Ultimate Guide to Must-See Attractions in Ushuaia, Argentina

On Beagle Channel, surrounded by water, sky, and mountains, Ushuaia, South America, calls itself the End of the World. As the closest city to Antarctica, Ushuaia serves as a crucial hub for Antarctic touring and navigating the Strait of Magellan. Cruise ships frequently dock here, offering visitors a chance to experience its stunning landscapes. Consequently, summer emerges as the best season for trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and sport fishing, alongside astounding tours along the Beagle Canal, Cape Horn, and even the Argentine Antarctica.

Maritime Museum – Museo Maritimo

Gastón Cuello / Creative Commons

Address: Veintiuno de Mayo 45, Valparaíso, Chile

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Phone: +56 32 253 7018

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The museum, housed in a building once used as a presidio for notorious criminals and political prisoners, showcases model ships, archaeological artifacts, and collections that illustrate the history of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.

Wildlife Tours

Ushuaia pier
David Stanley / flickr

Join the Tour De Los Lobos to see sea lions, go on a seasonal trip to the penguin rookery, and visit Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. The tours often include De Los Pájaros Island and Bird Island, rich in various bird species, leading to Martillo Island, where a rookery of Magellanic Penguins can be witnessed during the summer months.

Mare Australis Cruise

Beagle Channel
Geoff Livingston / flickr

The “Via Australis Expedition” cruise replicates the features of the Mare Australis, navigating through the Magellan Strait and Beagle Channel while exploring one of the most pristine areas globally, including Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Options are available for 3 or 4-night excursions from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and vice versa, drawing from September to April.

Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego National Park
David Holt / flickr

Address: RN3 kilómetro 3067, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

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Phone: +54 2901 57-7931

Tierra del Fuego National Park, established in 1960, extends from Lago Fagnano in the north to the Beagle Channel at its southern edge. The park presents abundant opportunities for sports and recreational activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, and hiking, particularly at the picturesque Lapataia Bay.

Tren al Fin del Mundo – Prisoner’s Train

Address: RN3 km 3065, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

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Phone: +54 2901 30-1141

This narrow gauge train, considered the train at the world’s end, was constructed to transport lumber from the forests to Ushuaia for the construction and heating of the penal colony.

Hiking and Fishing in Lago Escondido and Lake Yehuin

Lago Escondido
Anne Dirkse / flickr

Address: Escondido Lake, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

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Hidden Lake, located at the base of Garibaldi Pass, along with Lago Yehuin, provide unmatched views and excellent camping, hiking, and trekking opportunities.

Penguin Rookery and Harberton

Penguin Rookery
Juliane Schultz / flickr

Sailing from Don Eduardo Arturo Brisighelli pier toward Ushuaia Bay and into the Beagle Channel, visitors can explore the Bridges Archipelago, particularly Alicia Island, which hosts a remarkable variety of birds, including the Blue-Eyed Cormorant, Sooty Albatross, and several others.

Estancia Viamonte / Estancia Harberton

Harberton
Liam Quinn / flickr

Address: Estancia Viamonte, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

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Planning a stay allows you to experience working farm life. The oldest Estancia in Tierra del Fuego, built in 1886, overlooks the Beagle Channel and was founded by missionary Thomas Bridges, who received land for his exceptional work with the local indigenous people and in rescuing shipwreck victims.

Ski at Mount Castor

Ski Resort
Scott Markewitz/Getty Images

Mount Castor presents a premier destination for both Nordic and Alpine skiing. Equipped with modern lifts, it features one of the best ski schools in the country, catering to all levels of experience.

Estancia Remolino and Port

Address: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

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This Fueguian ranch, located on the northern coast of the Beagle Channel, is the second oldest. Established in 1898, during General Roca’s presidency, Remolino was granted to the Lawrence family for their cultural contributions among the indigenous population since 1873.

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