23 Amazing Things to Do in Ushuaia: World’s Southernmost City Guide 2025

Welcome to “El Fin del Mundo” – the End of the World! Ushuaia stands as the world’s southernmost city and offers much more than just a gateway to Antarctica.

The Beagle Channel teems with thousands of Magellanic Cormorants, while the 9-kilometer Laguna Esmeralda trail beckons hikers. This compact, walkable city packs adventure at every turn. The End of the World Train winds through breathtaking landscapes, and local restaurants serve the freshest king crab. We experienced these adventures ourselves.

This piece covers the best activities in Ushuaia, blending natural wonders, cultural spots, and outdoor adventures. The city sits perfectly between the Martial Mountains and Ushuaia’s Bay. You’ll quickly see why this remarkable spot at Argentina’s tip deserves a longer stay than just a quick Antarctic stopover.

Cruise the Beagle Channel

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A cruise through the historic Beagle Channel stands out as one of Ushuaia’s most breathtaking activities. This remarkable waterway, first found in 1830, creates an unmatched experience between Argentina and Chile.

Beagle Channel Cruise Options

These waters welcome three different types of vessels, each creating its own special atmosphere. Catamarans give you stability and comfort with spacious viewing decks and cozy indoor seating. Yachts create a more personal setting with smaller groups that let you get closer to wildlife. Thrill-seekers will love Zodiac boats that bring you right next to the water and carry about 10 passengers.

Beagle Channel Wildlife Spotting

Marine life flourishes in the channel year-round. Southern right whales, orcas, and humpback whales grace these waters from May to October. Sea lions sprawl on rocky outcrops at Isla de los Lobos, while thousands of cormorants make their home on Isla de los Pájaros. Martillo Island becomes a haven for both Magellanic and Gentoo penguins during summer months.

Beagle Channel Photography Tips

The best photos come during golden hour – right after sunrise or before sunset. Your camera’s shutter speed should stay at 1/500 second or higher to capture crisp images from the moving vessel. Let your guide know about your photography interests to get prime spots, especially near the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse that has stood since 1919.

Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park

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Learning about Tierra del Fuego National Park proves nature’s raw beauty at the world’s end. The remarkable park sits just 17 kilometers from downtown Ushuaia and protects 68,909 hectares of unique marine, forest, and mountain environments.

Park Hiking Trails

Ten marked hiking trails welcome visitors of all skill levels. The Beacon Trail gives beginners a peaceful 30-minute walk through coastal forests and beaver farms. Experienced hikers can take on the challenging Cerro Guanaco Trail, a 4-kilometer route with panoramic views of the Beagle Channel. Most visitors choose the Coastal Trail, an 8-kilometer experience that shows off stunning shoreline views.

Park Entry and Fees

Park entrance fees for 2025 are:

• General visitors: 40,000 pesos
• Argentine residents: 12,000 pesos
• Provincial residents: 5,000 pesos

Visitors can get promotional passes that include a 50% discount on the second consecutive day.

Best Time to Visit the Park

The best time to visit is between November and March. Trails stay snow-free and temperatures remain mild during these months. In spite of that, pack for unpredictable weather – the region often shows four seasons in a single day. The park welcomes visitors from 8:30 AM to 9 PM daily, including holidays.

Walk with Penguins on Martillo Island

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Martillo Island’s penguin encounters rank among Ushuaia’s most extraordinary experiences. The island sits 90 kilometers from the city and serves as home to almost a thousand penguin nests.

Penguin Tour Options

Piratour exclusively operates walking tours on the island. Their guides lead hour-long walks that let visitors watch penguins in their natural habitat. Other companies run boat tours around the island’s perimeter. Budget travelers can choose Terramar Tours’ twice-daily trips at 9 AM and 3 PM.

Best Time for Penguin Watching

November through February provides the best viewing opportunities with peak penguin populations. The breeding season runs from October to April, and Magellanic penguins return to their same nests and mates each year. Some Gentoo penguins make the island their permanent home throughout the year.

Penguin Species You’ll See

Three distinct penguin species inhabit Martillo Island:

• Magellanic Penguins: Black masks cross their faces with wide black throat bands
• Gentoo Penguins: Orange-red beaks, feet, and white eye patches make them distinctive
• King Penguins: These rare visitors display gray-white plumage and orange chest patches

Tour spots fill quickly during peak season, so booking 5-6 months ahead is significant. The island’s natural setting creates perfect photo opportunities and memorable encounters with these amazing creatures.

Ride the End of the World Train

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The Southern Fuegian Railway, known as the End of the World Train, is proof of Ushuaia’s rich history. This heritage railway runs as the world’s southernmost functioning train system.

Train Route Highlights

The train travels 7 kilometers through stunning landscapes. The journey starts from the End of the World station, 8 kilometers west of Ushuaia, and crosses the historic Puente Quemado (Burnt Bridge). Passengers can stop at La Macarena Station to enjoy panoramic views before reaching the tree cemetery – a stark reminder of the prison-era logging operations.

Train Ticket Prices

You can choose from three service classes:

Class	Features	Price (Jan-Apr 2025)
Tourist	Standard seating	ARS 68,000
Premium	Priority boarding, meals	ARS 155,000
VIP	Enhanced service	Custom pricing

Kids under three ride free, and children aged 4-12 get half-price tickets.

Train Schedule and Booking

The train runs daily throughout the year with departures at 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. A complete round trip takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. You should book in advance, especially during peak season. You can buy tickets through the official website or authorized travel agencies. Note that you’ll need to purchase the national park entrance fee separately before boarding.

Hike to Martial Glacier

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The Martial Glacier trek sits just 7 kilometers from downtown Ushuaia and rewards hikers with stunning views of the Beagle Channel and the city below.

Martial Glacier Trail Guide

Your experience starts at the Mountain Center, 315 meters above sea level. Hikers can pick between two paths: the main ski slope or the forest route along the Buena Esperanza stream. The forest trail extends 1,500 meters, while the ski slope runs a shorter 1,300 meters. The path to the glacier zigzags through rocky terrain from the upper platform for another 1,600 meters and reaches 825 meters in elevation.

Martial Glacier Difficulty Level

The trek welcomes families who come prepared, despite its challenging rating. The forest section at the start offers a moderate climb as the path follows natural switchbacks. You’ll need proper hiking boots for the final approach because of loose rocks and steeper terrain. Most hikers complete the round trip in three hours.

What to Pack

These items are vital to a safe trek:

• Waterproof hiking boots and warm socks
• Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket)
• Water bottle and trail snacks
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Trekking poles (available for rent at the base)

Winter visitors should pack crampons, which they can rent at the base tea house. The weather changes faster here, so extra layers are needed throughout the year.

Take a Helicopter Tour

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Helicopter tours give you breathtaking views of Ushuaia’s dramatic landscapes from above. HeliUshuaia leads these aerial adventures that showcase the region’s stunning beauty.

Helicopter Tour Routes

The company runs three different flight paths based on visitor priorities. The 7-minute Ushuaia Scenic Tour takes you around the Beagle Channel and city center. The 15-minute Emerald Lagoon tour explores the Olivia River Valley. You’ll see the impressive Mount Cinco Hermanos and emerald-colored glacial waters. The 30-minute Andes Landing experience lets you touch down in the mountain range and enjoy a champagne toast.

Helicopter Tour Pricing

Each tour’s price reflects its length and features:

Tour Type	Duration	Price (USD)
City Scenic	7 min	150
Emerald Lagoon	15 min	270
Andes Landing	30 min	470

Best Photo Opportunities

These flights offer amazing chances to capture perfect shots during your trip. Early morning light brings out Mount Olivia’s peaks beautifully at 1,326 meters high. The helicopter’s path over Carbajal Valley reveals ancient peat bogs creating fascinating patterns below. You’ll get your best shots while passing the Martial Glacier, downtown area, and port where Antarctic vessels dock regularly.

The Robinson 44 Raven I helicopter carries one pilot and three passengers on each flight. Each passenger must weigh less than 264 lbs (120 kg). Tours take off from Luis Pedro Fique N° 119, weather permitting.

Visit the Maritime Museum

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The Maritime Museum complex sits inside Ushuaia’s former prison and includes four distinct museums under one historic roof.

Museum Exhibits

Scale models and artifacts tell the story of Tierra del Fuego’s rich nautical heritage in the Maritime Museum. Visitors can explore exhibits about Magellan’s findings, Yagán people’s customs, and gold prospector legends. The Antarctic Museum features an extensive collection of expedition ship models. The Marine Art Museum showcases works from renowned artists since 1880, including pieces by Berni, Soldi, and Quinquela Martín.

Museum History

The Argentine Navy approved the prison’s conversion into a museum in 1994. A private collection of ship models and maps grew into this cultural landmark. The prison served from 1896 to 1947 and held famous inmates like Cayetano Santos Godino and political prisoners of the 1930s.

Admission Information

Current admission prices as of October 2024 are:

Category	Price (USD)
Adults	40.00
Students (with ID)	28.00
Family Ticket	100.00

Each ticket gives you access for two consecutive days. Spanish guided tours run daily at 11:30 AM, 4:30 PM, and 6:30 PM. The museum welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 7:30 PM. Visitors can use audio guides in multiple languages, ramps, elevators, and Braille signage throughout the facility.

Explore Lake Escondido

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Hidden in the Andean peaks, Lake Escondido truly earns its name as Ushuaia’s “hidden lake.” The lake’s crystal-clear waters are surrounded by rugged mountains and pristine forests.

Lake Activities

These glacial waters create perfect conditions for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can walk along wooden docks that stretch into the lake and explore interpretive trails. The area has active beaver dams and abundant native wildlife, along with dense forests of southern beech trees.

Getting to Lake Escondido

The lake is 37 miles from Ushuaia and you can reach it through National Route 3. The route passes through the Olivia River valley and the Five Brothers mountain range before ending up at Garibaldi Pass. Winter access is limited from May to October, unlike the summer months.

Tour Options

Tours run daily from October to May, with these popular choices:

Tour Type	Duration	Features
Classic Lake Tour	7 hours	Valley views, photo stops
4×4 Adventure	Full day	Off-road trails, lunch included
Combined Lakes	9 hours	Has Lake Fagnano

Tours start at 9:00 AM and return by 4:00 PM. Most tours stop at Garibaldi Pass viewpoint, which gives panoramic views of Lake Escondido and surrounding mountains. The area has cafeterias that serve snacks and traditional mountain coffee.

Try Local Cuisine

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You can savor local cuisine in Ushuaia, where fresh seafood meets traditional Patagonian flavors.

Best Seafood Restaurants

Kaupé Restaurant’s spectacular harbor views complement their famous king crab dishes and black hake specialties. El Viejo Marino attracts locals with competitive prices and fresh spider crab dishes. María Lola Restó creates amazing Fuegian trout risotto by combining local ingredients with modern cooking techniques.

Local Delicacies

King Crab (Centolla) remains the region’s signature dish, served steamed or grilled with garlic butter. The Fuegian lamb (Cordero Fueguino) has a unique flavor because it feeds on natural grass in harsh conditions. Local chefs prepare Fuegian trout grilled, smoked, or wrapped in bacon after catching it fresh from nearby waters.

Restaurant Recommendations

Restaurant	Specialty	Price Range
Kaupe	Seafood tasting menu	$$$$
La Estancia	Grilled Fuegian lamb	$$ – $$$
Maria Lola	Seafood risotto	$$ – $$$ [371]

Tante Sara sits away from the tourist center and serves various king crab dishes that give you an authentic experience. Chez Manu blends French techniques with Patagonian ingredients to create unique fusion dishes. You should book your table in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Go Dog Sledding

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Dog sledding behind powerful huskies through snowy trails creates an unforgettable winter adventure in Ushuaia.

Dog Sledding Tours

Your adventure starts in Tierra Mayor Valley where expert guides take you through ancient forest trails. A typical excursion has:

Tour Type	Duration	Features
Standard Tour	1.2 km	8-10 minutes sledding
Half-Day Adventure	3 hours	Includes transfers, snacks
Evening Experience	5 hours	Dinner, live music

Season and Availability

Winter months are prime time for these tours, with peak season from June through September. Groups stay small with 12-15 travelers to ensure customized attention. Booking ahead is vital since tours fill up fast.

What to Expect

Siberian and Alaskan Huskies power your sled, chosen specifically for their strength and ability to handle cold weather. Your trip begins with a Polar museum visit while guides get the sleds ready. You’ll end up racing through lenga forests and warm up with hot chocolate at the mountain shelter afterward. Evening tours feature a torch-lit path that takes you to a rustic dinner with local specialties and mulled wine.

Visit the End of the World Sign

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The iconic End of the World sign stands near Ushuaia’s port, drawing travelers who want to capture their southernmost adventure.

Photo Opportunities

The sign’s location provides amazing views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountains. Soft morning light bathes the “Fin del Mundo” lettering and creates perfect photo conditions. Natural scenery contrasts with the sign’s bright colors to create unforgettable photo moments.

Location Details

You’ll find the sign at the corner of Maupu and Pres. Julio Argentino Roca, right before Tierra del Fuego National Park’s entrance. Several ways lead you there:

Transport Method	Duration	Details
Walking	30 minutes	From city center
Bus Line 5	15 minutes	Regular service
Taxi	10 minutes	Direct route

Best Time to Visit

You can avoid crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon. Cruise ship arrivals bring peak traffic, so check port schedules before your visit. Winter visits give you a chance to capture stunning photos with snow-capped mountains behind the sign.

This landmark means more than just a photo opportunity – it captures Ushuaia’s spirit of adventure and exploration. Parking spots are available nearby, making it easy to reach by car. Busses connect the city center to the sign every 30 minutes for those who prefer public transport.

Take a Beaver Watching Tour

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A trip to Valle Hermoso lets you witness one of Ushuaia’s most fascinating wildlife experiences – beaver watching. These night-active engineers started with just 20 pairs in 1946 and their population now exceeds 100,000.

Beaver Habitats

Valle Hermoso serves as the perfect home for these night-loving creatures. The area’s vast wetlands show how beavers have changed the landscape with their dam-building skills. Their remarkable engineering work created a network of ponds and changed rivers. This transformation costs Argentina’s ecosystem about USD 66 million each year in damage.

Tour Options

Experience	Duration	Features
Evening Tour	4 hours	Guide, transport, dinner
Twilight Walk	5 hours	Refuge visit, 3-course meal
Photo Tour	4 hours	Equipment, rubber boots

Tours start from Ushuaia hotels and head to Valle Tierra Mayor. You’ll take a guided walk through peat and forest ecosystems that leads to active beaver homes called ‘castoreras’.

Best Viewing Times

Tours run by season since beaver colonies don’t move much in winter when their homes freeze. The best time to spot these animals is during twilight hours when they come out to fix their dams and look for food. Groups stay small with no more than 15 visitors to avoid disturbing these amazing creatures.

Explore Local Craft Breweries

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The craft beer culture at the world’s southernmost breweries adds a special flavor to Ushuaia’s adventures. The city’s brewing tradition blends glacial water from Martial Glacier with Patagonian hops to create distinctive local brews.

Top Breweries

The merger of Beagle and Cape Horn breweries created Cervecería Beagle, which now stands as the world’s southernmost brewery. Their facility combines traditional brewing processes with pure glacial water to craft signature varieties like pale ale, red ale, and cream stout. MakShima Craft Beer welcomes visitors with stunning mountain views and serves as a favorite spot for hikers to unwind.

Beer Tasting Tours

Beer tours bring Ushuaia’s brewing heritage to life through guided tastings. We explored popular bars that showcase craft beer and gin made with native Argentine botanicals. These tours pair drinks with local delicacies like smoked trout and mussel tostones to highlight regional flavors.

Local Beer Types

Ushuaia’s breweries craft these distinctive varieties:

Beer Type	Characteristics	Brewery
Triple IPA	Strong, aromatic	Beagle
Honey Ale	Sweet, smooth	Cape Horn
Brown Ale	Rich, malty	Beagle
Wheat Beer	Light, refreshing	Cape Horn

The breweries ended up maintaining quality through careful selection of ingredients, using European ale yeast and Belgian malt. Beagle Brewery’s steadfast dedication to quality earned them the Tierra del Fuego Certified Seal of Quality in 2012.

Hike to Laguna Esmeralda

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The trail to Laguna Esmeralda stands out as one of Ushuaia’s best hikes, showcasing an ancient emerald green glacial cirque with breathtaking mountain views.

Trail Description

This 5.4-mile out-and-back trip takes you through four distinct landscapes. You’ll wind through a logged lenga forest from the mid-20th century that opens into the Carbajal-Tierra valley, which holds one of South America’s largest peatbogs. The path leads through pristine forest before climbing to the turquoise lake, where Glaciar Albino and Las Torres peaks create a stunning backdrop.

Hiking Difficulty

The trail presents a moderate challenge with a 158-meter elevation gain. The terrain can be tricky, especially when you have extensive mud sections and peat bogs to cross. Most hikers need about 2 hours each way, though experienced trekkers often move faster. Wooden boardwalks protect both hikers and the fragile peat bog ecosystem.

Required Equipment

To stay safe on the trail, bring:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Thermal underwear and trekking pants
• Windbreaker jacket
• Inner polar gloves and waterproof outer gloves
• Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
• Refillable water bottle

Regular minivan transfers run from Ushuaia’s main bus station to the trailhead, located 20 kilometers northeast of the city. The return trip moves quicker, giving you time to soak in Tierra del Fuego’s remarkable landscapes.

Visit the Galeria Tematica

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The Galería Temática Historia Fueguina provides a unique experience through Ushuaia’s rich history across three levels of interactive exhibits.

Museum Highlights

The museum features 36 carefully crafted scenes that show the region’s progress. We created life-size wax figures with 120 characters to represent various historical groups and their survival methods. The exhibits tell stories of indigenous yamanas, selknam, onas, and haush communities, among the arrival of European settlers.

Exhibition Details

The chronological displays capture important moments, from Darwin’s expedition to Shackleton’s Antarctic adventures. A special section celebrates the Beagle Channel’s discovery and navigation challenges. The museum’s audio guides in multiple languages improve the storytelling experience.

Visitor Information

Category	Details
Hours	Tuesday-Sunday, 1 PM to 9 PM
Location	Av. San Martín 152
Contact	+54 2901 43-6353

Visitors should plan to spend one to two hours at the museum. They can join guided tours and take photos throughout the exhibits. The museum’s convenient location on the main street makes it easy to reach from downtown Ushuaia.

Go Skiing at Cerro Castor

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Cerro Castor, Argentina’s newest ski destination, welcomes winter sports enthusiasts with pristine slopes and modern amenities. The remarkable resort sits just 26 kilometers from Ushuaia and holds the distinction of being the world’s southernmost ski center.

Ski Resort Facilities

The resort’s 1,600 acres of skiable terrain features 35 marked trails that match every skill level. The terrain distribution works well for skiers of all abilities with 31% beginner runs, 14% intermediate runs, 38% advanced runs, and 17% expert runs. A network of 5 quad chairlifts, 3 teleski, and 4 magic carpets can transport 7,000 skiers every hour.

Lift Passes

The 2024-2025 season comes with flexible pricing based on peak and off-peak periods:

Season	Adult Day Pass	Teen Pass
Peak	87,000 ARS	60,900 ARS
Low	61,800 ARS	43,200 ARS

Multi-day passes help visitors save money, while seniors over 70 and children under 4 ski free. Season passes give the best value to frequent visitors.

Equipment Rental

Three rental locations at the resort offer 1,800 complete sets of top-quality equipment. Visitors can pick from several gear categories:

• High-end and premium equipment
• Carving and junior skis
• Snowboards and cross-country gear

Rental facilities serve guests from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Peak season visitors should book their equipment online ahead of time.

Shop at Local Markets

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A walk through Ushuaia’s bustling markets shows you the heart of local culture and craftsmanship.

Market Locations

The Paseo de los Artesanos has been a local landmark for over 20 years with its 48 stalls in a covered gallery near the port. San Martin Street stands as the city’s commercial center and features shops of all types. You’ll find the Ushuaia Street Market in the city center, where weekend shoppers enjoy live music performances.

Local Crafts

These markets showcase distinctive items made from regional materials:

• Jewelry that features Patagonian stones and glacial ice in resin
• Handmade woolen items from local sheep and alpaca fibers
• Indigenous crafts that reflect Selk’nam and Yámana heritage

The Paseo de los Artesanos displays unique creations:

Popular Items	Materials Used
Flora representations	Lenga wood
Hain masks	Traditional materials
Custom pet art	Various mediums

Shopping Tips

You should visit early during cruise ship days to avoid the crowds. The Paseo de los Artesanos has better prices than downtown shops. Most stalls take credit cards, and your purchases help support over 50 local families directly.

Summer brings the Feria Artesanal de Ushuaia, where local artisans gather to showcase their paintings, sculptures, and traditional food. Food lovers can find chocolate and specialty shops with the Tierra del Fuego Seal of Quality that ended up becoming local favorites.

Take a Photography Tour

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Taking photos of Ushuaia’s dramatic landscapes with expert guides is one of the best experiences in this southernmost city.

Best Photo Spots

The Southern Beech Forest creates stunning compositions along the Beagle Channel. Photographers love Mirador Lago Acigami’s panoramic harbor views at dawn, and the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse makes iconic shots. The cold climate’s clean air gives photos exceptional clarity.

Camera Settings

These technical settings work best in Ushuaia’s unique environment:

• Shutter speed: 1/500 second minimum to keep images sharp
• Heavy tripod to handle the wind
• Polarizing filter to manage snow reflections

Tour Options

Photography tours fit different skill levels and interests:

Experience	Duration	Features
National Park	6 hours	Forest ecosystems, wildlife
Emerald Lagoon	6 hours	Glacial valleys, landscapes
Fuegian Lakes	6+ hours	Lake vistas, mountain views

Morning tours ended up giving the best light to capture the city’s dramatic mountain backdrop. The weather changes faster here, often showing all four seasons in one day, which creates amazing photo opportunities. Private tours are a great way to get specialized guidance with custom routes that match your interests, whether you love wildlife or landscape photography.

Visit the Prison Museum

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Ushuaia’s historic prison complex tells a fascinating chapter of Argentina’s penal history.

Prison History

The Military Prison story started in 1902 with the construction of the “National Presidio” by convict labor and reached completion in 1920. The facility grew beyond its original design of 386 single-person cells to house over 600 convicts. Inmates played a vital role in Ushuaia’s development through their work across 30 distinct sectors.

Museum Exhibits

The exhibits highlight notorious inmates who left their mark on the prison’s legacy. Visitors can discover the stories of Mateo Banks, known as “the mystic,” and Cayetano Santos Godino, nicknamed “petiso orejudo”. The “Multiple Rotunda,” a central hall, became a versatile space that hosted conferences and movie screenings.

Guided Tours

Tour Type	Schedule	Language
Standard	11:30 AM	Spanish
Afternoon	4:30 PM	Spanish
Evening	6:30 PM	Spanish

The facility welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with last entry at 7:30 PM. Preservation efforts allow guests to walk through narrow corridors and look into cells that showcase the austere conditions of this former penal colony. President Juan Domingo Perón’s decree closed the prison in 1947, transferring it to the Ministry of the Navy.

Go Winter Sports

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Snow blankets Ushuaia in winter and turns it into an exciting playground for cold-weather adventures. Winter temperatures stay between -1°C to 5°C, making it perfect for snow activities.

Available Activities

Eight winter centers in Ushuaia give you plenty of options for fun in the snow. You can explore pristine valleys through cross-country skiing at places like Tierra Mayor and Las Cotorras. The snowshoeing trails take you through ancient forests where you’ll get amazing views of the snow-covered terrain. Natural lakes and artificial rinks at these centers let you try ice skating too.

Equipment Rental

Local rental shops stock all the winter gear you’ll need. Three main rental spots have 1,800 complete sets of equipment ready to go. Here’s what you’ll pay for a standard rental package:

Equipment Type	Daily Rate (USD)
Junior Set	<citation index=”64″ link=”https://www.interpatagonia.com/castor/alquiler_i.html” similar_text=”Equipment rental rates 2024
Standard Set	<citation index=”64″ link=”https://www.interpatagonia.com/castor/alquiler_i.html” similar_text=”Equipment rental rates 2024
High Range Set	<citation index=”64″ link=”https://www.interpatagonia.com/castor/alquiler_i.html” similar_text=”Equipment rental rates 2024

Season Information

The best time to visit is from June through October, with July and August having the best snow conditions. You’ll get about 7 hours of daylight each day. Some days can get quite cold, dropping below -10°C, so warm clothing is a must. The Valley of Tierra Mayor is the main spot for winter activities and works great for both beginners and experts.

Experience Local Culture

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Ushuaia’s vibrant cultural scene reveals the authentic spirit of this remarkable city.

Cultural Events

The city comes alive with distinctive festivals that celebrate its heritage year-round. A 10-day celebration known as the Longest Night Festival lights up the city around June 21st with famous artists and gastronomic shows. The Winter Festival marks the start of snow season with spectacular torch descents, artistic performances, and local cuisine. Artists turn blocks from Khami lagoon into masterpieces during the July Ice Sculpture Event. The Snow Sculpture Festival brings international artists who craft impressive 2.40-meter snow blocks each August.

Meeting Locals

Real connections with Ushuaia’s residents give visitors genuine insights into daily life. The local population has expanded dramatically from 5,000 to 60,000 residents over the last 50 years. Warm and welcoming locals share their crafts and traditions through various cultural exchange programs.

Traditional Activities

Specialized workshops let visitors experience the city’s culture hands-on. These engaging options include:

Activity Type	Features	Location
Ceramics	Traditional techniques	Cultural centers
Weaving	Local materials	Art studios
Cooking	Patagonian cuisine	Local homes

Visitors can join community events where residents share their cultural stories. Paseo del Centenario park serves as a peaceful backdrop where people learn about Ushuaia’s history through monuments that represent different cultures of Tierra del Fuego.

Take a Cooking Class

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Taking a traditional Patagonian cooking class is one of the most unique things to do in Ushuaia.

Cooking Schools

Two main institutions teach culinary skills in Ushuaia. The Cultural Circuit program helps visitors learn local gastronomy through hands-on experiences. Diana welcomes students into her home kitchen where she shares her life as an artisanal fisherwoman and her deep connection with nature.

Local Recipes

Students learn authentic Fuegian dishes using regional ingredients. The classes teach how to make traditional empanadas with vegetable, seafood, or lamb fillings. Each recipe features local seasonings:

• Canelo pepper
• Tierra del Fuego sea salts
• Rhubarb and salicorn

Class Options

Experience Type	Duration	Features
Standard Class	3+ hours	Empanada making
Masterclass	5 hours	Spider crab preparation
Cultural Circuit	Full day	Multi-course menu

The workshops adapt to different priorities with TACC-free and vegan options. Classes conclude with a shared meal that features student-prepared dishes like lamb casserole, wild trout, and red fruit cake. Small groups of 12-15 participants ensure each student gets customized attention during these culinary adventures.

Visit Harberton Ranch

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Harberton Ranch, founded in 1886, stands as Tierra del Fuego’s first productive enterprise. Fifth and sixth-generation family members now manage this National Historic Monument, which earned its designation in 1999.

Ranch History

The estate’s story started after the Argentine National Congress granted land to Thomas Bridges. This recognition came from his 30 years of service. The property’s name changed from DownEast to Harberton, inspired by his wife Mary Ann Varder’s Devon birthplace. The ranch became vital to establishing Argentine sovereignty along the Beagle Channel.

Activities Available

Visitors can explore the homestead through guided walking tours. The Acatushun Museum houses an impressive marine life collection with over 2,800 mammal and 2,300 bird specimens. The Historical Museum showcases family treasures, including the wedding dress worn during Tierra del Fuego’s first European marriage.

Experience	Features	Duration
Homestead Tour	Historical buildings, gardens	1 hour
Museum Visit	Marine specimens, artifacts	2 hours
Tea House	Traditional recipes, channel views	Flexible

Getting There

The ranch sits 84 kilometers from Ushuaia. Visitors have several travel options:

• Private vehicle: 2-hour drive along Route 3 and Route J
• Taxi service: Available from Ushuaia, costing €22-27
• Organized tours: Including transfers and guided experiences

Visitors can experience this unique piece of pioneering heritage from October 15 to March 31.

Comparison Table

Activity	Distance from City	Duration	Best Season	Price Range (2025)	Key Features
Cruise the Beagle Channel	Departs from port	3-4 hours	May-October	Not mentioned	Rich wildlife sightings, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, sea lion colonies
Tierra del Fuego National Park	17 km	Full day	Nov-March	40,000 pesos	Scenic marked trails, stunning coastal views, natural beaver habitats
Walk with Penguins	90 km	1 hour	Nov-Feb	Not mentioned	Three native penguin species, expert-led walks, active breeding grounds
End of the World Train	8 km	1h 50min	Year-round	68,000-155,000 pesos	Historic railway journey, lush forest scenery, rich prison heritage
Martial Glacier	7 km	3 hours	Year-round	Not mentioned	Challenging 825m climb, dense forest paths, panoramic city vistas
Helicopter Tour	Departs from city	7-30 min	Not mentioned	$150-470 USD	Diverse route choices, spectacular mountain panoramas, photo opportunities
Maritime Museum	City center	2 hours	Year-round	$40 USD	Rich naval heritage, historical artifacts, expert-led tours
Lake Escondido	37 miles	7-9 hours	Oct-May	Not mentioned	Crystal glacial waters, natural beaver habitats, rustic wooden platforms
Cerro Castor	26 km	Full day	Winter	61,800-87,000 pesos	Extensive trail network, vast terrain, state-of-the-art lift system
Prison Museum	City center	2-3 hours	Year-round	Not mentioned	Preserved historic cells, knowledgeable guides, fascinating inmate tales
Harberton Ranch	84 km	Full day	Oct 15-Mar 31	Not mentioned	Engaging marine exhibits, preserved historic structures, charming tea house

Conclusion

Ushuaia is more than just the world’s southernmost city – it’s a destination packed with amazing experiences for travelers of all types. My trip to this captivating region revealed endless adventures, from sailing the historic Beagle Channel to hiking pristine glaciers.

Nature lovers will definitely enjoy close encounters with wildlife. They can watch penguins waddle across Martillo Island or spot sea lions along rocky shores. Thrill-seekers find their excitement on Cerro Castor’s ski slopes or during breathtaking helicopter rides above the Andes.

The city’s Maritime Museum, Prison Museum, and traditional cooking classes add rich cultural depth to any visit. Local markets and craft breweries give visitors a real taste of Fuegian life, while Harberton Ranch’s historic sites tell fascinating stories of the region’s pioneers.

Ushuaia’s magic comes from its power to create unforgettable moments year-round. Summer days stretch long for hiking and wildlife watching. Winter turns the scene into a snow-covered playground that’s perfect for skiing and dog sledding. This amazing city at the world’s end shows that remote places often give us the most rewarding experiences.