Argentina
Ushuaia
Ushuaia - At The End of the World
Ushuaia proudly claims the title of the world's southernmost city, nestled between the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains. This remote port city of 80,000 inhabitants serves as gateway to Antarctica, but it's also a remarkable destination in its own right.
Last Update
Oct 29, 2025
Ushuaia proudly claims the title of the world's southernmost city, nestled between the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains. This remote port city of 80,000 inhabitants serves as gateway to Antarctica, but it's also a remarkable destination in its own right. The landscape blends sub-Antarctic forest, alpine peaks, and windswept coastline. From Ushuaia, you can hike through lenga and ñire forests in Tierra del Fuego National Park, cruise past sea lion colonies and penguin rookeries, ride the historic End of the World Train, or simply absorb the profound sense of geographical extremity.
Explore Wild Nature at the World's Most Southernmost City
Beagle Channel Navigation — The classic half-day catamaran tour departs from the tourist dock, sailing past Isla de los Lobos (sea lion colony), Isla de los Pájaros (cormorant rookery), and Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. The maritime scenery is spectacular, with the Martial Mountains rising dramatically behind the city. Full-day tours extend to Martillo Island for penguin encounters.
Tierra del Fuego National Park Hiking — The coastal Senda Costera trail (8 km one-way) follows the Beagle Channel shore through lenga forest, connecting Ensenada Bay to Lapataia Bay, the absolute terminus of the Pan-American Highway. Other excellent trails include Laguna Negra, Cerro Guanaco (summit views), and Pampa Alta.
Penguin Colony at Isla Martillo — Take a zodiac to this private island where over 1,000 Magellanic penguins nest October-March, joined by a smaller Gentoo penguin colony. You'll walk among active burrows and nesting sites—the closest penguin encounter in Argentine Patagonia.
End of the World Train — This narrow-gauge tourist railway follows the route prisoners once used to haul timber for Ushuaia's notorious prison. The 1-hour journey crosses bridges, enters the national park, and stops at a Yámana archaeological site.
Martial Glacier Hike — A chairlift or drive up to the Martial base lodge starts this rewarding 2-3 hour ascent to the glacier cirque. The trail climbs steeply through alpine meadows to permanent snow, with increasingly spectacular views over Ushuaia and the channel.
Sea Kayaking — Paddle the sheltered waters of Lapataia Bay in the national park, a unique perspective on the forested coastline and a chance to spot steamer ducks, kelp geese, and possibly sea otters.
Adventure Activities in Ushuaia
Ushuaia offers unique end-of-the-world adventures beyond standard tours:
Trekking & Mountaineering
Beyond day hikes, serious routes exist:
Cerro Martial summit: Scramble to 1,400m peak
Sierra Alvear traverse: Multi-day trek across mountain range
Winter ascents: Technical mountaineering with ice and snow
Alpine climbing courses: Learn glacier travel and ice climbing
Requires experience and proper equipment
Hire guides for safety
Sea Kayaking on the Beagle Channel
Paddle at the edge of the world:
Half-day tours: Lapataia Bay in Tierra del Fuego National Park (calm waters, forest coastline)
Full-day expeditions: Beagle Channel with sea lion colonies and remote islands
Multi-day trips: Camping on uninhabited islands (for experienced kayakers)
Equipment and wetsuits provided (water is cold year-round!)
Season: October-April
Operators: Ushuaia Extremo, Rumbo Sur
Scuba Diving
Underwater exploration in sub-Antarctic waters:
Kelp forest dives: Explore giant kelp ecosystems
Wreck dives: Historical shipwrecks from 1800s-1900s
Marine life: King crabs, sea stars, octopus, sea lions
Cold water diving: 4-8°C year-round (drysuits required)
Certification required; courses available
Operator: Ushuaia Divers
Mountain Biking
Ride Fuegian trails and roads:
Laguna Esmeralda trail: 18 km round trip through lenga forest to turquoise lake
Valle de Tierra Mayor: Old mining roads with mountain views
Coastal routes: Follow the Beagle Channel shore
Downhill from Martial Glacier: Shuttle up, ride down
Bike rentals in town; guided tours available
Season: November-April
Ice Trekking & Glacier Hiking
Walk on Fuegian glaciers:
Martial Glacier: Easiest access—chairlift up, hike to ice (2-3 hrs)
Vinciguerra Glacier: Full-day technical hike with crampon section
Ojo del Albino: Remote glacial cirque (challenging)
Equipment provided or required depending on route
Season: December-March for easier routes; year-round for technical
Heli-Skiing (Winter)
Ultimate backcountry skiing:
Access untracked terrain via helicopter
Expert guides ensure safety and best snow
Full-day expeditions: Multiple runs in remote mountains
Requires advanced skiing ability
Very expensive but bucket-list experience
Season: July-September
Operator: Ushuaia Blanca
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing (Winter)
Winter wilderness access:
Trails in Tierra del Fuego National Park (groomed and backcountry)
Valle Tierra Mayor circuits: 5-20 km routes
Winter camping trips: Overnight in snow shelters
Equipment rentals available
Guided tours for beginners
Season: June-September
Plan Your Trip
