Discover the best to do in Ushuaia with this complete travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, travel tips, FAQs, and more.

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia: Complete Travel Guide

Known as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is a Dream destination for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures. Located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province, this charming city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and the Beagle Channel.

Whether you’re visiting during summer or winter, there are countless to do in Ushuaia that cater to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. From hiking in national parks to sailing alongside penguins, Ushuaia offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.

This guide highlights the best attractions, travel tips, and activities to help you plan the perfect trip.

Why Visit Ushuaia?

Ushuaia combines dramatic scenery with exciting outdoor adventures. It also serves as the main gateway to Antarctica, making it a bucket-list destination for many travelers.

Some reasons people love visiting Ushuaia include:

Stunning mountain landscapes
Rich wildlife
Glacier adventures
Historic museums
Cruises through the Beagle Channel
Winter sports
Unique “End of the World” attractions

There are countless things to do in Ushuaia no matter your travel style.

Best Things to Do in Ushuaia

1. Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park

One of the top attractions is Tierra del Fuego National Park. Visitors can hike scenic trails, admire lakes, forests, and coastal views while spotting native birds and wildlife.

Popular hiking routes include:

Coastal Path
Cerro Guanaco Trail
Lapataia Bay Trail

This is one of the most popular to do in Ushuaia for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Sail Through the Beagle Channel

A boat tour along the Beagle Channel offers spectacular scenery.

Highlights include:

Sea lions
Cormorants
Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs
Snow-covered mountains

Many cruises also visit nearby islands filled with wildlife.

3. Ride the End of the World Train

Originally built for prisoners, the famous End of the World Train now offers one of Argentina’s most scenic railway journeys.

Passengers enjoy panoramic views of forests, rivers, and valleys while learning about Ushuaia’s history.

This historic railway is another unforgettable to do in Ushuaia.

4. Visit Martial Glacier

Martial Glacier sits just a short drive from downtown.

Visitors can:

Hike scenic trails
Enjoy panoramic city views
Snowshoe during winter
Take incredible photographs

Adventure lovers shouldn’t miss this attraction.

5. Penguin Watching Tour

One of the most exciting wildlife experiences is visiting penguin colonies.

Depending on the season, visitors may see:

Magellanic Penguins
Gentoo Penguins
King Penguins

Few destinations offer such close wildlife encounters.

Best Outdoor Activities

Adventure travelers will find endless to do in Ushuaia throughout the year.

Popular activities include:

Hiking
Kayaking
Canoeing
Mountain biking
Glacier trekking
Snowmobiling
Skiing
Dog sledding

Each season provides unique opportunities.

Visit the Maritime Museum

Located inside a former prison, the Maritime Museum showcases Ushuaia’s fascinating past.

Exhibits include:

Antarctic exploration
Naval history
Prison history
Indigenous culture

History lovers will enjoy spending several hours here.

Take an Antarctica Cruise

Ushuaia is the world’s primary departure point for Antarctic expeditions.

Cruises range from:

10-day expeditions
Luxury voyages
Photography tours
Wildlife cruises

Even if you don’t visit Antarctica, watching these expedition ships depart is impressive.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Weather	Best Activities
Summer (Dec-Feb)	Mild	Hiking, cruises, wildlife
Autumn (Mar-May)	Cool	Photography, sightseeing
Winter (Jun-Aug)	Snowy	Skiing, snowmobiling
Spring (Sep-Nov)	Pleasant	Hiking, flowers, wildlife

No matter the season, there are plenty of to do in Ushuaia.

Local Food to Try

Don’t leave without tasting local specialties.

Popular dishes include:

Patagonian Lamb
King Crab
Fresh Seafood
Argentine Steak
Empanadas
Chocolate Desserts

Local restaurants serve some of Argentina’s freshest seafood.

Travel Tips

To enjoy the best to do in Ushuaia, remember these tips:

Dress in layers.
Carry waterproof clothing.
Book cruises early.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Bring a camera.
Check weather forecasts daily.
Carry cash for smaller shops.

Preparation ensures a smoother trip.

Sample Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Tierra del Fuego National Park
End of the World Train
Local seafood dinner

Day 2

Beagle Channel cruise
Penguin tour
Martial Glacier
Visit Maritime Museum

This itinerary covers many unforgettable things to do in Ushuaia in just two days.

Why Ushuaia Is Worth Visiting

Few destinations combine mountains, glaciers, forests, wildlife, and ocean scenery as beautifully as Ushuaia. Whether you’re hiking through pristine landscapes, sailing among sea lions, or preparing for an Antarctic expedition, every day brings a new adventure.

Families, couples, solo travelers, and photographers will all find something memorable here. The city’s friendly atmosphere and incredible natural surroundings make it one of South America’s top travel destinations.

With so many exciting things to do in Ushuaia, it’s easy to understand why travelers return year after year.

Conclusion

Planning your adventure becomes easier once you know the best to do in Ushuaia. From exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park to sailing the Beagle Channel and spotting penguins in their natural habitat, every experience is unforgettable.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer vacation, Ushuaia offers world-class scenery, exciting outdoor adventures, rich history, and unique wildlife. Add this remarkable city to your travel bucket list and experience the true “End of the World.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best things to do in Ushuaia?

Top activities include visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing the Beagle Channel, riding the End of the World Train, hiking Martial Glacier, and taking a penguin tour.