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Ushuaia

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State capital
—°13
Ushuaia (Argentina)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ushuaia

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The weather changes rapidly at the "End of the World"; carry a waterproof jacket and dress in layers every day.
  • Book the Tierra del Fuego National Park train (End of the World Train) and Beagle Channel boat tours well in advance during the summer (Dec-Feb).
  • Taxis and remises are reliable for getting to trailheads if you don't rent a car.
  • The days are very long in summer, giving you plenty of daylight for evening hikes, but winter days are extremely short.

🍽 Food

🍽
Centolla (King Crab)

The most famous local dish. Walk down Avenida San Martín to find seafood restaurants displaying live crabs.

🍽
Patagonian Toothfish (Merluza Negra)

A rich, deep-sea fish widely available in upscale restaurants in the center.

🍽
Craft Beer

Ushuaia has a thriving craft beer scene; visit the local brewpubs for a pint of Beagle beer after a hike.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Duty-free goods

Ushuaia is a tax-free zone, so look for deals on electronics, perfumes, and outdoor gear along San Martín.

🛍
Artisan Crafts

The Paseo de los Artesanos near the port sells unique handmade goods and local stone carvings.

🧘
Glacier Martial

Hike up the trail for a serene and memorable panoramic view of the city and the Beagle Channel.

🧘
Bahía Encerrada

An urban nature reserve offering calm walking paths and excellent birdwatching right next to the city.

Ushuaia is famously known as the 'End of the World' (El Fin del Mundo), holding the title of the southernmost city on Earth. Perched on the shores of the Beagle Channel and framed by the snow-capped Martial Mountains, it serves as the capital of Tierra del Fuego Province. Since its founding in 1884, Ushuaia has transitioned from a remote penal colony and naval base into a premier global tourist destination. It is the primary gateway to Antarctica, with nearly 90% of all Antarctic cruises departing from its bustling harbor. The city's economy is a mix of high-end tourism, commercial fishing, and a tax-exempt manufacturing sector that produces electronics for the Argentine market. Ushuaia's urban layout is characterized by steep streets, colorful rooftops, and a blend of modern hotels and historic wooden structures. Just a short drive away is the Tierra del Fuego National Park, where the 'End of the World Train' takes passengers through ancient beech forests and dramatic coastal views. Wildlife enthusiasts flock here to navigate the Beagle Channel, spotting penguins at Martillo Island, sea lions, and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. The climate is subpolar oceanic, featuring cool summers and snowy winters, with day length varying drastically between seasons. Culturally, the city is a spirited outpost of Argentina, hosting international film festivals and biennial art events. The local cuisine is a highlight, featuring southern king crab and Patagonian lamb. Despite its isolated location, Ushuaia provides sophisticated amenities and an international airport, making it accessible to adventurers seeking the rugged beauty of the Magellanic region. It remains a place of profound mystique, where the wild spirit of the frontier meets the gateway to the last continent.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C77531-1-2-11346
Rain mm797266695562545047496878

Live webcam – Ushuaia

See what it looks like near Ushuaia right now.

Ushuaia · 0.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
56,825 (2026)
Coordinates
-54.80190, -68.30300

Facts

  • Ushuaia is situated on the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
  • The city's motto is 'Ushuaia, fin del mundo, principio de todo' (End of the world, beginning of everything).
  • The Martial Glacier is the city's main source of drinking water.
  • Ushuaia was the setting for several scenes in the movie 'The Revenant'.
  • The Tierra del Fuego National Park was established in 1960 and covers 63,000 hectares.
  • The Beagle Channel is a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, separating Chile and Argentina.
  • Ushuaia has subpolar oceanic climate with an annual mean temperature of 5.7°C.
  • The city is home to the Southernmost golf course and the southernmost railway in the world.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Ushuaia (13)

Glaciar Martial📍 landmark

Set above the city of Ushuaia, this mountain glacier provides an alpine trekking destination with sweeping views down to the Beagle Channel.

Viewpoint Ushuaia and Beagle Channel🌿 nature

Overlooking Ushuaia, this elevated spot gives visitors a sweeping panorama of the southernmost city and the expansive waters of the Beagle Channel.

Mirador del glaciar🌿 nature

This mountain viewpoint near Ushuaia allows hikers to observe the rugged ice formations and moraines of the nearby alpine glacier.

Cerro Vicinguerra🌿 nature

Towering above Ushuaia, this prominent glaciated mountain peak is a challenging trek known for its pristine high-altitude peat bogs and ice caves.

Cabaña Tipica📍 landmark

Set in Ushuaia, this traditional wooden cabin showcases the rustic pioneer architecture developed to withstand the harsh Patagonian climate.

Wooden bridge over river gorge📍 landmark

Spanning a deep rocky ravine near Ushuaia, this rustic wooden footbridge allows hikers to cross safely above the rushing river waters.

Monumento a Raúl Alfonsin🏺 historical

Erected in Ushuaia, this public monument honors the legacy of Raúl Alfonsín and his foundational role in restoring Argentine democracy.

Galería de Historia Fueguina🏛 museum

This interactive museum in Ushuaia immerses visitors in Tierra del Fuego's past through realistic dioramas of early indigenous life and explorers.

Museo Marítimo de Ushuaia🏛 museum

Housed in a historic former prison, this prominent museum preserves the harsh history of penal life alongside artifacts from early Antarctic expeditions.

🕒 Jan-Feb: Mo-Su 09:00-20:00; Mar-Dec: Mo-Su 10:00-20:00💶

Museo Yámana🏛 museum

Dedicated to the native Yámana people, this cultural museum in Ushuaia exhibits their traditional hunting tools and nomadic canoeing lifestyle.

Centro Cultural "Esther Fadul"🎭 culture

Functioning as a lively arts centre in Ushuaia, this venue hosts community theater productions and regional art exhibitions in a modern indoor space.

Santuario Gauchito Gil⛪ religious

Adorned with lively red flags, this popular roadside shrine in Ushuaia is dedicated to the legendary Argentine folk saint Gauchito Gil.

Mercado De la Costa🎭 culture

Set along the Ushuaia waterfront, this bustling marketplace features local stalls selling fresh seafood and traditional artisanal crafts.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
At least 3 days makes sense, and more if you want parks, the channel, and excursions. Ushuaia is often the starting point for longer Tierra del Fuego trips.
What is the best time to visit Ushuaia?
Summer is best for hikes and boat trips, winter for snow and skiing. Weather can change quickly all year round.
How do you get to Ushuaia?
The easiest way is by plane; alternatively by bus and ferry through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Its remote location means connections are limited.
What is Ushuaia known for?
It is known as the southernmost city in the world, with the Beagle Channel, the national park, and its Antarctic connection. It is an iconic nature and expedition destination.
Is Ushuaia family-friendly?
Yes, if you plan with weatherproof clothing and short legs. Families enjoy boat trips, easy hikes, and the unusual scenery.
Ushuaia: where is it located?
Ushuaia is located in Argentina.
Ushuaia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Glaciar Martial, Viewpoint Ushuaia and Beagle Channel, Mirador del glaciar.
Ushuaia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Ushuaia: why is it worth visiting?
Ushuaia is famously known as the 'End of the World' (El Fin del Mundo), holding the title of the southernmost city on Earth.
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