What to Do in Ushuaia: 12 Must-Do Activities and Excursions

Ushuaïa, situated at the southern tip of Argentina, is often described as the “end of the world,” drawing travelers in search of majestic landscapes and unique experiences.

1. Discovery of Tierra del Fuego National Park

The Tierra del Fuego National Park, located just a few kilometers from Ushuaia, embodies the very essence of the Tierra del Fuego: a space where mountains, southern beech forests, rivers, and sea meet. About twenty minutes from Ushuaia, it offers multiple hiking trails, including the Senda Costera coastal path, which provides striking views of the bay and the Beagle Channel.

Each tourist activity in the park, whether a hike to the Lake Roca (now officially called Lago Acigami), a stop at Lapataia Bay, the terminus of the legendary Ruta 3, or a seabird watching session, reveals a facet of subantarctic biodiversity. Visitors can reach it independently or through one of the many local tour operators for a day-round trip. In every season, the site charms with a variety of activities: summer from December to March, ideal for walking, or winter, suited to winter activities.

2. Beagle Channel navigation

A Beagle Channel cruise is among the flagship experiences of a few-day stay in Ushuaia. These excursions, organized by different agencies, invite you to sail among uninhabited small islets where seals, seabirds, and cormorants live, and to reach the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, a symbol of the end of the world.

Some outings include a stop at the Harberton Estancia or at Martillo Island, allowing close encounters with Magellanic penguins. Departures are from the port of Ushuaia, and prices vary depending on duration, boat type, and included stops. The experience is also cultural: along the coastal trail and the mountains of the Tierra del Fuego, one measures the grandeur of the southern landscape.

3. Journey into the Past aboard the End of the World Train

The End of the World Train, or the historical railway “Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino,” links Ushuaia’s present to its penitentiary past. This activity, whose interest goes beyond a simple sightseeing ride, traces the story of the prisoners who built the railway through the heart of the forest.

From the starting point located a few kilometers from the city of Ushuaia, the journey winds through wooded mountain rims, trails, and marshy valleys, until the entrance to the national park Tierra del Fuego. Audio commentary recounts the role of the Argentine government, the harshness of extreme conditions, and the ingenuity of the railway network of the era.

4. Cultural exploration at the Maritime Museum and the Old Prison

The Maritime Museum and the Ushuaia Old Prison, housed in the former penitentiary, offers a comprehensive dive into the history of the city of Ushuaia. The building, listed as a heritage site, contains several sections: naval exhibitions, the fascinating Presidio prison museum, and galleries dedicated to Antarctic explorations.

Travelers will find an educational setting to understand the provincial capital and its development after the colonial era. It’s also a pleasant stop on rainy days: between warm hot chocolate or tasty pastries, this touristic activity illustrates the cultural richness of the end of the world.

5. Hike to the Glaciar Martial

The hike to Glaciar Martial is a classic activity for nature lovers. Located a few kilometers from Ushuaia, the trail starts near an old chairlift where a panoramic café sits. The path winds through wooded edges of the glacier before revealing a spectacular view over the Beagle Channel and the snowy peaks.

The winter activity is also possible: in winter, some areas transform into ski slopes. The entrance fee remains modest, and the experience blends nature and accessibility. At the end of the excursion, a return to a small apartment in town allows for a well-deserved rest.

6. Walk through Ushuaia’s town centre

The centre of Ushuaia has a unique atmosphere, where antiquarians, post offices, art galleries, and outdoor shops mingle. The restaurants on San Martín Street, sometimes awarded the best restaurant prize, highlight products from the Tierra del Fuego, such as lamb and king crab.

For travelers staying in apartments or in guesthouses, the centre is also a place for great encounters, conducive to discovering local life. Between the port and the maritime museum, every step reminds that this city of Ushuaia is the end of the world, but also a vibrant and welcoming community.

7. Laguna Esmeralda: iconic hike starting from Ushuaia

The Laguna Esmeralda remains a must-do hike from Ushuaia. Located about twenty kilometers from Ushuaia, it offers a trail through bogs, forests, and rivers before reaching a gleaming green glacial lake. The start of the hike is accessible by shuttle or by your own means.

The site has no entrance fee, and the activity can be challenging from November to February during the austral summer, when precipitation and crowds turn the bogs into muddy fields. This route epitomizes the balance between pristine nature and accessible adventure for everyone.

8. Cerro Castor: winter activities and skiing north of Ushuaia

The Cerro Castor, located 26 kilometers from Ushuaia, represents the hub of winter activities in the Tierra del Fuego. With its ski slopes, chalets, and alpine ambiance, it attracts travelers looking to extend their stay by a few days in Ushuaia. A day trip there is possible, with prices varying according to equipment rentals. The experience blends nature, sport, and authenticity in a setting where snow often lasts until the austral spring.

9. Vinciguerra Glacier: advanced trek near Ushuaia

The Vinciguerra Glacier, reachable from the Andorra Valley, offers a more demanding activity: a 14-kilometer round-trip hike to an altitude lake surrounded by snowy peaks. The trailhead lies about 7 kilometers from Ushuaia, and the path alternates between forests and rocky terrain. In collaboration with a travel agency, this excursion is a highlight for understanding the Tierra del Fuego in its wild entirety.

10. Bahía Lapataia: end of the road from Ushuaia

The Bahía Lapataia marks the symbolic end of the Ruta 3, the final road before Antarctica. This starting point or finishing point for explorations offers a unique panorama of the sea, the mountains, and the forest. Accessible on a round trip from the city of Ushuaia, it is an ideal place for a day in Ushuaia devoted to contemplation and photography.

11. Lighthouse “Les Éclaireurs”: the archipelago’s emblematic beacon above Ushuaia

The Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, often miscalled the “lighthouse at the end of the world,” is a famous beacon perched on a rocky islet visible from the sea. A boat excursion brings you close to this icon and lets you observe the uninhabited islets and seabirds. The outing price varies depending on duration and stops. It’s a classic but essential tourist activity, embodying the distinctiveness of this southern territory.

12. Martillo Island: penguin watching from Ushuaia

Finally, the Martillo Island, off Ushuaia, hosts a colony of Magellanic penguins. The excursions, often combined with a visit to the Harberton Estancia, provide a supervised wildlife viewing experience. This maritime excursion, offered by local agencies, adds a touch of nature to any trip to the end of the world. For travelers arriving from France or other parts of Argentina, it makes for a perfect finale to a complete stay in Ushuaia.

Visiting Ushuaia, one of the southernmost cities in the world, offers an opportunity to discover stunning landscapes and experience unforgettable adventures. Whether you are passionate about nature, history, or culture, Ushuaia has something to satisfy every visitor. Its diversity of activities and attractions ensures a rewarding experience, rain or shine. The richness of this destination makes it a unique stop on any Patagonian itinerary, and it promises memories that will linger in travelers’ minds.

Is it worth going to Ushuaia?

Visiting Ushuaia, the “city at the end of the world,” represents a true travel project, both in terms of planning (flights, duration, budget) and the promise of an unforgettable experience. Beyond a simple tourist route, Ushuaia embodies an iconic milestone of adventure: a place at the southernmost tip of South America, offering landscapes of rare power, a nature shaped by extreme conditions, and a rich cultural dimension.

Nothing can guarantee that all days in Ushuaia will be “easy”: weather conditions, distance from Europe, sometimes high prices for flights or accommodations, and the seasonal nature of certain activities must be taken into account.

Nevertheless, if you dedicate several days to Ushuaia, are willing to stray from the usual paths, and seek a destination that is both unique and complete—nature, hiking, history, sea, and mountains—then yes, it’s worth going to Ushuaia. In short, it is not a standard trip, but an experience that can leave a lasting mark.

Where is Ushuaia located?

The city of Ushuaia is located in Argentina, in the province of Tierra del Fuego, on the Grande Island of Tierra del Fuego, along the Beagle Channel and at the foot of the southern Andes mountain range. Its name, of Yaghan origin, is said to mean “deep bay.” From Europe, you typically fly to Buenos Aires and then connect to Ushuaia’s airport. It is thus often described as the southernmost city in the world. This very southern and relatively isolated location gives Ushuaia a unique atmosphere: sea, mountains, glaciers, and frontier landscapes converge to form a remarkable panorama.

What to do in Ushuaia when it rains?

Even when weather in Ushuaia is capricious, several activities remain perfectly feasible, allowing you to optimize a stay in Ushuaia without frustration. For example, you can visit museums such as the Museum of the End of the World or the Yámanà Museum, both focused on local history, the city’s evolution, and indigenous peoples.

Another option is to explore artisan shops, sample hot chocolates or pastries in the town center, or enjoy a comfortable little apartment in Ushuaia with a view of the Beagle Channel, turning a rainy day into a moment of relaxation and reflection.

Furthermore, some boat or minibus excursions, even in the rain, can offer dramatic and atmospheric glimpses of the coastline, waves, forests, and misty peaks. By planning a flexible itinerary—for example, booking several days in Ushuaia and allowing for alternative activities—you maximize your chances of fully enjoying this end-of-the-world destination.

This article was drafted with the help of artificial intelligence, then edited, expanded, and validated by the newsroom journalists.