Best Things To Do In Ushuaia, Argentina – 2024 Travel Guide

Heading To The End Of The World? Here Is Our List Of The Best Things To Do In Ushuaia

While many people don’t make it to the southernmost city in the world – we consider ourselves fortunate to have been there two times. We visited once as a port stop while on a cruise around South America and the second time before embarking on a cruise ship to Antarctica.

Ushuaia isn’t a big place but there are plenty of things to see and do while there. Having spent a couple of days there we created this blog to highlight what we think are the best things to do in Ushuaia.

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What Is Ushuaia Best Known For?

Is There A Lot To Do In Ushuaia?

As a jumping-off point for cruises, Ushuaia has steadily grown its tourist offerings over the years making tourism its third largest economic contributor. 

For such a small place (population of only 80,000 people) you can easily fill one day in Ushuaia or even 2 days in Ushuaia if you have the time. Many of the activities are easily accessed right from the waterfront area and the city has attracted several tour companies to help you explore the region.

So let’s share our curated list of what we believe to be the must-see attractions in and around Ushuaia.

Be In Awe Of Tierra Del Fuego National Park

The pride and joy of this region is the National Park – a protected area of 68,000 hectares, it was established as a park in 1960. This would be considered one of the best things to do in the area. The scenery in the park is stunning with mountains, lakes, valleys, forests and large areas of peatlands (wet areas with moss, grasses and shrubs).

The fjord that leads to the Beagle Channel is also part of the park. It is truly unspoiled beauty in this part of the world and you want to make sure you see some of this gorgeous landscape.

And wildlife is abundant here with many bird types (even albatross), guanaco (type of llama), and regional foxes.

Due to time constraints, we had a driving tour through the park and were able to stop at many of the beautiful sights. For us, the scenery was just spectacular. We were fortunate to have a bright, sunny day and with mild temperatures and we enjoyed stopping many times to take in the views.

Hike To The Beautiful Lakes

The park has many hiking trails. See here for a suggestion of several hikes within the park ranging from easy to hard. 

With limited time we weren’t able to do any hikes but did make stops at several lake points along our route, including Lago Roca which was a wonderful spot to see with crystal clear water and views of the mountains surrounding it. This whole area would be a hiker’s dream so if you enjoy that kind of activity – be sure to plan for enough time to really take it all in.

✅ If you are looking to do some hiking with an experienced guide then consider this highly-rated tour that takes you to one of the most spectacular locations – Esmeralda Lagoon. It includes pick up and lunch.

Admire Lapataia Bay

Also located within the National Park is Lapataia Bay (this is approximately 20km from Ushuaia). Here you can visit the most southern point in Argentina that can be reached by road.

It is easily accessible and of course, there is a great sign at the entry point that shares the fact that this is the end (or the start) of the Pan American Highway (National Route 3). The other end of the road is located more than 17,000 kms away in Alaska!

From where the sign is located there is a very nice raised boardwalk that you can use to walk along through the grassy areas admiring the mountains in the distance until you come out to the very end.

Here you will be able to see incredible vistas – the snow-capped mountains, the shimmering lake, the lush green forests – it is all stunningly beautiful. The day we were there it was quite windy but regardless, it was a sight to behold.

This is a busy spot though since many of the tours visit this point so finding some quiet time may be best done earlier or later in the day.

If you would really like to enjoy the natural surroundings, some tours include kayaking or canoeing in Lapataia Bay.

✅ This tour combines a beautiful hike through the park and the ability to have a peaceful canoe ride on the Bay away from all the tourists that have come there by car or bus. It does take 9 hours so plan for this in advance.

Stop In At The End Of The World Post Office

Just a little ways from the boardwalk of Lapataia Bay is the End of the World Post Office officially known as Unidad Postal Del Fin Del Mundo.

Known as one of the top things to do – this is a cute little shed structure made of wood and corrugated metal that sits on a dock on the other side of the bay with an Argentinian flag at the end of the dock.

It is known to be the most southerly working post office in the world. For those who enjoy unique stops while travelling, this is certainly one. 

The building is covered in stickers that visitors have applied and it is a wonderful spot from which to take pictures. They have a large sign that shows the distance away from certain locations such as Buenos Aires, Antarctica, New York, Paris, etc. It is an awesome way to show how completely remote this little spot is.

When open, it tends to be a busy spot. When we visited the line was very long and the inside was packed with people so we opted not to make a purchase. But if you do go there, you can send a postcard with a stamp from the shop as a great souvenir. They also offer the ability to stamp your passport.

The surrounding area is lovely with a backdrop of the bay and mountains all around. Be sure to make your way down to the water’s edge where you can get some unspoilt pictures of the stunning landscapes.

✅ For a small group tour with all the major sights in Tierra Del Fuego National Park have a look at this recommended tour. It provides a look at everything you want to see in the area and even includes lunch.

Cruise On The Beagle Channel

One of the best tours in Ushuaia is a cruise on the Beagle Channel. This is easily picked up from the waterfront and there are many companies to choose from.

The Beagle Channel is named after the vessel that Charles Darwin sailed on for his exploration of this area in the 1830s. And now you can also cruise around this famous area on your own exploration.

We enjoyed this cruise – it was leisurely and allowed us to view the area from the water and also see some of the wildlife that lives in the area.

The boat we took was a catamaran and was quite smooth on the water which can be a little wavy at times. There is an inside cabin with large picture windows so you can see everything around you. And outside there are upper and lower deck areas all around the entire vessel where you can take photos from. 

We sailed for a little while and then came to Birds Island which was covered with Magellanic cormorants. These black and white marine birds tend to create close-knit breeding colonies and that was certainly in evidence given the sheer number of them. It was quite a sight to see them covering most of the land surface of the island.

We then sailed to Bridges Island where the boat docked and we were able to disembark for a nice walk around the island. It was evident that many boats make a stop here since there is a gravel walkway and ropes keeping people on the path.

There was signage on the island explaining that the Beagle Channel runs along a valley that was originally covered by a massive glacier. The island that we were standing on would have been under 800m of ice 15,000 years ago. Pretty amazing!

We were surprised at the many different types of vegetation growing on the island and how healthy they looked. The surrounding views from the island are also outstanding. It is a pretty special place.

Our next stop along the way was Sea Lions Islands with you guessed it – sea lions! They were lazily enjoying the sunshine perched on top of the rocks. There wasn’t much activity happening but it was great to see them in their natural habitat. 

And our final stop of the day was to see the Eclaireurs Lighthouse. This lighthouse is affectionately known as the End of the World Lighthouse and is said to be the image that was used in Jules Verne’s novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World. Regardless of whether it was the inspiration or not, the sight is quite beautiful.

It dates back to 1919 and is still in working order. It plays an important role even today in making sure that ships don’t navigate towards the rocks that are located in the channel. The captain did a wonderful job of circling the tiny island so everyone could get lovely pictures.

Kim took some of her all-time favourite pictures while on this boat trip with the mountain vistas in the background.

We then headed back to the harbour. The trip in total took about 2.5 hours. It was a perfect amount of time to enjoy the channel, and see some wildlife and stunning scenery. And we even had time to enjoy a glass of wine while sailing. What a perfect afternoon!

✅ This is the boat tour that we took while in Ushuaia to explore the Beagle Channel. Nice boat, with great commentary and it covered all the major sights in a couple of hours.

Take A Penguin Tour to Martillo Island

This is a very popular excursion for many while in Ushuaia. However, it really depends on what else you are doing while on your trip. While on our cruise we had an amazing trip from Puerto Madryn to see a massive penguin colony at the San Lorenzo Farm.

And of course, our time in Antarctica was full of penguin interactions so we chose to skip this activity since we had ample opportunities to see penguins. 

But if you don’t have those options then definitely look at booking a tour that includes Martillo Island to see the Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. It is important to note that there are two ways to do this tour – either by boat where you don’t get off and only observe from the shore or a longer tour that includes walking amongst the penguins.

All along the waterfront area are boat companies offering shore tours. But if you are going in the high season or prefer the one where you are taken onto the island, it would be a good idea to pre-book. 

✅ Here is a popular tour where you stay on the boat to view the penguins on the shore.

For a really special up-close experience this is a better option.

✅ For walking amongst the penguins – look at this small group tour with excellent reviews for respecting the environment and the wildlife.

Visit The Prison Museum (Maritime Museum of Ushuaia)

This museum is called the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia or Museo Maritimo de Ushuaia but it is housed within the old prison – a little confusing!

We were pleasantly surprised by this attraction as it is much more than just visiting an old prison – it has been made into several museums and provides some fascinating history about the area. The two-storey building dates back to the early 1900s.

It took 18 years to build and was actually built by the prisoners themselves who were being housed at a temporary location that encompassed both military and civil prisoners.

The construction was modelled after the Victorian-style prisons with a central hub and multiple wings spreading out from the middle.  This provided clear sight lines from the centre where the guards could easily see what was happening down each corridor.

There are several rooms dedicated to the various Victorian-style prisons around the world which was fascinating to look at. 

Each wing has been converted into a separate area. Let us provide you with some details for each:

Maritime Museum of Ushuaia

Here is where we started. This is the largest section and houses many exhibitions about the Naval history in this area dating back to the 1600s. There is an incredible display of ship models that are painstakingly made to scale.

It is amazing to see the standard of ships and the varying sizes that sailed in these treacherous waters. Having now been through the Drake Passage – it is unfathomable to think how any of them survived!

This section covers many facets including the unique geography, early maps and the colourful characters and pirates who spent time in the areas of Cape Horn and the Magellan Strait. 

Museum of the Prison of Ushuaia

In this corridor, we learned of prison life by looking inside the cells and seeing displays showing how the cells would have been laid out and mannequins of prisoners in their standard clothing. 

When the jail opened in 1920 it had 386 cells that were meant for one prisoner each. But at one time the prison held up to 600 prisoners so the overcrowding must have been extreme.

Placards describe the day-to-day life in prison and photographs demonstrate how they were shackled and transported. It was a pretty tough environment.

Along the walls are stories about the numerous prisoners that spent time in the prison – many serving life sentences or very long terms. There were quite a few of them with interesting stories and backgrounds.

There is an entire section that details the prisoner’s work life. Inmates were employed in various positions including printers, electricians and firefighters – and they were paid for their work. Many were taken off-site for work and many provided manual labour.

This is why the famous train in the area was built – the prisoners used it to move lumber for construction projects. And you can now ride this route as a tourist attraction! 

There is also a lot of historical background on prisons in general. Be sure to look through these cells that show numerous prisons from around the world – we saw several located in Canada!

But one of the most interesting sections of the prison museum is a separate corridor that shows the prison as it would have looked at the time of use. While the museum display areas are painted and have lighting – this section has had nothing done to it so it is really dreary.

It gives you a better idea of how it likely looked at the time it was in use. And make sure to go all the way to the end where you can see the community bathrooms – quite the sight!

Antarctic Museum of Ushuaia

In this section, you can learn about the early expeditions of the Antarctic region. Included here is a large collection of models of the ships that were used, documentation about expeditions and the people who were the pioneers in exploring such a difficult terrain. 

There is also a lot of information about the research that has been conducted in the area. Quite fascinating for those who are science-minded.

Marine Art Museum of Ushuaia

The final section of the museum is filled with art. The region does not have a separate fine arts museum so this museum aims to fill that gap. The gallery houses art from local artists and covers marine art dating to 1889.

We also loved seeing the carved and decorated penguins that were placed all around the entire Museum. They are creative and a great way to provide a lighter touch to some more serious material being viewed.

Check Out The Ushuaia Sign

Looking for some fun spots to take photos in Ushuaia? There are two significant places to take photos. One is the Ushuaia letter sign which is located approximately 12-15 minutes walk from the Tourist Centre.

It is an easy walk along the waterfront, with lovely views, to the large letters that spell out the city. There can sometimes be a wait as this is a popular spot for photos but the line typically goes quickly.

If you don’t have extra time for the walk, the other option is right on the waterfront area. This is the Fin del Mundo (End of the World) sign that also says Ushuaia on it. Either one makes for a memorable photo. These are some great free things to do in Ushuaia.

Shopping In Downtown Ushuaia

Ushuaia has a few streets that have some good shopping options. You can visit Avenue San Martin for some souvenirs. Along this street are also restaurants. It is a pretty street for browsing and some light shopping.

If you are looking for more substantial shopping with a very large variety of stores, Ushuaia has recently opened a shopping mall called Paseo del Fuego that is located approximately 2 kms from the waterfront area. This would certainly satisfy any last minute shopping needs. 

Enjoy King Crab from Ushuaia

If you are a lover of seafood you definitely need to make time to try the King Crab of the area called centolla. While Argentina is known for its beef – and we enjoyed a lot of it – in Ushuaia it’s all about the fresh crab.

Most of the waterfront crab restaurants in Ushuaia are not overly fancy. It is about the food – not the ambiance. We had a list of places to try and since we didn’t know our exact timing for the day we weren’t able to make a reservation.

On a day when ships are in port, these spots can be super busy so we were turned away from a few places. They are also not open all day – most have a lunch hour and then close for a break before re-opening for dinner so you need to watch your timing.

La Cantina de Freddy’s also known just as Freddy’s was recommended as one of the best places to try and we can wholeheartedly agree that it is a great restaurant to have your centolla. The menu is simple with most of the dishes including the famous King Crab. They also offer a paella and a sea bass. 

We love crab but didn’t want to fuss with cracking and digging out the whole crab so we opted for the lazy man’s dish and had the Parmesan King Crab.  This is such a wonderful way to enjoy the crab after they have done all the work for you. It is loaded with tasty crab meat and baked with cheese and cream. Perfection!

The waiters are friendly and you know the crab is fresh since they bring it live from a tank at the front of the restaurant. The waiter was kind enough to let us snap a photo as he passed our table with a live crab on his way to the kitchen.

And some of our neighbouring diners allowed a picture of their prepared meal (natural King Crab for one. Everything we had was tasty and well prepared. This is an ideal location for tasting a specialty of Ushuaia.

If you can’t get into Freddy’s some of the other best restaurants include El Viejo Marino, Volver and Tia Elvira.

✅ We have a quick video about our time in Ushuaia. You can see it here.

FAQs

Is Ushuaia Worth Visiting?

After having visited two different times and experiencing many of the sights in Ushuaia we can confidently say that it is worth a visit. There are many beautiful landscapes to see and more than enough activities to fill your time in Ushuaia.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Ushuaia?

Many people end up visiting Ushuaia for only one day on a port stop or before embarking on a cruise to Antarctica. While you can see the major highlights in a full day – if you want to see more than the National Park and perhaps the penguins you will need an extra day to enjoy a cruise on the Beagle Channel and explore the Prison Museum.

Why Is Ushuaia Called The End of The World?

Ushuaia is called the end of the world since it is the most southern point on the continent of South America where a city is located.

Is Ushuaia Safe?

Ushuaia has a very low crime rate and therefore travelling there poses little risk. The people of the city are very welcoming and want you to enjoy their small town located at the end of the world. The town is quite small and police are visible so if you are in the main parts you shouldn’t run into any issues. The water is also drinkable.

Weather in Ushuaia

The summer season(December to March) is the most popular time of the year to visit given the long days with up to 17 hours of daylight. During this time the average temperature is 10 and can increase up to 19 degrees celsius. 

Winter (July to September) temperatures range from -2 to 2 degrees celsius. The main activity at this time of the year is the ski resorts located near Ushuaia and the beautiful snowy landscapes.

The spring (from September to December) is when the region starts to blossom and the weather starts to turn warmer. In the Fall (March to June) while the average temperature is 6 degrees celsius the days are much shorter limiting the time for outdoor activities.

Best Time To Visit Ushuaia

Choosing a time to visit Ushuaia depends entirely on how you are planning to spend your time. The cruise ships primarily visit there in the summer season but the season starts at the end of spring and extends just slightly into Fall. It is the period when the weather is the most stable. If you are looking for the slopes then you want to visit in the snowy season in the winter.

What To Pack

The weather during any season can change quite a bit each day. It is suggested that you always dress in layers and be sure to bring a waterproof, warm jacket or a heavy sweater. And depending on your level of activity make sure to bring proper shoes for touring or hiking.

Where To Stay in Ushuaia

Hotels in Ushuaia are mainly located in the downtown area. Here you will have access to restaurants, shopping and the waterfront for departure points of any excursions you may plan.

Alto Andino – Located close to town with clean rooms and an excellent breakfast this is a great location to have easy access to the restaurants and shops.

Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa – this is a full service property that offers rooms with a kitchenette and dining area. It is in a great location close to everything in town. And there is even a spa with an indoor pool.

Final Word…Best Things To Do In Ushuaia

Based on everything we have mentioned above it is safe to say there are plenty of activities in Ushuaia and fun things to do. If you have the chance to visit this special location, make time to see some of the items we have listed above. We are confident you will enjoy the unique city of Ushuaia as much as we have.