Complete guide to traveling to Ushuaia: what to see, what to do, and how to experience the end of the world

Ushuaia is located at the very end of southern Patagonia, at the southernmost tip of Argentina. Known as the end of the world, or for some, the beginning of everything. It is surrounded by both the sea and the mountain range, and from almost any point you can see one of these two landscapes. It is a city where nature is always present and the surroundings completely define the travel experience.

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Complete guide to traveling to Ushuaia: what to see, what to do, and how to experience the end of the world

Contents

Home
Must-sees in Ushuaia
What to eat in Ushuaia
Where to eat in Ushuaia
How to get around Ushuaia
Tips and characteristics
Our experience traveling in Ushuaia

Laguna Esmeralda – Probably the most popular trek in Ushuaia. Very photogenic and accessible.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse – One of Ushuaia’s most recognizable landmarks, located on the Beagle Channel.
Ushuaia Prison (Maritime and Prison Museum) – The number one cultural visit. The city was born around this prison, and it is essential to understand its origins.
End of the World Museum – Ideal for learning about the history of the native peoples (Yámana) and shipwrecks.
Tierra del Fuego National Park – One of the few national parks in the country that combines forest, mountains, and coastline. Well-marked trails and classic Fuegian landscapes.
Beagle Channel – A fundamental part of the city’s identity. Sailing through it allows you to see Ushuaia from another perspective and observe islands and wildlife.
Martial Glacier – A short but demanding hike with panoramic views of the city and the channel.
End of the World Train – A historic ride that recalls the past of the old prison, crossing very characteristic natural landscapes.
Ushuaia viewpoints – From different elevated points you get open views of the channel, the mountains, and the city.
Martillo Island (penguin colony) – One of the most iconic excursions in the area, accessible by boat navigation through the Beagle Channel.

Passing by Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is an essential nautical milestone of any trip to the capital of Tierra del Fuego. The same tour allows you to observe colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants in their natural habitat.

Fuegian king crab – The most representative product of the region. Usually served fresh in simple preparations.
Patagonian toothfish – A southern fish with a soft texture and deep flavor.
Patagonian lamb – Very common in local restaurants, ideal for cold days.
Trout and river fish – Frequent options in Fuegian menus, usually paired with simple side dishes.
Chocolate and regional sweets – Perfect to enjoy in cold and windy weather.

Iconic places:

El Viejo Marino: For king crab (the absolute classic).
Bodegón Fueguino: For Patagonian lamb.
Ramos Generales El Almacén: A historic place that is café, museum, and restaurant at the same time.

In the center of the image, Mount Olivia is Ushuaia’s undisputed guardian. At 1,326 meters, it is the highest and most photogenic peak around the city, standing out for its sharp pyramid shape.

Public buses: Cover the city well. Payment is only with the SUBE card, which can be bought at kiosks around the city.
Taxis/remises: Work very well and are a common option to reach Martial Glacier or Laguna Esmeralda if you don’t rent a car.
Shuttles: From the downtown area (in front of the pier), shared vans depart on fixed schedules to main trails.

Ushuaia Prison. Highly recommended visit. You can explore the 'Historic Pavilion', preserved intact, and learn about the harsh stories of prisoners at the end of the world.

Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
Transport: The city is small and the center is walkable. For parks and distant excursions, renting a car or booking transfers is recommended.
Prices: Higher than the national average, especially for food and excursions.
Climate: Very changeable throughout the year. Wind is frequent and wind chill is usually low.
Best time to visit: From November to March, when there are more daylight hours and better conditions for outdoor activities.
Port tax: To sail the Beagle Channel, a port fee must be paid, which is usually not included in the tour ticket.
Clothing: The weather is unpredictable. The golden rule is to dress in layers (onion style): thermal base layer, mid-layer (fleece), and waterproof/windproof outer layer, even in summer.
Travel tip: In Ushuaia, plans depend heavily on the weather. It’s best to have alternatives and take advantage of every window of good weather. In summer there is daylight from around 5 AM to 11 PM, ideal for long outdoor days.

End of the World Train. The historic Austral Fueguino Railway follows the last 7 km of the route once used by prisoners from Ushuaia’s old penal colony. A journey through time along the Pipo River valley, crossing lenga forests and the Tree Cemetery.

Ushuaia is best enjoyed with patience and warm clothing. It is a city that invites you to adapt to the weather, change plans according to wind or rain, and enjoy the moments when the sky opens up.

The combination of extreme landscapes, history, and everyday life makes it a very special destination. Traveling to Ushuaia feels like reaching a geographical limit, but also a place with its own identity that leaves a strong and lasting impression.

Just a few minutes from the city center, Martial Glacier offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Beagle Channel.

Martial Glacier, a cirque glacier that serves as Ushuaia’s most important freshwater reserve. The ski lifts are currently under renovation, so access to the glacier front is done on foot.

The base of Martial Glacier is only 7 kilometers from downtown Ushuaia, about a 15-minute drive or taxi ride via Luis Fernando Martial Street. At the base you will find the tea house 'La Cabaña Tea House', as well as bars, restaurants, and ski and snowboard schools.

Must-sees in Ushuaia

Laguna Esmeralda – Probably the most popular trek in Ushuaia. Very photogenic and accessible.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse – One of Ushuaia’s most recognizable landmarks, located on the Beagle Channel.
Ushuaia Prison (Maritime and Prison Museum) – The number one cultural visit. The city was born around this prison, and it is essential to understand its origins.
End of the World Museum – Ideal for learning about the history of the native peoples (Yámana) and shipwrecks.
Tierra del Fuego National Park – One of the few national parks in the country that combines forest, mountains, and coastline. Well-marked trails and classic Fuegian landscapes.
Beagle Channel – A fundamental part of the city’s identity. Sailing through it allows you to see Ushuaia from another perspective and observe islands and wildlife.
Martial Glacier – A short but demanding hike with panoramic views of the city and the channel.
End of the World Train – A historic ride that recalls the past of the old prison, crossing very characteristic natural landscapes.
Ushuaia viewpoints – From different elevated points you get open views of the channel, the mountains, and the city.
Martillo Island (penguin colony) – One of the most iconic excursions in the area, accessible by boat navigation through the Beagle Channel.

What to eat in Ushuaia

Fuegian king crab – The most representative product of the region. Usually served fresh in simple preparations.
Patagonian toothfish – A southern fish with a soft texture and deep flavor.
Patagonian lamb – Very common in local restaurants, ideal for cold days.
Trout and river fish – Frequent options in Fuegian menus, usually paired with simple side dishes.
Chocolate and regional sweets – Perfect to enjoy in cold and windy weather.

Where to eat in Ushuaia

Iconic places:

El Viejo Marino: For king crab (the absolute classic).
Bodegón Fueguino: For Patagonian lamb.
Ramos Generales El Almacén: A historic place that is café, museum, and restaurant at the same time.

How to get around Ushuaia

Public buses: Cover the city well. Payment is only with the SUBE card, which can be bought at kiosks around the city.
Taxis/remises: Work very well and are a common option to reach Martial Glacier or Laguna Esmeralda if you don’t rent a car.
Shuttles: From the downtown area (in front of the pier), shared vans depart on fixed schedules to main trails.

Tips and characteristics

Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
Transport: The city is small and the center is walkable. For parks and distant excursions, renting a car or booking transfers is recommended.
Prices: Higher than the national average, especially for food and excursions.
Climate: Very changeable throughout the year. Wind is frequent and wind chill is usually low.
Best time to visit: From November to March, when there are more daylight hours and better conditions for outdoor activities.
Port tax: To sail the Beagle Channel, a port fee must be paid, which is usually not included in the tour ticket.
Clothing: The weather is unpredictable. The golden rule is to dress in layers (onion style): thermal base layer, mid-layer (fleece), and waterproof/windproof outer layer, even in summer.
Travel tip: In Ushuaia, plans depend heavily on the weather. It’s best to have alternatives and take advantage of every window of good weather. In summer there is daylight from around 5 AM to 11 PM, ideal for long outdoor days.

Our experience traveling in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is best enjoyed with patience and warm clothing. It is a city that invites you to adapt to the weather, change plans according to wind or rain, and enjoy the moments when the sky opens up.