Ushuaia, often referred to as the southernmost city in the world, is a unique and fascinating destination that attracts travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and adventurous experiences. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia serves as a gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park and the impressive Beagle Channel.
With a subpolar oceanic climate, Ushuaia offers a rare opportunity to explore the area's rich flora and fauna, including the famous Magellanic penguins and seals. You might even have a chance to spot whales! The city is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its captivating history, shaped by the indigenous Yamana people and its role as a former penal colony.
Ushuaia provides a variety of activities such as hiking, exploring the Beagle Channel, and visiting various museums. It is also a significant departure point for cruises to the mysterious and pristine Antarctica.
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Ushuaia's History: Discover the Origin and Development of the Southernmost City in the World
The southernmost city of Argentina is as fascinating as its geographical location. Inhabited by the indigenous Yamana tribe thousands of years ago, the area was discovered by European explorers in the 19th century. The name "Ushuaia" comes from the Yamana language and means "bay that penetrates to the west."
In 1884, Ushuaia was officially founded as a penal colony, where prisoners were employed to build infrastructure and thus tame the remote and rugged land. This history is now visible in the Maritime Museum, housed in the former prison building, providing an intriguing glimpse into life in this remote settlement.
The growth of Ushuaia as an important tourist and maritime center in the 20th and 21st centuries reflects the changing role and significance of this unique city at the end of the world.
Discover Ushuaia: A City Bustling with Activities
Museums
For culture enthusiasts, Ushuaia offers various museums, including the Maritime Museum, the Prison Museum, and the Museum of the End of the World, providing a fascinating insight into the local history and maritime heritage of the region.
The Maritime Museum and Ushuaia's Prison Museum are housed in an impressive former prison building, which was once home to some of Argentina's most notorious criminals. The wings of this historical complex have been carefully preserved and transformed into different museums that offer a glimpse into the maritime heritage and penal history of the region. The halls are filled with artifacts, ship models, and detailed descriptions of the expeditions that have explored the Antarctic waters. The Prison Museum also tells the story of the prisoners, retaining the original cells that provide a vivid picture of the harsh conditions under which they lived.
For those interested in indigenous culture and history, the Museo del Fin del Mundo (Museum of the End of the World) is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of Ushuaia, this museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the natural and cultural history of Tierra del Fuego. Visitors can explore a fascinating collection of Yamana and Selk'nam indigenous artifacts, as well as exhibits about European colonization, maritime history, and the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Hiking
Nature enthusiasts can indulge themselves with a range of outdoor adventures. From picturesque hikes in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and surrounding areas to a boat tour on the Beagle Channel.
One of our favorite hiking trails in Ushuaia leads to the enchanting Esmeralda Laguna. But what many adventurers don't know – and what isn't indicated – is the hidden path that continues further to the glacier and Laguna Ojo del Albino.
Although this trail can be discovered with a hiking app like AllTrails, it is also possible to follow the markers made of stone stacks. However, we do not recommend this, as it's easy to take the wrong route. Moreover, this is a technical trail where you must not only climb steeply up the mountain in certain sections but also climb various rocks towards the end. It's a challenge, but the magical spot you reach at the end is more than worth the effort. While the hike to Laguna Esmeralda can be completed within half an hour, you should definitely factor in an extra 3 hours to go to and from the continuation of the trail.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, located near Ushuaia, is a beautiful area that offers a wide range of diverse hikes. There is an entrance fee required to access this park. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel, as well as the rugged forests and mountain landscapes that characterize this part of Argentina. For more detailed information, visit the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego website or click here to go directly to the page to download the map with all the hiking routes on it.
Beagle Channel
The Beagle Channel, a strait that separates Tierra del Fuego from the southernmost islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, forms the natural border between Chile and Argentina. Named after the British ship HMS Beagle, which explored the area in the 19th century, the channel is an essential shipping route and an enchanting destination for travelers wishing to spot wildlife.
You can opt for a boat tour that takes you past various attractions on the Beagle Channel. During the trip, you'll sail past Seal Island, Bird Island, and the famous lighthouse "Les Eclaireurs," also known as the lighthouse at the end of the world. Along the way, you may spot Magellanic penguins, sea lions, various species of coastal birds, and perhaps even the whales that live in these waters. Booking tickets is simple through the GetYourGuide platform, and a direct link to the boat tour can be found here!
Antarctica
For those with a larger budget and a desire for a truly unique experience, Ushuaia offers the opportunity to embark on a cruise to Antarctica. Cruises from Ushuaia to Antarctica provide an unforgettable journey to the last unspoiled continent on Earth. Departing from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, these expeditions traverse the Drake Passage, where travelers have the chance to spot seabirds and whales. Once arrived in the icy waters of Antarctica, there are opportunities to view glaciers, visit penguin colonies, and even kayak among icebergs. Each day brings new adventures and stunning landscapes, from immense ice plains to towering mountain peaks. The cruises combine comfort and luxury with the raw, wild beauty of the Antarctic wilderness, making it a must-do for the adventurous traveler.
The unique experience of a cruise to Antarctica comes with a price tag, ranging from $5,500 for 9 nights to $14,000 for 18 nights. The costs depend on your personal preferences and the duration of your trip. There are numerous providers offering various levels of comfort, travel duration, and destinations. Explore the different options and the versatility of cruises on the Liveaboard website.
Culinary Discoveries in Ushuaia: Taste the Unique Flavors
Ushuaia offers an abundance of seafood, including the famed local king crab, traditional Argentine barbecue, flavorful Patagonian lamb, and sweet delicacies.
Though the king crab, in our opinion, might be a bit overrated in Ushuaia, especially since you would expect the prices to be lower in a place where they are caught, it seems that many restaurants use the popularity of the king crab to inflate the prices. If you can't resist the temptation of this delicious dish, El Viejo Marino is, in our view, the best option. Keep in mind, however, that if you don't arrive early enough, you may have to wait outside in line until a spot becomes available.
If you have a craving for a good pastry and a cup of coffee in Ushuaia, Ana & Juana - Onas is an excellent choice. They serve pastries that not only taste delightful but are also beautiful to look at. Each pastry seems like a small work of art. The bean coffee is another draw at this place. It offers the perfect warm-up after a day in the cool outdoors of the world's southernmost city. There are two Ana & Juana locations, but we prefer the "Onas" location over the "9 de julio" location. Here you can relax comfortably on the first floor.
Feeling like a tasty drink? Then Jeremy Button Gin Bar is a fantastic location. With their homemade gin, they offer various creative combinations. It's a cozy bar that fills up with locals on weekends. You can also eat there, and although the menu primarily consists of bar food like burgers, tacos, and snacks, the quality is excellent.
Staying in Ushuaia
Whether you're looking for a hostel, a more luxurious lodge, or have your own van to sleep in, Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, has an adventurous twist for you!
Your best choice for a hostel in Ushuaia is Antarctica Hostel. Located in the heart of the city, this cozy accommodation offers a large indoor space with a chill-out area, a self-catering kitchen, WIFI, and even its own bar. They also provide laundry service, and breakfast is included. Prices range from $39 for a dorm bed to $107 for a private room with a shared bathroom. To book a dorm bed or private room with a shared or private bathroom, click on this link from booking to secure your room. Since it's the highest-rated hostel, keep in mind that it may book up quickly.
If you're looking for more luxurious accommodation without a substantial increase in cost, Ushuaia Lodge Las Margaritas 430 is highly recommended. This elegant lodge, a 25-minute walk from the city center, offers breathtaking views of the city and the Beagle Channel. Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast included in the price, with the additional option of having breakfast served in the room. This way, you can quietly savor the panoramic mountain view. There is also a shuttle service available from the airport. A double room starts at $133 per night. Since this lodge is also in high demand, it is advisable to book it in advance. For further information about this accommodation and to book the lodge, click on this link.
Traveling with your own van? In the city of Ushuaia, you can park your vehicle in the parking lot to the left of the tourist office. From this location, you have a view of the cruise ships coming and going from the dock. There are toilets available in the tourist office during opening hours. The nights are fairly quiet, as the road is situated a bit higher and hidden behind a wall. Outside Ushuaia, there's also a free campsite by a small river. This area, surrounded by mountains and forests, is beautifully situated. If you prefer a little more tranquility, you can use this location as a base and park your van during the day in the previously mentioned parking area. Look for the "Riverside" spot on iOverlander or use these coordinates: -54.75420, -68.19735. From here, it's about a 15-minute drive to the center.
Traveling to Ushuaia - Flying, Bus, or Personal Transportation
Flying to Ushuaia
Reaching Ushuaia is possible through various means of transportation, depending on your starting point. If you're departing from Buenos Aires or other major cities in Argentina, you can fly directly to Malvinas Argentinas International Airport in Ushuaia. Daily flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia are available. Check current flight times and prices (starting from €96 for a one-way ticket from Buenos Aires) on skyscanner.com.
Traveling by Bus
If you are traveling from Puerto Natales in Chile, the bus is an excellent option. The bus company "Bus-Sur" serves this route, but keep in mind that there is always a transfer in Punta Arenas. Bus tickets are available via busbud or directly from the Bus-Sur-website. Prices for Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas are $12, and for Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, they range from $53 to $66, depending on the departure time. The total travel duration varies between 10 and 12 hours. Don't forget that you cross the border twice, which can cause delays. Since the bus company doesn't have connecting times, an overnight stay in Punta Arenas is necessary, but you can surely enjoy a day there!
Personal Transportation
If you are traveling with personal transportation, the most logical starting point is Punta Arenas. After exploring the magical Torres del Paine, a visit to Ushuaia is highly recommended. The roads are well-maintained and paved, and there are beautiful stopping points for overnight stays along the way. However, keep in mind that you must cross the border twice, which requires extra time.
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