The best things to do in Ushuaia, the capital of the end of the world

The best things to do in Ushuaia, the capital of the end of the world

Seven years after our first visit, we return to Tierra del Fuego to rediscover the best things to do in Ushuaia, the capital at the end of the world

There are few places left in the world that still evoke the romance of old world exploration. They evoke nostalgia for a time we never knew; Places we've never been before.

We know their names the way we know Neverland and Narnia: shrouded in legend and lore. Cartagena, Antarctica, the Northwest Passage and the Vinson Massif. Even men sounded better back then: Drake, Amundsen, Livingstone and Shackleton.

Amidst these legendary places there is certainly room for Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of Argentina and the famous “End of the World,” the last gathering of humanity before the wilds of Antarctica.

It is with this sense of awe that we enter Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego, nestled between the Martial Mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to explore the area. While sailing for the Spanish crown in 1520, he happened upon the numerous native fires throughout the country, earning the nickname Tierra del Fuego, or “Land of Fire.”

Daniela Rencelj/ShutterstockAn icy Tierra del Fuego

In reality, Tierra del Fuego is an icy land with changing landscapes. In summer it is clear and crisp; in winter it is heavy and imposing. We have seen it in both seasons and winter is undoubtedly more beautiful. However, if you continue to Antarctica, summer is the only option. In any case, there are many things to do in Ushuaia, the best of which we present below.

The best things to do in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a destination in itself. We spent four days there in the winter of 2015 as part of our trip around the world and returned there in the summer of 2022 on the way to Antarctica. In any case, it's worth stopping for a few days to explore the best activities in and around Ushuaia.

Maritime and Presidio Museum of Ushuaia

This former prison has been converted into the Ushuaia Maritime and Prison Museum. The eerie corridors and cells once housed the country's most notorious criminals, including anarchist Simón Radowitzky and 16-year-old serial killer Cayetano Santos Godino.

Viktoria Prusakova/ShutterstockEerily empty corridors in the Museo Maritimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia

Today the complex has a less bloody purpose. Its separate wings depict various aspects of life in Tierra del Fuego, from naval and air history to modern art. Tickets are not available online and must therefore be purchased on site. (Tip: Take USD with you and exchange it for local currency when you get there, as your money will go much further.)

Plaza Islas Malvinas

We stopped at Plaza Islas Malvinas, a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Falklands War. The Wall of Remembrance contains the names of 649 Argentine soldiers who died in the conflict.

Atlas & BootsThe Plaza Islas Malvinas Memorial offers a place of reflection

The Falkland Islands, which are still claimed by Argentina, are called Las Islas Malvinas. If you are in a political discussion, be sure to use the local name and not the British one.

Tren del Fin de Mundo

The Tren del Fin de Mundo, or End of the World Train, once transported prisoners into the nearby forest to collect wood and stones. Today it transports tourists from Ushuaia to the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego and completes the last 7 km of the prisoners' former journey. The route leads through vast picturesque landscapes, a waterfall, a “tree cemetery” and parts of the Lenga forest.

Pola Damonte/ShutterstockThe charming Tren del Fin de Mundo

The train station is 8 km from Ushuaia, so passengers will need to organize transportation to and from the location. The train is popular with tourists, so book tickets in advance if you don't want to miss your ride.

Passport stamp at the end of the world

The End of the World features one of the coolest passport stamps in the world. Visit the Tourist Office at Prefectura Naval Argentina 470 to have your passport stamped.

alt=“Get your passport stamped in Ushuaia”>Giovanni Zacchini/ShutterstockGet your passport stamped in Ushuaia

Ink pads and stamps are laid out on a surface towards the back and can be used as desired. We traveled to the seventh continent and stamped our passports with both Ushuaia and Antarctica.

Museo del Fin del Mundo

The Museo del Fin del Mundo, also known as the Museum of the End of the World, offers little more than 30-45 minutes of entertainment, but is worth a visit for posterity alone.

alt=“We visited the Museo del Fin del Mundo seven years apart”>Atlas & BootsWe visited the Museo del Fin del Mundo seven years apart

The former bank was built in 1903 and now features exhibits on natural history, bird life, native peoples and early penal colonies. When visiting, be sure to ask about the second section of the museum, which is housed in a different building.

The best activities around Ushuaia

The map below shows the best things to do in and around Ushuaia. Pink pins show landmarks within the city and yellow pins show landmarks nearby.

Les Éclaireurs lighthouse

Les Éclaireurs lighthouse is a short boat ride on the Beagle Channel. The Argentines call it Faro del Fin del Mundo or Lighthouse at the End of the World, not to be confused with the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse on the Isla de los Estados to the east, which was made famous by Jules Verne's novel “The Lighthouse at the End of the World”.

Hernanmetal1980/ShutterstockLes Éclaireurs lighthouse in the Beagle Channel

Esmeralda Lagoon

The 9km hike to Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most popular from Ushuaia. The trail is moderately difficult but traverses extremely muddy terrain, so pack good hiking boots, galoshes and hiking poles if possible. Those who brave the mud will be rewarded with the green glacial waters of Laguna Esmeralda, snow-capped mountains and dense virgin forests.

Filip Fuxa/ShutterstockThe glacier green waters of Laguna Esmeralda

The starting point is a few kilometers northeast of Ushuaia. You can take a shuttle or taxi to the trailhead to hike independently, or book a guided tour. Note that you cannot access the trail after 3:00 p.m. in spring/summer or 1:00 p.m. in fall/winter, so plan accordingly.

Isla Martillo (Penguin Island)

At nearby Isla Martillo, or Penguin Island, visitors can walk among penguins. Unfortunately we didn't visit the island ourselves as it was closed on our first visit. The second time we were on our way to Antarctica and wanted to see a lot of penguins anyway. Viator offers a number of well-reviewed tours (see below), so we recommend booking one of them.

alt="On Isla Martillo, visitors can walk among penguins">Smileyunita/ShutterstockOn Isla Martillo, visitors can walk among penguins

Glacier hiking

Glacier Martial and Glacier Vinciguerra are both accessible by day hikes from Ushuaia. The starting point for the first trail is a few kilometers north of Ushuaia and is easily accessible by road (book a taxi or minibus for the return trip).

CC; Shutterstock

Martial Glacier (left) and Vinciguerra Glacier (right)

The Martial Glacier Trail itself is 6km long, but you can skip some of the climbing by opting for a chairlift. The glacier itself doesn't rival Perito Moreno - especially in summer - but it offers scenic views of Ushuaia opposite and the Beagle Channel.

The Vinciguerra Glacier Trail is deeper in the mountains and longer, harder and muddier, but hikers are rewarded with arguably more beautiful views.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Finally, don't miss the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park). The departing bus companies are just a few minutes from the tourist office, but if you arrange the trip in advance they can pick you up from your hotel.

In Tierra del Fuego National Park we found the isolation we expected, both desolate and beautiful in its snowy splendor. With sweeping panoramas of mountains echoing in the still winter air, the park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ushuaia.

After a hike lasting several hours, we rounded off our visit with a warm drink by the open fire. What better way to spend your last day at the end of civilization?

Things to do in Ushuaia: The essentials

What: Things to do in Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina.

Where: We stayed at a charming bed and breakfast called Mysten Kepen, eight minutes from the city center. The hosts Rosario and Roberto are incredibly warm and welcoming (speaking only Spanish) and provide an excellent breakfast in the morning. The rooms are cozy and comfortable with reliable hot water – much needed in the winter cold. High-end hotels lie further out of town, but apartments at Ushuaia Drake Departamentos are centrally located and well-rated.

When: We were there for the first time at the end of May, when the first snow fell on the ground. It was beautiful, but there are more things to do outside of the southern winter.

November to March is best for hiking and penguin visits, mid-November to mid-April for fly fishing, and July to September for skiing, snowboarding and dog sledding. Most Antarctic expeditions take place from November to March.

How: You can reach Ushuaia by bus from El Chaltén and El Calafate (via Rio Gallegos) in Argentina (see Taqsa Patagonia for schedules and prices). Buses also run from Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas in Chile (see Buses Pacheco). Domestic flights are also available. Book via skyscanner.net.

Cover image: Ondrej Bucek/Shutterstock

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