can create an itinerary to see other cities in Argentina. As no buses go directly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, tourists must catch a bus to Rio Gallegos, which takes approximately 36 hours. There, they can go on a second bus to Ushuaia, and the travel lasts eight hours.

RELATED: This One-Day Argentina Hike Leads To Stunning Mountain Views

The best time to visit Ushuaia depends on what travelers are expecting to see. Book guides often recommend visiting it during the Argentinean summer, between December and February, but it doesn't mean visitors can expect warm days. The weather in Ushuaia is often cloudy and windy, and the warmest month is January, when temperatures reach up to 50°F (10°C) .

Travelers who want to see the famous penguins in Ushuaia should plan their trip between November and February. The winter is between June and August, and it's also the best period for those planning to visit ski resorts.

Getting to Ushuaia demands some planning, but it's worth the journey, as travelers can find a range of activities year-round. To explore the region, staying at least three days in Ushuaia is recommended, but those who decide to stay one week won't feel bored.

Boat Trip At The Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel separates the Chilean and Argentian territories, and there are several boat tours in Ushuaia to explore it. The trips will always include the lighthouse Les Eclaireurs and two famous islands in the region, but there are different types of tours. The shortest one is a two-hour boat trip that covers the main attractions.

Yet, travelers can choose other tours, including seeing the penguins at Martillo Island and exploring the rural area.

See The Penguins

The best time to see penguins in Ushuaia is between November and February, when they travel to the region to reproduce. The best way to watch them is to catch a day tour to Martillo Island, where visitors can walk on the island for nearly one hour, and this is the highlight of traveling to Ushuaia. What makes it more remarkable is that there are different species of penguins on the island. The guide will explain more about the animals and the region.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Travelers can explore the Patagonian landscape at the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a large area with rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, glaciers, and unique wildlife. The place is home to guanacos (animals similar to llamas), penguins, and sea lions. It's the perfect place to go on hiking or book a tent on their campsites.

Train To The End Of The World

The Train of Ushuaia was originally built to bring timber to the prison in the city, but it has now become one of the most popular touristic attractions. The train leaves five times daily, and there's a bilingual guide explaining more about the Ushuai's history and landscape. It's an exciting tour to do with children.

Stay In A Ski Resort

Between June and October, Ushuaia becomes popular among skiers that come all over the world. They often stay at Cerro Castor, a ski resort with 33 market trails . The trails feature different difficulty levels, and there's also the option of going on a guided tour. Argentina also has other destinations famous among skiers, like Bariloche.

RELATED: Forget Switzerland: Argentina Should Be Your Winter Destination

Esmeralda Lagoon

The Ushuaia is filled with incredible lagoons, including the Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano. Yet, Esmeralda Lagoon is probably the most beautiful of them. The emerald waters of this lagoon come from glaciers, and a forest and mountains surround it, creating the most peaceful spot in the region. Those who want to see it from another angle can book a helicopter tour.

The co-originates of Ushuaia are 54°48′7″S 68°18′11″W. At this far south, Ushuaia is generally considered the southernmost city in the world, but as with many claims to fame, the actual picture is a little murky.

Outside of South America, there is no competition. Antarctica has no permanent population and neither do any of the sub-Antartica islands . The southernmost city outside of South America is Invercargill of, New Zealand, with a population of around 50,000. Invercargill is at a latitude of 46°25′S .

But in South America, the picture is more complicated. It turns out there are three cities using the slogan as the southernmost city in the world. The two competitors are the cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams in Chile.

City view of Ushuaia, Argentina, from the sea

At a latitude of 53°10′S , Punta Arenas is further north than the other two cities, but it claims the title on the basis of being the largest of the contenders. It has a population of 130,000, while Ushuaia is only 71,000. Still, it can be argued that Ushuaia is large enough and has enough infrastructure to be considered a city.

The other Chilean contender is Puerto Williams. At 54°56′S , this is the southernmost of the three, but its claim is questionable because of its small population. It only has a population of 2,874, so it really depends on what one considers a city. At least it can claim to be the world's southernmost town.

At the other end of the Americas, the northernmost town in the United States is Utqiaġvik at Point Barrow in Alaska .

Che Argentina Travel - Plan Your Trip to Argentina!

How to Get to Ushuaia, Argentina (by Airplane, Ferry, Bus and Car!)

So you want to visit the southernmost city in the world and you’re wondering how to get to Ushuaia, Argentina?

We’re going to tell you exactly how to get there and what your best options are.

Ushuaia is a city located on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, an island that’s shared by both Argentina and Chile. The eastern part of the island belongs to Argentina and forms part of Tierra del Fuego Province, while the western part belongs to Chile and is part of the Magallanes Region.

That means reaching Ushuaia involves flying, or if you’re travelling overland by bus or by car, it involves crossing over by ferry.

So which option should you choose?

Maybe your travel time is limited so you need to get to Ushuaia efficiently to make the most of your time there, or maybe you’re on an open-ended trip and you have all the time in the world to meander to your destination.

Whatever your travel needs, in this guide we’re going to navigate the various ways you can get to Ushuaia complete with travel times, distances, and airlines and bus companies that will get you there.

How to Get to Ushuaia, Argentina - by Airplane, Ferry, Bus and Car!

How to get to Ushuaia

Getting to ushuaia by plane.

The easiest and most efficient way to get to Ushuaia is by flying into Ushuaia International Airport, locally known as Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas (USH). The airport receives flights from several major cities in Argentina including multiple flights a day from the capital of Buenos Aires.

Flight times to Ushuaia

  • Buenos Aires (EZE) to Ushuaia (USH) – 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Buenos Aires (AER) to Ushuaia (USH) – 3 hours 40 minutes
  • El Calafate (FTE) to Ushuaia (USH) – 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cordoba (COR) to Ushuaia (USH) – 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Rio Gallegos (RGL) to Ushuaia (USH) – 1 hour 10 minutes

TIP: If you are flying into Ushuaia to catch your cruise to Antarctica, be sure to arrive at least 1-2 days early in case of inclement weather which could cause delays or cancellations. You wouldn’t want to miss your once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Airlines that fly to Ushuaia

Some of the airlines that currently operate flight routes to Ushuaia include:

  • Aerolineas Argentina
  • LADE – this is a state-owned airline operated by the Argentine Air Force
  • DAP – this is a Chilean airline that operates charter and scheduled flights from its base in Punta Arenas, Chile

TIP: Keep in mind that flight frequency varies between high season and low season, so not all routes may be available year-round. 

Most travellers will likely be getting to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires as that’s the main hub for international flights and offers several daily flights from both Aeroparque (airport in Buenos Aires) and Ezeiza (airport in the outskirts of Buenos Aires).

Once you arrive at the Ushuaia Airport, you can rent a car if you need one for your trip. You’ll find Hertz, Avis Rent a Car, Europcar, and Localiza.

You can also find taxis and remises (private taxi).

Getting to Ushuaia by bus

Travelling to Ushuaia by bus is certainly possible, though you should be prepared for some very long, multi-day journeys depending on where you’re travelling from.

Ideally, you’d want to break up the bus journey making stops in various destinations along the way.

Buenos Aires to Ushuaia Bus Route

If you want to travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia by bus, one possible route would be:

  • Buenos Aires to Bahia Blanca – 636 km / 395 mi
  • Bahia Blanca to Puerto Madryn – 666 km / 413 mi
  • Puerto Madryn to Comodoro Rivadavia – 439 km / 272 mi
  • Comodoro Rivadavia to Rio Gallegos – 778 km / 483 mi
  • Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia (ferry crossing via Chile) – 579 km / 359 mi

As you can see, it’s quite the journey with 5 solid days of bus travel, but it’s a great way to see the Argentine coast.

You may enjoy our Coastal Patagonia itinerary if you’re looking to travel a similar route.

What bus companies go to Ushuaia

  • Buses from Buenos Aires to Bahia Blanca – Via TAC, Via Bariloche, Plus Mar, Condor Estrella, Tramat, Ñandú del Sur
  • Buses from Bahia Blanca to Puerto Madryn – Via TAC, Via Bariloche, Plus Mar, Condor Estrella, Tramat, El Rapido
  • Buses from Puerto Madryn to Comodoro Rivadavia – Via TAC, Via Bariloche
  • Buses from Comodoro Rivadavia to Rio Gallegos – Via TAC
  • Buses from Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia (ferry crossing via Chile) – Marga Taqsa

Book your bus tickets via BusBud.

TIP: The further south you travel in Patagonia, the more remote it gets. This often means less bus frequency between destinations. Because departures aren’t daily, you’ll want to book your transportation before you book your accommodations!

Getting to Ushuaia by car

How many kilometres from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia?

It is a 3,076 km or 1,911 mi journey to drive from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Whichever route you choose to drive across Argentina – be it along the Atlantic Coast or the Andes Mountains – there will come a point in the road where you have to cross into Chile in order to reach Isla Grande, the island in Tierra del Fuego where Ushuaia is located.

Since you are reaching an island, this also involves a Chilean ferry in order to make it across the Strait of Magellan.

Crossing the border via Rio Gallegos

Leaving Rio Gallegos, you will head south on RN3 until you reach Paso Internacional Integración Austral. Here you’ll go through customs and immigration, scan your bags and get your passport stamped.

You will then continue south on Ruta 255 and then turn off on Ruta 257 heading in the direction of Cruce Punta Delgada.

Crossing the border via El Calafate

If you’re travelling in El Calafate and you want to explore Chilean Patagonia, you’ll likely cross over to Chile to visit Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.

This route involves driving south on RN40 and turning off towards Paso Río Don Guillermo, which is the international border crossing into Chile.

After going through customs and immigration, you will continue south on Ruta 9, catch the 255 heading east, and the 257 heading south until you reach Cruce Punta Delgada to catch the ferry.

TIP: Whichever crossing you choose, you will want to allow ample time at immigration as it can take time depending on the number of buses and vehicles crossing at the same time. 

Ferry Crossing to Tierra del Fuego

The ferry crosses from Punta Delgada (on the continent) to Bahia Azul (on the island) at the narrowest part of the Strait of Magellan in what is known as the Primera Angostura Crossing .

The island of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego is shared between Argentina and Chile. You will first be crossing into the Chilean side.

Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) service is offered by Transbordadora Austral Broom via its three vessels: Ferry Fueguino, Ferry Patagonia, and Ferry Crux Australis.

The ferry terminal operates every day from 08:30 a.m. (on the continent) to 01:00 a.m. (on the island). You can view the crossing schedule here .

Reservations for this ferry crossing are not required, you simply arrive during the hours of operation and it’s first come first serve.

Once you’ve crossed on the ferry, you continue driving south on Ruta 257 until you reach Paso Fronterizo San Sebastian and cross over from Chile back into Argentina.

You then follow RN3 all the way south until you reach Ushuaia.

TIP: You can take RN3 all the way to the ‘End of the Road Sign’ in Bahía Lapataia in Tierra del Fuego National Park. That’s where this epic road officially ends. There’s nothing to do here but to turn back around and drive up to Alaska!

Read our Ushuaia articles to start planning your trip:

  • Things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina
  • 10 Epic Day Trips from Ushuaia
  • Best Tierra del Fuego National Park Tours
  • Choosing Your Ushuaia Helicopter Tour
  • Where to Stay in Ushuaia
  • Riding the End of the World Train
  • Visiting the Post Office at the End of the World
  • Touring Ushuaia by Double Decker Bus
  • Tolhuin: The Lakeside Town Near Ushuaia
  • Choosing the Right G Adventures Patagonia Tour  

GROUP TOURS – If you’d rather join a group tour to travel in Argentina, check out Gadventures .

CAR RENTAL – To explore Argentina beyond the cities, the best way to do so is by renting a car. Discover Cars offers rentals across the country.

BUS TICKETS – Bus travel is a great way to see Argentina. BusBud offers numerous routes.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – Don’t leave on your trip without booking travel insurance. You can get a quote on SafetyWing .

HOTELS – Booking.com offers accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles.

TOURS – For a variety of tours and activities, have a look at Viator .

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The prison that helped build ‘the city at the end of the world’

People wear jail inmate costumes at a train depot.

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Some call this prison the Alcatraz of Argentina. Its inmates helped build what’s now known as the city at the end of the world.

Sent here in the early 1900s to populate the country’s southern tip, they paved the roads and heated homes with timber they hauled by train from nearby forests. Ushuaia’s frigid climate and remote location meant that if inmates managed to escape the prison grounds, they rarely got far.

Nestled along the Beagle Channel with snow-capped mountains behind it, Ushuaia grew into a significant port city of 80,000 and a hub for ecotourism. Ships depart regularly for Antarctica.

The prison has been turned into a museum and “dark tourism” attraction — like Chernobyl — that serves as a reminder that Ushuaia owes its existence largely to the labor of the inmates.

A tourist walks through a barred doorway in a prison museum.

Gift shops tout a seemingly endless supply of prison-themed souvenirs, among them baby onesies and oven mitts in the signature design of prison uniforms — yellow and blue horizontal stripes. The End of the World Train that traverses the Tierra del Fuego National Park simulates the forest journey that prisoners made daily and invites passengers to experience “the charm of an era that has passed.”

The kitschiness fuels a debate about whether commodifying “dark tourism” is distasteful or makes history more accessible. Ryan C. Edwards, author of “A Carceral Ecology,” which examines the Ushuaia prison and its legacy, said people should not forget Ushuaia‘s past.

“It’s very funny to ride the train, hear the stories, be somber about it and then be happy when you’re trekking through the mountains,” he said.

But Ushuaia’s history as a city and a prison poses an uneasy question.

“The one is because of the other,” Edwards said, “and are we OK with that?”

Travel & Experiences

Argentina’s Ushuaia rides eco-tourism wave

The Tierra del Fuego city, which bills itself as the End of the World, cashes in as thousands flock to its relatively untouched terrain.

May 10, 2007

When Argentina established a subprefecture in Tierra del Fuego in 1884, following a treaty with Chile that divided the territory between both countries, the region was populated by Indigenous people and English missionaries.

Argentine officials, including President Julio Roca, saw a prison as a way to obtain a reliable source of hands and occupy the territory to defend it from Chile. They pointed to penal colonies around the world, including Britain’s settlement in Australia, as models.

The name Ushuaia, pronounced oo-SWY-yah, comes from the Indigenous Yaghan language and means “the bay that looks west.”

A group of prisoners who were promised reduced sentences volunteered to transfer to Ushuaia to build a jail for civilians, according to Edwards. In 1902, the founding stone was laid in sight of the shores of the Beagle Channel.

Historic archive photo of the Ushuaia prison.

1. Successful prison breaks were rare in Ushuaia because of its frigid weather and remote location. 2. Inside the prison’s rotunda. Prisoners often lived in crowded conditions. 3. An outside view of Ushuaia’s prison. (Courtesy Museo del Fin del Mundo - Ushuaia)

The prison’s design, five long cellblocks that meet at a rotunda like spokes of a wheel, was inspired by the famous Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Some proponents thought that physical labor and Patagonia’s nature and cold climate could help rehabilitate the prisoners.

“There’s a belief that cold frigid zones will actually temper criminal habits,” said Edwards. “You get a very scientific penitentiary in a very cold region that they believe to be salubrious.”

The penitentiary grew to 380 cells while housing more than 500 prisoners at a time, and suffered from overcrowding. The prison had a bakery, mechanic, tailor shop, newspaper and sawmill, and prisoners handled the city’s construction projects. It also ran a plant that generated electricity for the town, which experienced blackouts when the prison, under the jurisdiction of the country’s Ministry of Justice, cut off electricity during conflicts with local officials.

“The town became completely dependent on the jail,” said Silvana Mabel Cecarelli, an Argentine historian who has written several books on the prison. “They wanted a crib, they had to buy it from the prisoners.”

Prisoners who escaped weren’t expected to survive. Some made it to the wilderness only to start fires in hopes of being spotted and rescued.

The prison held famous criminals, including serial killer Cayetano Santos Godino, who was charged as a teenager with strangling children. At a time when biological traits were studied as indicators of criminal behavior, Godino became known by the public for his large ears and nicknamed the petiso orejudo , “the short large-eared man.”

A black-and-white photo of inmates in a line.

The case of Simón Radowitzky, an anarchist who was transferred to Ushuaia in 1911 after assassinating the Buenos Aires police chief in the aftermath of violent clashes between police and labor movement protesters, put a media spotlight on the prison and fostered demands for its closure.

Journalists who visited wrote about disease and lack of heating. One reporter from a Buenos Aires newspaper who secretly interviewed prisoners as they worked outside wrote that “Ushuaia, the cursed land, is a disgusting stain on the Republic.”

“It was like leaving them forgotten,” said Cecarelli. “The area got a reputation as a place of punishment; that’s why it was called the ‘Siberia Criolla,’” the Argentine Siberia.

As the number of prisoners and prison employees grew, Tierra del Fuego’s population increased from 477 in 1895 to 2,504 in 1914.

Ushuaia’s families adapted to the environment, warming their beds with heated bricks and spending their free time ice skating in the street, climbing a nearby glacier and trekking in the forest. News from Buenos Aires and the rest of the world arrived by radio, and canned food and supplies arrived on cargo ships in the port.

Mar Tita Garea, 84, a resident of Ushuaia and known as one of its “old settlers,” recalled how her father, who worked in the prison’s tailor shop when she was a child, would bring home fresh bread from the prison’s bakery every day.

Mar Tita Garea stands in front of framed photographs.

“It was tasty, even tastier than what my mother would make,” she said.

Garea would occasionally hear the prison’s orchestra, which would perform for the public on national holidays, but worried when news that a prisoner had escaped would sweep the town.

“People would get scared, or at least I got scared,” she said.

A statue of an inmate in prison stripes sits on a bench next to tourists.

Another resident, Rúben Muñoz, 85, whose uncle was a prison guard, remembered gathering every evening with other children in town to watch as the train carrying prisoners back from collecting timber passed by a main street.

“There wasn’t television, there weren’t movies, so it was a kind of entertainment,” he said.

In 1947, President Juan Perón announced the closure of the prison in the wake of national reforms that created labor-oriented rural prisons throughout Argentina in order to support the development of agricultural communities.

Argentina's President-elect, Javier Milei, left, leaves after praying next to Chabad-Lubavitch rabbis

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Ushuaia, even without its prison, kept steadily growing. In the ’70s, tourism to Antarctica, a two-day boat ride away, boomed. Tax exemptions created in Tierra del Fuego to lure people to the province led to the development of a manufacturing hub that today produces almost all cell phones and television sets in Argentina.

These days, tourism is one of the city’s lifelines. In the summer, visitors pack the downtown’s narrow streets where agencies offer excursions to see penguins and last-minute trips to Antarctica and souvenir shops sell mugs and shirts that say “end of the world.”

A post office on a shore in Patagonia.

Before boarding the End of the World Train, passengers take photos next to staff dressed in horizontal stripes to impersonate prisoners. A recording tells the story of the prison in multiple languages while the train passes by a glistening river and valleys. The venture has been a success. Last year, the train had 259,000 passengers, up from 102,000 in 2013. A decade earlier, it had 60,000.

A mannequin of a guard in uniform greets visitors at the entrance of the prison, which in the ‘90s was converted by a group of locals into a museum. Repainted cells host exhibits, and two cellblocks house an art gallery and gift shop.

Tourists take pictures with a prisoner figurine sitting at a cafe table inside the rotunda. Rolando Bianco, a Buenos Aires businessman, posed for a photo with a diploma from the gift shop that declares visitors “free.”

“Something humorous,” he said. “You have to take life like that.”

Many locals are happy with the boost to the economy. Ana María Calderon, whose father was an orphan in Buenos Aires and had never heard of Ushuaia when a church found him a job there at age 20 helping print a newspaper, said that when she grew up the town felt very subdued.

A man looks at archival photos.

“Seeing the people, the ships, it gives me life,” she said.

But José Enrique Cisterna, a 95-year-old who moved to Ushuaia at 18 and worked on the naval base that took over the prison, said that it’s important to remember that “the suffering of the prisoners helped expand the city.”

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Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. She joined the newsroom in 2018, where she spent several years covering criminal justice, including the Luz del Mundo sex abuse case, and was part of the team that was a 2020 Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of the Conception boat fire off the Channel Islands. She moved to Mexico in 2021 and was a 2023 Livingston finalist for an investigation on how a centuries-old forensic test has been sending mothers in Latin America to prison for killing their newborns. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia University’s School of Journalism.

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel to Ushuaia, the essential guide

    29 de October de 2023 by Flor Vallejo Here is a complete guide to travel to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world and one of the main destinations if you are going to travel to Patagonia. Surrounded by high mountains, forests and on the shores of the Beagle Channel, it has unique landscapes. Table of Contents Orientation, travel to Ushuaia

  2. Ushuaia travel

    Getty Images Ushuaia Argentina, South America A busy port and adventure hub, Ushuaia is a sliver of steep streets and jumbled buildings below the snowcapped Martial Range. Here the Andes meets the famed Beagle Channel in a sharp skid, making way for the city before reaching a sea of lapping currents. Leave the planning to a local expert

  3. 21 FUN Things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina

    1. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park The region is so beautiful! If you are anywhere near Ushuaia, Argentina, you are in the Tierra del Fuego region of the country. Meaning the 'land of fire,' this region is known for its natural beauty, incredible coastlines, and penguin colonies.

  4. Ushuaia, Argentina 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Patagonia Province of Tierra del Fuego Ushuaia Plan Your Trip to Ushuaia: Best of Ushuaia Tourism About Ushuaia The world's southernmost city is located on the Beagle Channel, between the Martial Range and the end of the world.

  5. Ushuaia, Argentina (Updated • 2022) Gringo's Travel Guide

    Ushuaia, Argentina is one unique place. Hell, it's unlike anywhere I've ever been before. Nestled all the way on the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia has been labeled the "southernmost city in the world" — although that title has been challenged by Puerto Williams, Chile as of late.

  6. Ushuaia in 5 days, the perfect itinerary [Go Patagonic ]

    Day 1: downtown and Martial Glacier A good way to start your visit to Ushuaia is to visit the Martial Glacier, a destination easily accessible from the center of the city of Ushuaia, since it is only seven kilometers away and you can reach the base by cab or car.

  7. Complete Travel Guide to Ushuaia Argentina

    Ushuaia sits alongside El Chalten and Perito Moreno Glacier as some of the top destinations in Argentina's Patagonia region. This quaint little city is certainly one place that has somehow grown on me. I cannot really put the finger on it, but I look forward to visiting again as it gives me a different impression each time I have returned.

  8. Ultimate Guide to Ushuaia: Gateway to Tierra del Fuego

    Traveled to Argentina as a couple in January, 2024 R Raj M. Massachusetts, United States Simone G. Read more reviews Discovering Ushuaia Ushuaia is the capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, the archipelago divided between Argentina and Chile below Patagonia, at the very bottom of South America.

  9. 16 Epic Things to Do in Ushuaia Argentina

    Ushuaia is located at the tip of Argentina on the Beagle Channel and is known for being the busy port city for Antarctica cruises. It also holds the title as the southernmost town on the American continent and in the world.

  10. Best Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina

    Best Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, also nicknamed the end of the world, entices travelers who want to get the real Patagonian experience. Read our travel guide on top things to do in Ushuaia, including the must-visit attractions and tips on how to get around, when to visit, or where to stay.

  11. Ushuaia Travel Guide

    Cruceros Australis operates luxury cruises between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, with three-, four-, seven- and eight-day trips, including one retracing the route of Charles Darwin. Ushuaia travel information and tours Tourist information. The tourist office is opposite the Muelle Turístico. There's also a smaller branch at the airport.

  12. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ushuaia

    Ways to tour Ushuaia Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ushuaia. See all Guided Tour to National Park and End of the World Train Travel 120 Rail Tours from

  13. Things to do in Ushuaia: A Travel Guide to the End of the World

    56 201 Visiting Ushuaia has been at the top of my Argentina bucket list for years. It was the last major destination to elude my travels despite living in Buenos Aires for 12 years. Finally, I went and I did it right, spending 9 days exploring the end of the world. What took so long?

  14. Ushuaia

    Connect Go next Ushuaia and the surrounding mountains Straddling the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia is the largest city in Argentine Tierra del Fuego island, with about 75,000 residents (2019). It is 3,260 km south of Buenos Aires. It lays claim to the title "the southernmost city in the world".

  15. 15 BEST Tours in Ushuaia, Argentina

    The BEST Tours in Ushuaia. 1. Half-day excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The region is so beautiful! Ushuaia is the closest town to the Tierra del Fuego ("Land of Fire) National Park, which is famed for its mountains, glaciers, coastlines, and penguin colonies.

  16. Ushuaia Patagonia: 15 Absolutely Incredible Things To Do

    One of the main cities of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, Ushuaia is nothing special in and of itself. The city is nothing more than a messy series of less than charming buildings and steep roads between Beagle Channel and the Martial Mountains. But the surroundings are nothing short of amazing.

  17. Things to do in Ushuaia

    Visit Estancia Haberton Hike in national park Tierra del Fuego, one of the famous things to do in Ushuaia Argentina Go on a husky dog sledding tour | best things to do in Ushuaia Argentina in winter Laguna Esmeralda | one of the best hikes in Ushuaia Walk among the penguins on Isla Martillo

  18. Ciudad de Ushuaia

    Touring around the city You go for a walk around the city center and Ushuaia never ceases to surprise you. The waterfront is a quiet place to walk, ride a bike and learn a little more about the end of the world.

  19. Ushuaia and Patagonia, Argentina: 15 Things to See

    6 Feb 2018 Ushuaia and Patagonia: 15 Things to See by Stephanie Hubka Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, a tiny tourist-driven town that welcomes visitors who arrive to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park or quickly depart for lands even further south, as we did when we left for Antarctica.

  20. 32 Best Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina

    10 - Enjoy a double-decker bus tour. Visit monuments, historical attractions and iconic parts of Ushuaia with views from up above during a double-decker bus tour. A fun way to sightsee, jump on the two-story vehicle, and for the best experience, make sure you sit on the second level up top. Read more.

  21. Ushuaia, Argentina: Why You Should Visit The City At The ...

    Updated Feb 6, 2023 There are countless reasons to visit Ushuaia. The end of the world is the perfect destination for nature lovers offering dozens of attractions. Shutterstock City view of Ushuaia, Argentina, from the sea Read update Is Ushuaia The World's Southernmost City? Quick Links Why Is Ushuaia Called The End Of The World?

  22. Ushuaia Argentina

    1: Catamaran Cruise on the Beagle Channel - Ushuaia Argentina. No Ushuaia Argentina Travel Guide would be complete without mentioning the half-day catamaran cruise on the beautiful Beagle Chanel. Sailing aboard the Catamaran includes a visit to the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse known as the "lighthouse at the end of the world".

  23. How to Get to Ushuaia, Argentina (by Airplane, Ferry, Bus and Car!)

    GROUP TOURS - If you'd rather join a group tour to travel in Argentina, check out Gadventures.. CAR RENTAL - To explore Argentina beyond the cities, the best way to do so is by renting a car.Discover Cars offers rentals across the country.. BUS TICKETS - Bus travel is a great way to see Argentina.BusBud offers numerous routes.. TRAVEL INSURANCE - Don't leave on your trip without ...

  24. The prison that helped build 'the city at the end of the world'

    Travel & Experiences. Argentina's Ushuaia rides eco-tourism wave. The Tierra del Fuego city, which bills itself as the End of the World, cashes in as thousands flock to its relatively untouched ...

  25. NASA, Intuitive Machines Moon Mission Update

    The CUTE Mission: Innovative Design EnablesObservations of Extreme Exoplanets from a SmallPackage