There are plenty of things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city.
Argentina’s southernmost city boasts interesting and unique museums, national parks with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, unexpectedly tasty cuisine and much more!
When I was a kid, I asked a relative where he was going. “To the end of the world”, he responded flippantly. I thought that was a real place. The thought of a place at “the end of the world” hit me like a thunderbolt and fired my imagination.
I became fascinated with knowing where this place was. What did it look like? Was it hot there? What were the people like? How far was it? How long would it take to get there?
Shortly thereafter, on a cold morning, I woke up very early and left the house when everyone else was still asleep.
I went to look for the end of the world which I imagined was somewhere beyond 72nd Street and Broadway, the farthest I had ever walked.
To this day I remember the way I felt that day; the excitement, the anticipation, and wonder at what I would find once I reached the end of the world. After a few blocks, I got really cold.
I went back home and got into bed thinking I might not have gotten to the end of the world at that time, but someday I would.
I’ve been obsessed with travel ever since. That conversation and the way it made me feel is one of the key events that have driven my sweet obsession with travel.
Ushuaia Is the Real End of the World
After imagining it for a lifetime, I recently went to the city of Ushuaia, the town at the end of the world. Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. It is the southernmost city in the world and the REAL end of the world.
The name Ushuaia means “deep bay” in the language of the indigenous people, the Yamana, that once populated the area.
Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Ushuaia. The town is nestled on a beautiful bay with the sparkling Beagle Channel before it and the majestic Martial Glacier, or Glacier Martial snow-capped mountains behind it, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Things to Do in Ushuaia – Town at the End of the World
The city is the final stop – or starting point, depending on if you are coming or going – for cruise ships wandering the Beagle Channel, Straits of Magellan and Cape Horn.
It is a decent-sized town of 60,000 people with a lively main street, a nice collection of tourist attractions. Ships dock in picturesque Ushuaia Harbor and unload tourists on shore excursions. This tourism represents a major source of income for the city.
Ushuaia has done a very good job of capitalizing on its unique geographical position on the southernmost tip of Argentina.
Many locations and attractions around town are “end-of-the-world” or “el fin del mundo” related; Train at the End of The World, End of The World Hotel, pizza shop, bar, and so forth.
Experience the Cuisine
Ushuaia has a surprising number of great places to eat. This plucky little town does its best to make sure you don’t run out of things to do in Ushuaia.
From quirky little tea houses to steak houses (after all, this IS Argentina), gourmet restaurants to pleasant sidewalk cafes, you’ll have some great meals here. Local specialties include the famous king crab.
The town’s best restaurants can be found on Martin Street, the main street in town. This street also has the best places to shop. It’s a great place to purchase beautiful leather goods.
Cute souvenir shops line the street on both sides.
Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park or Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, is the southernmost national park in the world and as beautiful as the other parks in the Patagonian region.
The park has well maintained hiking trails and a very useful information center. Here you can learn about all the local wildlife in the park and see them in their natural habitat.
Ride the End of the World Train
A good way to see the Tierra del Fuego National Park is from the Train at the End of the World that crosses the area. The train station is designed to look like the original.
Visit the Museo Maritimo
Another major attraction – and one of the best things to do in Ushuaia – is to visit the Museo Maritimo y El Presidio (Maritime Museum and Old Prison).
This tourist attraction houses a collection of maritime artifacts, ship models and antique maps. The complex also houses a museum dedicated to penguin decoration (yes, that’s a thing) and, incongruously, a doll museum.
Experience the Old Prison
By far the most interesting part of this cultural venue is the recreation of the Old Prison. Modeled after England’s Port Arthur Prison and penal colony in Tasmania and France’s Devil’s Island, this former prison was designed as a remote outpost in which to house the worst offenders of Argentina.
It was also an effort by the Argentine government to populate an isolated area in order to reinforce Argentine sovereignty and prevent other nations from encroaching.
Built in 1846, the prison eventually held up to 800 inmates in 300 prison cells. It was closed in 1947 due to rumors of abuse.
The prisoners were put to work building parts of the city including the local railroad which today runs the popular tourist attraction, “The Train at the End of the World.”
One of the prison wings show conditions that existed at the time. The other wing exhibits prisoner stories and wax figures representing guards and inmates.
History buffs will appreciate the intriguing little tidbits of information exploring a prison society in bleak, remote mid-1800 Argentina.
One such story involves the notorious “Petizo Orejon” (big-eared dwarf) who lured children with candy then strangled several children with a rope.
The prison museum is open from 10 am to 8 pm. The entrance fee is currently about US$20 but it includes entrance to the entire complex.
Send a Postcard from the Southernmost Post Office on Earth
Another one of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia (and a charming feature of the town) is the southernmost post office in South America and, indeed, on Earth.
Rather than send postcards from a post office in town, people travel south to this remote post office to send postcards that arrive with the postmark stating “the end of the world.”
If you are looking for unique, off-the-beaten-track things to do in Ushuaia, town at the end of the world, give the city of Ushuaia a couple of days to explore.
That should be enough time to really get a good feel for the place. Ushuaia is worth visiting and you won’t be disappointed.
Hike To Laguna Esmeralda
One of the top attractions in Tierra del Fuego — which means “Land of Fire” — National Park is the hike to Laguna Esmeralda, an beautiful lake surrounded by the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Martial Mountains.
To reach this gem, embark on a 5-mile round trip hike from Bahía Lapataia on the Beagle Channel. Stop at the park’s Visitor Center to register and get trail maps.
The hike begins in enchanted Lenga forests, passing lagoons and beaver dams built along the Lapataia River.
Footbridges let you cross small cascades formed by snowmelt flowing from the glaciers above.
After about 2 miles, you’ll arrive at a lookout point with the first magical glimpse of Laguna Esmeralda below with its blue-green waters framed by soaring mountain peaks.
Follow the trail down and around the lake and you’ll arrive at a campsite with benches ideal for a picnic.
Seeing Laguna Esmeralda up close is even more spectacular. It has icebergs carved from the Martial Glacier floating across its crystal clear waters.
Stroll the lake’s perimeter. Gaze up at the surrounding views of the Andes Mountains rising into drifting clouds. This rewarding hike can be done over 4-6 hours, allowing ample time to soak up the picture-perfect scenery.
It gets chilly here so bring layers. A warm thermos filled with yerba mate, the classic Argentine tea, is ideal for recharging along the trail.
Gazing across Laguna Esmeralda with the Martial Mountains reflected in its mirror-like surface makes for an unforgettable Patagonia experience.
Visiting Laguna Esmeralda is a highlight for any nature lover wanting to explore the diverse and dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Hang out With Penguins on Martillo Island
One of the top excursions from Ushuaia is the chance to walk amongst penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel.
To reach this wildlife haven, join a full-day boat tour departing from Ushuaia’s harbor front. The island is only 90 minutes away by boat, giving you plenty of time to encounter the charismatic Magellanic Penguins that call Martillo home.
After cruising along the Beagle Channel past Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the boat will land on the rocky northern shore of Martillo Island.
As you step foot on land, you’ll immediately spot groups of penguins waddling along the coastline or swimming in the turquoise waters nearby.
Marked trails lead from the landing dock towards the island’s interior, taking you through the heart of the penguin colony.
The penguins show no fear of humans and will carry on with their penguin business as you walk amongst them. It’s incredible to observe these tuxedoed birds up close, watching them preen, nest, call to each other in their noisy chatter and feeding their babies. Be sure not to disrupt their habitat or make sudden movements that could distress them.
In addition to the penguins, Martillo Island hosts other wildlife, like sea lions. Between wildlife sightings, enjoy panoramic views across the Beagle Channel and the mountain peaks of Argentina and Chile in the distance.
Getting the chance for an up-close penguin encounter in their natural habitat is super cool.
The protected penguin reserve on Martillo Island offers animal lovers a memorable opportunity to walk alongside these iconic birds of Patagonia.
Bring your camera to capture plenty of picture-perfect moments with the penguins during your entire day’s immersion into the diverse wildlife of Tierra del Fuego.
Visit Estancia Haberton
No trip to Ushuaia is complete without a visit to Estancia Haberton, the first estancia (ranch) established in Tierra del Fuego.
To reach Estancia Haberton, you can take a boat trip across the Beagle Channel or drive northwest along the scenic road through Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Established in 1886 by English missionary Thomas Bridges, this sheep-farming estancia provides a glimpse into the region’s rugged settler history.
The original buildings from the 19th century still stand today, including the stone house Thomas Bridges built himself.
On a guided tour of Estancia Haberton, you can learn about the pioneering history of this remote area, once inhabited by indigenous Yamana people.
Walking through the estancia grounds, you’ll see barns, stables, and sheep-shearing sheds that authentically represent traditional gaucho life.
One highlight is visiting the small cemetery on a hill overlooking Bahía Golondrina, where Thomas Bridges was laid to rest in 1898.
In addition to its cultural attractions, the surroundings of Estancia Haberton provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. Excursions to the neighboring Martillo Island allow you to see Magellanic penguins and other marine life, like sea lions and seabirds.
You can also venture up into the hills behind the estancia, once part of the Argentine penal colony. Throughout your tour, you’ll take in sweeping views across the Beagle Channel to Chile and the snow-capped Martial Mountains.
A trip to Estancia Haberton should be on every visitor’s itinerary because it combines natural beauty and an intriguing glimpse into Ushuaia’s past.
Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes that captivated its first pioneers and inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost tip of South America.
Hike To Martial Glaciar For A Panoramic View
One of the best hikes in Ushuaia leads to an overlook of Martial Glacier, where you can catch views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountains.
To reach this spectacular vista, you can drive or taxi to the base of the Martial Mountains, just a few kilometers outside of town. From the parking lot, the uphill hike takes about 3 hours round trip along a marked trail through forests and up over the Garibaldi Pass before emerging onto an open ridge.
As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with nonstop views over Ushuaia, the main street and waterfront dotted with colorful tin roofs below.
Across the Beagle Channel, the glacier-carved peaks of Chile’s Navarino and Hoste Islands jut upwards in the distance.
The rocky and steep trail eventually tops out at a crest overlooking the valley containing Martial Glacier. Here, the glacier’s blue crevasses weave down between sharp, snow-capped peaks.
With such an incredible bird’s eye panorama, this viewpoint feels like you’re on top of the world. On a clear day, you may even catch glimpses of southern Patagonia’s ice fields spilling down the Darwin Range.
Aside from the far-reaching vistas, keep an eye out for condors and black-chested buzzard eagles that sometimes soar on thermal winds rising from the valley.
After snapping plenty of pictures at the summit, hikers can carefully follow the switchbacks back down through Lenga forests to complete the invigorating trek.
Just be sure to save energy for the rewarding uphill return part of this classic hike for seeing Ushuaia and the Martial Mountains from every angle.
Eat Centolla (King Crab) Like A Local
One of the quintessential food experiences in Ushuaia is eating fresh centolla, or king crab, harvested right from the chilly waters of the Beagle Channel.
This famous crustacean is considered a delicacy and served in town restaurants. For the best place to sample crunchy, delicious king crab prepared like a proper local, head to Kalma Restó along the waterfront.
This highly-rated restaurant boasts fantastic views across the Beagle Channel through its vast windows. But the real draw is the centolla, landed fresh daily right at the pier below.
Known for serving the best king crab in Ushuaia, Kalma Restó serves generous portions. A great way to begin is with centolla carpaccio, thin slices of raw crab dressed simply with olive oil, lemon, and parsley to let the natural taste come through.
Next, try the centolla ravioli stuffed with chunks of crab meat and drizzled in a rich, creamy sauce. The ultimate local-style preparation is the centolla al ajillo.
This classic dish features chunks of tender crab sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and white wine.
The mixture is served sizzling to the table in a cast iron pan for maximum aromas. Watch out when eating this delicious hot crab, as things can get messy!
Like a true local, don’t forget to sop up every last bit of the savory, garlicky juices with slices of freshly baked bread. To accompany the centolla feast, the local beer is Beagle Beer, brewed in Ushuaia.
Don’t forget to make reservations way ahead of time. This cozy spot fills up fast with hungry crab lovers at the end of the world!
See A Shipwreck In Cabo San Pablo
A haunting place to visit just outside Ushuaia is the shipwreck at Cabo San Pablo. This famous wreck along the Beagle Channel makes for an intriguing excursion into Tierra del Fuego’s maritime past.
To reach it, join a boat tour or drive about 10 kilometers from Ushuaia to the San Pablo Bay area. Follow the scenic coastal path around the bay from here until you reach a vista point overlooking the shipwreck site.
Perched on exposed rocks along the shoreline lies the remains of the St. Christopher, a cargo steamer that wrecked in 1974.
Seeing the large, rusted hull run aground in the frigid channel is a photographer’s delight, especially with the snowy Martial Mountains rising in the background.
The harsh weather and waves striking this point on the open channel have battered St. Christopher over the decades since it first crashed here. But much of the ship’s body amazingly remains intact, making it an accessible and dramatic wreck to explore.
Like any shipwreck, the story of how St. Christopher met its fate adds to the mystery. Sailing from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia in 1974, the ship encountered massive storms around Cape Horn.
Battered by high winds and seas, it eventually was driven ashore and wrecked at the point now known as St. Christopher’s Cape. The crew was thankfully rescued by the Argentine navy.
While shipwrecks often represent tragedy, they now provide opportunities to reflect on the untamed spirit of the land and sea.
So, if you’re eager for scenic coastal walks or an off-the-beaten-path excursion near Ushuaia, check out the evocative shipwreck site at Cabo San Pablo.
Where to Stay in Ushuaia
With its dramatic scenery and wealth of outdoor activities, Ushuaia is a top destination in Argentina’s Patagonia region.
But where you choose to stay during your time in this scenic city can enhance your experience. Ushuaia offers a nice mix of hotels, cabins, and B&Bs for every style of traveler.
For luxury right on the waterfront, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel perched on a ridge overlooking the Beagle Channel and Cerro Alarken mountain.
Its sleek rooms with panoramic views, infinity pool, spa services, and shuttle access to the ski slopes at Cerro Castor make it a perfect splurge.
Set along the coast 4 miles outside downtown is Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa, a relaxing hotel on the edge of the Beagle Channel. Guests rave about its warm hospitality, cozy fireplaces, and natural setting surrounded by forests and mountains.
Their full-service spa, outdoor hot tubs, and outdoor activities like kayaking add to the appeal.
Looking to stay right on the main street? Hotel Las Lengas is centrally located for exploring Ushuaia on foot, with comfy rooms, family-style breakfasts served daily.
Just 3 miles from town, Nunatak Lodge offers scenic cabins in Tierra Mayor Valley with channel views. The original timber construction and warmth of the owners make it feel like home. They will also help arrange a guided tour and treks in Tierra del Fuego National Park.
No matter your budget or interests, Ushuaia has inviting and comfortable lodging options. But book well in advance since demand is high, especially during the peak summer months.
Whether you choose a luxurious hotel along the Beagle Channel or a cozy cabin in the woods, your Patagonian adventures will be outstanding.
How Long Should You Spend In Ushuaia?
With its end-of-the-world allure and wealth of outdoor activities, Ushuaia is a top destination for travelers exploring Argentina’s Patagonia region.
But with limited time, how long is ideal to spend in this scenic port city? Although a couple of days provides a good introduction, 4-to 5 days lets you fully experience what Ushuaia offers.
Arriving at Ushuaia’s airport or by cruise ship, spend your first day walking around the compact city center along the Beagle Channel.
Wander the main street with its shops and restaurants, visit the Maritime Museum and old prison, and ride the End of the World Train through Tierra del Fuego National Park. Sample seafood like centolla at cozy cafes or take in tango shows at night.
On your second day, venture outside town on a full-day boat excursion to see wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and cormorants off Isla Martillo or Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Back on land, grab dinner at one of Ushuaia’s best restaurants like Bodegon Fueguino or La Estancia.
With 2 more days, head into stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park to hike around scenic Laguna Esmeralda or take a guided trek on the coastal path with views of the Beagle Channel.
You’ll also have time for an expedition to Estancia Harberton to see the historic ranch and take a boat trip to observe the Magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo up close.
Four to five days gives flexibility in case the unpredictable weather causes delays. You’ll still have time to ride the ski lift Glaciar Martial for panoramic views or relax at Arakur Spa after adventures.
Ushuaia’s combination of city sites and natural wonders warrant staying at least four days to take advantage of all this captivating region offers.
Escape the crowds on longer hikes or book a kayaking excursion on the peaceful Olivia River. With the “end of the world” as your playground, you’ll want to linger as long as possible in Ushuaia.
Conclusion
With its windswept landscapes and frontier spirit, Ushuaia is a one-of-a-kind destination. This city at the “End of the World” is the gateway to Patagonia’s wild frontiers.
A few days is plenty of time to experience the highlights of Ushuaia. With its compelling history, hardy spirit, and wealth of outdoor adventures, Ushuaia emerges as one of the most unforgettable destinations in South America.
Whether you’re continuing onwards to Antarctica or simply adore spectacular scenery, Ushuaia offers an abundant itinerary of highlights and memorable experiences before journeying back north from this rugged town at the end of the world.
Make sure to check out these guides to Ushuaia and the surrounding areas before you go!
What are your thoughts on the many things to do in Ushuaia?
BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful, money-saving links to book your trip:
- Research and book your flight with Skyscanner. I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
- For car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend Discover Cars.
- Book your accommodation with Booking.com. I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
- Protect your trip and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use Travelinsurance.com and have been very happy with them.
- Looking for a small group tour to unforgettable destinations with top professionals? Intrepid Travel is your choice.
- For more general tours to any destination or attraction, book with Viator. Check them out.
- Need a visa? Get your visa for all countries with Passport Visa Express.
- Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
- Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
- Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.
- The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.
I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.
