Things To Do
in Ushuaia
Ushuaia sits on the southern tip of Argentina, cradled by the Beagle Channel and snow-dusted mountains. It is commonly billed as the southernmost city in the world, where maritime history and rugged Patagonia landscapes converge. The town blends a frontier vibe with growing cultural offerings, from museums and markets to cafes and seafood feasts.
Visitors come for dramatic scenery, outdoor adventures, and a warm, compact city atmosphere that’s easy to explore on foot.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ushuaia and take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Beagle Channel. Check into your accommodation and get settled, ready to explore this remarkable city at the end of the world. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling regional delicacies such as Medialunas.
Stroll along the waterfront and visit the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia, where the history of the region is beautifully illustrated. Take in the rich maritime history and art, and learn about the prison that once housed convicts. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant, savoring fresh local catches.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in downtown Ushuaia, where you can indulge in Patagonian lamb or king crab. Bask in the lively atmosphere filled with locals and travelers alike sharing stories of adventure. After dinner, take a stroll through the city center to appreciate the vibrant nightlife.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Explore the breathtaking landscapes as you hike through lush forests and alongside pristine rivers. Keep an eye out for native wildlife including foxes and various bird species.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the park. Spend some time relaxing or continue on one of the many trails that lead to picturesque viewpoints. Take photos that capture the raw, untouched essence of this corner of the world.
Return to Ushuaia and unwind at your hotel or a local bar with a warm drink. Consider enjoying a quiet evening by the waterfront, watching the sunset paint the sky in vivid hues. Relish in the tranquil ambiance of the world's southernmost city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride within town | $3-8 |
| 🥛Milk or dairy item (1 liter) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning southern Patagonia scenery just outside the door
- Compact, walkable town with strong seafood and Patagonian cuisine
- Can be windy and weather can turn quickly
- Some services are seasonal and prices can be higher than in other parts of Argentina
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
Places to Visit in Ushuaia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lighthouse off the Beagle Channel; dramatic seascapes and the open Patagonian sky make for striking sunrise or sunset shots.
Colorful harbor houses, boats, and the Beagle Channel provide lively foregrounds and nautical atmosphere.
Snow-capped ridges and rugged terrain just outside town; great for panoramic winter and shoulder-season photography.
Lago and peatland landscapes with reflective water, especially atmospheric at dawn or dusk.
Food in Ushuaia
Ushuaia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fire-roasted lamb, a regional specialty often enjoyed at parillas and beef houses.
Must-Try!
Sweet, tender crab meat typically served chilled or warmed with simple accompaniments.
Grilled river trout, a staple from local streams and rivers.
Desserts and pastries featuring the native calafate berry for a taste of the Patagonian bush.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Market stalls offering fresh seafood, cheeses, olives, pastries, and regional snacks.
Casual spots along the waterfront serving quick bites like seafood bowls and empanadas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hello and a handshake; in social settings, a light kiss on the cheek may occur among friends. Use courteous language and say please and thank you.
Punctuality is flexible in social settings, but be respectful with timing for tours and meals. Conversations often start with questions about family and travel plans.
If service is not included, tip suitably. When ordering, ask for clarification about ingredients if you have dietary concerns.
Safety
Tipping in Ushuaia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Argentina, a 10%–12% tip is customary if service isn’t already included. In cafes or casual spots, rounding up is common. Taxis typically do not expect tips, but rounding up to the next dollar helps.
Cash (ARS) is widely accepted, but many places take credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). ATMs are available in town; inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks. Some shops and mercados may prefer cash for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are long (late sunsets), temps are mild but can swing; strong winds common. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a light rain shell.
Cooler temperatures with colorful fall foliage; windy and occasionally rainy. Great for photography and fewer crowds.
Cold and often snowy, with short daylight hours; Cerro Castor ski resort is popular. Dress in thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy boots.
Chillier mornings warming to mild afternoons; variable weather with wind. Wildlife is active and hiking trails reopen as snow melt progresses.
Ushuaia at Night
Hiking in Ushuaia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular, relatively accessible hikes with views of lakes, forest, and peat bogs.
Ridgeline hikes offering panoramic Patagonian vistas near Ushuaia.
Shorter to longer hikes up toward the glacier, depending on season and conditions.
Coastal paths with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy sea breezes.
Airports
How to reach Ushuaia by plane.
Main gateway to Ushuaia, about 4–7 km from downtown; regional and seasonal international flights as well as frequent domestic services to Buenos Aires and other Argentine destinations.
A larger international hub in Chile, offering connections to regional and international destinations; typically accessed via a domestic Chile-Argentina routing with longer travel times from Ushuaia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of Patagonian families, seasonal workers, and long-term expats, many connected to fishing, tourism, and government services.
Seasonal visitors from Argentina and abroad drawn to trekking, wildlife, and Patagonian culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Patagonian ski area near Ushuaia; popular in winter with alpine runs and snow play.
Crucial activity in Tierra del Fuego NP and surrounding coastal trails.
Water activities on Beagle Channel and nearby estuaries, offering close-up wildlife encounters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ushuaia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in most places; look for empanadas with cheese and vegetables, salads, mushrooms, and pasta dishes. When in doubt, ask for local vegetables and grilled vegetables as a main.
Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests; communicate clearly about ingredients in empanadas, breads, and batter-based dishes.