Ushuaia Travel Guide 2026: Best Time to Visit, Top Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Ushuaia is known as the "End of the World" (Fin del Mundo), the southernmost city in the world, located on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Set between the snow-capped Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a dramatic frontier town with colourful houses, a busy port and a fascinating history as a former prison colony. It's the main departure point for Antarctica expedition cruises, with most voyages to the White Continent leaving from here. Visitors come to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, cruise the Beagle Channel to see sea lions and penguins, hike to glaciers and lagoons, and ski in winter. This Ushuaia travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia has a cold subpolar oceanic climate, with cool summers and snowy winters.

Summer (December–February) is the best time to visit, with temperatures of 8–15°C, up to 17 hours of daylight and the best conditions for hiking, boat trips and penguin colonies. It's also Antarctic cruise season.

Spring (October–November) and autumn (March–April) are quieter, with changing weather. Autumn brings red and orange forests. Penguins are present at Isla Martillo from about October to March/April.

Winter (June–September) is cold, around -2–5°C, with snow and short days. It's ski season at Cerro Castor, and dog sledding and snowshoeing are popular.

Weather: Expect wind, rain and sun in the same day at any time of year.

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia

1. Beagle Channel Cruise

Sail along the channel named after Charles Darwin's ship to see sea lion colonies, cormorants, the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse (often called the "Lighthouse at the End of the World") and Bird Island.

Booking tip: Book a morning departure for calmer waters and better light for photos. Book a Beagle Channel cruise on GetYourGuide

2. Penguin Walk at Isla Martillo

Visit Isla Martillo, home to colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. Only one operator, from Estancia Harberton, is permitted to land and walk among the penguins, so book early.

Booking tip: Landings are capped daily, so reserve this well before your trip, especially in peak season. Book the Isla Martillo penguin walk on GetYourGuide

3. Tierra del Fuego National Park

Argentina's southernmost national park, about 12 km west of the city, with hiking trails, bays, lakes and forests. Highlights include Lapataia Bay, the end of Route 3 (the Pan-American Highway), and the Senda Costera coastal trail.

Booking tip: Combine the park with the End of the World Train for a full day without needing a car. Book a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour on GetYourGuide

4. End of the World Train

A historic steam train, originally built for prisoners to transport wood, runs through the valley into the national park.

Booking tip: Book the first departure of the day to avoid the biggest tour groups. Book the End of the World Train on GetYourGuide

5. Martial Glacier

Hike from the edge of the city to the Martial Glacier for views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Booking tip: Wear sturdy shoes and start early, since the trail can be muddy and exposed to wind. Book a Martial Glacier hiking tour on GetYourGuide

6. Laguna Esmeralda

A popular hike (about 9 km round trip) through forests and peat bogs to a stunning emerald-green lake.

Booking tip: Waterproof boots make a big difference, since the peat bog sections are often wet. Book a Laguna Esmeralda hiking tour on GetYourGuide

7. Maritime and Prison Museum

The former Ushuaia prison, which once held Argentina's most dangerous prisoners, now houses museums on prison history, maritime history and Antarctica.

Booking tip: Allow at least two hours to see all three museums inside the complex. Book a Maritime and Prison Museum tour on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: Estancia Harberton, the oldest ranch in Tierra del Fuego; the Museo del Fin del Mundo; Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano; and Cerro Castor ski resort.

Antarctica Cruises

Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica, about 1,000 km south across the Drake Passage. Expedition cruises run from November to March and typically last 10–21 days, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula to see penguins, whales, seals and icebergs. Last-minute deals are sometimes available in Ushuaia, but most trips are booked months in advance.

Suggested 4-Day Ushuaia Itinerary

Day 1 – Town: Explore the waterfront and the Maritime and Prison Museum, then hike to the Martial Glacier.

Day 2 – National Park: Take the End of the World Train and hike the Senda Costera to Lapataia Bay.

Day 3 – Beagle Channel: Take a Beagle Channel cruise, including the penguin walk at Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton.

Day 4 – Laguna Esmeralda: Hike to Laguna Esmeralda, or drive to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano.

Ushuaia Food Scene

Ushuaia is famous for centolla (southern king crab), Patagonian lamb roasted on a cross over an open fire (cordero al asador), black hake (merluza negra) and fresh seafood. Warm up with hot chocolate and local craft beers, such as Beagle beer.

History of Ushuaia

The area was originally inhabited by the Yámana (Yaghan) people, who lived along the Beagle Channel for thousands of years. Anglican missionaries arrived in the 1860s, and Argentina established a penal colony here in the early 20th century, using prisoners to build the town. The prison closed in 1947, and Ushuaia later grew as a naval base, tourism hub and gateway to Antarctica.

Money Tips for Argentina

Argentina's economy has changed rapidly in recent years. Since currency controls were largely lifted for individuals in 2025, the gap between the official and "blue" (informal) exchange rates has narrowed, and paying with an international credit or debit card usually gets a fair rate. ATMs charge high fees per withdrawal and have low limits, so many travellers use cards for most payments and carry a small amount of cash for tips, taxis and markets. Prices in pesos rise frequently, so the figures in this guide are approximate. Always check whether a price is quoted in pesos or US dollars, especially for tours and hotels.

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

• City Centre (San Martín Street): Close to restaurants, shops and the port.
• Hillside hotels: Views over the Beagle Channel.
• Near the national park: Lodges surrounded by forest.
• Cabins: Wooden cabins outside the city.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Ushuaia here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Ushuaia

Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) is about 4 km from the city centre, with flights from Buenos Aires (about 3 hours 30 minutes), El Calafate and other cities. Search and compare cheap flights to Ushuaia to find the best fares.

By Bus

Buses connect Ushuaia with Río Grande, Río Gallegos and Punta Arenas in Chile, crossing the Strait of Magellan by ferry.

Getting Around

• Taxis: Affordable for short trips and to the airport.
• Shuttle buses: To Tierra del Fuego National Park and Martial Glacier.
• Car rental: For exploring lakes and Estancia Harberton.
• Walking: The centre is compact but hilly.

Travel Costs in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is one of Argentina's most expensive destinations. Argentina's currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Prices below are approximate in US dollars.

Park fee: From 1 June 2026, the general entrance fee for Tierra del Fuego National Park is ARS 40,000 per day. Antarctic cruises cost from around US$6,000–15,000+ per person.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days.
• Passport validity: Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
• Chile: If travelling by bus via Punta Arenas, carry your passport.
• Antarctica: Cruise operators handle permits under the Antarctic Treaty.

Always check official Argentine sources before travelling.

Local Tips for Ushuaia

• Layers: Bring waterproof and windproof clothing, even in summer.
• Book penguin walks early: Isla Martillo landings are limited.
• Tax-free shopping: Tierra del Fuego has special tax benefits; some goods are cheaper.
• Daylight: Summer days are very long; winter days are very short.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants.
• Staying connected: Buy a local SIM or a travel eSIM; there's no signal on the Drake Passage. Get your Argentina eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Beagle Channel and penguin tour: Sea lions, lighthouse and penguins.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park tour: Including the End of the World Train.
• Antarctica expedition cruise: A once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
• Lakes Escondido and Fagnano tour: Off-road adventure.
• Dog sledding (winter): Experience snowy Tierra del Fuego.

Browse and book the best tours in Ushuaia here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ushuaia

Why is Ushuaia called the End of the World?
It's the southernmost city in the world.

When can you see penguins in Ushuaia?
From about October to March/April at Isla Martillo.

Can you go to Antarctica from Ushuaia?
Yes. Most Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia between November and March.

How much is the Tierra del Fuego National Park fee?
ARS 40,000 per day for general visitors from 1 June 2026.

How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
Three to four days, plus extra time for an Antarctic cruise.

Ushuaia is as far south as most travellers will ever go — cruise the Beagle Channel to see penguins and sea lions, hike to the Martial Glacier or Laguna Esmeralda, and if time and budget allow, keep going all the way to Antarctica.