Things to See and Do in Ushuaia Argentina

Are you ready to explore the southernmost city in the world? Welcome to Ushuaia, Argentina, a picturesque city with the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen in my life! Located at the tip of South America, Ushuaia is surrounded by stunning Patagonian landscapes, including the snow-capped Andes mountains, glaciers, and the Beagle Channel. Visitors to Ushuaia can explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, embark on Antarctic cruises, hike the Martial Glacier, take a scenic ride on the Train of the End of the World, or take a boat to see the lighthouse at the end of the world and visit some of the local wildlife including sea lions, birds, and penguins. Let me help you explore things to see in Ushuaia Argentina including days tours and port excursions.

Things to Do in Ushuaia Argentina

On our recent antarctica cruise we had the priveledge of visiting Ushuaia Argentina. This was location they call the end of the world is truly one of the most stunning locations I’ve seen in my lifetime, and I’ve been some pretty amazing places. Our family of 8 picked from the list of ushusaia day tours to make the most of our day in port.  Although there are lots of Ushuaia excursions to choose from, we were particularly drawn to vising the Tierra de Fuego National Park and the Beagle Cannal where you can see the famous lighthouse at the end of the world and some of the local wildlife including sea lions.

argentina ushuaia

Ushuaia is often referred to as the “End of the World.” The reason is this city is the farthest southern city on the globe! This charming city is known for its stunning natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and unique wildlife. The official language spoken here is Spanish, and the currency used is the Argentine peso.

To get to Ushuaia, you can fly directly into its airport, Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, from major cities in Argentina such as Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can take a cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia to reach this remote destination.

Ushuaia was officially discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 during his circumnavigation of the globe. Over the years, the city has transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to explore the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, go skiing in the surrounding mountains, or embark on a cruise to Antarctica.

ushuaia day tours

We opted to do one of the tours in Ushuaia offered by Norweigan Crusie Line. We picked the Wildlife Cruise & Tierra del Fuego National Park – the best tour for your first tim ein Ushuaia I think. I’m glad we booked directly through the cruiseline since they changed our itinerary no less than 8 times before our arrival. Since it was booked through them they rebooked it each time. I will say though, there was one port they couldn’ rebook and we had to scramble to find our own shore excursion. The shore excursions booked through the cruiseline are good to make sure you it updates as your ship updates it’s itinerary and to make sure you don’t get left behind if your shores excursion runs late, but they tend to be overpriced. We found this to be particularly true on Norweigan.

Some popular tours in Usuaia include:

• Train to the end of the world which includes a visit to the prison
• Martillo Island penguin colony (Magellenic penguins)
• Active Tierra del Fuego National Park Hike and Canoe Tour or Guided Day Hike to Glacier Ojo del Albino
• Tierra De Fuego National Park AND Beagle Channel

things to see in ushuaia

This tour of Ushuaia has two parts: National Park and Beagle Channel. You are randomly assigned to do part 1 then part 2 or part 2 and then part 1.  We were in port for 7 hours and this excursion took pretty much every second we had. We arrived back with just minutes to spare. I’m so glad we took this trip, the scenery was jaw-dropping. Seriously! Okay, our tour started with the Tierra de Fuego portion.

Tierra De Fuego National Park

In English, it is translated as land of fire. This stunning preserve is located at the southern tip of South America. While we visited the Argentina side, the area is split between Argentina and Chile. This breathtaking natural park was established in 1960 and covers over 243 square miles of pristine wilderness. From dense forests and crystal-clear lakes to snow-capped mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers, Tierra del Fuego National Park has something for everyone. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, beavers, and even the elusive Andean condor.

Tierra Del Fuego, an archipelago on the southern tip of South America, holds a fascinating history behind its name. The explorer Ferdinand Magellan came across this rugged land in 1520 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe. As he navigated the treacherous waters of the Beagle Canal and the Chilean Fjords, he spotted fires burning on the Andes Mountains. These fires were a testament to the indigenous people of the area, who used them to keep warm in the harsh conditions.  The name “Tierra Del Fuego” translates to “land of fire” in Spanish, a fitting tribute to the incredible sight that Magellan witnessed all those years ago. This remote and wild region is now a popular destination for adventurers and nature lovers seeking to explore its unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

tours ushuaia argentina

This national park is highly traveled and very touristy, yet insanely beautiful. You will travel the roads with bus after bus filled with other eager tourists like yourself.  We made several stops for pictures and to enjoy the scenery. The first stop was at Ensenada Zaratiegui where you can enjoy the scenery as you walk along the waters edge.

Pictures just don’t do it justice, it is so beautiful walking along the waters edge.

There is so much to take in, it is hard to do it in a 30 minute stop!

There are port-a-potty bathrooms, but if you can – wait for the restrooms in the visitor center!

You can also mail a postcard from the end of the world post office and even get your passport stamped with end of the world.  The line here gets crazy, so if this is an important stop for you, you need to book it here as soon as the bus stops. You will most likely not have time to really enjoy the rest of the scenery if this is a priority. Also note that you will need to pick up your passport from the cruise (who holds all passports for the Antarctica cruise) if you want it stamped.

tours in ushuaia

Next tops was the Alacush Visitor Center. Go as fast as you can for the restroom, as it will get a super long, out-the-door line. If you have time you can grab an empanada and drink or visit the gift shop. We opted to head outside for the lovely view of the Rio Lapataia in front of the visitor center.

But my favorite stop was in front of this breathtaking Laco Acigami!

Make sure to take everyone’s picture at this quick, picturesque stop! The ligh opened up and the perfect location got even prettier with bright light!

The last stop is at a lovely little loop on a boardwalk at Bahia Lapataia. After a short walk it opens up and is absolutely stuning!

The pictures are pretty, but I still don’t feel like they capture the beauty. Seriously, the prettiest place I’ve ever been!

ushuaia day trips

From here you will catch your catamaran for the second part of your tour. We waited here for a good 30 minutes.

Head to the second deck and stay outside by the railing for breathtaking views as you pull away from Tierra de Fuego National Park.

Enjoy the boat ride and the beautiful scenery all around you! The day we were there was overcast, but as the clouds parted it provided some amazing sights and pictures! Seriously, heaven on Earth!

ushuaia excursions

It was so exciting to spot sea lions basking in the sun on a rock island in the Beagel Channal.  It was picture perfect with the mountains behind them!

We went past Bird Island. Bird Island is home to a wide variety of bird species, including cormorants, albatrosses, and penguins.

We spotted even more sea lions enjoying the warm sun on a rock island. The boat captain made sure everyone could see them and he turned the boat around.

Faro Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse