Discover Ushuaia: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Ushuaia Attractions Map

10 Best Things to Do in Ushuaia

1. Hike Around Tierra del Fuego National Park 👍 Must Do

If you have a day to spare in Ushuaia, I recommend you go and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park located around 15 km west from the city and it is easily reachable by shuttle buses from this bus terminal in the city. The shuttle should cost 25,000 ARS (19 USD) and it leaves almost every hour from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. You can also go with an organized tour if you don't want to deal with the logistics.

At the park, you will find subpolar forests, peat bogs, rivers, and a stunning coastline that all come together to create one of the most beautiful landscapes you can experience in Argentine Patagonia. The flora and fauna here are very specific to this region, and you won't find it anywhere else in the world.

You can spend an entire day hiking around the national park with its extensive network of hiking trails. One of the best trails I recommend you do is the scenic Coastal Trail (Senda Costera), a relatively easy trail that winds along the shoreline through forests and rocky beaches with incredible views of the Beagle Channel.

I highly recommend spending at least a full day here if you enjoy hiking and photography. The landscapes are constantly changing with the weather, and even on cloudy or rainy days, which I usually don't like, the moody atmosphere only adds to the experience.

Bring layers and waterproof clothing, as weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. I also recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid crowds and have the trails mostly to yourself. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, and the entrance fee is around 30,000 ARS (approximately 22 USD) per person.

Not too far from the park, you can also ride the famous End of the World Train from the Southern Fuegian Railway, a historic narrow-gauge railway that was once used to transport prisoners from Ushuaia’s old penal colony.

The ride itself is only around 7 km long and, from what I heard, can feel a bit underwhelming for the price. Personally, I think your time and money are better spent exploring the hiking trails and scenic viewpoints inside the park instead of taking a short tourist train ride through the forest.

Where to Stay in Ushuaia?

Budget

Antarctica Hostel

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Laguna Esmeralda B&B

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Hostal del Bosque

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Hike to Martial Glaciers ☀️ Great Day Trip

If you are looking for a fun half-day hike not too far from Ushuaia, I highly recommend Martial Glacier, located high in the mountains behind the city. You can easily get there by Uber, which should cost around 7,000 ARS (~5 USD), or you can take the shuttle bus from this bus terminal for around 8,000 ARS (~6 USD). The ride takes about 20 minutes before arriving at the parking lot.

It is one of the most accessible hikes in Ushuaia and offers incredible panoramic views over the city, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Once you reach the top, you will be able to see the glacier, which is usually visible year-round. You can even hike right up to it and touch the ice if you want.

From the parking lot, it should take about 2 hours to hike all the way up to the glacier. The trail begins with a gradual climb, and once you reach the first viewpoint, it zigzags its way up the mountain all the way to the glacier. The hike back down is fast and easy and should take around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once you get back down, you will find that there is usually no signal to call an Uber, but there are often taxi drivers waiting at the parking lot who can take you back to Ushuaia for around 8,000 ARS (~6 USD). The hiking trail is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 10,000 ARS (~7 USD).

3. Hike to Esmeralda Lake

Another great hike you can do near Ushuaia is Laguna Esmeralda, also known as Esmeralda Lake. It is a stunning turquoise glacial lake surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains and dense forests.

Located about 20 minutes east of Ushuaia, Laguna Esmeralda is an easy-to-moderate hike that is perfect for a half-day trip. You can get there via a shuttle service departing from this bus terminal, which should cost around 18,000 ARS (~13 USD) round trip.

The shuttle usually leaves Ushuaia at 9 AM and 10 AM, and departs from Laguna Esmeralda at 3 PM and 4 PM. Be sure to confirm the schedule with the bus companies once you arrive at the terminal, as departure times may change.

The trail itself is around 9 km round trip and should take about 3 to 4 hours to complete. Although the trail is relatively easy, parts of it can become extremely muddy and slippery, especially after rain or during the shoulder seasons, so waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended.

I recommend starting the hike early in the morning if possible, as Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most popular hikes near Ushuaia and can get quite crowded by midday. Bring snacks, water, and extra layers, as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly throughout the day. The trail is open 24/7 and there is no entrance fee.

4. Learn the History at Museo Marítimo 🏛️ Best Museum

If you are looking for a museum to visit to kill time while you are in Ushuaia, one of my favorite museums is Museo Marítimo, a maritime museum housed inside a former prison complex that operated from the early 1900s until 1947. The museum will offer you a glimpse into the harsh lives of prisoners once sent to this remote corner of Patagonia.

The museum is divided into several sections, including exhibits on maritime history, Antarctic expeditions, Indigenous cultures, and the history of Ushuaia itself. However, the highlight for most visitors is exploring the old prison wings, where many of the original prison cells have been preserved almost exactly as they were decades ago.

Walking through the cold, narrow hallways gives you a real sense of how isolated and unforgiving life must have been for prisoners living here during the early years of Ushuaia. The atmosphere feels eerie at times, especially on quieter days when the museum is less crowded.

I recommend setting aside around 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit, especially if you enjoy history museums. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, and the entrance fee is around 44,000 ARS (~31 USD) per person. The ticket also includes re-entry for up to 48 hours in case you want to take a break, as there is a lot of information to take in during one visit.

5. Check Out Museo del Fin del Mundo

Another great museum to check out in Ushuaia, although much smaller, is Museo del Fin del Mundo or the End of the World Museum, which sounds really cool in my opinion. This museum highlights the history of this area with small exhibitions ranging from early European explorers to the natural history of Tierra del Fuego with a display of wildlife taxidermy.

The museum is very small and you can go through it in about 20 minutes, and it is not cheap to get in as the ticket fee is around 12,000 ARS (~9 USD) per person. What made it worthwhile for me was seeing the famous Duchess of Albany figurehead, a beautifully preserved wooden sculpture that once adorned the bow of the British ship, Duchess of Albany. The ship ran aground near Cape Horn in 1893 while traveling from Hamburg to Valparaíso and it has made its way to Ushuaia and has stayed here ever since.

I recommend visiting this museum before exploring the surrounding region, as it provides useful context about the history and geography of Tierra del Fuego. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM except on Sundays, and the entrance fee is around 8,000 ARS (~6 USD) per person.

6. Stroll around Plaza Islands Malvinas

When you first arrive in Ushuaia, if you want to get a feel for the city, I highly recommend visiting Plaza Islas Malvinas and spending some time walking along its beautiful waterfront promenade all the way to the commercial pier where all the Antarctica cruises are docked and back.

The plaza itself is a memorial park dedicated to the Falklands War, honoring Argentine soldiers who fought during the 1982 conflict. Here, you will find a large memorial wall, monuments, and plaques commemorating those who lost their lives.

From the plaza, you can stroll along the promenade and check out several landmarks along the way, such as the Cartel Ushuaia, the End of the World Sign, and the Mirador de la Bahía.

Be there at sunset on a clear day, and you will be rewarded with beautiful golden light over the Beagle Channel. While strolling around, you may also notice a shipwreck from the promenade, that is the Saint Christopher Shipwreck, which we will discuss in the next section.

7. Check out Saint Christopher Shipwreck

The Saint Christopher Shipwreck is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. This famous shipwreck is an abandoned tugboat resting near the shore of Ushuaia. It was built in the United States in the 1940s, and the vessel was later brought to Argentina and eventually ended up stranded in Ushuaia after being damaged during a salvage operation.

The shipwreck has remained here ever since and has become quite an attraction in itself, as well as a reminder of how rough and unforgiving the seas in this part of the world can be. Honestly, it was quite a terrifying sight to see just before I was about to board a multi-day cruise to Antarctica. I'm not gonna lie 😅.

That said, it is still a really cool thing to see, so when you are visiting Ushuaia, be sure to stop by and check out the Saint Christopher Shipwreck. Keep in mind that you can only admire it from the promenade, as the ship itself is not accessible.

8. Try King Crabs at Tia Elvira 🥘 Place to Eat

One thing you absolutely have to try while visiting Ushuaia is the famous Patagonian king crab, and a great place to do so is at Tía Elvira. Found in the cold waters surrounding Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel, king crab is considered one of the region’s most iconic delicacies. It is known for its sweet, tender meat and is often served with melted butter, lemon, or incorporated into dishes like pasta, risotto, and seafood stews. I'm drooling just typing this out! It was so good!

That said, king crab in Ushuaia is not cheap, and prices can range from 80,000 ARS to over 200,000 ARS (50 USD to 150 USD) depending on how you want it prepared. Freshly prepared whole king crab tends to be the most expensive option. If you do not mind splurging a bit, though, Ushuaia is probably one of the best places in the world to try king crab for the first time.

Even if you are traveling on a budget, I still think trying king crab at least once is worth it. After all, you are literally at the end of the world, surrounded by some of the coldest and cleanest waters on the planet. Tía Elvira is open daily from 12 PM to 10:30 PM except on Sundays. There are many other restaurants in Ushuaia where you can try king crab as well, but I personally had a great experience at Tía Elvira.

9. Go on Antarctica Expeditions ♥️ Must Visit

Of course, many people who decide to travel all the way to the edge of the world are probably also considering visiting Antarctica. Although the price tag is undeniably steep, starting at around 5,000 USD and going well beyond 15,000 USD per person, if you can afford it, I highly recommend going for it.

I actually came to Ushuaia 10 years earlier, but I could not afford an Antarctica expedition back then. It took me years to save enough money to finally do it, and by then, the prices had increased significantly compared to my first visit. Trips like these will likely only become more expensive over time, not to mention the long journey required just to get back to Ushuaia.

If you are on the fence about it, just do it! You will not regret it. I joined a 10-day expedition with Antarpply Expeditions and had an incredible experience. We saw countless humpback whales, orcas, several species of penguins, seals, and tons of seabirds throughout the journey. We also got to set foot on the actual continent of Antarctica multiple times, visited a research base, and even hung out with researchers while drinking moonshine at the edge of the world.

We also did a polar plunge, which was both liberating and painfully cold at the same time. I mean, how many people can say they jumped into the freezing waters of Antarctica, right? On top of that, surviving four days crossing the Drake Passage, one of the most notorious stretches of water in the world, felt like a badge of honor in itself.

If you are intrigued by the idea, I also wrote a full travel guide about Antarctica, so be sure to check it out. Trust me, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is nothing else quite like it.

For a complete travel guide to Antarctica, check out:How to Visit Antarctica: A Complete 10-Day Cruise Guide

10. Cruise along the Beagle Channel

If you decided not to do the Antarctica trip, at least go and take a cruise along the famous Beagle Channel, where you will be cruising along a scenic waterway separating the islands of Tierra del Fuego between Argentina and Chile and observe some wildlife along the way.

There are several types of cruises available, ranging from short 2 to 3-hour sightseeing tours to full-day excursions that include wildlife watching and island visits. Most cruises depart directly from Ushuaia’s main pier and you can often book the tours from all the tour kiosks surrounding the Edge of the World sign. You can also book the tours online here.

One of the highlights of the cruise is visiting the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, often mistakenly referred to as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World”. Along the way, you will also pass small islands inhabited by sea lions, cormorants, and other seabirds, making the cruise especially enjoyable for wildlife lovers and photographers.

I personally recommend taking an afternoon or sunset cruise if the weather is clear, as the golden light over the Beagle Channel creates quite a sight to see. Make sure to bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket, as it can get extremely windy and cold out on the water even during summer.

What to Eat & Drink in Ushuaia?

1. Eat King Crabs at Tia Elvira

Again, if you are looking to try king crab in Ushuaia, a great place to do so is at Tía Elvira. They offer several options at varying price points, from more expensive freshly prepared whole king crab dishes to more affordable pre-cut portions.

The restaurant is open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM except on Sundays, making it a great option for either lunch or dinner. It is definitely on the pricier side, but the dishes I tried here were excellent, and I can confidently recommend the place.

2. Try Local Cuisine at Ramos Generales El Almacén

For other local cuisine at a more affordable price, you can check out Ramos Generales El Almacén, a local restaurant with a selection of daily menus that change regularly. They serve excellent seafood risottos and ravioli, as well as delicious pastries you can try for dessert.

The restaurant also has a great vibe with its museum-like atmosphere, featuring an interior filled with old antiques and wooden furniture. They really know how to make the place feel cozy, especially during the often dark and cold weather in Ushuaia. The restaurant is open daily from 9 AM to 11:30 PM.

3. Drink Coffee at Cafe Xpresso

One of my favorite cafes, even back when I first visited Ushuaia a decade ago, remains Cafe Xpresso, a cozy cafe located right in the city center with a spacious interior where you can relax while waiting for your Antarctica trip.

Their coffee is always excellent, and they also offer a pretty good selection of pastries as well as salads for a quick meal between exploring the city. The best part is that they have some of the fastest internet in town, so if you ever need to get work done online, this is the place to be. Hotel Wi-Fi can be quite spotty in Ushuaia.

The cafe is open daily from 8:30 AM to 9 PM, except on Sundays when it is only open from 4 PM to 9 PM.

4. Enjoy Pastries at Ana & Juana

Last but not least, if you are looking for a nice cozy cafe to hang out in Ushuaia, Ana & Juana is another one of my favorites. They offer a wide variety of pastries and baked goods to choose from, and they are all delicious. They also serve great coffee here as well.

They have a few branches around Ushuaia, and each one usually features a cozy cottage-style atmosphere that makes you feel right at home no matter which location you visit. The cafe is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, except on Sundays.

When to Visit Ushuaia?

Ushuaia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what you want to experience. For most travelers, visiting during the summer months between November and March is ideal, as the weather is milder, the days are incredibly long, and tours to Antarctica are operating. The downside is that accommodation can be expensive and the good ones get booked out quite fast during this period.

If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying relatively decent weather, October and April can be excellent months to visit as well. Temperatures are cooler, and some hiking trails may still have snow, but the landscapes are beautiful and some Antarctica cruises still operate during these months, especially in early April.

How to Get to Ushuaia?

To get to Ushuaia, you will first have to travel to Argentina. For finding flights, I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Buenos Aires.

From Buenos Aires: From Buenos Aires, you can fly to Ushuaia with Aerolíneas Argentinas (generally the most reliable option) or with low-cost airlines like Flybondi and JetSMART (usually cheaper, but they tend to cancel or delay flights more often), depending on your schedule and budget.

I flew into Ushuaia with Aerolíneas Argentinas and flew back with Flybondi. Even though my Flybondi flight was delayed by an hour on the way back, it thankfully wasn’t canceled like the one my friend took the next day. I would recommend planning a few buffer days when flying in and out of Ushuaia, as delays and cancellations due to weather are quite common.

From Patagonia: If you are already in Patagonia, you will have to make sure you are on the Chilean side, as that is the only way you can get to Ushuaia by land. From anywhere in Chilean Patagonia, you will first have to get to Punta Arenas, the largest city in the area.

Depending on the day you arrive in Punta Arenas, you may have to stay overnight there before you can catch a bus from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. There are 2 bus operators that run this route, Bus-Sur and Buses Pacheco, and luckily the bus offices are located near each other so you can check both places if there is any bus to Ushuaia that day.

This journey takes around 12 hours, and the bus is ferried across the Strait of Magellan, so you do not have to switch modes of transportation along the way. The bus usually costs around 46 USD, and there is typically only one departure per day.

How to get Around Ushuaia?

By Walking: Most of the attractions in the city are easy to reach on foot, as Ushuaia is relatively compact. For places farther away, you will have to rely on shuttle buses or Uber.

By Shuttle Bus: If you want to go hiking around Ushuaia’s surrounding areas, such as Glaciar Martial, Laguna Esmeralda, and Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, you can take one of the many shuttle buses from this terminal. There should be a large sign at the ticket booth listing destinations and prices.

By Uber: If you want to get somewhere not too far from the city, like Glaciar Martial, in comfort, you can also use Uber to get around Ushuaia. Rides are relatively affordable, and drivers are widely available throughout the city.

How many days to spend in Ushuaia?

I would suggest spending at least 2-3 nights in Ushuaia, with one day dedicated to exploring the city and another day spent discovering the incredible surrounding nature, whether that’s hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, visiting Laguna Esmeralda, or trekking up to Glaciar Martial.

If you are planning to visit Antarctica, keep in mind that most expedition cruises depart around 5–6 PM in the evening, so you will usually have an extra day or at least several hours to explore Ushuaia before beginning your journey.

Getting to Antarctica From Ushuaia?

Ushuaia is the main gateway to Antarctica and the departure point for most expedition cruises heading to the White Continent. If you are planning to visit Antarctica, chances are you will begin your journey right here at the southern tip of Argentina.

Expedition Cruises: There are a few ways to visit Antarctica, but the most popular option is to join an expedition cruise, which can carry anywhere from around 60 to over 500 passengers.

This is generally the most affordable way to visit Antarctica, and I highly recommend choosing an expedition with fewer than 200 passengers. Anything larger than that means you likely will not be able to do continental landings all at once, as only 100 people are allowed on shore at a time. Avoid cruises with more than 500 passengers altogether, as they are not permitted to make landings in Antarctica at all.

Sailboats: For the more adventurous people out there, you can also go on a sailboat expedition which carries around 12 people. These trips are often more expensive as you are paying for a highly specialized small-group expedition.

Antarctica Season: The Antarctica cruise season generally runs from late October to March, during the Southern Hemisphere summer when sea ice retreats and temperatures are less extreme.

• November: Great for snowy landscapes and pristine scenery. Cheaper price.
• December - January (the time I went): Best for wildlife activity, long daylight hours, and warmer temperatures.
• February - March: Excellent for whale watching and seeing penguin chicks. There is also a higher chance of finding last-minute deals as the Antarctica season comes to a close.

Booking an Antarctica Cruise: It is generally best to book your cruise online in advance so you can plan around the schedule and have more room options to choose from. While you can book last-minute deals in Ushuaia, the savings are often minimal and can easily be offset by the extra days you need to spend in the city paying for accommodation while searching for deals.

Unless you are visiting towards the end of the season in March, coming to Ushuaia solely to look for a last-minute Antarctica deal may not save you that much money.

For a complete travel guide to Antarctica, check out:How to Visit Antarctica: A Complete 10-Day Cruise Guide