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Destinations / Argentina

Ushuaia

The world's southern tip and Antarctic gateway

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Plan your trip to UshuaiaSee the top 10
SpanishLanguage
ARSCurrency
4 daysIdeal stay
$150-250Typical day

Ushuaia is a port city at the end of the world, between mountains and the Beagle Channel. Cruises to penguins and Antarctica leave from here. Tierra del Fuego National Park and the old prison are highlights. Weather is cool year round.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Boat trips sail the Beagle Channel past islands crowded with sea lions and cormorants. Most turn around at the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. They leave from the town pier and last a few hours.

    Half dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  2. A national park of beech forest, peat bogs and bays where the mountains meet the sea, about 12 km west. Marked trails suit day walkers. It has an entrance fee.

    Full dayTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  3. A museum in the former prison, which held repeat offenders until 1947. Cell blocks hold exhibits on prisoners, Antarctic expeditions and seafaring. One wing has been left unrestored.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  4. A narrow gauge steam train that follows the route of the old prison railway into the national park. The trip takes about an hour each way. Commentary tells the convicts' story.

    2 hoursTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  5. A small glacier above town reached by a trail of about an hour. Views over the channel improve as you climb. Taxis go to the start.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    See on the map

  6. Isla Martillo hosts a penguin colony, mainly Magellanic and gentoo. A few tours allow walking among them on the island. They run roughly from October to March.

    Full dayTime needed
    yesBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  7. A hike of several hours through forest and bog to a green glacial lake. It is muddy, so wear waterproof boots. The trailhead is about 20 minutes away by road.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    See on the map

  8. A red and white lighthouse on a rocky islet in the channel. It is a classic stop on boat trips. Sea lions often rest nearby.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  9. The main waterfront avenue, with views of the port and the mountains. Shops and restaurants line it. It is a pleasant walk in the evening.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    See on the map

  10. The oldest farm in Tierra del Fuego, founded in 1886 by missionary Thomas Bridges. It offers house tours and a marine mammal museum. It is about 85 km east.

    Full dayTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    Official siteSee on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Ushuaia in three days

Day one town, day two national park, day three penguins.

  1. Beagle Channel CruiseHalf day
  2. Tierra del Fuego National ParkFull day
  3. Museo Maritimo y del Presidio2 hours
  4. End of the World Train2 hours
  5. Martial GlacierHalf day · Free
  6. Penguin Colony (Isla Martillo)Full day
  7. Laguna EsmeraldaHalf day · Free
  8. Les Eclaireurs LighthouseHalf day
  9. Waterfront (Avenida Maipu)1 hour · Free
  10. Estancia HarbertonFull day
Beyond the city

Day trips

Lago Escondido and Fagnano

Lakes.

37 mi · Tour, about 1 hour

Puerto Williams (Chile)

Southernmost town.

31 mi · Boat or flight

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: November to March. Long days and penguin season.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

51°F
Typical daily high
Average45°F
Rain3.1 in
About10 rainy days
Sun strength5.0 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

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Know before you go

At a glance

5/5
Safety

Argentina is at US State Department Level 1 (exercise normal precautions); crime is low.

4/5
Walkability

Compact town.

2/5
Public transport

Taxis and tour buses.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123

1. Centro

$$$

Best for: first-timers

Central.

2. Hillside

$$$

Best for: couples

Views.

3. Port area

$$

Best for: families

Near boats.

Getting there and around

Main airportMalvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), 3 mi from the center
To the centerTaxi about 10 minutes.
Around townTaxis and tours.
Ride appsUber, Cabify
Taste it

What to eat

King crab (centolla)

Local crab.

Lamb

Patagonian lamb.

Good to know

PlugsType C and I, 220 V
Tap waterSafe to drink
TippingAbout 10 percent in restaurants is common.
PaymentsCards in cities; cash for small towns.
EtiquetteGreet with a friendly hello; dress modestly in churches.
  • Dress in layers year round.

A short history

The Yaghan people lived along the Beagle Channel for thousands of years, travelling by canoe. Anglican missionaries settled here in 1869, and Argentina set up a sub prefecture in 1884. A prison opened in 1902, and its inmates built much of the early town and its railway. After the prison closed in 1947 the navy took over, and later tax incentives drew new residents. Today it is the main port for Antarctic cruises.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Ushuaia