Ushuaia might not be the most beautiful town in Patagonia, but it offers some of the most unique experiences on the continent. Think incredible hikes, massive glaciers, boat trips, diverse wildlife, rich history, and absolutely breathtaking landscapes.
7 things to do in Ushuaïa:
Here is what we recommend you don’t miss at the end of the world.
Short on time? Check out our Express FAQ on Ushuaïa to quickly get all the essential info.
Buenos
Aires
Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
Like many places in Patagonia, this spot gives you that incredible feeling of wild, untouched nature. Here, the final peaks of the Andes meet the sea at the end of the world.
Even though it’s highly popular, Parque National Tierra del Fuego is huge (630 km²), so it’s easy to find your own quiet corner.
It is packed with hiking trails for every fitness level. Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb to take in the views from above, want to admire a peaceful lake, or just fancy a stroll along the beach, Parque National Tierra del Fuego definitely has a trail for you.
To get there, you can catch a shuttle right here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzMoES3DUrHQF19m8. It’s a private shuttle service and actually a bit more convenient than a taxi, as taxis aren’t allowed inside the park to drop you off. Alternatively, you can take the Train of the End of the World!
This steam-style train runs along the southernmost railway line in the world, originally built in the early 1900s and put back into service in ’94.
It’s definitely the most unique way to get there. To book your train tickets, you can visit their website: https://www.trendelfindelmundo.com.ar/
Laguna Esmeralda
One of the most popular hikes in Ushuaia, and once you set eyes on the Lagoon, you’ll easily see why!
The trailhead isn’t right in town, so you’ll need to grab a car or catch a shuttle. You can find the shuttle point right here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzMoES3DUrHQF19m8. It’s a private shuttle service, and the only one that goes to the lagoon. It cost us 36K$ ARS for the two of us, which works out to about €10 per person for a round trip (as of January 2026).
For the more adventurous, there is another hidden beauty tucked away above Laguna Esmeralda. Beyond being absolutely stunning, it also rewards you with an incredible bird’s-eye view of the lagoon below. This is the Glaciar Ojo del Albinos. Just a heads-up: the trail, which starts on the far side of the lagoon, is extremely steep. It is quite a scramble and not nearly as easy or accessible as the hike to the lagoon itself.
Admire the shipwrecked boat – St christopher
As you stroll along the harbor and the waterfront in Ushuaïa, you can spot a stranded ship, and it’s quite a legendary one! The St Christopher is an American rescue tugboat that actually took part in the D-Day landings in 1944. In 1947, she was sold to Argentina, and by 1957, following engine trouble and the bankruptcy of a salvage operation, she was decommissioned and intentionally run aground on the shore.
Today, she is a true landmark of the town, and you will spot her on plenty of souvenir keepsakes.
Skiing at Cerro Castor
Like many things in Ushuaia, Cerro Castor holds the title of the southernmost ski resort in the world. With its 28 slopes, it’s perfect for a quick getaway or a longer ski holiday, and it is highly regarded for its excellent ski school. The best time to hit the slopes here is from June to late September!
The Museum at the End of the World
You’ll find both permanent and temporary exhibitions split across two sites: Casa Banco Nación (at 173 Maipú Avenue) and the former Casa de Gobierno (at 465 Maipú Avenue). It’s the perfect spot to dive into the historical archives of Tierra del Fuego.
The Maritime and Penitentiary Museum
Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia
Housed in a former prison, this museum focuses on the fascinating history of the town and its inmates, who were tasked with building both the prison itself and the surrounding city. You’ll get to explore the stories of notorious criminals and catch a glimpse of what daily life was really like inside each of the cells.
A little trip to see the penguins—or at least, creatures that look a lot like them!
We took a boat trip on the Beagle Channel with Pinguinos Expediciones booked through GetYourGuide. (PRO TIP: if you book at the last minute—about two to four days in advance—you might snag a discount to help them fill those final spots!)
The boat takes you to see the last lighthouse before the end of the world: Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. You’ll also visit an island home to colonies of Magellanic penguins and other seabirds, another with sea lions, and finally, you’ll set foot on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego before heading back to the port of Ushuaia.
Throughout the trip, a guide shares the history of the indigenous peoples and explains the local flora and fauna. It’s a wonderful tour when the weather plays along, and at 2.5 hours long, it’s the perfect way to spend a morning!
Find out more
Finding souvenirs at the Feria de Artesanos
What better way to wrap up your trip than by picking up a few handcrafted souvenirs? Along with finding some beautiful pieces, you’ll be supporting local artisans directly rather than souvenir factories halfway across the world. You’ll find paintings, original drawings, woolen clothing, custom notebooks, magnets, home decor, jewelry, and so much more.
You can check out our trip to Ushuaïa on our Instagram account: @de_sacs_et_d_eau
Quick FAQ: visiting Ushuaia
Got questions? We may have the answers!
Ushuaia in photos
Summaries
FAQ : vos questions
Spend 4 to 5 days here; it’s the perfect amount of time to tick off the highlights and really enjoy the best activities.
(réponse à compléter : non exportée par le scraping, présente dans le CSV CMS Export)
(réponse à compléter : non exportée par le scraping, présente dans le CSV CMS Export)
(réponse à compléter : non exportée par le scraping, présente dans le CSV CMS Export)
