Tierra del Fuego, southern tip of Argentina · Argentina
The southernmost city in the world, ringed by snow-capped mountains on the Beagle Channel, gateway to Antarctica, penguin islands and the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway.
Photo: Liam Quinn from Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0
Ushuaia, on the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of South America, is widely called the southernmost city in the world, at 54° 48' south, although some tiny settlements in Chile lie further south. It lies at the foot of the Martial Mountains, on the large island of Tierra del Fuego, which is shared by Argentina and Chile, and it was founded in 1884, first as a mission and then as a penal colony. Its former prison, now a museum, is one of its main sights.
The city now lives on tourism, fishing and its role as the main departure port for cruises to Antarctica, which sail from about November to March. A visit here does not need an Antarctic trip, though, since the surroundings are spectacular: boat trips on the Beagle Channel pass sea lions, cormorants and lighthouses, penguin colonies can be visited on Isla Martillo and Estancia Harberton, and Tierra del Fuego National Park offers forest and lake walks and the end of Ruta 3, the road that begins in Buenos Aires.
The climate is cool and changeable even in summer, and the light is long and strong, with sunset after 10pm in December. It is at its best from November to March, and winter offers skiing and quiet. It is a place of dramatic landscapes and the thrill of standing near the end of the world.
Why visit
Ushuaia is a unique destination at the edge of the map, with wildlife and wilderness at its doorstep.
The southernmost city, where the Andes plunge into the sea.
Sea lions, cormorants, lighthouses and mountain views.
Magellanic and Gentoo penguins on Isla Martillo, one of the few places where you can walk among them.
Forests, lakes and coastal paths.
Most Antarctic cruises leave from here.
Main attractions
Most sights are on the water or in the nearby national park.
The strait named after Darwin's ship, with boat trips to sea lion colonies, bird islands and the picturesque red-and-white lighthouse, often called the lighthouse at the end of the world.
Tip Book a morning departure, and dress warmly.
The country's southernmost national park, with coastal trails, southern beech forests, peat bogs and the sign marking the end of Ruta 3, at Lapataia Bay, 3,000 km from Buenos Aires.
Tip Walk the coastal path.
A narrow-gauge steam railway that follows the route once used by prisoners to bring timber, through the national park.
Tip Book in advance.
An island with Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, visited on small-boat tours, and one of the few places where visitors can land and walk among penguins.
Tip Book with a licensed operator, and go from October to March.
The former prison houses museums on the penal colony, maritime history and Antarctic exploration.
Tip Allow a couple of hours.
A short chairlift and walk above the town to a small glacier, with views of the channel.
Tip Go early.
Things to do
Ushuaia is a place for water, walks and a sense of adventure.
See sea lions, seabirds and lighthouses.
Tip Choose a small boat.
A guided landing on Isla Martillo.
Tip Book far ahead.
Coastal and forest trails.
Tip Bring waterproofs.
A steam train through the forest.
Tip Combine with a park visit.
Centolla is a local speciality.
Tip Try it in a local restaurant.
Winter sports at Cerro Castor.
Tip Best from June to September.
Local food
Ushuaia's food is seafood and Patagonian lamb, at high prices.
The sweet meat of the southern king crab, served hot or cold.
Where to try it Seafood restaurants.
Roasted over an open fire.
Where to try it Parrillas.
Hake, trout and mussels.
Where to try it Restaurants on the waterfront.
Local microbreweries.
Where to try it Brewpubs.
Warming after the cold.
Where to try it Cafés.
Accommodation
Stay in the town centre, or in a lodge outside for views.
Transport
Ushuaia is reached by air, or by long road trips through Chile.
The town is small, and tours and taxis reach the sights.
When to go
Ushuaia has a cold, windy, changeable oceanic climate, with cool summers and cold winters.
Long days, mild weather and the busiest season.
Beautiful autumn colours and fewer visitors.
Cold and snowy, with skiing and few visitors.
Cool, with penguins arriving.
Worth planning around: Winter for boat trips and penguins, since services close.
Itinerary
The Beagle Channel, the national park and a day for penguins.
By boat.
Forest and coast.
Isla Martillo.
Travel tips
A few tips help you prepare.
FAQ
Three or four days.
It is widely called so, though small settlements in Chile, such as Puerto Williams, lie further south.
Yes, on Isla Martillo and at Estancia Harberton, from about October to March.
November to March.
Yes, cruises leave from about November to March. Book well ahead.
Yes, particularly for accommodation, food and cruises.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Ushuaia, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Santa Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina
The gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, boat trips to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, ice trekking and Patagonian estancias.
Don't miss Standing on the walkways as a house-sized block of ice breaks away and thunders into the lake.
Explore Destination — El Calafate and the Perito Moreno GlacierSanta Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina
A hiker's paradise in Los Glaciares National Park, with day walks to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre beneath some of the world's most dramatic granite peaks.
Don't miss Reaching Laguna de los Tres at dawn, as the first light turns the Fitz Roy needles orange above the frozen lagoon.
Explore Destination — El Chaltén and Fitz RoyChubut, Atlantic coast of Patagonia, Argentina
One of the best wildlife-watching places in the Americas: whales from June to December, elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, guanacos and, at the right tide, hunting orcas, all in a UNESCO-listed reserve.
Don't miss A southern right whale mother and calf surfacing beside your boat in the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo.
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