Nestled at the southernmost tip of South America, Ushuaia is a place where the boundaries of civilisation meet the untamed wilderness of Patagonia.
Being a long-time lover of the Arctic regions, naturally I’ve been dreaming of visiting Antarctica for years. Unfortunately, the reality of stepping foot on Antarctica would require me to sell off one of my kidneys to afford the trip. Since that is something I’m not prepared to do (at least not quite yet), I travelled to the next best place: Ushuaia.
One of the southernmost cities in the world, Ushuaia sits at the bottom tip of Argentina on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Dubbed the End of the World and operating as the main gateway to Antarctica. Explorers have been landing on its shores for centuries now in a quest to reach the South Pole, but recently, ordinary folk like me come for the nature and in the name of adventure.
The main point of this article is to convince you that Ushuaia is a final destination in itself, not just the starting point to reach Antarctica. It offers so much to do and see, particularly in the form of nature-based pursuits.
It was the highlight of my trip to Argentina, so I’ve put together this Ushuaia travel guide in case you’re planning a trip to Argentina and wondering whether it’s worth the journey down.
Why visit?
With its breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife, and fascinating history, Ushuaia is a destination that lingers in the memory long after you’ve left its shores. If those things haven’t already captured your attention, then now would be a good time to mention that you’ll have the opportunity to see some adorable penguins in their natural habitat.
You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Ushuaia either. In the city, you’ll find surprisingly good restaurants, interesting museums, great shops selling hand-made leather goods to top-of-the-range outdoor clothing brands, and a variety of incredible walks and hikes depending on your comfort levels.
It’s also the small things that make Ushuaia special. Similar to being in the Arctic, the sky has a special light that looks like it’s breaking into the heavens. After golden hour it transforms into pillows of burning red and orange, before diffusing into shades of purple and blue before nightfall.
Whether you’re drawn to its pristine landscapes, crisp air, or inspired by its spirit of adventure, a visit to the End of the World will be a journey you won’t soon forget. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but its worth it when every moment feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ushuaia Travel Guide - Everything you need to know
Getting to Ushuaia
Ushuaia is accessible by air, with Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) serving as the primary entry point.
Several airlines offer regular flights to Ushuaia with the most popular starting point being from Buenos Aires.
I flew to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires which took approximately 3h 30m. Afterwards I flew from Ushuaia to El Calafate (approx 1h) to explore more of Patagonia, i.e. Perito Moreno Glacier. Then I flew back to Buenos Aires from El Calafate for a few days before heading to Rio de Janeiro.
You can also reach Ushuaia by sea, with cruise ships and ferries arriving at the city’s port.
Best time to visit
Ushuaia experiences a subpolar oceanic climate, characterised by cold winters and cool summers.
The best time to go would be December until March as these are the summer months and many outdoor activities are possible, but the region can be visited any time from September until April. I visited at the beginning of November and the temperature was nippy but nice and stable. Also, this time of year isn’t very busy, so nowhere really feels crowded or touristy which is a bonus.
The winter (May until August) is very cold and dark, but if you like snow sports like skiing and snowboarding, it might still be an option for you.
A brief history of Ushuaia
Ushuaia’s history is a fascinating one that traces the city’s evolution from indigenous territories to a remote penal colony, a bustling naval base, and today it has become a tourist destination and gateway to polar expeditions.
Long before Ushuaia became a city, the region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Yaghan and Selk’nam. These resilient communities had adapted to the challenging climate and landscape, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their sustenance. The Yamana Museum which has now unfortunately closed was dedicated to learning about the history and life of these first settlers. Alternatively, I recommend going to the City Museum which also shines a light on the indigenous cultures of Ushuaia,
Ushuaia’s history is also strongly intertwined with the age of exploration. In the 16th century, European explorers, such as Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake, ventured into the treacherous waters of Tierra del Fuego, passing by the future site of Ushuaia. In 1833 Darwin set sail on the Beagle voyage, passing through the canals of Tierra del Fuego to cement Ushuaia’s place in the history books.
Ushuaia’s next transformation began in the late 19th century when the Argentine government established a penal colony on the shores of the Beagle Channel. The remote location made it an ideal spot to house Argentina’s most notorious criminals. The prisoners were put to work constructing the city and building roads. The original prison, known as Presidio de Ushuaia, is now the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio, a museum where you can learn about this period of history.
You can read more here about how Ushuaia transformed from a penal colony to tourist destination.
Best things to do in Ushuaia
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: The best place to explore lush forests, lakes, a rugged coastline and even some small beaches. There are hiking trails, including the famous Coastal Path, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. You can go on your own via bus, taxi or train (see below) from the city. Alternatively, you can join one of the guided tours which I recommend so you’ll be in expert hands of those with knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
- End of the World Train: Ride the historic “Train of the End of the World,” which offers a glimpse into the region’s history, including its penal colony past. The entire trip is only 7 kms (4.3 miles) and ends at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Therefore, if you’re not doing a guided walking tour of the park, the train is a fun and memorable way to get there.
- Beagle Channel: Join an invigorating boat tour on the Beagle Channel to view iconic landmarks like Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and appreciate the stunning marine wildlife, including indigenous birds and sea lions. The sheer amount of wildlife and bird plop around the lighthouse has resulted in these rocks being rather stinky – just a note of warning! 🙂
- The penguins of Martillo Island: The highlight of my incredible trip to Ushuaia was stepping foot onto Martillo Island, located on the southernmost reaches of Patagonia and famed for being home to hundreds of adorable penguins, particularly the beloved Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. While I’ve still not been to Antarctic, seeing this beauties up-close made me feel like I almost have! For more information about this trip read more here.
- Martial Glacier: The hike to Martial Glacier takes you up the mountains surrounding Ushuaia and offers gorgeous views across the Beagle Channel. It’s quite a challenging route and takes around 2 to 3 hrs. The easiest and most convenient way to get to the starting point (Refugio de Montana) is by taxi.
- Skiing and Snow Sports: In the winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Cerro Castor, the southernmost ski resort in the world.
Accommodation in Ushuaia
Whether you’re seeking a cosy bed and breakfast, a boutique hotel, or a larger resort, you’ll find choices that provide comfort and charm in this unique destination. Here are my recommendations:
Budget
Antarctica Hostel is one of the best hostels in town, and certainly the most centrally located. It offers both private and mixed dorms. The prices are slightly higher than most hostels but the quality is above standard and accommodation in Ushuaia is relatively expensive.
If you’re looking to meet other people and hopefully some fun characters, you’ll be sure to hear. There’s also a large communal area, and a kitchen to cook your own stuff.
Mid-range
My friend and I stayed at Pacífico Apartamentos and I couldn’t recommend it more highly! I think it’s very good value considering how clean, modern, spacious and cosy everything is in the apartment. It also has all the amenities you need to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay in Ushuaia. The location is great, just a short walk away from the city centre. The views from the balcony are lovely, and there’s also parking available if you have a hire car.High-end
If you’re looking to indulge, Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort is the place for it. As well as having all the usual amenities, you’ll also have access to a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, sauna rooms and treatment facilities such as hammam and Turkish baths. Located just outside the city on nature’s doorstep, you can enjoy stunning views across the bay and endless hiking opportunities from the site.So have I convinced you to go to Ushuaia now?
If you’re looking for more places to visit in Patagonia, I highly recommend Bariloche, El Chalten and El Calafate.
