Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Ushuaia
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End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)
Celebrate your visit to the world’s southernmost city by exploring the Museo del Fin del Mundo.
The museum focuses on Ushuaia’s natural and indigenous history, including a menagerie of stuffed animals and the tools used to hunt them.
The collection is displayed in a series of interconnecting rooms, starting off with travelers and ethnography, including mementos of past visitors such as the shipwrecked figurehead of the HMS Duchess of Albany, which came to grief off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in 1893.
The grocery store exhibit is a hit with kids of all ages, displaying the essential shopping items of Ushuaia’s far-flung citizens in times gone by.
Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels are featured in the Birds of Fire room, along with penguins, shorebirds, ducks, swans, flamingos and waterfowl.
The final exhibit displays the safes, security doors, sturdy furniture and log books of Argentina’s National Bank.
The museum focuses on Ushuaia’s natural and indigenous history, including a menagerie of stuffed animals and the tools used to hunt them.
The collection is displayed in a series of interconnecting rooms, starting off with travelers and ethnography, including mementos of past visitors such as the shipwrecked figurehead of the HMS Duchess of Albany, which came to grief off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in 1893.
The grocery store exhibit is a hit with kids of all ages, displaying the essential shopping items of Ushuaia’s far-flung citizens in times gone by.
Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels are featured in the Birds of Fire room, along with penguins, shorebirds, ducks, swans, flamingos and waterfowl.
The final exhibit displays the safes, security doors, sturdy furniture and log books of Argentina’s National Bank.
Practical Info
The Museo del Fin del Mundo is on Ushuaia’s main street overlooking the waterfront, Av Maipu, just a short walk from the pier.
The entry fee also gives you admission to the former Government House, nearby at Av Maipu 465.
The entry fee also gives you admission to the former Government House, nearby at Av Maipu 465.
Address: Av Maipu 179, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct - Apr 9am - 8pm, May - Sept noon - 7pm.
Admission: Adults: AR$30
From $ 18
Old Prison of Ushuaia
The Old Prison of Ushuaia isn’t just a museum. It’s four walls hold the history of Ushuaia, as its inmates literally built the city streets and public buildings. It had Tierra del Fuego’s first printing press, telephone, and electricity, too.
For the most part, its inmates were a surly bunch, made up of serial offenders that Buenos Aires police wanted to ship out and never see again. There were also political prisoners, sent to the end of the world where their ideals would be ignored. But rumors also claim that Carlos Gardel – the most prominent voice in Tango – also spent a stretch in this bleak outpost.
Today, the Old Prison building houses several different museums, but two wings of the building are dedicated to the incarcerated history. One wing has been left as is, so it takes visitors into the past by showing both the living conditions and cramped quarters that found 800 prisoners living in 360 cells. The second wing of the prison museum houses restored furniture, mannequins, and stories of the inmates’ pasts.
The old prison building also houses the Maritime and Antarctic Museums, and the Maritime Art Gallery.
Practical Info
The old prison of Ushuaia is located at the intersection of Yaganes y Gobernador Paz. From April to October, it’s open 10AM to 8PM. From November to March, it’s open 9AM to 8PM. Admission currently costs $120 pesos for an individual or $250 pesos for a family, but includes access to the Maritime, Antarctic, and Old Prison Museums and art gallery.
Address: Yaganes y Gobernador Paz, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: April-Oct 10AM to 8PM
Nov-March 9AM to 8PM
Admission: $120 pesos
From $ 18
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse marks the dangerous rocks at the entrance to Ushuaia Bay in the Beagle Channel. Locals often wrongfully call this the Lighthouse at the End of the World, which is technically incorrect because the lighthouse Jules Verne made famous in his novel lies further east, but it’s oddly accurate, too; it’s the last mainland reference most sailors see on their way to Antarctica.
Located just five miles from Ushuaia, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is a common destination for short tourist sailing trips. The waters surrounding the lighthouse are a sea-goers dream, as penguins and both South American and fur sea lions are spotted regularly. Bird life is abundant, too, with black eyebrow albatrosses, steamer ducks and upland geese often seen on the nearby islands. Many tours also include landing on Karelo Island.
It’s worth mentioning that the region is stunning, but harsh. The weather – and most commonly the wind - can be fierce, but it’s all part of the southern Patagonian experience.
Practical Info
The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is neither accessible to the public nor manned by a lighthouse keeper. It is a fully automated lighthouse. The only way to reach the location is by boat.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 82
Estancia Harberton
Overlooking the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton offers a glimpse into the history and wildlife of Argentina’s far-flung Tierra del Fuego.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
The oldest estancia (farm) in this part of the world, the still-working property dates back to 1887 and was established by English missionary Thomas Bridges. Bridges founded the Anglican Mission at Ushuaia in 1870.
Today, the estancia remains in the hands of Bridges’ descendants, and it was declared an Argentine National Historical Monument in 1999.
A visit reveals the original buildings of wood and corrugated iron, and terraced gardens. The sheep have long gone but the cattle remain. While you’re here you can also walk amongst a penguin colony at the estancia’s Yecapasela Reserve.
Perhaps the best way to visit is by boat tour from Ushuaia. The cruises visit the Bridges Islands for wildlife viewing of sea lions, penguin colonies and cormorants, before sailing to the estancia for a tour of the homestead and its small marinelife museum.
Traveling here by road, the route winds past mountains, valleys and coastal vistas of the Beagle Channel and its wind-sculpted trees and marshland.
Practical Info
Estancia Harberton is 85 km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea. You can visit by tour, taxi or hire car.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
If you’re visiting independently, enjoy a meal in the tearooms or arrange accommodation in the estancia’s guesthouses.
Address: Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct 15 - Apr 15
Admission: Adults: AR$15
From $ 23
Lake Fagnano
Lake Fagnano sits directly above the Magallanes-Fagnano Fault, which marks the boundary between the Scotia and South American tectonic plates. The 98km long lake also sits upon the Chile/Argentina border; however, the majority of the lake belongs to Argentina. It’s also the largest lake on Tierra del Fuego.
Lake Fagnano is surrounded by virgin Patagonian forest but there is still a striking landscape change between the south and north shores. The south is marked by the steep Fuegian Andes, while the northern shore is much gentler as Tierra de Fuego transforms into rolling steppe. While boat trips and sport fishing are popular on the lake, most visitors still opt to visit Lake Fagnano the same day they visit Lake Escondido, on a lengthy daytrip from Ushuaia.
The small town of Tolhuin sits on the lake’s easternmost point. Although little more than a stopping point between the two larger cities of Ushuaia and Rio Grande, the Panaderia La Union bakery has become famous. Its walls are lined with autographed photographs of Argentinean and international celebrities who’ve visited as they traveled through the area.
Practical Info
Lake Fagnano is located just 100 km north of Ushuaia, Argentina, along Ruta Nacional 3.
Address: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
From $ 61
Tierra del Fuego National Park
When travelers make their way to the far southern reaches of Argentina, chances are they’re heading into Tierra del Fuego National Park. The country’s only coastal national park protects the Andean-Patagonian forest, a land of peat bogs, beech forests, glistening lakes, remote beaches, and snow-capped peaks ideal for outdoor adventures.
The Basics
Sitting close to Ushuaia, the park is a popular destination for a day trip. A typical guided tour of the park might include a ride on the End of the World train, guided hike through the forest, canoe trip on Lapataia Bay, or a 4WD tour of the park’s natural wonders. Multi-day itineraries in the area often include Tierra del Fuego, and a Beagle Channel sightseeing cruise and time to explore the town of Ushuaia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tierra del Fuego is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and photographers.
- Dress in warm layers, as the park can be chilly, even during the South American summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike.
- Guided tours from Ushuaia to the national park can last a few to several hours, depending on activities selected.
How to Get There
Most visitors get to the park from the Argentine side, 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of Ushuaia on National Route 3. Buses depart regularly to the park, and most guided tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in Ushuaia.
When to Get There
The Patagonian summer (December to February) brings with it the best weather for exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, but also the biggest crowds. This is also the best season to observe local wildlife.
Tierra del Fuego Hiking Trails
Despite what the dramatic scenery would have you believe, this national park offers trails suitable for hikers of just about every ability level. There’s a short path from the park entrance to the peat-colored Black Lagoon, and another easy trail, called the Island, that follows the Lapataia and Ovando rivers. For the best views of Lapataia Bay, hike to Lookout Point.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Esmeralda Lagoon (Laguna Esmeralda)
The Esmeralda Lagoon hike is a popular afternoon and evening activity just outside of Ushuaia. Set in a wide valley in the Fuegian Andes, Esmeralda Lagoon is ringed by native cohiue and lenga forests.
The hike traverses several peat bogs, which cover much of Tierra Del Fuego’s low-lying lands. After a 2-3 hour hike, visitors arrive at the shore of Esmeralda Lagoon, but the main attraction is hard to choose. Both the emerald-green glacier water and the beavers that ply its waters are equally stunning. Other native fauna, including guanaco, foxes and condors are commonly sighted along the hike to and from the lake.
Helicopter tours also depart Ushuaia airfield and fly across the Fuegian Andes, past Olivia Mountain to Esmeralda Lagoon.
In the winter months, the lake freezes and the Southern Andes are covered in snow. Tours still hike into the lake; however, it’s less about the destination and more about experiencing a rare winter wonderland.
Practical Info
The Esmeralda Lagoon Hike begins at the Tierra Mayor Valley, 20 km north east of Ushuaia. December to March is the best time to visit the lake; however, tours do operate year-round.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: Year-round
From $ 76
Beagle Channel
The narrow Beagle Channel, separating Argentina's island chain of Tierra del Fuego to the north from remote Chilean islands to the south, serves as a waterway for the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. It’s also one of the most important bodies of water in South America.
The Basics
Most travelers experience this part of the world on multi-day cruises from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas in Chile, and it’s also a fantastic location for whale watching and spotting glaciers (the area is nicknamed Glacier Alley). Those based in Ushuaia can experience the channel in multiple ways; paddle a canoe from Lapataia Bay, sail through on a sightseeing cruise by yacht or catamaran, or explore some of the islands, including rocky islets known for their nesting seabirds or Seal Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Beagle Channel is a must-see for adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers in Patagonia.
- Day trips to the Beagle Channel can last anywhere from three to 10 hours, while multi-day tours last up to five days.
- Don’t forget to dress in warm layers, as temperatures rarely go above 70 degrees, even during the South American summer.
- Bring along a good pair of binoculars for better wildlife-spotting opportunities.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to the Beagle Channel is in Ushuaia, served by daily flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. Once in town, the easiest way to experience the channel is by booking a sightseeing cruise or other guided tour.
When to Get There
For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, plan to visit during the spring or fall. The best weather falls between December and February, but winds can be strong, creating rougher waters in the Beagle Channel.
The Lighthouse (Not Quite) at the End of the World
Many tours through the Beagle Channel include a visit to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, sometimes called the Lighthouse at the End of the World. While the photogenic lighthouse certainly feels far enough from civilization to warrant the nickname, the title actually applies to a lighthouse on Isla de los Estados.
Address: Argentina
From $ 53
Lake Escondido
Lago Escondido, which translates to Hidden Lake, is surrounded by the Fuegian Andes just north of Ushuaia, Argentina. Many tourists choose to visit on a day-trip from Ushuaia; however, Hosteria Petral provides a lakeside basecamp for anybody interested in taking advantage of its status as a popular sport-fishing destination.
Brown and Rainbow trout can be caught in the lake itself, while brook trout are most often landed near stream inlets or around the many beaver dams that surround the lake.
Other popular activities in the area include horseback riding along the lakeshore, boat and kayak tours on the crystal-clear waters, and, oddly, Canadian-style wildlife watching. Lago Escondido is an excellent place to watch Canadian beavers, which were introduced to southern Patagonia in 1946 with false hope to spur a declining fur trade.
Practical Info
Lake Escondido is located 60 km north of Ushuaia. The route is paved between Ushuaia and Paso Garibaldi, where a 4-km gravel access road reaches the lakeshore at Hosteria Petral.
Address: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina
From $ 61
Ushuaia Cruise Port
Founded as a penal colony, Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world. This rustic town is also the jumping off point for cruising to Antarctica or exploring the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”). As such, it is a major tourist destination for Argentinians and foreigners alike.
How to Get to Ushuaia
When you dock, you will already be in the heart of Ushuaia – and just a block from the main shopping street, San Martin. Taxis are available to take you further afield, but they are not metered, so you will need to negotiate your price.
One Day in Ushuaia
Chances are, you will be visiting Ushuaia to explore the surrounding mountains, forests or lakes. Cruise ships typically offer several possible excursions or you can arrange something independently through a travel agency, or by simply hiring a taxi when you arrive in port.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, about 10 miles outside of Ushuaia, is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. You can go horseback riding, bird-watching, hiking or mountain biking or visit the end of the Pan-American Highway at Lapataia Bay - almost literally the “end of the world.” You might also ride the “Train at the End of the World,” a steam-driven train that follows the River Pipo into the park.
Those who haven’t yet had a chance to see penguins on their journey may want to visit the Hammer Island Penguin Rookery, which provides an up close look at Magellanic penguins. Discover some of the region’s wildlife on a catamaran trip through the Beagle Channel, or take a chair lift to the top of the Martial Glacier for a magnificent view of the channel.
If you want to explore the town, start with a stroll along Malvina Argentinas Street, passing a reconstruction of the old town. Then head down San Martin to Yaganes, where you will find the Ushuaia Prison Museum. The museum is a combination prison museum and maritime museum and includes exhibits detailing the history of Usuhuaia from the time it was first settled. Retrace your steps to San Martin to do a little shopping and then take the ski lift up above the city. Enjoy an amazing view while indulging in an Argentinian steak or some of the area’s superb seafood.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but it is common to hear English, German and Portuguese as well. The currency is the Argentinian peso. ATM's are widely available and credit cards should be accepted in most places. There is a visitor information center at the dock with maps and information about the area, as well as an internet kiosk and handicraft vendors.
How to Get to Ushuaia
When you dock, you will already be in the heart of Ushuaia – and just a block from the main shopping street, San Martin. Taxis are available to take you further afield, but they are not metered, so you will need to negotiate your price.
One Day in Ushuaia
Chances are, you will be visiting Ushuaia to explore the surrounding mountains, forests or lakes. Cruise ships typically offer several possible excursions or you can arrange something independently through a travel agency, or by simply hiring a taxi when you arrive in port.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, about 10 miles outside of Ushuaia, is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. You can go horseback riding, bird-watching, hiking or mountain biking or visit the end of the Pan-American Highway at Lapataia Bay - almost literally the “end of the world.” You might also ride the “Train at the End of the World,” a steam-driven train that follows the River Pipo into the park.
Those who haven’t yet had a chance to see penguins on their journey may want to visit the Hammer Island Penguin Rookery, which provides an up close look at Magellanic penguins. Discover some of the region’s wildlife on a catamaran trip through the Beagle Channel, or take a chair lift to the top of the Martial Glacier for a magnificent view of the channel.
If you want to explore the town, start with a stroll along Malvina Argentinas Street, passing a reconstruction of the old town. Then head down San Martin to Yaganes, where you will find the Ushuaia Prison Museum. The museum is a combination prison museum and maritime museum and includes exhibits detailing the history of Usuhuaia from the time it was first settled. Retrace your steps to San Martin to do a little shopping and then take the ski lift up above the city. Enjoy an amazing view while indulging in an Argentinian steak or some of the area’s superb seafood.
Port Information
The official language is Spanish, but it is common to hear English, German and Portuguese as well. The currency is the Argentinian peso. ATM's are widely available and credit cards should be accepted in most places. There is a visitor information center at the dock with maps and information about the area, as well as an internet kiosk and handicraft vendors.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 143
Ushuaia Maritime Museum
The Ushuaia Maritime museum shows off much of Tierra Del Fuego’s impressive maritime history with few original artifacts. The majority of the displays include scale models of tall ships and merchant vessels that first plied these waters, maps and charts used by early explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish and Oliver van Noort, and the first voyage of the HMS Beagle.
Outside, a replica of the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse stands alongside a decaying example of canoes used by the island’s American Indian populations.
The Maritime Museum is one of four museums housed in Ushuaia’s Old Prison Building, so it’s fitting that the final exhibit tells the story of the Argentinean navy vessel 1 de Mayo, which carried the first prisoners to Tierra Del Fuego in 1896. It’s a natural transition, as the next exhibit marks the entrance to the Old Prison Museum.
Practical Info
The Ushuaia Maritime Museum is located at the intersection of Yaganes y Gobernador Paz in Ushuaia. From April to October, it’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. From November to March, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission currently costs $120 pesos for an individual or $250 pesos for a family, but includes access to the Maritime, Antarctic and Old Prison museums, as well as an art gallery.
Address: Yaganes y Gobernador Paz, Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: April-Oct 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov-March 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: $120 pesos
From $ 18
End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo)
For the ultimate end-of-the-earth adventure, ride the world’s southernmost train to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Leave from outside Ushuaia and follow the historic convict train route, passing beech forests, peat bogs, and reminders of the timber-felling worksites of Ushuaia prisoners from 1901 to 1941.
The Basics
The hourlong train ride to Tierra del Fuego National Park departs three times per day in heated coaches with large windows perfect for viewing the passing scenery. An onboard audio tour in English, Spanish, and Portuguese offers a history of the convict train. Combine your train ticket with a half-day tour of the national park for a hassle-free day trip from Ushuaia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The train is a must-do for families with kids and history buffs.
- A one-way train ride lasts about an hour and round-trip transport takes an hour and 45 minutes.
- The price of the train ticket does not include entrance to the national park.
- Don’t forget to dress in layers; the train is heated but it’s often chilly outside.
How to Get There
The Tren del Fin del Mundo's station is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside Ushuaia. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi; it’s about a 25-minute drive.
When to Get There
The End of the World Train operates yearlong, even during periods of heavy snow. Riders can choose from three departures daily. Much of the national park is closed between June and September.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Measuring 232 square miles (601 square kilometers), there’s plenty to explore within Tierra del Fuego National Park. Visit Lago Roca, a lake surrounded by mountain peaks, or trek through peat bogs and native forests. The views from the top of Cerro Guanaco are well worth the climb.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Martial Glacier
The Martial Glacier sits high above Ushuaia, but it's still only a few kilometers away. It’s open year-round, too, but the different seasons do bring about a striking change of scenery.
In the summer, the chairlift that runs from the end of Martial Glacier Road to the glacier itself is little more than a sightseer’s ticket to the alpine environment, where several hiking trails lead either across the glacier ice or into the nearby mountains. The black gorge trail offers stunning views of the Beagle Channel, while it’s also possible to skip the chairlift ride down and slowly descend with panorama-views of Ushuaia.
Throughout the winter, there is a little-used ski center that access terrific off-piste terrain for experienced backcountry skiers. There is also a Club Andino Ushuaia refugio, which often becomes a basecamp for skiers looking to truly explore the surrounding areas, including the Andorra Valley and Vinciguerra Glacier.
Practical Info
The Martial Glacier is located just above Ushuaia, along a road bearing the same name. It is open year round and the chairlift ride affords some of the best views of both Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
Hours: Year-round
From $ 84
Lago Roca
Completely surrounded by the Guanaco and Piramides Mountain Ranges, both sub ranges of the Andes, Lago Roca is a stunning emerald-green lake protected by Argentina’s Tierra Del Fuego National Park.
The Lago Roca hostel and campground is the easiest starting point to explore this section of the national park. Fishing is popular on the lake, while several trails lead around the lake and into the surrounding mountains. The Cerro Guanaco Trail is a steep climb to a mountain summit. The views from the top are massive, overlooking Lago Roca, the Beagle Channel, and across the border into Chile.
It’s a lake with an identity crisis, too, as Lago Roca – named for former Argentinean president Julio Argentino Roca - is just the most recognized of its three names. The western most portion of the Lake crosses the international border into Chile, where the lake is known as Lago Errazuriz, after Chile’s former President Federico Errázuriz Echaurren. Roca and Errazuriz share a history in Patagonia, as both were recognized for the Abrazo del Estrecho (the hug of the Strait of Magallanes) when they met in Punta Arenas to find a friendly solution to conflicting Patagonian land claims.
Prior to being renamed Lago Roca and Errazuriz (depending on which side of the border you visit), the lake was known as Lago Acigami, the yagan native name.
Practical Info
Lago Roca is located in Tierra Del Fuego National Park, just over 12 km from Ushuaia. Throughout the summer, hourly buses make the round trip between the Park Administration office (Maipú and 25 de Mayo, Ushuaia) and Lago Roca.
Address: Santa Cruz, Argentina
From $ 53
Fuegian Andes
The Fuegian Andes, which cross the entire Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, are the southernmost chain of the Andes Mountains. Although quite small compared to other areas of South America’s mountain chain, its tallest peaks still look quite formidable because they rise straight out of the ocean to heights just over 2,500 meters.
Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano are two popular summer destinations in the region, especially for keen sport fishermen as both lakes support tremendous populations of Rainbow and brown trout. Endless hiking trails and several backcountry refugios make exploring much of the mountain range closer to Ushuaia possible throughout the summer months. Wildlife is quite limited, but there is an abundance of rabbits, guanacos, condors and non-native Canadian beavers throughout the mountains. Mountain lions – known locally as pumas – are rarely seen.
Because of their southern latitude, the Fuegian Andes have long cold winters comparable to other regions in South America. Cerro Castor holds the title as the world’s most southern ski field. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular near the lakes.
Practical Info
Ushuaia, Argentina, is the largest city in Tierra Del Fuego and the natural starting point to explore the Fuegian Andes. The hiking and climbing season lasts from December to March, while the ski season begins in late June and continues until September.
Address: Argentina
From $ 61
Garibaldi Pass (Paso Garibaldi)
Garibaldi Pass, located on Tierra del Fuego, is the only paved route across the Fuegian Andes. Surprisingly enough, it’s also the highest point on Argentina’s Ruta Nacional 3. The views from the summit are stunning; to the north, the massive Lago Fagnano stretches 98 km west, across the Magallanes-Fagnano Fault and into Chile, and to the south, the often-missed Lago Escondido reveals its picture-perfect location surrounded by mountains.
The mountain pass also marks an abrupt transition in Tierra Del Fuego’s Geography. To the north, the island is mostly rolling steppe and sprawling sheep farms are the only things that interrupt the large distances between settlements. Heading south, the road snakes its way through the Fuegian Andes for the final 60km into Ushuaia before descending to the Beagle Channel.
The pass was built in 1956 to connect the island’s two major cities: Rio Grande and Ushuaia and it comes with a touch of interesting history. Three days after the route opened, a USA-licensed Jeep became just the third vehicle to successfully drive between the two cities, completing what at the time was the first successful Alaska-Ushuaia road trip.
Practical Info
Garibaldi Pass is located between Rio Grande and Ushuaia, along the main Ruta 3 Highway. It is open year round; however, snow and ice frequently covers the road in the winter.
Address: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
From $ 61
Penguin Island
Known as Penguin Island, Isla Yecapasela is colonized by cute flocks of Magellanic and gentoo penguins.
A working nature reserve, the Yecapasela Reserve was created on the island (also known as Isla Martillo) and surrounding islets by Estancia Harberton in the 1970s.
The island was formerly home to the estancia's cattle and sheep, and since their removal in the 1960s the penguin numbers have soared. Sharing the islands with cormorants, the penguin colonies are flourishing in this safe environment. The breeding season begins in early October, and ends with the annual migration northwards in April.
From the shoreline you can spot black and white Magellanic penguins, shyer gentoos and possibly a visiting king penguin or two.
A working nature reserve, the Yecapasela Reserve was created on the island (also known as Isla Martillo) and surrounding islets by Estancia Harberton in the 1970s.
The island was formerly home to the estancia's cattle and sheep, and since their removal in the 1960s the penguin numbers have soared. Sharing the islands with cormorants, the penguin colonies are flourishing in this safe environment. The breeding season begins in early October, and ends with the annual migration northwards in April.
From the shoreline you can spot black and white Magellanic penguins, shyer gentoos and possibly a visiting king penguin or two.
Practical Info
Penguin Island is on Isla Yecapasela at Estancia Harberton, 85km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea.
Tours sail from Ushuaia, sometimes continuing on to the estancia homestead.
A limited number of groups are permitted to walk with the penguins. Accompanied by a guide and following a designated trail, these specially regulated tours leave from Estancia Harberton's homestead, 15 minutes from the island by boat.
Tours sail from Ushuaia, sometimes continuing on to the estancia homestead.
A limited number of groups are permitted to walk with the penguins. Accompanied by a guide and following a designated trail, these specially regulated tours leave from Estancia Harberton's homestead, 15 minutes from the island by boat.
Address: Argentina
Hours: Open daily, Oct 15 - Apr 15, 10am - 7pm
From $ 110
Lapataia Bay
Lapataia Bay is where Argentina’s RN 3 road ends, a road that is a continuation of the Pan-American Highway, which stretches all the way to Alaska. Roadies are always stopping to pose next to the sign here in Lapataia Bay, and it’s worth thinking about how far they’ve come to get there! According to the sign, the distance between this spot and Alaska is a whopping 11,090 miles (17,848 kilometers).
Most visitors don’t take the land route to Lapataia Bay, however, and instead fly into Argentina. The bay is within Parque National Tierra del Fuego, a popular day trip from Ushuaia, which sits only 10 miles away. The park offers a chance to get out into nature, overlook azure lakes and bays, walk through native beech forests and in season, catch both the firebush, which blooms bright red, and the spooky-looking orange “pan de indio,” golf ball-sized mushrooms that grow on some of the trees.
If you have more time, try out some of the other trails in the park, which covers almost 150,000 acres of this island off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland.
Practical Info
To find the bay in the park, hike the tranquil Senda Costera (coastal trial) from Bahía Ensenada for about six hours, with views of nearby islands and soaring peaks in the distance. If that’s more time than you have or more walking than you’d like, book a two-hour boat trip from Bahia Ensenada to Lapataia Bay instead. Reservations are recommended.
Address: Ushuaia, Argentina
From $ 53