Things to Do in Ushuaia: A Guide to the Highlights at the End of the World

The best time to go to Ushuaia depends on what you want to do. We went in October, right at the start of spring, when the city was just waking up from winter, with green and snowy landscapes and longer days.

Summer (December to February)
This is high season in Ushuaia. The days are long, with up to 17 hours of daylight, and temperatures range from 5 °C to 15 °C. It's ideal for hiking and for boat trips on the Beagle Channel.

Fall (March to May)
Fewer tourists, more peace and quiet, and landscapes tinted red and gold. Temperatures drop (0 °C to 10 °C), but it's an ideal time if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the city at an easy pace.

Winter (June to August)
The perfect season for skiing at Cerro Castor, going on sled rides and enjoying the snow.

Spring (September to November)
A season of transition: the days get longer, temperatures rise (3 °C to 10 °C) and nature blooms again. It's ideal for walking in Tierra del Fuego National Park and seeing the last of the snowy landscapes without the extreme cold.

Ushuaia has an international airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Ushuaia) with daily flights from Buenos Aires and other major Argentine cities. You can also arrive by cruise ship from Punta Arenas (Chile), sailing through incredible scenery.

💡 Practical tip: Book your transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance to save money and avoid delays. You can do it online at a good price here.

1. Visit the penguin colony on Isla Martillo 🐧

One of the most incredible experiences of our visit to Ushuaia was walking among penguins on Isla Martillo. The tour starts with a visit to the historic Estancia Harberton, founded in 1886 by Thomas Bridges, one of the first estancias (ranches) in the region.

After a short guided tour, you cross in a rigid inflatable boat to Isla Martillo, home to a colony of gentoo and Magellanic penguins. We were even lucky enough to see a king penguin!

You always walk on the island with authorized guides, keeping your distance so you don't disturb the animals. It's a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Ushuaia.

👉 You can do this tour from October on, and the only authorized agency is Piratour. If you contact them, tell them we sent you 😉!

💡 Tip: There are two versions of the tour: one where you get off and walk with the penguins, and another where you can only see them from the boat. Book ahead, because spots sell out fast!

2. Boat trip on the Beagle Channel

This is one of the things you can't miss in Ushuaia. On the way you'll see the famous Faro Les Eclaireurs lighthouse (wrongly called the lighthouse “at the end of the world”), Isla de los Lobos and various seabirds.

Some tours also include views of Isla Martillo or a visit to Estancia Harberton (without going ashore).

👉 You can book your Beagle Channel boat trip here.

3. 4x4 tour to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano

A full-day tour you can do all year. In summer it even includes a canoe ride.

We did it with Tierra Turismo and highly recommend it. You travel through Paso Garibaldi and the Valle Carbajal and along dirt and mud roads until you reach the imposing Lago Fagnano.

Then there's a short walk to Lago Escondido, where you have a lunch of asado (Argentine barbecue) and wine at a refugio (mountain hut) facing the lake.

👉 Here you can book the tour to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano.

4. Hike to Laguna Esmeralda

One of the most popular trails and an easy one, at about 9 km (5.6 miles) round trip. Even so, it's important to go well prepared:

• Start early
• Bring waterproof clothing
• Wear suitable boots, because of the mud and peat
• Bring snacks and water

The weather in Ushuaia changes fast, and although the trail is easy, there are many rescues every day of people who underestimate the hike.

👉 Latest recommended start times: 15:00 (spring/summer) and 12:00 (fall/winter).
👉 You can do it on your own or with a guide. There's also a tour that includes lunch in a dome near the lagoon.

Tour to Laguna Esmeralda with a mountain guide

Tour to Laguna Esmeralda with lunch in a dome

5. Hike to the Ojo del Albino Glacier

A lesser-known gem and one of our favorites in Ushuaia. The trail, 20 km (12.4 miles) in total, starts at Laguna Esmeralda and isn't well marked.

⚠️ You need experience, good fitness, a guide and crampons (depending on the season).

We did it in October with Titan 4 Elementos and it was mind-blowing. We got to walk across the frozen lagoon to the base of the glacier!

👉 Here's the link to the Ojo del Albino Glacier tour.

6. Hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier

The trail is 13 km (8.1 miles) long and moderately difficult (it can be harder when there's snow). It starts in the Valle de Andorra, about 8 km from downtown Ushuaia.

When we went, in October, the lagoon was still frozen, so we couldn't appreciate the famous color of Laguna los Témpanos. But we did get to go inside an ice cave, which was surreal and incredible.

⚠️ If there's snow, we recommend going with a guide. We went with Nacho from Tahuan, whom we highly recommend.

👉 Here you can see the Vinciguerra Glacier tour.

7. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park

Just 11 km from downtown Ushuaia, this park has unique scenery where the Andes meet the sea.

It has more than 10 marked trails (easy and moderate), and it's ideal for walking, biking or kayaking. Here's the park's website, with information on the trails.

We did the Senda Costera and the Bahía Lapataia trail, and we arranged for a taxi to drop us off and pick us up later.

👉 There are also tours by van on set schedules.
👉 At this link you'll find all the tours to the national park.

⚠️ There's no cell signal, so agree on your pickup times carefully if you go on your own.

⚠️ Follow the park's rules, bring suitable clothing, be ready for changing weather and, above all, help take care of this valuable natural environment.

8. Helicopter flight

One of the most exciting things you can do in Ushuaia: flying over lakes, mountains, glaciers and even Laguna Esmeralda.

👉 You can book the helicopter flight here.

9. Cabo San Pablo

About 75 km from Ushuaia, this remote stretch of coast has unique scenery and the Desdemona, a stranded ship that's super photogenic.

We went in a car we rented for the day, but you can also book a tour.

10. Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train)

A short ride, but a very symbolic one. This historic train was built by prisoners and runs through part of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

👉 You can combine the Tren del Fin del Mundo + national park ticket on this tour.

11. Packrafting on the Río Olivia

Another experience we really wanted to have, but couldn't because of bad weather, was packrafting on the Río Olivia. Tahuan also runs this tour, and here's all the info on it.

12. Hike to Laguna del Caminante

This is a long, hard trail of 25 km (15.5 miles), best done over 2 days. The trek starts in the Valle de Andorra, and it's 13 km (8.1 miles) to Laguna del Caminante, where you can camp. You can come back through the Valle de Andorra or via the Cañadón de la Oveja.

We couldn't do this trail because of the weather, but we were really sorry to miss it. The photos we saw of the lagoon are beautiful.

⚠️ Fires are prohibited, and you should have mountain experience.

13. Laguna Turquesa

This moderate trail, 3 km (1.9 miles) round trip, starts 1 km (0.6 miles) before the trail to Laguna Esmeralda, on the right-hand side of National Route 3 (Ruta Nacional 3) heading south to north. It's very well marked and has quite a bit of elevation change.

⚠️ It can be slippery if it rains or there's snow. We didn't do it because of bad weather, but it's on the list for next time!

If you're looking for a place to stay in Ushuaia, we recommend booking ahead, especially in high season. We suggest staying downtown, close to everything.

Luxury stays

• Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa: At the top of a hill inside the Reserva Natural Cerro Alarkén, with spectacular views of the Beagle Channel. It has a spa, heated pools, a gourmet restaurant, a gym and transportation to downtown.
• Los Cauquenes Resort: Right on the Beagle Channel, about 7 km from downtown. Perfect for combining luxury with peace and quiet, with direct access to the beach. It also has a spa, a restaurant and personalized activities such as boat trips and hiking.

Comfortable, central hotels

• Alto Andino Hotel: A few blocks from San Martín, the main avenue, with views of the Beagle Channel from its terrace. Excellent value for money, modern and well located.
• Hotel Albatros: Facing the port, ideal if you're going on boat tours. It's comfortable and central, with excellent service.

Budget options

• Hostería Patagonia Jarke: A few blocks from downtown, with panoramic views of the city. An affordable option with good comfort and personal service.
• Departamentos Antartida: This is where we stayed, at a very good price. It has a kitchen and it's close to downtown. The apartment is new and super comfortable.

Express itinerary – 3 days

Ideal if you're short on time and want to see the essentials:

• Day 1: Isla Martillo tour + downtown
• Day 2: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Tren del Fin del Mundo
• Day 3: Hike to Laguna Esmeralda or 4x4 tour to Lago Fagnano

Ideal itinerary – 5 days

Perfect for combining scenery, adventure and downtime:

• Day 1: Tierra del Fuego National Park (trails + train)
• Day 2: Beagle Channel boat trip + visit to Faro Les Eclaireurs
• Day 3: Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
• Day 4: Hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier
• Day 5: Visit to Isla Martillo and its penguins, or a 4x4 tour

Adventure itinerary – 7 days or more

If you like hiking, wild places and the outdoors:

• Add the Ojo del Albino Glacier
• Laguna del Caminante, camping overnight (2 days)
• A visit to Cabo San Pablo
• An extra day to relax or eat well in the city

How many days do I need to visit Ushuaia?

To enjoy Ushuaia without rushing, we recommend at least 3 or 4 full days. Distances here aren't long, but many tours take up an entire day. If you also want to go hiking or add a more adventurous trip like the Ojo del Albino Glacier or Cabo San Pablo, an extra day is ideal.

When is the best time to go to Ushuaia?

It depends on what you're looking for:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): long days, pleasant temperatures (10 to 15 °C) and access to all the trails.
• Fall (Mar-May): fewer tourists, fall colors and still good weather for hiking.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): ideal for skiing, snow and white landscapes.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): cool weather, but many trails are already open. We went in October and really enjoyed it.

What can you do in Ushuaia when it rains or the weather is bad?

The weather in Ushuaia can be changeable, but there's plenty you can do:

• A boat trip on the Beagle Channel (they often go out anyway).
• A visit to the Museo del Fin del Mundo or the Museo Marítimo.
• A ride on the Tren del Fin del Mundo.
• Eating well: there are incredible restaurants where you can take shelter and try Fuegian lamb or centolla (king crab).
• There are also tours that run even if it rains, like the 4x4 trip to Lago Fagnano.

Can you visit Ushuaia in winter?

Yes! Ushuaia in winter is an amazing destination if you love snow. You can go:

• Skiing and snowboarding at Cerro Castor.
• Snowshoeing.
• Dog sledding and snowmobiling.
• On trips to frozen lakes.
  Just dress warmly, and keep in mind that trails may be closed because of snow.

How do you get around Ushuaia?

You can easily get around downtown on foot. To reach trails or tours farther out:

• There are shuttle vans and tours that pick you up.
• You can also take taxis (we used them to get to the national park).
• If you want more freedom, renting a car for a day to go to places like Cabo San Pablo is a great idea.

What should you pack for Ushuaia?

• Technical clothing in layers (thermal top, fleece, waterproof jacket).
• Waterproof hiking boots (if you don't have any, you can rent them downtown).
• Hat, gloves, neck gaiter.
• Sunscreen (even if it's cold!).
• Always carry some food or snacks and water on hikes.