Perched on the southernmost tip of South America, it’s no wonder Ushuaia is referred to as the ""End of the World."" The windswept town’s icy proximity to Antarctica magnetizes tourists, who are drawn to the penguin colonies of Isla Yecapasela, glaciers, and Martial Mountains. Boat trips and epic hikes reveal the pristine beauty of the Argentinean city, part of Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is best appreciated in its entirety on an End of the World train ride. A scattering of quaint hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving the local speciality spider crab make the town a comfortable place to rest between adventures.
Cruise ships leave Ushuaia for Antarctica in the milder summer months (November to March), and this is also the most popular time for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, with average temperatures around 52℉ (11°C). Skiers who want to hit the world’s southernmost slopes will find the best snow from June through August, but prepare for biting winds and temperatures that peak around 34℉ (1°C).
Local buses connect Ushuaia with many of the regional sights, but it’s often more convenient to hop in a taxi—local drivers double up as tour guides, providing a wealth of information on your chosen destination. The best views are from the water, and regular boat cruises head out along the Beagle Channel or to Punta Arenas. If you don’t mind adding on a mile or so, you can reach a number of hiking trails from town on foot.
Once you’ve hiked to a glacier and cruised out to see the penguins on Martillo Island, join local fishermen for a crab-fishing tour and set sail in search of gigantic king crab (centolla). No luck catching your own? The regional delicacy stars on just about every menu in town, but Kaupé and Kalma restaurants serve some of the tastiest claws around.
Known as the “city at the end of the world,” Ushuaia is Argentina’s southernmost city and the launchpad for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia is known for its spectacular glacial landscapes and wildlife, including the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and Martillo Island, famous for its Gentoo penguins.
...MoreThe most popular things to do in Ushuaia include exploring the Tierra del Fuego National Park, wildlife-watching cruises along the Beagle Channel, and hiking the Martial Glacier. You can also ride the ‘Train to the End of the World’, admire the penguins on Martillo Island, or go skiing at Cerro Castor.
...MorePlan at least three days to visit Ushuaia and take in the surrounding attractions. Be sure to include a day trip to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a cruise along the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, and a ride on the ‘Train to the End of the World’.
...MoreYes. Not only can you brag about visiting the ‘End of the World’ and the world’s southernmost city, but Ushuaia is the gateway to some of Argentina’s most spectacular scenery. Where else can you hike to glaciers, admire wild penguin colonies, go skiing, and catch a cruise to Antarctica?
...MoreYes. Ushuaia is generally regarded as one of Argentina’s safest cities for both locals and tourists, with very low reported crime rates. However, the region’s extreme weather can sometimes make conditions dangerous for driving and outdoor activities, so it’s important to stay alert and follow local guidelines.
...MoreYes, Ushuaia can be quite expensive. Due to the city’s remote location and reliance on tourism, prices for food, accommodation, and tours may be higher than in other cities around Argentina, especially during peak season. However, for travelers accustomed to US and European prices, it is still a very affordable destination.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 20 |
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Number of Tours | 218 |
Number of Reviews | 3,187 |
Currency | ARS |
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