12 BEST Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina

Looking for the best activities to do during your trip to Ushuaia, Argentina? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve spent a lot of time exploring Patagonia, and absolutely love the natural beauty of Ushuaia. Even though it boasts the eerie nickname, “the End of the World” (due to it being the most southern town on the planet), Ushuaia is actually an incredibly beautiful place with scenic mountain ranges, stunning coastlines, and a variety of wildlife.

There is an endless amount of things to do here, but not all of them are worth your time and money. This is why we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the absolute best things to do in Ushuaia below!

Best Things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina

1. Take a Cruise Down the Beagle Channel  

On the southernmost tip of South America lies the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago between Chile and Argentina. This is where many cruises set sail for Antarctica and it is full of amazing scenery and wildlife!

You can’t miss out on exploring this magical area during your visit to Ushuaia, and the best way to do it is on this half-day cruise. It takes you down the channel on a yacht to see several different islands, including Isla Alicia and Isla Pajaros, as well as the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

You’ll learn a ton about the local flora and fauna as you go with helpful commentary from your guide, which is always interesting – especially when you’re in such a remote part of the world!

I loved that this tour had a maximum of only 25 people, so it never felt crowded, and it was easy to see all of the surrounding wildlife. Make sure you have you’re camera ready as you’ll see tons of birds and even seals. Oh, and if you’re luckier than me, you can even see whales! 

We think that this tour is definitely worth doing because it’s such a cool experience to float along the Beagle Channel, and it gives you a lot of insight into the local culture and history as well.

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Follow our 3-day Ushuaia itinerary, which includes these top activities, plus some of our favorite hidden gems!

2. Go on a 4×4 Off-Road Adventure

If you’re looking to explore off the beaten path, you can most definitely get your adventure fix on this full-day 4×4 tour through some of Tierra del Fuego’s most spectacular scenery. You’ll visit the beautiful Escondido and Fagnano lakes, take hidden trails through the forests to spot bird life and foxes, and see all of the natural beauty that this remote part of the world has to offer.

It would be really difficult to try and do something like this alone without a local guide, which is why this tour is so great. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle along with an experienced driver who will share all of their insider knowledge with you, and you get to enjoy lunch by Lake Fagano, too!

It is truly a full day of adventure that the entire family will love!

3. Hike to the Emerald Lagoon

The Emerald Lagoon (AKA Laguna Esmerelda) is one of Argentina’s most beautiful hidden gems, and this small group tour will take you trekking right up to this spectacular body of water, which is vivid green in color and surrounded by towering mountains – talk about scenic!

With a professional guide and up to 11 other travelers, you’ll head through the Lasifashaj Valley and along the Esmerelda River towards the lagoon, which you’ll reach after roughly 1.5 hours of walking. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch here as you soak in its natural beauty, and learn all about the local flora and fauna from your guide.

It is possible to do this hike on your own, but the starting point in the Lasifashaj Valley can be really difficult to find on your own, and you’ll run the risk of getting lost. This tour, on the other hand, will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the trailhead, and you’ll have an experienced local guide to keep you on track the whole way.

We think this is definitely the best way to experience the Emerald Lagoon, so if you’re up for an adventure, then you should definitely add this one to your list!

4. Walk With Penguins!  

While you’re as close as you can be to Antarctica without actually being there, you have to make sure that you see penguins!  

But why only see penguins, when you can actually walk around with them? That’s right, this guided tour at a penguin colony allows you to physically walk around with penguins on Martillo Island. I can’t imagine a better way to experience this region (as long as it’s done respectfully, like this tour i,s of course)! 

You get a specialized guide that will give you a look into the life of the animals as you walk around Martillo Island. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Magallanic and Papuas penguins here, and you get to see them up close. It’s important to protect the penguins, which is why it’s mandatory to have a guide.

We spent about an hour with the penguins on the half-day tour, which was more than enough time to witness their quirky behavior and take tons of pictures! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and was worth every penny.

The tour lasts about 5 hours for the half-day option, but there is also a full-day option available. This option includes an afternoon sail through the Beagle Channel as well. If I could go back, I’d do the full day instead! 

Related read: If seeing more cute penguins is on your bucket list, check out our guide to seeing penguins in Punta Arenas, Chile!

5. Go on a Scenic Flight  

By now, you know that you can see Ushuaia and the surrounding region on foot, by vehicle, and by boat. So why not try another option – from the air on a helicopter tour! 

This was a truly amazing experience, and I wish everyone could partake in this adventure! Seeing the Tierra del Fuego region from an aerial view is a unique opportunity. I don’t know if I was more overcome by the astounding beauty or the astounding height we were at!

You’ll see glaciers, mountains, lagoons, valleys, the town, and the Andes themselves from above. Why settle for just seeing these sights from above? Before heading back, you get to interact with the landscape by landing on the mountains to take photos.

Even little kids and infants can join, as long as they are on an adult’s lap.

If you have some extra money set aside for your trip, this is a worthwhile adventure that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To me, it’s easily one of the best tours in Ushuaia!

6. Explore the Famous Crab Route

If you are interested in the history of the region and also want to chow down on some fresh seafood, then this full-day tour along the crab route is for you! Ushuaia is actually known for its crab fishing and you’ll learn all about it (and taste it!) on this adventure.

The day starts with a scenic drive to Laguna Victoria, an ancestral site full of history. Here, you will have some breakfast while learning all about the area from your local guide. You’ll also visit the fishing village of Puerto Almanza to discover the history of the area before chowing down on a delicious seafood lunch at a local spot – which just so happens to offer amazing views of the Beagle Canal!

After lunch, you’ll get to trek to the Cascada del Duende waterfall for a truly spectacular view. Don’t worry the trek is easy and can be done by all ages!

At $160 USD per adult, we think this jam-packed day of adventure, culture, history, and food is well worth it!

7. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park

If you are anywhere near Ushuaia, Argentina, you are in the Tierra del Fuego region of the country. Meaning the ‘land of fire,’ this region is known for its natural beauty, incredible coastlines, and penguin colonies.  

Many people come to Ushuaia just to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. It is a big hiking destination, but as much as we love hiking, there is so much to explore in this national park, and a bus tour is really the best way to see all of the highlights.

We went on this guided half-day tour and had a great time. The professional guides know the best places to go, and you will be treated to breathtaking scenery of lakes and mountains the entire time. I loved hearing the guides talk about the history of the area, from funny anecdotes to significant events that I would have never known, had I only explored on my own.

But don’t take my word for it, though. See for yourself and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park! 

8. Enjoy a Trip on the Fin del Mundo Train  

The ‘train of the end of the world’ or Tren del Fin del Mundo is what the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino (Southern Fuegian Railway) is commonly called.  

The train has historical links to the prison that used to house inmates here, but has been a tourist attraction since 1994, and does a great job at combining history with the incredible scenery of this remote train route. 

Tickets for the train ride alone range from around $50-62 USD, and you can purchase them here. Alternatively, you can book a combo tour such as the one we did, which includes the train ride plus a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

We got to visit many highlights such as the “End of the World” sign, Lake Roca, and the Ensenada Zarategui just to name a few. We also got to enjoy the 7 km (4.3 mile) scenic train ride while learning all about its incredible history. It’s a relaxing and rather short tour, but worth it! 

This combo tour costs $120 USD, which we think is a pretty good deal considering you get the train ticket, transportation, and a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park included.

Related Read: If you still need a hotel, check out our Ushuaia hotel guide, where we share our favorite areas to stay and which places you need to book now!

9. Trek to Vinciguerra Glacier and Témpanos Lagoon

Some of the best hikes in the whole of South America can be found close to Ushuaia, and this full-day tour will take you on a stunning journey through the Fuegian forest towards the Vinciguerra Glacier and the Témpanos Lagoon. There are some amazing viewpoints along the way and if the conditions are right, you can get up close to the Vinciguerra Glacier to admire its natural features.

The hike is 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) long and takes about 6 hours in total, but you’ll also spend one hour at the Vinciguerra Glacier, so there’s a nice break in between. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the trailhead, so there’s no need to worry about finding it by yourself.

It can get muddy, so you’ll definitely need mountain clothing, hiking boots, and waterproof gear to tackle this one. One thing we really like about this tour is that if you don’t have the right clothing with you, you can always rent it from the tour company as well, which could help you save on valuable packing space!

There is a maximum of 14 in your group, so this is another great chance to get off the beaten path and explore the natural beauty of Ushuaia in a small group. We had an amazing time hiking this trail, but you should be in pretty good shape to tackle it because it’s one of the more difficult ones in the area – but it’s well worth the challenge!

10. Go Canoeing!

Bus tours are great for getting an overview of the park and covering a lot of ground, but if you’re anything like us, you’ll also be itching to get closer to nature inside Tierra del Fuego National Park, and that’s exactly what this hiking and canoeing tour is perfect for!

It’s a full-day excursion that includes either a forest or coastal hike in the morning, depending on the conditions of the day, followed by a picnic lunch next to Roca Lake and a 1.5-hour canoe trip in the afternoon. You’ll canoe down the Lapataia River to the remote Lapataia Bay, which is surrounded by mountains and home to lots of interesting birdlife.

You do need to have a decent fitness level to tackle this tour, but we think it’s an amazing way to explore the heart of Tierra del Fuego and really get to know its wildlife and landscapes up close. It even includes all of your activities, hotel pick up and drop off, and a multi-course lunch accompanied by a glass of wine (or two)!

11. Visit Cabo San Pablo and a Local Estancia (Ranch)

Cabo San Pablo is an isolated mountain in the Argentine Sea, east of Tierra del Fuego. This full-day tour takes you out to Cabo San Pablo to explore its diverse natural landscape and on a hike up to the famous wonky lighthouse on top. You’ll also learn about the maritime history of this remote region of South America, including the famous Desdemona shipwreck, which is still visible from the beach at low tides.

You’ll trek to the lighthouse, with plenty of chances to spot foxes, guanacos, and other wildlife along the way. Then, you’ll visit the island’s camping ground to enjoy meat at a local family-owned restaurant, which includes either smoked bass or salmon (depending on the catch of the day), pizza, and homemade flan. Plus, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the shore and the Desdemona shipwreck as you dine!

Then, before returning to Ushuaia, you’ll visit Estancia Pirinaica, a Patagonian ranch that has been running for almost a century. You’ll get to learn all about what life on a ranch looks like and sample some local snacks and goods, which we think is a really fun way to learn about Argentine culture and the southernmost region’s dedication to agriculture.

We think this is a fantastic way to experience both an underrated natural beauty spot and a traditional Patagonian ranch. This is definitely one of the more unique tours in Ushuaia, and is perfect if you love nature and want to see something a bit different from the regular tourist spots!

12. Take a Spider Crab Cooking Lesson

In all my travels, I’ve found that the food in a place gives you such a unique view into the culture and its people. That’s no different here! Ushuaia has an abundance of seafood; here is your opportunity to learn how to cook spider crab with a chef on this food tour.

With all the outdoor adventuring you’ll be doing, this is a good chance to change it up and indulge in the food scene. You’ll also get hands-on experience making other local foods while enjoying some included beverages (did somebody say wine?!).

I love learning from someone like a local chef who is passionate about cuisine and culture. It’s such a fun and personalized cooking session and a unique way to learn more about this part of the world.

The class takes place about 35 km (21 miles) from Ushuaia near the Lasifashaj River, but don’t worry, transport is included in this awesome tour. When you arrive, you’ll work with local seafood and seasonal fruits to create an authentic and delicious lunchtime meal.

The highlight is, of course, the spider crab, which is one of the main industries in this area, and a delicious crab you just need to taste! Good food and the ability to recreate it with your own local ingredients for friends and family at home – what more could you ask for?

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

If you’ve made it this far south, make sure you stay here for a few days! We stayed here a week and found that it was a perfect amount of time to really enjoy our time here.

Even if this isn’t your final destination, don’t rush your stay in Ushuaia. There are plenty of options for accommodations in this remote town, so you can rest after long days spent exploring. From budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, we have our top recommendations for all price ranges.

Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort – $$$

Tucked into the hill below the Martial Glacier, this luxurious hotel overlooks all of Ushuaia. Every room has huge windows overlooking the sea and mountains. There’s a spa, swimming pool, and hot tub on-site and free shuttles to the city center. The restaurant here is great too, with yummy crab risotto. Rooms start at $400 USD per night.

Valle Frío Ushuaia – $$

This family-owned inn has panoramic views of the mountains and stunning sunrises! It’s cute and cozy with colorful decor and a great family atmosphere. Just look for the pink building! It is just outside the center of town, so if you prefer peace and quiet, this is the place to stay. Rooms here start at $100 USD per night.

Mirador del Beagle Hosteria – $

I mentioned this hosteria in the above activities to do because it’s that nice! It’s truly the best bang for your buck at $50 USD per night. The hosts here are so charming; they treat you like family. Breakfast is great too. We’ve heard people call this the best hostel in Argentina!

Planning your Trip to Patagonia

Accommodation in Patagonia

Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!

Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.

Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!

And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.

You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Patagonia!

Renting a car in Patagonia

We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!

But how? Well if you’re renting a car the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! The truth is, they are a great company that we actually used for our own rental car.

If you do want to compare prices (and you should) do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!

Tours in Patagonia

We love booking our tours on the website Viator! Not only does it make it super easy because you can compare tours all in one place, but it is safe and you can pay in your home currency (so you’ll save on currency conversion fees from your bank!) On top of that, you can check reviews from other travelers so that you know exactly what you are getting.

Most tours on Viator also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, which we love! Being flexible when we travel is super important to us.

You can browse Viator easily online here.

Thanks for reading!

Ushuaia is an area of the world not many people get to visit and it has some amazing things to do and see. This isolated place has incredible hikes and stunning natural views and the town itself has great restaurants, museums, and some fun activities too. It’s worth the trip all the way here!

If you’re planning your travels to the town at the end of the world, be sure to check out our other blogs about Argentina. If you need any advice or want to share your favorite part of Ushuaia, leave us a comment below. Or check out our other travel guides for more inspiration:

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Puerto Madryn, Argentina

BEST Areas to Stay in Buenos Aires

The Best Time to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier

10 BEST Tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina – By a Local!