Things to Do in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is one of the most unique destinations in South America and is often called the southernmost city in the world. Located at the southern tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego, the city sits between the Beagle Channel and the Andes mountains, creating a dramatic landscape of mountains, forests, glaciers, and sea. Because of its location, many travellers visit Ushuaia as part of a Patagonia trip or before departing on an Antarctica cruise, but the city itself has plenty of attractions and activities to fill several days.
Most of the best things to do in Ushuaia involve nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Visitors come here for boat trips on the Beagle Channel, penguin tours, national parks, mountain hikes, and historic railways. The scenery around Ushuaia is very different from the rest of Argentina, and the region feels much more like Patagonia or even parts of Norway or Alaska than Buenos Aires.
One of the reasons Ushuaia is so popular is that many of the main attractions are located very close to the city. Within a short distance, you can visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, take the End of the World Train, go hiking to Laguna Esmeralda, or take a boat trip to see sea lions and penguins. This makes Ushuaia a very easy place to explore without travelling long distances.
Overall, the best Ushuaia attractions include boat trips, wildlife tours, national parks, hiking trails, glaciers, and historic sites. Most visitors stay 2 to 4 days, which is usually enough time to see the main highlights and enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace.
Beagle Channel Boat Trips
One of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia is a Beagle Channel boat trip. The Beagle Channel is the stretch of water that runs between Argentina and Chile, and boat trips from Ushuaia travel through this channel to small islands, wildlife colonies, and famous landmarks such as the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often called the “End of the World Lighthouse”.
Most Beagle Channel cruises last between 2 and 3 hours, and during the trip you can usually see sea lions, seabirds, and sometimes dolphins. Boats typically stop near small islands where large groups of sea lions live, and it is common to see hundreds of animals resting on the rocks. The scenery during the trip is also spectacular, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and the city of Ushuaia visible from the water.
These boat trips usually depart from the Ushuaia tourist harbour, which is located near the city centre and easy to reach on foot. There are different types of boats available, including catamarans and smaller boats, and some tours include audio guides or guided commentary explaining the history of the region and the wildlife you see along the way.
A Beagle Channel cruise is often one of the first activities travellers do when they arrive in Ushuaia because it provides a great overview of the landscape and surrounding area. For many visitors, this is one of the best Ushuaia activities and one of the highlights of visiting the city.
Penguin Watching Tours
Seeing penguins is one of the most memorable Ushuaia activities, and many visitors travel here specifically to join a penguin watching tour. These tours usually visit Martillo Island, which is home to a large colony of Magellanic penguins and sometimes Gentoo penguins.
Penguin tours typically involve a boat trip along the Beagle Channel to the island, which takes a few hours in total. Some tours allow you to walk on the island with a guide, while others involve viewing the penguins from the boat or from designated walkways. Either way, the experience of seeing penguins in the wild in such a remote location is very special.
Penguins are usually present between October and March, which is the spring and summer season in the southern hemisphere. Outside these months, penguin tours are usually not available because the penguins migrate away from the island.
These tours often last 4 to 6 hours, making them one of the longer things to do in Ushuaia, but they are often considered one of the most worthwhile excursions in the region. Many tours also include views of sea lions, birds, and the Patagonian coastline, making the journey itself part of the experience.
If you are visiting Ushuaia during penguin season, this is often considered one of the top Ushuaia attractions and one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Argentina.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of the most important natural attractions near Ushuaia and is located about 12 kilometres from the city, making it very easy to visit as a half-day or full-day trip. The park protects forests, lakes, rivers, mountains, and coastal areas along the Beagle Channel, and it is one of the few national parks in Argentina where mountains, forest, and sea meet in the same place.
There are several walking trails inside the park, ranging from short easy walks to longer hiking routes. One of the most famous places in the park is Lapataia Bay, which marks the southern end of Route 3, the highway that runs all the way from Buenos Aires to the southern tip of Argentina. Many visitors like to take a photo at the “End of the World” sign located here.
Wildlife in the park includes foxes, birds, rabbits, and sometimes beavers, and the scenery is beautiful throughout the year. In summer, the park is green and ideal for hiking, while in winter the landscape is often covered in snow.
Many visitors combine a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park with the End of the World Train, which runs from near Ushuaia into the national park along a historic railway line originally built by prisoners many years ago. This combination is one of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia and a great way to see the landscape without needing to hike long distances.
Train of the End of the World
The Train of the End of the World, known locally as Tren del Fin del Mundo, is one of the most famous attractions in Ushuaia and one of the most historic railway journeys in South America. The railway was originally built by prisoners in the early 20th century to transport timber from the forests to the prison in Ushuaia, and today it has been restored as a tourist railway that runs into Tierra del Fuego National Park.
The train journey is relatively short, but it is very scenic and passes through forests, rivers, mountains, and wide open landscapes. Along the way, there are audio guides that explain the history of the railway, the prisoners who built it, and the development of Ushuaia as a settlement at the end of the world. The journey includes a stop where passengers can get off briefly to see a waterfall and viewpoint, which is one of the highlights of the trip.
Many visitors combine the End of the World Train with a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, as the railway runs into the park and connects with tour routes and walking trails. This combination is one of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia and is a good option if you want to see the park without needing to organise transport yourself.
Although the train is quite touristy, it is still a very enjoyable experience and offers beautiful views of Patagonia’s southern landscapes. For travellers interested in history, railways, or scenic journeys, the Train of the End of the World is one of the most interesting Ushuaia attractions.
Ushuaia Panoramic City Train Tour
The Ushuaia Panoramic City Train Tour is a short sightseeing train that takes visitors around the main areas of the city and along parts of the waterfront. This tour is a good option for travellers who want to see the city without walking long distances, especially on the first day when getting familiar with Ushuaia.
The train passes through the city centre, port area, residential areas, and scenic viewpoints, and usually includes audio commentary explaining the history of Ushuaia, the prison colony, the development of the city, and the surrounding mountains and Beagle Channel. The tour normally lasts around one hour, making it an easy activity to fit into a travel itinerary.
Ushuaia is not a very large city, but it is spread along the coastline and built on hills, so the panoramic train tour is a convenient way to see different parts of the city quickly. It is especially useful if the weather is cold, windy, or snowy, which is common in Ushuaia even during summer months.
While the panoramic train is not as famous as the End of the World Train, it is still a pleasant way to see the city and learn about its history. Many visitors do this tour on their first day to get an overview before exploring the rest of the things to do in Ushuaia.
Laguna Esmeralda Hike
The hike to Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most popular outdoor Ushuaia activities and is often considered the best short hike in the area. The trail leads to a beautiful turquoise glacial lake surrounded by mountains and forests, and the scenery along the way is just as impressive as the destination itself.
The hike usually takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and the weather conditions. The trail passes through forests, peat bogs, rivers, and mountain valleys, and the landscape feels very remote and wild even though it is relatively close to Ushuaia. The final view of the lake, with mountains rising behind it, is one of the most photographed locations near the city.
The trail is not very steep, but parts of it can be muddy, especially after rain or during spring when snow is melting. Good shoes are recommended, and the weather can change quickly, so warm and waterproof clothing is important even in summer.
For travellers who enjoy nature and hiking, Laguna Esmeralda is one of the best things to do in Ushuaia and a great way to experience the Patagonian landscape without needing advanced hiking skills.
Martial Glacier
Martial Glacier is located in the mountains above Ushuaia and offers some of the best views over the city and the Beagle Channel. The glacier itself has shrunk significantly over the years, but the area is still popular for hiking, viewpoints, and winter sports.
There is a road that leads part of the way up the mountain, and from there visitors can either hike further or take a chairlift, depending on the season. The hike to the glacier viewpoint is fairly short but steep in places, and from the top you can see Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding mountains, which is one of the best viewpoints in the region.
In winter, the Martial Glacier area becomes a small ski and snow sports area, with skiing, snowshoeing, and sledging available. Even outside the winter season, the area is worth visiting for the views alone.
Because it is so close to the city, Martial Glacier is one of the easiest Ushuaia attractions to visit and can be combined with other activities on the same day. Many visitors come here for a short hike and panoramic views before heading back into the city.
Ushuaia Maritime & Prison Museum
One of the most interesting indoor things to do in Ushuaia is visiting the Ushuaia Maritime Museum and Prison Museum, which is located in the old prison building where many of Ushuaia’s early prisoners were held. The prison played a major role in the development of the city, as many of the early buildings, roads, and railways were built by prisoners sent to this remote part of Argentina.
The museum is located inside the original prison complex, and visitors can walk through the old prison cells, corridors, and exhibition rooms. The exhibitions explain the history of Ushuaia, the prison system, early explorers, Antarctic expeditions, and the wildlife and indigenous people of the region. There are also displays about famous prisoners and the harsh conditions they lived in when Ushuaia was still a remote penal colony.
The building itself is very atmospheric, and many visitors find this museum much more interesting than they expect. Because Ushuaia has a relatively short history compared to many cities, the prison and maritime history are very important parts of the story of how the city developed.
If the weather is bad or you want a break from outdoor activities, the museum is one of the best indoor Ushuaia attractions and usually takes 1 to 2 hours to visit properly.
Walk Along the Ushuaia Waterfront
One of the simplest but most enjoyable things to do in Ushuaia is walking along the Ushuaia waterfront near the port and city centre. This area offers views of the Beagle Channel, mountains, boats, and sometimes cruise ships and Antarctica expedition ships, making it a great place to walk and take photos.
Along the waterfront, you will also find the famous Ushuaia sign, which many visitors photograph as a souvenir of reaching the southernmost city in the world. The area around the port is also where most boat tours and Beagle Channel cruises depart, so you will often see catamarans and expedition ships preparing to leave.
The waterfront area is close to many restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and tour offices, so it is a good place to walk in the evening after returning from day trips or excursions. On clear days, the views across the water towards the mountains are very impressive, especially around sunset.
Although it is a simple activity, walking along the waterfront is still one of the most popular Ushuaia activities, and most visitors spend some time here during their stay.
Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia
Ushuaia is known around the world as the main departure point for Antarctica cruises, and many travellers visit the city specifically to start an expedition to Antarctica. While not everyone takes a cruise, seeing the expedition ships in the harbour is still one of the most interesting things about visiting Ushuaia.
Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia and travel across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. These trips usually last between 10 and 20 days, depending on the itinerary and the number of islands visited. Cruises are expensive, but they are one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.
Even if you are not taking a cruise, Ushuaia has several Antarctic museums, tour offices, and expedition companies, and the city has a strong connection with Antarctic exploration and research. Many travellers enjoy visiting the port area to see the expedition ships and learn more about Antarctic travel.
Because of its location and connection to polar exploration, Ushuaia feels very different from most cities and has a real end-of-the-world atmosphere, which is one of the reasons so many travellers include it in their Argentina or Patagonia trips.
Cerro Castor Ski Resort
Cerro Castor is the main ski resort near Ushuaia and is one of the southernmost ski resorts in the world. The resort is located about 25 kilometres from Ushuaia, and during winter it becomes a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
One interesting thing about Cerro Castor is that the ski season here often lasts longer than many ski resorts in Europe, sometimes from June to October, because of the southern location and cold climate. The resort has a range of ski runs for different ability levels, as well as restaurants, equipment rental, and ski schools.
Even outside the winter season, the area around Cerro Castor is known for mountain scenery, hiking, and outdoor activities, although most visitors come during winter for snow sports.
For travellers visiting Ushuaia in winter, skiing at Cerro Castor is one of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia, and it adds another completely different activity compared to the boat trips and national park visits that most summer visitors experience.
Best Outdoor Activities in Ushuaia
Most of the best things to do in Ushuaia involve the outdoors, and the city is one of the best destinations in Argentina for nature, wildlife, and adventure activities. Because Ushuaia is surrounded by mountains, forests, glaciers, rivers, and the sea, there are many outdoor activities available throughout the year.
Hiking is one of the most popular Ushuaia activities, with trails such as Laguna Esmeralda, Glaciar Martial, and trails inside Tierra del Fuego National Park. These hikes range from easy walks to longer routes and offer views of lakes, mountains, forests, and wildlife. Even short hikes around Ushuaia feel remote and wild compared to most destinations.
Boat trips are another major outdoor activity. Many visitors take Beagle Channel boat trips to see sea lions, birds, islands, and the famous lighthouse. Penguin tours are also very popular during the summer months and are often considered one of the highlights of visiting Ushuaia.
In winter, Ushuaia becomes a destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledging, and snowmobile tours, mainly around Cerro Castor and other nearby mountain areas. This makes Ushuaia a destination that can be visited in both summer and winter with completely different activities available depending on the season.
For travellers who enjoy nature, wildlife, mountains, and outdoor adventures, Ushuaia is one of the most unique destinations in South America and offers a wide range of outdoor Ushuaia attractions and activities.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ushuaia?
Most travellers spend 2 to 4 days in Ushuaia, which is usually enough time to see the main attractions and take a few excursions. The city itself is not very large, but many of the main things to do in Ushuaia involve tours, boat trips, or national park visits, which take up most of a day each.
A typical Ushuaia itinerary might include a Beagle Channel boat trip, a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, the End of the World Train, and a hike such as Laguna Esmeralda or a visit to Martial Glacier. If you are visiting during penguin season, a penguin watching tour would also usually take half a day.
If you are planning an Antarctica cruise, most travellers arrive in Ushuaia one or two days before departure in case of flight delays or schedule changes. This also gives time to explore the city and surrounding area before leaving for Antarctica.
If you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, you could easily spend 4 or 5 days in Ushuaia, but if you are short on time, 2 full days is usually enough to see the main highlights.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Heading to the end of the world? Here are a few useful tips to make your trip to Ushuaia smoother:
- Pack for all weather: Ushuaia weather can change quickly, and even in summer it can be cold, windy, and rainy.
- Book boat tours early: Beagle Channel and penguin tours are very popular and can sell out during peak season.
- Allow extra time before Antarctica cruises: Flights to Ushuaia can be delayed due to weather, so arrive at least one day early.
- Wear waterproof shoes: Many hiking trails around Ushuaia are muddy, especially near Laguna Esmeralda.
- Bring cash: Some smaller tour operators and restaurants may prefer cash payments.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions – Ushuaia
Is Ushuaia really the southernmost city in the world?
Ushuaia is often called the southernmost city in the world, although some smaller settlements further south also claim this title. However, Ushuaia is generally considered the southernmost major city and is often called “The End of the World.”
When is the best time to visit Ushuaia?
The best time to visit Ushuaia depends on what you want to do. October to March is best for hiking, boat trips, and penguin tours, while June to September is best for skiing and winter activities. Summer has longer daylight hours, which gives more time for outdoor activities.
Can you see penguins in Ushuaia all year?
No, penguins are usually only present between October and March. Outside these months, penguin tours are generally not available because the penguins migrate away from the area.
Is Ushuaia worth visiting?
Yes, Ushuaia is one of the most unique destinations in Argentina and is worth visiting for the mountain scenery, wildlife, national parks, and Beagle Channel boat trips. It is very different from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities and feels much more like Patagonia.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are planning a trip to Ushuaia, you will almost certainly be travelling via Buenos Aires, so our Argentina Travel Guide is a good place to start for planning transport, flights, money, and how to organise your itinerary across the country.
Most international travellers arrive in the capital first, so our Buenos Aires Travel Guide explains where to stay, how to get around the city, and how to plan your time before flying south to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
If you are spending several days in Buenos Aires before travelling to Ushuaia, our Buenos Aires Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Guide is an easy way to see the main areas of the city and get an overview before exploring in more detail.
Many travellers combine a trip to southern Argentina with northern Argentina, so you may also want to read our Iguazu Falls Guide, which covers one of the most spectacular natural attractions in South America and is another popular domestic flight destination from Buenos Aires.
If you are looking for shorter excursions from the capital before heading to Ushuaia, our Day Trips from Buenos Aires guide includes destinations such as Tigre Delta and Colonia del Sacramento, which are easy day trips from the city.
These guides together will help you plan an Argentina itinerary that includes Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Uruguay, and Iguazu Falls in one well-organised trip.
Last Updated
April 2026
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