How to spend 3 days in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Ushuaia, El Fin del Mundo. Found on the southern tip of Argentina, this lovely little city at the end of the world is the departure spot for Antarctic Cruises. It's also home to some of the most beautiful and accessible hiking in Patagonia.

It's not a common destination in comparison to other areas of Patagonia (such as Bariloche or El Calafate), but it has a lot to offer and there's plenty to explore - whether you're on a stopover to Antarctica, or exploring the south of Argentina.

Here's a few tips and recommendations from a recent trip in January 2022.

To see a quick video of the trip, click here!

To see the Google Map locations mentioned, click here!

Weather

The weather in Ushuaia is crazy, and that's not an overstatement. We went December/January which is the middle of summer. IT SNOWED. Get ready to see all 4 seasons in 1 day, you'll get rain, sun, wind, snow, sun, hail, wind, rain, snow and sun again all in a couple of hours.

The best way to be prepared for the weather is to take lots of thin layers - like an onion, as Shrek would say - which are easy to put in a bag, and you can add/remove as you feel.

The basics (flights, car hire, accomodation options)

The easiest way to reach Ushuaia is typically via a 3 hour flight from Buenos Aires. Local low-cost airline Flybondi recently announced they would be flying there, it should become more accessible!

The Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport is located on a small peninsula to the south of the city. PHOTO TIP - the landscapes as you're landing and taking off are incredible because you fly through the Beagle Channel, and so you can see the mountains of Tierra del Fuego to one side, and the peaks of the Chilean Islands to the other.

To make the most of your trip, I would highly recommend hiring a car. There is a Hertz at the airport, the process was very quick for us and the customer service was great. We were also staying a little outside of the main city, so a car was really very neccesary! Top tip - if you need a mechanic for anything, check out Gomeria Alvarez, he sorted us out in minutes - highly recommend!

NB! Ushuaia is on a hill, and the right of way at crossings goes to those either coming up/going down the hill). Also there is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol consumption.

Day 1 - Glaciar Martial

Hike Difficulty: Medium

The start of the hike to Glaciar Martial is very easy to get to, especially if you have hired a car. You need to follow the winding Luis Fernando Martial road all the way up until you reach the car park. Here you'll find the La Cabaña tea house, a great place to go after your trek (TIP - we arrived at the end of the day, and very nearly didn't get a spot, so don't bank on being able to get in!).

There are two options when hiking up to the Martial Glaciar. One is the Sendero del Bosque (forest trail), and the other is the Sendero del Glaciar (glaciar trail). Each path is very different, but my advice would be that whichever one you take up, take the other one down.

The main trail starts with an ascent along a wide and rocky path. You can hear a stream flowing down on your right-hand side. In the winter this wide path used to be a ski slope. It's a relatively easy start, and you get great views of the Beagle Channel behind you. Before crossing the stream, you'll see an elevated wooden hut which was where the old ski lift ended. The path then flattens out as you reach the end of the valley, before rising again for the ascent to the glaciar. Although it can get quite steep, it's pretty short, so take your time.

At the top there are magnificent views back down the valley and over the Beagle Channel.

Then make your way back down for a spot of tea at La Cabaña!

Day 2 - Sail the Beagle Channel + Hike to the Laguna Esmeralda

A busy day lies ahead - but planned well (and weather permitting obviously), you can see these two wonderful attractions.

Sail the Beagle Channel

The excursions that cover the Beagle Channel leave from the main port (on Google Maps, it's where it says 'Muelle Turistico'. Be sure to turn up early as there are always big queues! There's a number of options, we took one that stopped at the Islas Bridges, and it was well worth it. Some pictures from the trip are below.

Photo Tip! Make sure you have a strap for your camera, it gets windy if you go outside while the boat is moving!

Hike to Laguna Esmeralda

Hike Difficulty: Easy

One of my favourite places in the world. The Laguna Esmeralda is a must-see on any Ushuaia trip. It's an easy hike, relatively flat apart from a small section. It's about 9km there and back, and takes around 2 hours at a normal pace to reach the Laguna. To get to the start by car is easy, it's on the R3 and has it's own carpark. Other options are taxi, hitchhiking, or public bus (buses leave from the terminal near the Muelle Turistico), but it depends on your timetable/budget.

The hike is very varied in terrain. You pass through woodland, open valleys, peat bogs and rocky paths as you make your way up towards the Laguna.

Once you get to the Laguna, spend some time on the shores, it's a good idea to take something to eat while you're there. You can also go round the Laguna, there is a trail that goes round the edge, which also meets the trail up to the Ojo del Albino glaciar.

Once you've had a break by the water, you can start to make your way back down the same way you came.

Day 3 - Explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park

The Tierra del Fuego National Park is a place where you could spend several months, so these are just my tips for making the most of this stunning place if you have limited time. Again, having a car is vital here, otherwise your options are limited, however I recommend trying to see these bits of the park:

El Tren del Fin del Mundo (the train at the end of the world)

As you enter the park, the Tren del Fin del Mundo is the first stop. The train originally used to transport prisoners to and from the jail, to chop wood and fuel the town. The train now only runs the final few kilometres of the original route, but it takes you through some spectacular landscapes. Although it is very popular with tourists, El Tren del Fin del Mundo was, in my opinion, the most underrated attraction in Ushuaia as they give you so much information on the history of the National Park and the train.

If you don't have a car, taking the train is a great way to get further into the park and explore some of the trails. The train goes back and forth between 2 stations a couple of times per day (one near the entrance, one further into the park). So if you don't want to rent a car, you can still access parts of the park by train.

Correo del Fin del Mundo (the post office at the end of the world)

The second stop on the route through the park is the most southernly post office in the world! This very cool place is found in a little bay (bahia Ensenada Zaratiegui) on the Beagle Channel, looking out at the Isla Redonda (round island). A little history here, Carlos de Lorenzo, a former post office employee, took the liberty to create the 'Independent Republic of Redonda', and is the self proclaimed Prime Minister. A strange story that explains why Carlos' face can be found all over the inside of the building - but also means that you can become a citizen of this republic, and get your passport stamped in the process. Don't forget to send some postcards home too!

Bahia Lapataia

Found at the very end of the road through the National Park, Bahia Lapataia (wooded bay) provides beautiful views over clear waters. Also, at certain times of year, whales can be found here enjoying the peaceful waters. So get your yerba and your mate and settle down for spot of whale-watching.

Additional time: Visit Ushuaia City

Whilst you're here, you should take the time to explore the city too! I can recommend 2 things in particular, inlcuding a rainy-day option:

Visit the Maritime Museum

Very easy to get to, the Maritime Museum can be found in what used to be the Prison of Ushuaia. The prison was closed down in 1947 and later made a National Historic Monument. The Maritime Museum actually includes 4 different museums, which can be found in the different 'arms' of the building:

1. The Maritime Museum - Includes the history of the region, the Yámana people, the discovery by Magellan, and the lives of the people of Ushuaia.

2. The Museum of the Prison - Includes stories of famous prisoners, and also a section of the original prison where you can wander amongst the cells.

3. The Antarctic Museum - Includes stories of Antarctic Expeditions, shipwrecks and discoveries.

4. The Marine Art Museum - this was closed when we went, but I'm sure it's great.

The original prison part was my favourite, you can really imagine how desperate the prisoners must've felt being in such a remote place.

Go to the beach (yes really!)

If you catch some good weather, why not relax at Playa Larga? It can be found on the eastern side of Ushuaia, and again is far easier to reach by car. The beach gives some great views of both the city and the Beagle Channel and is a super spot to make some lunch. If you follow the winding road further, there are also a few trails that take you through the hills to the east of the city.

Where should I eat?

The important stuff. Thankfully there is no shortage of bars, restaurants and cafes in Ushuaia. Some of our favourites were:

1. La Taberna del Viejo Lobo - found in the centre of town on Avenida San Martin, you have to take the lift up to the bar/restaurant. It has great views over the bay, and the food and drink is fantastic. Don't forget to try the Centolla (King Crab), the local delicacy!

2. Isabel - found by the bay on the corner of Maipu and Gdor Pedro Godoy. It does fantastic (and very large) portions of Al Disco food (basically food cooked in an uncovered deep pan over an open fire)

3. Dublin Bar - would a trip to Ushuaia be complete without a night at Dublin? This great little bar can be found on 9 de Julio, just up the hill off Avenida San Martin. Be prepared because it gets packed, but the atmosphere is great, an Irish Pub at the end of the world!

Luxury Option...

If you have a little money to go big on a trip to Ushuaia, then why not take a look at spending a night or two at the Arakur Hotel. It's an impressive building that towers over the city from the hills behind Ushuaia. A true 5* experience, with a very cool outdoor heated pool + spa included in it's many attractions.

Click here for a quick video of our time there

I hope this guide for 3 days in Ushuaia is helpful to you, I can't wait to go back!