Ushuaia, often called the "end of the world," offers unmatched adventure, stunning landscapes, and a rich history. Perched on the southernmost tip of South America, it is a gateway to Antarctica and an array of sensational experiences in southern Patagonia.
Whether you’re drawn by its reputation as the world’s southernmost city or intrigued by its exquisite natural wonders, here’s everything you need to know about what to do in Ushuaia, how to get there, and why visiting Ushuaia should be right at the top of your travel bucket list.
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Aerial view of Ushuaia, Argentina
Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Ushuaia—why this city is so famous, its top highlights, and all the extraordinary experiences on offer.
Why Visit Ushuaia?
Ushuaia is more than just the southernmost city on earth—it's a hub of adventure, culture, and exceptional natural beauty. Here, the end of the world feels like the beginning of a journey, where every trail, channel, and museum tells its own unique story.
Whether heading to Antarctica, cruising the Beagle Channel, hiking to glaciers, or savouring Patagonian cuisine, Ushuaia offers experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Monte Olivia in Ushuaia, Patagonia
Where Is Ushuaia?
Ushuaia is in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, the southernmost region of the Americas. It's nestled between the Martial Mountain range and the Beagle Channel and just 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) from Antarctica.
The city is part of an archipelago split between Argentina and Chile, creating a rich cultural blend influenced by Indigenous Yaghan people, European settlers, and Patagonian traditions.
Why Is Ushuaia Called the End of the World?
Ushuaia’s showstopping nickname stems from its location as the southernmost city on earth. While Chile’s Puerto Williams is geographically farther south, it’s classified as a town with barely 3,000 inhabitants—and is home to a military base—so it doesn't quite make the cut. With its established infrastructure and population of over 150,000, Ushuaia earns the rightful title.
Ushuaia is framed by some of the world’s most dramatic wilderness and feels like the last outpost before you step off the map altogether. For intrepid explorers seeking to navigate the treacherous waters of Cape Horn to explore Antarctica in the 19th century, Ushuaia marked the edge of the known world. This "end-of-the-world" moniker the city has embraced captures its history and remoteness. South of here is nothing but sea—the infamous Drake Passage—until one hits the icy landscapes of Antarctica.
Les Éclaireurs lighthouse in Beagle channel. Ushuaia - Argentina.
How to Get to Ushuaia
By Air
Most visitors arrive via Ushuaia’s Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. Direct flights connect Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, El Calafate, and other major Argentine hubs. Flights from Santiago, Chile, via Punta Arenas are also available.
By Land
A road trip through Patagonia’s Ruta 3 is an adventurous way to reach Ushuaia. Starting in Buenos Aires, this route spans over 3,000 kilometres (1,860 mi) of Argentina’s most iconic landscapes.
By Sea
Many travellers arrive in Ushuaia as part of cruise itineraries through the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia, or Antarctica. This unique approach to town offers a scenic introduction to the city, passing through Glacier Alley and the Beagle Channel.
How Many Days to Spend in Ushuaia
The ideal length of stay depends on your plans. While some visitors spend just a day or two before an Antarctica cruise, a longer stay of 3 days allows you time to explore the city’s surrounding attractions, while 5 days are ideal to discover the best of Tierra del Fuego. From wildlife encounters to hiking, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your itinerary.
Planning a couple of extra days also provides a buffer in case of flight delays—a common occurrence in Patagonia due to unpredictable weather, even at the height of the southern summer. Trust that it is effortless to fill a whole week of adventure in Ushuaia; it is a phenomenal base for exploring Tierra del Fuego – so don't rush and don't stress. Plan enough days to enjoy all the region has to offer.
Ushuaia – A Traveller's Overview
Ushuaia is well-known among adventure-travel circles and is especially revered for its eco-tourism offerings. It might take you a while to reach it, but once you do, you'll gain easy access to sea lion and penguin colonies, glaciers, and pristine wilderness. As the closest city to Antarctica, Ushuaia serves as the most convenient and affordable gateway to the southern continent. Yes, even if you’re coming from New Zealand/Australia. Here, you'll find the largest number of Antarctic expedition ships and the broadest range of price points, duration, and destinations.
Aside from myriad adventures, Ushuaia is also a fascinating historical destination. The whole southern region has been inhabited for thousands of years, something that is almost impossible to believe. Today's tourism hype has undoubtedly influenced the city’s identity, yet at its core is a settlement created by the melding of indigenous cultures with colonial exploitation. Visit the Museo Maritimo – and others detailed below – when you arrive, and you'll gain a greater appreciation for the city's hard-fought history.
Sea lions in Patagonia
What to Do in Ushuaia
1. Cruise the Beagle Channel
No visit to Ushuaia is complete without an expedition cruise through the Beagle Channel. This waterway, named after Charles Darwin's HMS Beagle, offers incredible wildlife encounters. Spot sea lions basking on rocky outcrops, catch a glimpse of migrating whales, and visit Martillo Island, home to a sizable (and loud!) penguin colony.
Boat tours range from half-day excursions to more immersive trips, including kayaking and on-land hikes. The views of Ushuaia’s rugged coastline and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse are unforgettable.
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2. Hike in the Tierra del Fuego National Park
Just 12 kilometres (5 mi) from Ushuaia, the sprawling Tierra del Fuego National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Trails wind through forests, alongside rivers, and up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Beagle Channel. Patagonian wildlife abounds, with sightings of guanacos, Fuegian foxes, and Andean condors. For a slightly less energetic visit, ride the Train at the End of the World, a historic steam train that meanders through the park’s scenic landscapes—a fabulous way to soak up the magic without breaking a sweat.
Laguna Esmeralda, Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia
3. Trek to the Martial Mountain and Glacier
If you’d love to stretch your legs on your first day in Ushuaia, this is the first place you should visit. The Martial Glacier is a two-hour (one-way) hike out of town and makes for a startling highlight, especially if you've never seen a glacier before. The medium-difficulty hike takes half a day, and don’t forget to stop for a delicious submarino (the local hot chocolate drink that’s to die for) at our favourite café, La Cabaña Tea House, on your way back to town.
Glacier Martial, Ushuaia
4. Take a Helicopter Ride
A helicopter tour is unparalleled for a bird' s-eye view of Ushuaia's dramatic landscape. Fly over glaciers, mountains, and the city for an unforgettable perspective. While it's a splurge, the experience is truly one of a kind. A range of destinations, experiences (including heliboarding), and flight duration makes it easy to find a flight that's just right for you.
Aerial view of Ushuaia
5. Take a Cheesy Selfie at The End of the World Sign
Well, you haven't come all this way to ignore this excellent little photo-op. You'll find the sign right off Av Maipu, about a block north of Plaza de 25 Mayo.
End of the world sign, Ushuaia
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6. Check out the End of the World Museum & Feugian Thematic Gallery
Just one block away from the above-mentioned sign are the two best museums in Ushuaia. Combined, they give visitors a comprehensive overview of the local cultural and natural history. If you only have time to fit one in, we'd recommend the Thematic Gallery over the End of the World Museum, as it offers a better and more informative overall experience. English-language audio guides are offered in both museums.
Museum and Government house, Ushuaia
7. Feast on Delicious Patagonian Cuisine
Ushuaia’s food scene is surprisingly diverse and focusses on fresh, local ingredients. Aside from Buenos Aires and Mendoza, Ushuaia is Argentina's most cosmopolitan foodie mecca, so do come with a ravenous appetite!
Must-try dishes include king crab (served in hearty pies or simply grilled), Patagonian lamb, and guanaco steaks. For dessert, sample local hand-made chocolates and dulce de leche treats. Restaurants range from casual to upscale establishments, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Bowl of King crab
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8. Cruise the Chilean Fjords
Aside from Antarctica, Ushuaia cruises explore the stunning Glacier Alley along Chile's southwestern coast, featuring majestic glaciers and rich marine life. The Chilean Fjords are a highlight of Patagonia, with Ushuaia serving as a prime gateway.
Amalia Glacier, Chilean Fjords
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9. Take an expedition to Antarctica
The only place that can end the “end-of-the-world” argument between Argentina and Chile is Antarctica, the real southernmost point of our planet.
Expeditions to the south, which include visits to the breathtaking South Shetland Islands and can also include stopovers on the penguin capital of South Georgia Island and the Falklands, are undoubtedly what have made Ushuaia such a household name worldwide. While you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula in about 10-12 days, additional days are needed to visit South Georgia and the Falklands but it's immensely worthwhile.
South Georgia is famous for being the most important breeding spot for penguins and seabirds on earth, and for hosting the largest colonies of seals and penguins. It is an extraordinary destination for wildlife lovers, in particular, and the only way to visit is on an expedition ship from Ushuaia.
Colony of King Penguins in Salisbury Plain, South Georgia Island
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A Classic Antarctic Cruise from Ushuaia lasts 10 days and includes crossing the Drake Passage. For those short on time or wishing to avoid the Drake, Fly + Cruise Antarctica options are available.
We offer various Antarctica expeditions with itineraries and ships to fit different budgets.
Expedition to Antarctica
Best Time to Visit Ushuaia
Peak travel season in Patagonia and Ushuaia is from October to March. During this southern summer season, the weather is mild enough to enjoy extensive hiking, wildlife spotting, and cruising.
However, this being such a rugged part of the world means you ought always to expect freezing temps and bitter winds no matter when you visit. Ushuaia can experience snow, rain, and sunshine, all on the same day.
What to Wear in Ushuaia
Patagonia's weather is notoriously unpredictable, and it’s even more extreme in Ushuaia. Packing the proper clothing is crucial:
- Warm layers: A high-quality puffer jacket is a must, even if your Antarctic cruise provides parkas. You might encounter snow as soon as you set foot off the plane in Ushuaia, and it could be days before you board your ship!
- Waterproof gear: Jackets, pants, and boots will keep you comfortable during outdoor activities.
- Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, hats, and scarves for wind protection.
- Hiking gear: Many hard-core trails in and around Ushuaia are best tackled with hiking poles and even crampons (for the glaciers). Note that you can rent anything you need in Ushuaia, which saves you packing them from home.
Ushuaia is one of our favourite destinations in South America, and if you were to spend a few days here, we bet you'd fall in love with it, too. An odd-ball town with a vibe all its own, fantastic food, awesome shopping, and crazy wilderness all around, this town at the end of the world is simply unmissable when visiting Patagonia.
Evening lights in Ushuaia
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So why not discover it for yourself?
Learn all you need to know about travelling to Patagonia, see Viva Expedition’s Ushuaia journeys and contact us when you’re ready to start planning your ultimate South American adventure trip.
