Ushuaia: Travel Guide to the End of the World

Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world, on the shore of the Beagle Channel just 1,000 km from the Antarctic Peninsula. Its name means “bay facing west” in the Yámana language. People come here for the meeting of sea, mountains and sub-Antarctic forest: hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing the Beagle Channel, skiing in winter, and setting off on Antarctic expeditions. This guide covers where Ushuaia is, when to go, what the weather is like and what to see — and when you’re ready to plan, our Ushuaia tours turn it into a trip.

See our Ushuaia Tours

Adventures in the End of the World: Exploring the Wonders of Ushuaia's Untamed Landscapes.

Where is Ushuaia?

Ushuaia lies at latitude 54° South on the main island of Tierra del Fuego, in Argentine Patagonia. It’s the last city before Antarctica and a gateway to the Beagle Channel. You reach it by direct flights from Buenos Aires (about 3.5 hours) and El Calafate, or by road and ferry across the Strait of Magellan.

When to visit Ushuaia

The best time to travel to Ushuaia is the austral spring and summer, November to March, with daylight up to 17 hours and an average around 10 °C. This is the season for Beagle Channel sailings and the Magellanic penguin colony (roughly October–March).

Winter (June–September) brings snow and the ski season at Cerro Castor, the southernmost ski resort in the world. Shoulder months are quieter and cheaper, but some boat services and the penguin colony close.

Ushuaia Hiking Tours

Ushuaia Private Tours

Ushuaia Penguin Tours

Ushuaia Weather

Ushuaia’s climate is cold, windy and changeable year-round, averaging about 6 °C, with sudden rain and snow even in summer. Pack layers, a windproof shell and waterproof footwear whatever the season — the weather can turn within a single day.

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What to see in Ushuaia

The classics

Beagle Channel — sail past sea lion colonies and the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse; the signature Ushuaia experience.
Tierra del Fuego National Park — Lapataia Bay, Roca Lake and coastal trails; the End of the World Train runs to its edge.
Martillo Island penguin colony — a Magellanic colony you can visit by boat from October to March.
Martial Glacier — a short trek above the city with views over the channel.

History and culture

Maritime & Prison Museum — the former Ushuaia prison, now four museums under one roof.
Museum of the End of the World — in the old provincial legislature, a National Historic Monument.
Malvinas Heroes Square and Monument — a memorial to the fallen of the 1982 war.

Nature beyond the city

Laguna Esmeralda — a glacial lagoon reached on a half-day trek through peat bogs.
Lakes and Tolhuin — Escondido and Fagnano lakes on the road north.
Bahía Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve — birdwatching on the edge of town.

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