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Last Updated on 2 June, 2026 by Daniel Silvente
If you’re planning a trip to Argentine Patagonia, you’re probably wondering about the best things to do in Ushuaia.. Although Puerto Williams, in Chile, has officially been considered the southernmost city on the planet since 2019, Ushuaia remains one of the most special destinations in southern Argentina.
Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, forests, and the Beagle Channel, the city offers a unique mix of nature, adventure, and dramatic landscapes. From sailing among islands and marine wildlife to visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, hiking to lakes and glaciers, or exploring the Fuegian lakes, there are plenty of experiences to include in your trip.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Ushuaia Argentina, which activities to choose depending on the season, and the most recommended Ushuaia Argentina Tours to discover the city and its surroundings.
Best Tours and Activities to Do in Ushuaia
Located in Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is one of the most complete destinations in Argentine Patagonia. Its natural surroundings allow you to combine sailing, hiking, wildlife, history, and adventure in a single trip.
Among the best Ushuaia Argentina Tours, you’ll find boat trips along the Beagle Channel, visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park, hikes to lakes and glaciers, 4×4 experiences through the Fuegian lakes, and activities to discover the city’s history.
Below, we’ll show you the best things to do in Ushuaia to make the most of your trip to the End of the World.
Beagle Channel Boat Tour
Sailing along the Beagle Channel is one of the best things to do in Ushuaia. This channel marks the natural border between Argentina and Chile and offers some of the most iconic views in Tierra del Fuego.
During the boat trip, you’ll see Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of Ushuaia’s most famous landmarks, as well as Sea Lion Island and Bird Island, home to sea lions and different species of seabirds.
It’s one of the most recommended tours in Ushuaia if you want to discover the emblematic area of the End of the World.
Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must-see stop on any trip to Ushuaia. Located just a few miles from the city, it brings together some of the most characteristic landscapes of southern Patagonia: forests, lakes, mountains, rivers, bays, and coastal scenery.
Inside the park, you’ll find different trails and viewpoints where you can enjoy Fuegian nature. It’s also an ideal option if you’re looking for an accessible activity with varied landscapes that truly represent the region.
If you’re wondering what to do in Ushuaia on your first trip, visiting the national park should definitely be one of your priorities.
Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
Hiking to Laguna Esmeralda is one of the most famous activities in Ushuaia and a must-do route for travelers who want to discover Tierra del Fuego on foot.
The trailhead is located about 12 miles from the city, and the route crosses forests, peat bogs, valleys, and mountain landscapes before reaching a bright emerald-green lake surrounded by peaks and wild scenery.
It’s a perfect activity if you want to combine adventure, photography, and hiking without doing an overly technical route. That’s why it’s usually one of the favorite Ushuaia Argentina Tours for first-time visitors.
See Penguins on Isla Martillo
If you want to see wildlife during your trip, visiting Isla Martillo is one of the most special things to do in Ushuaia. This island, located opposite Estancia Harberton, is known for its penguin colony, which can be seen in its natural environment during certain months of the year.
Estancia Harberton, founded in 1886, was the first estancia in Tierra del Fuego and is also part of the region’s history. Combining this area with a penguin-watching navigation tour allows you to discover a different side of Ushuaia, closely connected to wildlife, history, and the landscapes of the Beagle Channel.
If this excursion is not enough for you to see penguins, we recommend the Puerto Madryn tour, the best place in Argentina to see penguins.
Visit Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano
Lago Escondido is one of the best-known places around Ushuaia. Its name comes from its location, as it is hidden between mountains and Fuegian valleys.
Very close by is Lago Fagnano, a huge glacial lake that completes one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the area. Both lakes are usually visited on full-day trips from Ushuaia and allow you to discover a wilder, less urban side of Tierra del Fuego.
It’s a highly recommended option if you want to leave the city behind, explore mountain landscapes, and discover other natural corners of Argentine Patagonia.
Take a 4×4 Adventure Through the Fuegian Lakes
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, exploring the Fuegian lakes by 4×4 is one of the most fun things to do in Ushuaia Argentina. This type of excursion allows you to reach harder-to-access areas, drive along dirt roads, cross forests, and explore wilder terrain.
These routes usually combine landscapes such as Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano with a more dynamic experience than a standard sightseeing tour. It’s a great option if you want nature, adventure, and a more complete activity outside the city.
Things to Do in Ushuaia: Go Glacier Trekking in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is also a perfect destination for glacier trekking routes. The most accessible option is Martial Glacier, located very close to the city and visible from several points in Ushuaia.
If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, you can also hike to glaciers such as Vinciguerra or Ojo del Albino. These routes combine forests, peat bogs, mountain lakes, and dramatic glacial landscapes.
These hikes are ideal for travelers in good physical condition who want to discover a wilder side of Tierra del Fuego. In this case, hiking with a guide is usually the best option for safety, orientation, and trail conditions.
Things to Do in Ushuaia: Hike to Velo de la Novia
The Velo de la Novia hike is a great alternative if you’re looking for a more accessible and different route around Ushuaia. The trail crosses Fuegian Forest before reaching a waterfall surrounded by vegetation and landscapes that are very typical of Tierra del Fuego.
It’s a good option if you want to enjoy nature without doing an overly demanding trek. It can also be easily combined with other activities if you only have a few days in the city.
Visit the Maritime and Prison Museum
The Maritime and Prison Museum of Ushuaia is one of the best places to understand an important part of the city’s history. The building was once a prison and played a key role in the growth of Ushuaia as an urban settlement.
Today, the museum preserves some of the original cells and includes exhibitions about the region’s maritime history, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and the city’s prison past.
It’s an interesting visit to combine with nature activities, especially if you want to understand how Ushuaia developed and why its history is so closely connected to the sea and the isolation of the End of the World.
Cross to Puerto Williams from Ushuaia
Although Ushuaia is still known as the city at the End of the World, Puerto Williams, in Chile, is currently considered the southernmost city on the planet. Thanks to the proximity between both destinations, it’s possible to cross by boat from Ushuaia and enjoy a different experience between Argentina and Chile.
The route crosses the Beagle Channel and allows you to visit another remote corner of southern Patagonia. It’s an interesting activity if you’ve already explored the main attractions in Ushuaia and want to add a less common international experience to your trip.
Things to Do in Ushuaia in Summer
Summer is one of the best times to visit Ushuaia if you want to enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, and nature tours. During these months, the days are longer, temperatures are slightly milder, and many trekking routes are in better condition.
If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Ushuaia in summer, some of the top options include sailing along the Beagle Channel, visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, hiking to Laguna Esmeralda, or exploring Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano. It’s also a great season for more demanding hikes to glaciers such as Vinciguerra or Ojo del Albino, as long as trail conditions allow it.
Summer is also perfect for travelers who want to combine several Ushuaia Argentina Tours in just a few days, since there are more daylight hours and it’s easier to plan full-day activities. Even so, the weather can still change quickly, so it’s important to bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and proper hiking shoes, even during the warmer months.
Things to Do in Ushuaia in Winter
Winter completely transforms Ushuaia and turns it into one of the most special destinations in Argentina for snow activities. During this season, the landscapes are covered in white, and many activities are different from those available in summer.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ushuaia in winter, one of the most popular experiences is skiing or enjoying snow activities at Cerro Castor and other nearby winter centers. You can also sail along the Beagle Channel, visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, or take scenic tours through the Fuegian lakes, although some trekking routes may be limited by snow, ice, or weather conditions.
Winter is a great time to discover a quieter and very different side of the End of the World. That said, it’s important to always check trail conditions and choose activities adapted to the season. For mountain routes or snow hikes, the best option is usually to go with a local guide and proper equipment.
Plan Your Ushuaia Argentina Tours
As you can see, Ushuaia offers plans for every type of traveler: Beagle Channel navigation, trekking routes, glaciers, Fuegian lakes, wildlife, history, and unique landscapes at the End of the World.
The best way to decide what to do in Ushuaia is to consider how many days you have, what season you’re traveling in, and what type of experience you’re looking for. If you visit in summer, you’ll be able to enjoy more hikes and outdoor activities. If you travel in winter, you’ll find snowy landscapes and different excursions, perfect for discovering another side of Tierra del Fuego.
At Howlanders, you’ll find the best Ushuaia Argentina Tours to complete your trip in a simple and safe way. Check out all available tours, compare your options, and choose the experiences that best fit your adventure in Argentine Patagonia.
