Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city, perched on the edge of the Beagle Channel and backed by the snow-capped Andes. Known as the 'End of the World,' it is a rugged gateway for Antarctic expeditions and dramatic Patagonian wilderness adventures. The best time to visit is during the austral summer from December to March for long daylight hours and accessible hiking trails.
Top Things to Do in Ushuaia
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Getting Around Ushuaia
From the Airport
Taxi. Official taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall of Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport and take about 10-15 minutes to reach the city center for a fixed price. Private Transfer. Many hotels offer pre-booked shuttle services, which are reliable and can be arranged directly with your accommodation prior to arrival.
Once You're There
Walking. The city center is quite compact and very walkable, though be prepared for steep inclines as you move away from the waterfront. Taxi. Taxis are the most common way to reach trailheads or locations outside the city center; they are safe, plentiful, and reasonably priced.
Where to Stay in Ushuaia
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Where to Eat in Ushuaia
Kaupé★ 4.7 (1,095)Pres. Julio Argentino Roca 470, V9410DHJ Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaThis high-end seafood restaurant is widely considered the best in town for refined dishes and an unbeatable view of the harbor.
Chez Manu★ 4.7 (919)Luis Fernando Martial 2135, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaPerched on a hillside, this restaurant offers sophisticated French-inspired cuisine using Patagonian ingredients with a panoramic view of the channel.
María Lola Restó★ 4.6 (2,389)Gdor. Deloqui 1048, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaKnown for its creative fusion dishes, this spot consistently impresses with its fresh local trout and artisanal desserts.
Ramos Generales★ 4.4 (10,940)Av. Maipú 749, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaHoused in a historic 1906 building, this café is beloved for its incredible homemade pastries and hearty soups served amidst nautical antiques.
Bodegón Fueguino★ 4.4 (10,263)Av. San Martín 859, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaVisit this charming wooden house for traditional Argentine mountain fare, specifically their slow-cooked lamb stews that warm you up instantly.
El Viejo Marino★ 4.4 (6,630)Av. Maipú 227, V9410BJE Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaA rustic, no-frills institution famous for its massive portions of king crab and a warm, maritime atmosphere that feels like a ship's cabin.
Tante Sara★ 4.4 (4,018)BFB, Av. San Martín 175, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaA classic café staple in the city center, perfect for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat of chocolate and cake.
La Cabaña Casa de Té★ 4.3 (6,651)Luis Fernando Martial 3560, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaAn essential stop for a traditional afternoon tea service featuring homemade scones and local berry jams.
La Cantina Fueguina de Freddy★ 4.1 (3,245)Av. San Martín 300-398, V9410BFQ Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaThis is the premier spot to sample the legendary local king crab, known as centolla, served fresh in a cozy, authentic setting.
Villagio★ 4.1 (705)Av. San Martín 309, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaA reliable favorite for Italian-inspired comfort food, particularly their handmade pasta dishes served in a lively downtown environment.
Tours & Activities
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3 Days in Ushuaia
National Park & The Edge of the World
Morning. Start your journey by heading straight to Tierra del Fuego National Park, located about 12 kilometers from the city center. Upon arrival, make your way to the Estación del Fin del Mundo to board the historic End of the World Train, which follows the original route of the convict train that once carried timber. As you ride through the Pipo River valley, keep your camera ready for the stunning sub-antarctic forests and peat bogs. The ride lasts about an hour and drops you off deep within the park's protected boundaries. Be sure to book your train tickets in advance during peak season to secure a seat, as they often sell out quickly.
Afternoon. After disembarking from the train, spend your afternoon exploring the various trails that lead toward the coastline of Bahía Lapataia. This is the official end of National Route 3, and standing at the sign marking the end of the Pan-American Highway is a must-do photo opportunity. Wander along the boardwalks through the lush Lenga forests, where you might spot native birds like the Magellanic woodpecker. The terrain is relatively flat and accessible, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon hike. Before heading back to the city, stop at the nearby visitor center to stamp your passport with the official 'End of the World' seal.
Evening. Return to the city center as the sun begins to dip, casting a golden light over the Beagle Channel. Head directly to the waterfront to see the famous Ushuaia Sign, which provides the perfect backdrop for a sunset selfie against the backdrop of the harbor. Once you've captured the moment, stroll over to the nearby port area to watch the fishing boats returning with their daily catch. It is a peaceful way to transition from the wild park to the town's maritime culture. Wrap up your day by walking up the main street, Avenida San Martín, to browse the local souvenir shops for handmade wool goods.
Maritime History & Channel Views
Morning. Begin your second day by diving into the fascinating history of the region at the Maritime and Prison Museum. Located within the old Presidio de Ushuaia, this complex offers a sobering look at the lives of the prisoners who actually built the city. Spend at least two hours wandering through the different pavilions, which also house the Antarctic Museum and the Maritime Museum. The architecture is imposing and gives you a real sense of the isolation these prisoners faced. Afterward, walk a few blocks over to the Museo del Fin del Mundo to learn about the Yámana indigenous people and the early explorers who mapped these treacherous waters.
Afternoon. In the afternoon, head down to the Muelle Turístico to embark on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel. These tours are essential for seeing the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often misidentified as the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World.' As your boat navigates the channel, you will pass by sea lion colonies at Isla de los Lobos and cormorant nests on Isla de los Pájaros. The wind can be quite strong even on sunny days, so bring a windbreaker and a hat. The experience of seeing the city from the water provides a completely different perspective on how remote this town truly is.
Evening. For your evening, treat yourself to a refined dining experience that celebrates local ingredients. Head to the hillside neighborhood to find Chez Manu, where the elevated position offers a stunning view of the city lights reflecting on the water below. Enjoy a slow, multi-course meal featuring Patagonian lamb or fresh trout paired with a glass of Argentine Malbec. After dinner, take a quiet walk through the residential streets to appreciate the colorful, corrugated iron houses that are typical of Ushuaia's architecture. It is a quiet, contemplative way to end a day spent learning about the harsh history and beautiful geography of the region.
Alpine Heights & Glacial Lakes
Morning. For your final day, head toward the mountains to experience the dramatic alpine scenery of Glaciar Martial. Take a short taxi ride to the base of the mountain, where you can start your hike up the well-marked trail. As you ascend, the trees thin out and the views of the Beagle Channel widen, offering one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Tierra del Fuego. If you are feeling energetic, continue to the higher viewpoints for a closer look at the glacier's remnants. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the path can be muddy even in the middle of summer.
Afternoon. After returning to the city for a quick lunch, arrange a transfer to the trailhead for Laguna Esmeralda. This is arguably the most famous hike in the area, leading you through peat bogs and forests to a brilliant, turquoise-colored glacial lake. The hike takes about two to three hours round-trip and is relatively moderate, though the boggy sections can be challenging. Once you reach the lake, find a spot on the rocks to enjoy a snack while watching the light shift over the surrounding glaciers. The emerald color of the water is caused by glacial flour and is truly a sight to behold.
Evening. Celebrate your final night back in the heart of Ushuaia with a visit to a cozy, traditional tea house. La Cabaña Casa de Té is the perfect place to warm up with a pot of local tea and a slice of homemade cake after your long day of hiking. Reflect on your trip while sitting in the rustic, wood-paneled interior that feels like a mountain lodge. If you have any energy left, walk down to the waterfront one last time to watch the stars come out over the channel. It’s the ultimate way to bid farewell to the end of the world before your flight home.