According to tourists who visited Ushuaia, the must-do activities on a first visit are:
1. Sailing through the Beagle Channel to the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, known as the 'lighthouse at the end of the world.' You can access it by boat from the port and spot sea lions and cormorants.
2. Visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina, ideal for a half-day outing. You can get there by private vehicle or with the End of the World Train.
3. Taking the End of the World Train, the southernmost railway on the planet, which recreates the route of the prisoners and drops you off at the entrance of the National Park.
4. Exploring the Maritime and Presidio Museum, located in the city's former prison, to understand its history, especially on bad weather days. It's accessible on foot from the center.
5. Exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, which marks the end of National Route 3 and offers sub-Antarctic forests and the coast of the Beagle Channel.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Ushuaia are:
1. Sailing the Beagle Channel to spot sea lions, cormorants, and reach the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. It's a classic excursion lasting 2 to 4 hours.
2. Visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, exploring trails and sub-Antarctic forests. It's a highly popular half-day activity.
3. Seeing penguins on Martillo Island, observing colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat during the season from October to April. It's a very popular half-day excursion.
4. Trekking to Emerald Lagoon, a moderately difficult 4 to 5-hour hike to a lagoon with intense green color.
5. Tasting king crab in Puerto Almanza, the southernmost fishing village, a highly popular culinary experience.
From Ushuaia, you can take the following day trips:
1. Tierra del Fuego National Park: 12 km (30 minutes by car), ideal for nature lovers and families, with sub-Antarctic forests and the end of Route 3.
2. Martillo Island: 85 km (1.5 hours by car), to observe colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Hidden and Fagnano Lakes: 100 km (2 hours in a 4x4), to enjoy landscapes of lakes and forests in the interior of Tierra del Fuego, crossing the Garibaldi Pass.
4. Puerto Almanza: 75 km (1.5 hours by car), the southernmost fishing village in the world, ideal for food lovers and seekers of authenticity.
To visit the main attractions of Ushuaia, it is recommended to spend between 4 and 5 days. With 3 days, it's possible to see the essentials like the Beagle Channel, the National Park, and a wildlife excursion or trekking. With 4 to 5 days, you can explore at a more leisurely pace, adding activities like visiting lakes, glaciers, and enjoying local cuisine. A suggested itinerary for 4 days includes: Day 1: Beagle Channel navigation and historic center. Day 2: Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train. Day 3: Wildlife excursion (penguins) or trekking (Emerald Lagoon). Day 4: Hidden and Fagnano Lakes or Martial Glacier. Factors such as the breadth of attractions, the distance between points of interest, the desired travel pace, and the weather can influence the ideal duration of the visit.
The high season is from December to March, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C and long days, but prices can double compared to the low season. The low season is from June to August, with temperatures between -5°C and 5°C, ideal for winter sports but with limited outdoor activities. The ideal season for a good balance between weather, crowds, and prices is from October to November and April, with temperatures between 5°C and 12°C. During these times, prices are 15% to 25% lower than in high season, and in April, there is a chance to see penguins.
Traveling to Ushuaia tends to be expensive due to its remote location. A daily budget for backpackers is around 50-80 USD (including hostel accommodation, budget meals, and public transportation). For a mid-range budget, it is estimated between 100-180 USD (3-star hotel, meals at average restaurants, and main excursions). A comfort budget ranges from 250-400 USD (4-5 star hotel, gourmet meals, and premium activities). Reference costs are: average restaurant meal 10-15 USD, budget meal 5-8 USD, public transportation 1.50 USD, average attraction entry 10-25 USD, budget accommodation per night 15-25 USD, and mid-range accommodation per night 50-100 USD. An example of a budget for 5 days in mid-range mode is 430-880 USD. To save money, it is recommended to travel in low or mid-season, take advantage of free activities, buy meals at supermarkets, and book excursions in advance.
Free attractions in Ushuaia include the waterfront, the city center, and Civic Plaza, as well as the initial trail of the Martial Glacier viewpoint, which offers panoramic views. You can participate in the Free Walking Tour Ushuaia (tip-based) to explore the historic center. Low-cost tours include entry to Tierra del Fuego National Park (approx. 10 USD), the Maritime and Presidio Museum (approx. 8 USD), and the End of the World Train (one way, approx. 25 USD). Affordable alternatives include accessing the National Park on your own, opting for shorter boat trips, or doing self-guided treks like Emerald Lagoon or Martial Glacier. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Free Walking Tour Ushuaia, End of the World Museum, Entry to Tierra del Fuego National Park. See more at https://www.tur.com/es/ushuaia-162.
