Best Things To Do In Ushuaia Argentina
Standing at Fin del Mundo
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The 5 Best Things To Do In Ushuaia Argentina
Ushuaia, often referred to as the world's southernmost city, is located on the southern coast of Argentina, nestled between the Beagle Channel and the rugged peaks of the Andes. This unique destination offers stunning landscapes, characterized by a blend of mountains, sea, and expansive forests.
A gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia serves as a hub for adventure tourism, providing opportunities for activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. The city itself boasts a rich history, with influences from indigenous cultures and European settlers evident in its architecture and local traditions. Visitors can explore museums, enjoy local cuisine featuring fresh seafood, and take in breathtaking views that make Ushuaia a remarkable place to experience the natural beauty of Patagonia.
I only spent one day in Ushuaia, but it was enough to get a taste of el Fin de Mundo, aka The End of The World. Many people visit Ushuaia as a departure point for a cruise or on a cruise port day. Whether Ushuaia is your sole destination or part of a larger itinerary, this guide will give you plenty of options for how to fill your time.
This list of the best things to do in Ushuaia Argentina also comes with travel resources and tips for travelers with mobility impairments. I’ve included links to wheelchair-accessible full day tours and travel tips for getting around Ushuaia if you have a mobility impairment. I highly recommend these tours both for their accessibility and their awesome guides.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park, located at the southern tip of Argentina, is a stunning natural reserve that showcases the diverse ecosystems of the region. Covering approximately 63,000 hectares, the park features a mix of subantarctic forests, mountains, and coastal landscapes, making it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore various well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and the rugged Andes mountains. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including guanacos, red foxes, and numerous bird species, offering ample opportunities for wildlife observation. With its striking scenery and rich biodiversity, Tierra del Fuego National Park makes for an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Visitors may also choose to take the End Of The World Train ride, a small train that travels through Tierra del Fuego’s gorgeous scenery for a 90-minute ride.
I recommend this wheelchair-accessible tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park with an optional train ride.
Accessibility: There is a very nice wheelchair labeled boardwalk into the park and out along the lake through the wildlife areas. The Alakush Center offers a wheelchair-accessible restroom. The End of The World Train is also wheelchair accessible and the train station offers a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Cormorants, NOT Penguins
2. Beagle Channel Cruise
Start this wheelchair-accessible Beagle Channel Cruise at the local tourist dock and board a modern and comfortable boat. Set sail and cross the wide Ushuaia Bay until you reach the Beagle Channel through Paso Chico. Then, navigate around Bird's Island where you’ll see several species of Tierra del Fuego's seabirds such as skuas, black-browed albatross, steam ducks, cauquenes, cook seagulls, and gray seagulls. After that, reach Sea Lion Island which also belongs to the Bridges Archipelago and is inhabited by 2 different species of sea lion. Finally, arrive at the Les Eclaireurs (The Illuminators) Lighthouse where you will find imperial and rocky cormorant colonies. Hear the story of the collapse of the SS Monte Cervantes in 1930.
The tour lasts about two and a half hours and gives you a glimpse into some of the most stunning wildlife in the Tierra del Fuego region. Please note, that you will NOT see penguins on this cruise. You will however see cormorants that look quite similar, but unlike penguins, they’re able to fly.
My favorite part of the Beagle Island cruise was the sea lions. See the below video for some sea lion action.
Downtown Ushuaia
3. Explore Downtown Ushuaia
Stroll along the picturesque waterfront to enjoy beautiful views of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountains. Explore the local shops for unique souvenirs, including handcrafted items and outdoor gear, before relaxing at a cozy café where you can sample regional delicacies like king crab. The downtown area is filled with shops (Including the well-known Patagonia store). This is a great spot to snag some souvenirs.
You can also get a photo with the Fin del Mundo sign. A perfect way to commemorate your trip to Ushuaia.
Penguin art
4. See The Penguins on Isla Martillo
One of the top things to do in Ushuaia is visit the penguins. Martillo Island is a hot spot for penguins. On this amazing wheelchair-accessible penguin cruise you will begin at the pier in Ushuaia. As you move away from the coast, enjoy panoramic views of the city and the coastline, see the Maritime Museum, the End of the World Museum, the industrial area, Mount Olivia, and Mount Cinco Hermanos.
As you sail southwest, you will approach Sea Lion Island where you will be able to watch sea lions interact with each other. Then continue on to Bird Island where you will see Magellanic Cormorants and Imperial Cormorants, as well as a variety of different marine animals. From there you will sail towards Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago with the same name, where the Mount Cervantes vessel was wrecked in the year 1930.
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
Following the south coast of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, you will get to see Estancia Remolino, where the vessel Mount Sarmiento ran aground. Crossing the Beagle Channel heading North-South you will see Gable Island and Port Williams Navy Base (placed on Navarino Island, Republic of Chile). As the boat reaches Martillo Island, its course will continue along the coastline and you can watch from afar the Magellanic and Papua Penguin colonies that nest there during the summer. You will then return to the local pier, seeing both Estancia Tunnel and Fique on your way back.
5. Visit The Maritime & Presidio Museum
The Maritime Museum in Ushuaia, Argentina showcases the region's rich nautical history. Housed in a former prison, the museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and the exploration of the southern seas. Visitors can explore various displays of maritime artifacts, including model ships, navigational instruments, and photographs that illustrate the life of seafarers in these remote waters. The museum also highlights the historical significance of Ushuaia as the southernmost city in the world and its role in Antarctic exploration. Its comprehensive collections and engaging narratives provide a fascinating insight into the maritime legacy of this unique area.
Accessibility: The museum has removed architectural barriers and added features to make the museum accessible to all visitors. There are two parking spaces for visitors with disabled parking permits. The museum also has access ramps into the museum and resting areas. An elevator is available as well as adapted toilets.
Address: 199-299 Yaganes, Ushuaia 9410
Whale bone sculpture in Downtown Ushuaia
Best Time To Visit Ushuaia Argentina
The best time for visiting Ushuaia, Argentina, is during the summer months of November to March when temperatures are milder, ranging from 40°F to 60°F. This period offers the longest days and the most pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Keep in mind that the region can experience unpredictable weather; therefore, visitors should be prepared for both sunny days and sudden rain. The peak tourist season generally occurs in December and January, so traveling in late spring or early fall can provide a slightly less crowded experience.
Cruise ship docked in the Port of Ushuaia
How To Get To Ushuaia
To travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, travelers can fly directly into the Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), which is about 4 miles from the city center. Major airlines offer flights from Buenos Aires, with the journey taking approximately 3.5 hours. For those preferring overland travel, bus services run from various points in Patagonia, with routes available from cities like El Calafate and Puerto Natales. Many visitors arrive in Ushuaia via cruise ship and spend a port day in the city. Additionally, ferry services connect Ushuaia with nearby destinations, enabling a scenic approach to this unique locale.
At the Port of Ushuaia
Getting Around Ushuaia
Getting around Ushuaia, Argentina, is relatively straightforward due to its compact size and well-established transportation options. The city's main streets are walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, consider using local taxis or rideshare services, which are readily available.
Public buses also connect various parts of the city and are an affordable option for travelers. Additionally, rental cars are an option for those wishing to explore the surrounding natural landscapes at their own pace. Given Ushuaia's unique geographic location, some travelers may also choose to take guided tours that often include transportation to key attractions.
Accessibility: Be aware that while there are wheelchair-accessible parking spaces near the major taxi stands, there are NO wheelchair-accessible taxis. Your best option is to take one of the wheelchair-accessible tours listed in order to see the city and surrounding areas.
Sailing into Ushuaia
Best Ushuaia Hotels
Two of the most highly recommended hotels in Ushuaia are Arakur and Los Ñires. Both are on the edge of town and have shuttle services that take guests to the center throughout the day. Both also focus on sustainability and use environmentally friendly products throughout the hotel. They also offer facilities for disabled guests.
Where To Eat In Ushuaia
If you love seafood, Ushuaia offers a bountiful array of choices! If you don’t, there are many other great options. The king crab is a popular choice for both visitors and locals. It’s locally caught and served up by the best restaurants in town. If you’re looking for great seafood restaurants, try Volver and María Lola.
If you’re looking for dinner restaurants Ushuaia has 2 great options. If you have 2 days in Ushuaia try Volver the first night and Maria Lola the second night. If you only have one day in town, literally flip a coin. You will not be disappointed no matter how your flip turns out.
For lunches, El Mercado and Ramos Generales are both amazing. If you’re looking for breakfast, try Tante Sara.
Sea Lions
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Ushuaia Argentina
Is Ushuaia worth visiting? Very much so.
There’s something truly magical about standing in Ushuaia at the end of the world, knowing that Antarctica is only 1,000 km away. Because of the nature of how remote this area is and how much planning it can take to get here, I highly recommend getting travel insurance to protect against any last minute cancellations or mishaps. It will give you peace of mind before you set out on your epic adventure.
As always, I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Ushuaia. If you’ve been to Ushuaia I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Happy travels!
