Visit Ushuaia

Colorful tin houses at the foot of snowy peaks, a channel patrolled by sea lions and cormorants, southern beech forests that run into the sea: Ushuaia is the ideal base to explore Tierra del Fuego. Three to four days are enough, longer if you are heading on to Antarctica.

What brings travelers to Ushuaia?

Ushuaia, capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, is one of the southernmost cities in the world. People come to sail the Beagle Channel, hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park and watch penguins and sea lions. From November to March, it is also the main embarkation port for cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Ushuaia's must-sees

Five outings that sum up Tierra del Fuego, all doable in a day from the center.

Museo Marítimo y del Presidio

The former prison, in use until 1947, houses a maritime museum and preserved cells. One wing left in its original state shows how harsh detention conditions were.

Glaciar Martial

Small hanging glacier above the town, reached by a one to two hour walk from the top of the road. The view over the Beagle Channel rewards the effort.

Laguna Esmeralda

Emerald green lake below the Albino glacier, reached by a trail of about 4.5 km through forest and bog. Allow four hours round trip, often on muddy ground.

Tren del Fin del Mundo

Narrow gauge tourist train following the route of the old prisoners' railway to the national park entrance. A ride of about an hour, popular with families.

Isla Martillo

Beagle Channel islet where Magellanic and gentoo penguins nest, sometimes a king penguin too. Reached by boat or via Estancia Harberton, roughly October to March.

What to see in and around Ushuaia?

The center and the waterfront

The town climbs up from the bay, with Avenida San Martín as its shopping street, running parallel to the waterfront. Everything can be done on foot in half a day: the port where boats leave, the "fin del mundo" sign, the wood and tin houses of the first settlers, and the former prison turned museum. Streets climb steeply to the north: wear good shoes, especially when snow or ice appear, which can happen even in late spring.

The Beagle Channel by boat

Sailing the Beagle Channel is the signature activity. Two to three hour trips pass Isla de los Lobos and its sea lions, Isla de los Pájaros and its cormorant colonies, and Les Éclaireurs lighthouse. Longer outings, five to eight hours, go on to Isla Martillo and its penguins, roughly from October to March. The wind often picks up in the afternoon: a morning departure usually means calmer water and better light.

Forests and lakes west of town

Tierra del Fuego National Park begins about twelve kilometers west. Its marked trails follow Lapataia Bay, Lago Roca or the coast, between peat bogs and lenga forests. The Senda Costera, about 8 km and four hours of walking, is the finest coastal route. Entry is paid on site, and National Route 3 ends here, nearly 3,000 km from Buenos Aires. Shuttles from the center are frequent in summer, rarer off season.

Gateway to Antarctica and winter season

Between November and March, the vast majority of cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula board in Ushuaia, typically for about ten days, including two days crossing the Drake Passage each way. Arrive at least a day before departure to absorb any flight delay. The southern winter, June to September, turns the town into a resort: the Cerro Castor ski area lies about 26 km away, and nearby valleys can be explored by dog sled or on snowshoes.

Frequently asked questions about Ushuaia

Can you walk among the penguins on Isla Martillo?
Landing on Isla Martillo is tightly regulated and limited to a small number of visitors per day, with a single authorized operator. Other boats watch the colony from the deck, a few meters offshore. Book well in advance if you want to walk on the island.
Is Les Éclaireurs the lighthouse at the end of the world from Jules Verne?
No. The lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne's novel is San Juan de Salvamento, on Isla de los Estados, much further east. The red and white Les Éclaireurs lighthouse stands in the Beagle Channel and remains the most photographed in the region.
Is the End of the World Train worth it?
Families and historic train fans will enjoy it, but the ride is short and fairly touristy. To really enjoy the national park, get off at the park station and continue on foot along the Senda Costera or toward Lapataia Bay.
Is the Laguna Esmeralda hike difficult?
It has no technical sections, but the trail crosses peat bogs that are often waterlogged. Bring waterproof boots, allow about four hours round trip and start early in summer to avoid the crowds. In winter, snowshoes are needed.
Can you book a last-minute Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia?
It is possible: agencies in the center sell unsold berths a few days before departure, especially early and late in the season. It requires flexible dates and guarantees nothing. For a peak season departure, book months in advance instead.
Can you ski in Ushuaia?
Yes, the Cerro Castor ski area, about 26 km northeast, usually operates from June to September. Nearby valleys also suit cross-country skiing and dog sledding, with winter centers set along National Route 3.
How many days in Ushuaia without going to Antarctica?
Three full days allow a Beagle Channel boat trip, a day in the national park and a hike to Laguna Esmeralda or the Martial glacier. Add a day for Estancia Harberton and Isla Martillo, or for lakes Escondido and Fagnano.

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