17 Best Things To Do In Ushuaia Patagonia + Tips For Visiting

Are you planning to visit Tierra del Fuego and looking for the best things to do in Ushuaia? You are in the right place. I have been there twice (including recently) and I have plenty of tips for you, as in this post I will highlight Ushuaia’s top attractions and the places you shouldn’t miss in its surroundings.

Few places on earth are so mysterious yet so charming as Ushuaia, Patagonia. Argentinians call it “Fin del Mundo”—the end of the world. Upon visiting, you will have the impression of being at the end of the world, not so much geographically but in the emotional and psychological sense.

While the city itself is nothing special, the surroundings are nothing short of amazing. Think hikes that take you to glaciers; cruises to discover unique marine life; isolated gems; rural landscapes.

Ready to discover more? Then, continue reading!

Make sure to also read my post, The Best Argentina Travel Tips, for everything you need to know before making plans for Ushuaia Argentina.

Essential Information For Visiting Ushuaia

Where is Ushuaia?

Ushuaia is often referred to as Fin del Mundo (“end of the world” in English). That’s because it’s the southernmost city in the world (well, Puerto Williams in Chile is, but it’s not technically a city).

Even then, don’t assume Ushuaia is that far south. For reference, it would more or less correspond to Copenhagen if it were in the northern hemisphere.

A question many have is “Is Ushuaia part of Patagonia?” The short answer is yes, it is! Ushuaia is the main city of the Tierra del Fuego, which is indeed part of Patagonia.

The archipelago of Tierra del Fuego is located at the southern tip of South America. The main island is a triangle and is separated from the mainland through the Strait of Magellan. The north of the main island is mostly lakes and moraines, whereas the southern and western parts are a prolongation of the Andes mountain chain.

How to get to Ushuaia

By plane

The best way to travel to Ushuaia is by plane. The Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas has daily direct flights to Buenos Aires and El Calafate operated by Aerolinas Argentinas, and weekly flights to other locations in Patagonia.

By bus

There are regular daily and weekly buses that connect Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (18 hours) and Puerto Natales in Chile. If you are traveling from El Calafate, you have to change buses in Rio Gallegos.

Keep in mind that Ushuaia is on an island, and there will be a ferry crossing. Therefore, adding to the long bus hours, there may be delays due to the rough sea conditions.

How to get around Ushuaia

The best way to get around Ushuaia if you want to be completely independent is to rent a car, and you can do that directly at the airport.

If you’re looking for cheap rental cars Ushuaia, I can’t recommend Discover Cars enough. I’ve used it for several international car rentals, and it’s definitely the most reliable and easy-to-navigate option. You can compare prices, companies and view a variety of cars.

However, you don’t really need a car to move around Ushuaia. Within the city, you can count on a good network of public buses.

You can also use taxis and Uber – both are easily available in town. There is a small taxi station where all drivers park and stay in between rides on Maipú, not far from the tourist port. There even are a few remis, local cab companies. All are available to bring you to any trailhead, and you can contract them to be picked up at the end of your hike.

Finally, you can count on excellent guided tours that depart daily from Ushuaia and that reach all the best points of interest.

How long to stay in Ushuaia

I remember years ago, during my first trip to Argentina, someone told me that Ushuaia is nothing special. I beg to disagree, and having been there twice now I can attest that Tierra del Fuego is one of the most scenic, beautiful places I have ever visited.

I spent 5 days in Tierra del Fuego both times I visited, and I could have easily stayed longer to visit more places, do more hikes, explore more of the surroundings, and, quite simply, soak up the incredible local atmosphere.

My recommendation, especially if you like hiking, is to plan to stay at least 5 days, possibly even 7 or more, so that you can make the most of all the things to do in Ushuaia and have higher chances of getting at least a day of clear weather conditions.

Best Things To Do In Ushuaia, Patagonia

Get off the beaten path at Cabo San Pablo

Visiting Cabo San Pablo is one of the most unique things to do in Ushuaia.

Cabo San Pablo is 182 km (113 miles) from Ushuaia. It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach this isolated promontory, following Ruta 3 and passing through Garibaldi Pass, which is right by Lake Escondido.

Not many people visit this place during their trip to Ushuaia – and they are missing out. I was one of a whopping four when I went for the first time, and I think there was a total of six on my second visit last March (and that included myself and two guides).

In a way, I hope it remains undiscovered.

Cabo San Pablo faces the Atlantic Ocean, so the landscape is completely different from that of the Ushuaia area.

Here, you’ll find a long pebble beach that is swept by the strong Patagonian winds, and where you may spot some locals kayaking (that’s very brave) or even surfing in the frigid waters.

The landscape is unique, mysterious, and eerie. The peaks that are seen around Ushuaia are far from here, but wildlife is beautiful, with lenga forests giving way to the steppe and guanacos populating the area.

Once at Cabo San Pablo, you can go for a walk along the beach – Playa Ladrillero. It’s a nice place to spot a variety of bird species, and also a nice spot for a picnic on a sunny day – that’s where we ate during my first visit, but it was unfortunately too windy the last time I went.

At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find a trail that allows you to hike up to an old lighthouse, which was built in 1945 and bent by an earthquake in 1949. A new lighthouse that operates automatically was placed nearby in 1966.

The views from up there are breathtaking: on one side, you can see the long pebble beach; on the other, a sandy beach where you’ll find the huge wreck of the Desdemona, a large cargo ship made in Germany and carrying the Dutch flag that wrecked in 1983.

More and more companies now offer tours to Cabo San Pablo. Both times I went, I visited with Tierra Turismo and loved the experience. It’s a full-day tour with various stops including one at Tolhuin, where you’ll have the chance to fuel up at La Unión bakery, and one at Estancia Rolito (more about it below). The tour includes snacks, lunch, and drinks.

Make sure to wear hiking boots, a good wind and rainproof jacket and sunglasses and to carry some extra water for the day.

Learn about the life of an estancia

One of the most interesting things to do in Ushuaia is getting to know the local culture and way of life. Tierra del Fuego, much like the rest of Patagonia, is vastly used for animal farming (typically sheep), with locals claiming that the best lamb in the world is produced there.

Farms in Argentina are known as “estancias,” which literally translates as “stay” and refers to the concession granted by the government to use a piece of land for a certain amount of time.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting an estancia as part of your trip. The most popular one in the area is Estancia Haberton, founded in 1886 by Thomas Bridges and the oldest building in the region.

Nowadays, however, this estancia is just another tourist attraction, with very little animal farming. That’s why I decided not to visit and went to Estancia Rolito instead.

Estancia Rolito is a family run farm in a gorgeous setting, surrounded by a beautiful lenga forest, which is perfect for hiking.

Both times I visited, we stopped there for afternoon tea and delicious homemade cookies, though the highlight was actually getting to talk to the owners, who are eager to share their very interesting life.

Pepe (senior and junior) and Annie, welcomed me in their home. Their daughter and her family also live there – she’s a veterinarian and she’s the one in charge of the animal welfare at the farm.

They took me for a walk around the property and explained the charm and challenges of living in such an isolated place. Pepe senior is actually an orthopedic surgeon (still practicing), and regularly travels around Argentina for consultancies.

One of the biggest challenges for Estancia Rolito (and other estancias in Patagonia) is the wild dogs that form packs and attack sheep. Some farms faced so much damage and financial loss that they switched to farming cows; but their care is quite more expensive compared to sheep, as they require more land and hay during the winter.

It was interesting to see how most farms have adapted to this emergency by using specific shepherd dogs like the Maremmano sheepdog who are trained to be even more protective of their herd.

Estancia Rolito can be visited as part of the Tierra Turismo tour to Cabo San Pablo.

Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park

One of the top things to see in Ushuaia is Tierra del Fuego National Park.

This huge park – more than 630 square km – extends from the Beagle Channel to Fagnano Lake (also called Cami Lake). However, only 200 hectares are open to the public, on the southern side of the park.

This is probably the most touristy place to visit in Ushuaia, yet it is a must see. Here, you’ll find the typical vegetation of this part of the world and various species of animals and birds, including guanacos, grey and red foxes, seagulls, cormorants, albatrosses, and even kelp geese.

Among the most common species, there are the European rabbit and the North American beaver, non-native species that have had a serious impact on the delicate local ecosystem, to the point that the local authorities are researching various solutions to eradicate them.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is where Ruta 3 (which is the Pan-American Highway) finishes, right in Lapataia Bay. The view from the bay is stunning, but you’ll get an even better view if you walk up to the Mirador Lapataia, following the trail through the forest.

Speaking of trails, inside Tierra del Fuego National Park, you’ll find a series of easy to medium-difficulty hiking trails.

Check out my post, Amazing National Parks In Argentina, because there are really so many beautiful areas to include in your Argentina itinerary.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is easy to visit independently if you have a car. There are also regular minibuses departing from Ushuaia, with 7 different bus stops inside the protected area.

If you’d prefer a guided tour, I recommend this Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour with Lunch. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, lunch, and drinks. However, you’ll still have to cover the park entrance fee.

There are no garbage bins around the park, which is pristine. Make sure to carry a bag to dispose of your waste, and do not abandon it anywhere at the park.

Also, do not feed the wild animals! Foxes are often attracted by the smell of food, but human food is bad for them.

Check out the post office at the end of the world

Located inside Tierra del Fuego National Park is Acigami Lake and the Southernmost Post Office—a tiny post office that was run by the same man for decades.

Many guided tours make a stop there, but while I was able to visit (and send a few postcards from there) during my first trip to Ushuaia, during my latest visit, much to my disappointment the post office was actually closed.

It’s still a nice place for a photo opportunity.

While there isn’t much to do there (it’s really a small shack on the docks), it’s one of the most unique things to do in Ushuaia, and the views in the area are stunning and worth stopping for. You can walk along the shore of the lake to reach small beaches and for more photo opportunities.

Go hiking

If you can’t figure out what to do in Ushuaia, the answer is always hiking. You can go on so many hikes in Patagonia, and there’s a fair share of trails around Ushuaia too. I can’t possibly mention all the hikes in the region, but these are the ones I have done and loved.

Rio Larsifashaj Waterfall

The hike to Río Larsifashaj waterfall is short and with very little ascent, and takes a total of around two hours, first going through the fields of Estancia Haberton (which, however, is very distant from the trail), then along the river and through the forest, and finally to a very scenic waterfall.

The best bit (aside from the incredible landscape, obviously) is that this is a very unknown trail, and you won’t meet other people during the hike.

Keep in mind that the starting point of the trail to Río Larsifashaj waterfall is not marked. In fact, the area where the trail is located is private land, and you need special permission to trespass. I did this hike as part of the crab fishing guided tour run by Tierra Turismo.

Laguna Esmeralda

The Laguna Esmeralda hike is probably the most popular in Ushuaia. The trail starts right off Ruta 3, around 17 km (10.5 miles) east of Ushuaia.

It’s a well-marked trail (you have to follow the blue marks) that runs for about 8.7 km (about 5.5 miles) along a gorgeous forest inhabited by red foxes, and along the river. There’s a large peat moss to get to the lagoon, but a boardwalk has been built over it to allow people to walk.

Once you get close to the lagoon, the view is incredible. It takes around 4 hours to complete the hike, without stops. You can factor in up to 5 and a half if you also walk around the lagoon and stop for lunch.

If you don’t have a car, you’ll need to arrange private transport to get to the trailhead and back after the hike. Otherwise, you can consider this For a guided hike to Laguna Esmeralda, I recommend this guided hike to Laguna Esmeralda. It includes a guide, round-trip transportation, and lunch.

My post A Complete Guide To Hiking Laguna Esmeralda shares more information to plan your hike.

Senda del Turbal and Castorera

The Senda del Turbal and Senda Castorera trails are both located inside Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The first is an easy trail of about 1 km (0.6 miles) that goes through the peat moss, whereas the Senda Castorera (beaver trail) goes to small lakes where it’s possible to view the massive dams built by beavers.

Senda Costera

The Senda Costera (Coastal Trail), whose access point is Ensenada Zaratiegui which goes all the way to Acigami Lake, is the best hike in the national park. It’s an 8 km (5 miles) trail that takes around 4 hours.

Along the trail, you may see some conchales and piles of seashells left by the Yámana of high archeological value.

Cerro Guanaco

If you are up for a bit of a workout, one of the things to do in Ushuaia is hiking to Cerro Guanaco: this is the hardest hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, as it’s a steady uphill walk. It’s a 4 km trail (plus 4 km to go back along the same trail, so a total of 8 km or 5 miles) which takes roughly 4 hours.

The trailhead is by the Senda Hito XXIV, another trail that follows Acigami Lake until the border with Chile. The Cerro Guanaco trail goes all the way to the viewpoint, from which there is an incredible view of the mountains and the peat moss.

There are always plenty of people on the trails in Tierra del Fuego, yet I believe that Hiking Alone Is Actually A Bad Idea.

Ride the Fin del Mundo train

One of the most touristy things to do in Ushuaia is riding the Tren del Fin del Mundo (“Train to the End of the World”).

This steam train was originally meant to carry prisoners from the city to the work camps.

The station from where the train departs is about 8 km (5 miles) west of town, so you’ll need a taxi to get there. The ride lasts around 1 hour, and you also get a basic commentary in English and Spanish.

As it gets packed in high season, you are better off booking the End of the World Train Ticket in advance to avoid missing your chance.

Go on a cruise along Beagle Channel

One of the main appeals of Ushuaia is the possibility of admiring the incredible marine life of the Beagle Channel. A cruise along the Beagle Channel is the best way to experience that.

During the cruise, you get to see various species of birds such as seagulls and cormorants; a huge number of sea lions; and, on a lucky day, even whales (depending on the season). Depending on the cruise, you may even go to Martillo Island to see penguins (more about that below).

Cruises along the Beagle Channel depart regularly from Ushuaia tourist harbor and can last between 2 and a half and 6 hours, depending on the itinerary and the number of stops along the way.

The cruise I took lasted 6 hours and stopped at Isla de los Pájaros (Birds’ Island), Isla de los Lobos (Sea Lions’ Island), Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, and Isla Mirtillo, a penguins’ rockery.

The photo opportunities on a Beagle Channel Cruise are endless.

Even in the summer months, Tierra del Fuego is very cold, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 or 12 at most. While the boat is nice and warm inside, it’s very cold outside, and the chances of rain are high. Make sure to dress appropriately and wear a good jacket and gloves. If you tend to get seasick, take some motion sickness tablets with you.

I recommend this Beagle Channel & Sea Wolves Island Catamaran Cruise. You’ll head to Sea Lion Island (part of the Bridges Islands) and admire Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

This Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran is another great tour also goes to Sea Lion Island but places a big emphasis on penguin-watching from the catamaran. It’s another fun experience and perfect for animal-lovers.

Admire penguins in Isla Martillo

Penguins used to actually live in the Bay of Ushuaia, where the airport is located. When construction works took place to build the airport, the penguins, bothered by the noise of the construction work, moved further into the Beagle Channel on Isla Mirtillo, which is private property.

Any longer tour of the Beagle Channel gets to Martillo Island, where two different species of penguins live – Magellanic and Gentoo (the ones with yellow paws and beak) – as well as many other bird species like cormorants.

Please note that only one company has permission to land at Isla Mirtillo to get even closer to the penguins. If you wish to land in Isla Mirtillo, this is the tour to book – it involves a long drive to reach Estancia Haberton.

Frankly, I don’t see the need to disturb and even scare these lovely animals – you get to see them very well from the boat, which stops long enough for plenty of photo opportunities.

Check out my post on the use of animals in tourist attractions to understand more about ethical animal tourism.

If you don’t care to actually walk on Martillo Island, make sure to opt for this Beagle Channel and Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran. The tour departs every day from the harbor of Ushuaia and lasts 6 hours, during which you get to see many more species other than just penguins – we saw whales when I visited last March.

Eat king crabs

King crab is known in Tierra del Fuego as centolla. This part of the world has incredible, high-quality fish and seafood, and several restaurants in Ushuaia specialize in serving dishes made with locally sourced products.

However, if you want a full local experience, I recommend going fishing for centollas and then eating the ones you catch.

You get on a small boat that goes along the Beagle Channel, throw in the traps, and wait for the crabs to get in. Meanwhile, you may even be able to admire whales as they pass by the channel.

Once you catch the centollas, you go back to the fisherman’s house, and wait for the king crab to be served.

The best place to experience king crab fishing is Puerto Almanza, the southernmost fishing port in Argentina.

Visit the local museums

To get some background information about Ushuaia’s history, economy, and environment, one of the top things to do in Ushuaia is to visit the local museums—not to mention that this is the best way to stay entertained when the weather doesn’t allow outdoor excursions.

Museo Maritimo

The Museo Maritimo and Museo del Presidio are located in the prison that, until 1947, hosted up to 380 inmates. The various rooms illustrate what life in the prison used to be like. There’s also a part that’s dedicated to models of the most famous ships.

It’s an interesting place to learn more about Tierra del Fuego, which in the past was a penal colony where the worst criminals and political prisoners were held. The prison was moved to Ushuaia in 1906, and throughout the 20th century convicts contributed to building the city through forced labor.

The prison shut in 1947, and from 1950 Ushuaia became an important naval base; furthermore, many factories were established.

Museo del Fin del Mundo

The Museo del Fin del Mundo is located in a building that dates back to 1903. Until 1979, the local branch of Banco de la Nación was located there. It was then turned into a small museum.

While Magellan first landed in the archipelago in 1520 and named it Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), it was only in the 1880s that Thomas Bridge started exploring Tierra del Fuego.

Until then, the Ona and Yámana indigenous peoples who lived in this part of Patagonia continued living there undisturbed.

Unfortunately, the contact with the increasing number of colonizers looking to hunt sea lions and in search of gold proved fatal the for indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego, who succumbed to the diseases carried by the foreigners. The last Yámana woman died in 2004.

The Museo del Fin del Mundo is an interesting place to get some insights into the indigenous cultures of Tierra del Fuego.

Casa Beban

This historic house in Ushuaia was built between 1911 and 1913 upon wishes of Fortunato Beban, who dismantled it from its original location in Europe and moved it here.

The building is beautifully preserved and is used as an exhibition center and as a meeting place for the local community. It’s been declared Cultural Heritage of the City of Ushuaia, since it is a fantastic example of local architectural heritage.

Walk to Martial Glacier

Ushuaia is a very expensive destination in Argentina, but one of the best free things to do in Ushuaia is to walk to Martial Glacier, which is very close to the city.

From there, you’ll have beautiful views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and even the Beagle Channel. The trail gets all the way below the glacier–it’s not as spectacular as Perito Moreno, but a beautiful sight all the same.

To get to the trailhead, you can get a taxi (it’s a fairly short ride) or getting a bus that departs at the corner between Maipú and Juana Fadul. You can even walk there—it’s a 40-minute walk.

In case you’d like to join a guided tour, there’s this Martial Glacier hiking tour that includes transportation from Ushuaia and lunch.

Go to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano

Two of the nicest places near Ushuaia are lakes.

Lago Escondido (literally “Hidden Lake”) is a beautiful sight. It’s located at the base of Garibaldi Pass, and it is a fantastic location for hiking, canoeing, or even fishing.

Fagnano Lake is of glacier origins, and it is shared between Chile and Argentina.

At Lago Escondido, there are tons of beautiful, secluded areas and hidden trails. It’s one of the best escapes into nature and the natural beauty of the region.

You can join a soft adventure guided tour that visits both lakes and includes short treks along the lakes and canoeing in their clear waters. Unfortunately when I visited last March the weather didn’t cooperate – it was too windy to be able to canoe on the lake, not to mention freezing cold – but it was still a great day.

I recommend this Full Day Off Road 4×4 in Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano activity. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and beauty. You’ll find all the best hidden trails and gems, spot some rare birds if you’re lucky, and enjoy a fantastic lunch.

Admire the most incredible sunrise

I have already explained how Tierra del Fuego got its name. Aside from the historical version, there is a more romantic one according to which the word “fire” in the name refers to the incredible color of the sky at sunrise on a clear day.

Needless to say, I recommend setting your alarm clock early enough to see the sun rise above the water. It’s one of the most beautiful things to do in Ushuaia.

Shop at Paseo de los Artesanos

If you are looking for the odd souvenir, visiting the Paseo de los Artesanos is what to do in Ushuaia. It’s located next to the port and the tourism information office, and there you’ll find anything from paintings to leather goods; from ceramics to smaller trinkets. It’s a fun place to explore at the end of a day of hiking or exploring other more natural places.

Have a proper Asado Fuengino

Having a good asado fuengino—a mixed grill of several kinds of meat, usually including beef, Patagonian lamb, and at times even pork—is one of the things to do in Argentina.

Many restaurants in Ushuaia serve asado. Yet, any proper Argentinian would tell you that there is nothing like having a good, home-made one—where local cuts of meat are used rather than those sold to restaurants.

I have tried both and enjoyed both. But if I had to pick one, I’d go for the home-made one.

A good homemade asado fuengino is, more than anything else, a social one. Meat is served on a wooden tray placed at the center of the table, and everyone gets to pick it from there.

Eat

Eating (especially fish and seafood) is one of the top things to do in Ushuaia, and there are plenty of good restaurants – though if you are aiming for quality, I shall warn you it is not cheap.

These are my favorite restaurants in Ushuaia:

KAUPE – My friend was eager to take me to this restaurant, his favorite in Ushuaia where he’s a local, and I can see why. The chef only uses the best local ingredients, cooked rather simply and to perfection. There’s an extensive list of Argentine wines to pair with your food. Oh, and the views of the city and the mountains from the restaurant are stunning.

KALMA – I tried this restaurant as it was just below my hotel (Posada Fin del Mundo) and loved it. The chef is extremely creative, and the use of local ingredients is masterful. Try their delicious olive oil ice-cream. It’s to die for!

PASO GARIBALDI – I went to this nice restaurant in the center of Ushuaia with a group of friends and loved both the food and the service. Their merluza negra (black haddock) is the best I’ve had in Ushuaia.

RINCON GOURMET—Outside the center of Ushuaia, in a neighborhood called Andorra, a chef turned part of his house into what may well be the coziest restaurant in town. There, he serves a variety of excellent dishes cooked with local ingredients and paired with fantastic wines.

RAMOS GENERALES—Located on Maipú, one of the main streets in town, it’s a very popular eatery among locals and tourists. The in-house bakery sells fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries, making it an excellent option for breakfast. The lunch menu is very varied.

VIEJO MARINO— This is one of the most popular (cheaper) restaurants in Ushuaia, and one of the most touristy too. Expect to find a line as they don’t take reservations, but service is quick. Food is plain but honest.

Check out my post, Delicious Argentina Food To Try, because there are honestly too many amazing dishes to list here.

Try local beer

Few things taste better than a good beer after a day of hiking, and there are a few nice places in Ushuaia where you can try craft beer.

Tierra del Fuego has its very own craft beer, Beagle. Several places in town serve the bottled version, and a few have the draft one. The best place to try a good Beagle is The Birra, a small pub that is fairly priced. The bonus? They play good classic rock in the background.

Another place you can try is Patagonia, which is a bit more of a chain but serves craft beer and honest pub food.

Where To Stay In Ushuaia

There is an abundance of good places to stay in Ushuaia, but they are generally a bit overpriced for what they offer. Here is a small selection of places I recommend:

Posada Fin del Mundo – I stayed at this family run small hotel on my latest trip and loved it. It has a very central location, rooms are large and comfortable, and a good breakfast is served every morning.

Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort – The best hotel in Ushuaia. The views of the bay from there are spectacular. It’s definitely more of a luxury experience, but worth every penny.

Aves del Sur – A nice bed and breakfast. They even have a few bungalows. The rooms are very simple, but it’s a really beautiful property with great hospitality.

Ushuaia Drake Departamentos – An excellent option if you prefer self-catering (you have your own private apartment or studio). You have more independence with this apartment and even get a larger space and small conveniences (like a kitchen, living room area, and private entrance).

Oshovia – For backpackers, this is a good boutique hostel with excellent dorms and comfortable private rooms. There’s also a lovely garden and plenty of common space to meet other people or enjoy some quiet time on your own.

When To Visit Ushuaia

The best time of year to visit Ushuaia is in summer, thus between December and March. Even then, the temperatures tend to be cold, and there are high chances of rain and, at times, even snow.

I visited twice – once in February and once at the beginning of March – and on both occasions had all sorts of weather: rain, strong wind and even snow.

In the winter months, Tierra del Fuego is one of the best places to go skiing in Argentina.

What To Pack For Ushuaia

Make sure to pack appropriately for your trip to Tierra del Fuego. The weather can be quite unpredictable: it can rain a lot; it often gets terribly windy; and snow may fall even during the summer.

To master the weather in Tierra del Fuego, you really need to pack a bit of everything, and sure enough layering is essential.

Here are some travel essentials for your trip to Ushuaia Patagonia:

• Good hiking boots. They need to be waterproof.
• Hiking pants like the Frost Softshell Pant by Kuhl or the Trekr Pant.
• Rain pants such as the Black Diamond rain pants.
• Thermal underwear and a base layer such as Kuhl Akkomplice Krew.
• A good fleece like Kuhl Ascendyr.
• A warm jacket like the SpyFire Hoody by Kuhl.
• A good wind and rain proof jacket like the Black Diamond Rain Jacket.
• A beanie, a scarf and gloves.

If you want detailed recommendations based on my travels in Argentina, you can check out my article, Packing for Patagonia. In that post, I recommend all my favorite equipment, brands, and such.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are an excellent way to explore Ushuaia and its surroundings, provided that you do them with the right company. Right by the tourist port, you’ll find the vast majority of tour companies that go to the most popular places in Tierra del Fuego.

If you fancy something more off the beaten path and prefer smaller groups, get in touch with Tierra Turismo (unlike most companies, it doesn’t have an office at the harbor). It has a strong focus on sustainability and on supporting small local businesses, and the guides are excellent.

The owners Ignacio and Juan are dear friends of mine, and I have been on pretty much all of their tours so I can attest to their quality.

Final Remarks: Is Ushuaia Worth Visiting?

I have been to Ushuaia twice, and I’d go again and again – so if you ask me “is Ushuaia worth it?” I will definitely say yes.

While most people who travel to Ushuaia use it as a starting point of their Antartica cruise, I can assure you that this is a wonderful destination that’s worth exploring, and that there are many more things to do in Ushuaia than you could ever imagine.

Further Readings

If you are planning a trip to Argentina, the following posts will come in handy:

• 32 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires
• 11 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
• A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
• Top 13 Things To Do In Rosario Argentina: An Insider’s Guide!
• A Guide To Hiking Around Fitz Roy, In El Chalten
• A Complete Guide To Hiking To Laguna Torre
• 30 Things You Should Consider Before Traveling To Patagonia
• The Best Argentine Movies

Legal Disclaimer: I was a guest of Tierra Turismo during both my visits to Ushuaia Patagonia, and I wish to thank them for the incredible experiences and for taking me to the most unique places. Needless to say, all the opinions expressed in this post are honest and without bias. I also wish to personally thank Ignacio Ronco, for teaching me so much about the local culture and way of life, and, more than anything else, welcoming me into his life as if I were family.

Pin It For Later!