Known as the “End of the World”, Ushuaia is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Argentina and the southernmost city on Earth. Nestled between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, this stunning city offers breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re drawn by its snow-capped peaks, pristine national parks, or its maritime heritage, Ushuaia promises an unforgettable experience.
Here are the Top 10 Tourist Places in Ushuaia you shouldn’t miss on your journey to the end of the world.
1. Tierra del Fuego National Park
Located just 12 kilometers from the city center, Tierra del Fuego National Park is one of Ushuaia’s crown jewels. This sprawling park covers over 63,000 hectares of rugged terrain filled with mountains, forests, lakes, and coastal bays. Visitors can hike scenic trails like the Coastal Path, which offers incredible views of the Beagle Channel, or explore the serene Lago Roca.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting native animals such as foxes, beavers, and a variety of bird species. You can also take the famous End of the World Train, a historic steam locomotive that travels through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, once used by prisoners of the old penal colony.
2. Beagle Channel
No trip to Ushuaia is complete without exploring the iconic Beagle Channel. This stunning waterway, named after Charles Darwin’s ship HMS Beagle, separates Argentina from Chile and offers mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and small islands.
Boat tours allow visitors to see colonies of sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and cormorants in their natural habitat. The channel also features landmarks like Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often mistakenly called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” Whether by yacht, catamaran, or kayak, a trip through the Beagle Channel is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
3. Martial Glacier
Just a few kilometers from the city, Martial Glacier is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The trail leading up to the glacier offers panoramic views of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding mountain ranges. During winter, the area transforms into a small ski resort, making it perfect for skiing or snowboarding.
In summer, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy fresh mountain air and alpine landscapes. The trail is moderate in difficulty, and reaching the viewpoint rewards you with one of the best vistas in all of Patagonia. Don’t forget to stop at the charming tea house near the base for a warm drink after your hike.
4. Laguna Esmeralda
Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon) is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Ushuaia. This glacial lake is famous for its vibrant turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush forests.
The hike to Laguna Esmeralda takes around two hours each way and is suitable for most fitness levels. Along the trail, visitors can spot peat bogs, lenga forests, and perhaps even wild horses. The peaceful scenery and the lake’s mirror-like surface make this an ideal spot for photography, picnics, or simply enjoying nature’s tranquility.
5. End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)
For a deeper understanding of Ushuaia’s fascinating history, a visit to the End of the World Museum is a must. Located in a historic 19th-century building near the port, this museum showcases exhibits about the indigenous Yámana people, early explorers, shipwrecks, and the city’s past as a penal colony.
The museum also displays a collection of maritime artifacts, wildlife exhibits, and historical photographs that trace the evolution of the southernmost region of Argentina. It’s a perfect place to gain insight into the cultural and natural heritage of Tierra del Fuego.
6. Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
Perched on a rocky islet in the Beagle Channel, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is one of Ushuaia’s most photographed landmarks. Standing 11 meters tall, this red-and-white striped lighthouse has guided ships safely since 1920.
While visitors cannot enter the lighthouse itself, boat excursions provide a close-up view of this iconic symbol. Against the backdrop of the snow-covered mountains and the deep blue sea, it creates a picture-perfect scene that truly captures the spirit of Ushuaia — remote, rugged, and beautiful.
7. Ushuaia Prison Museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio)
Housed in the city’s original penitentiary, the Ushuaia Prison Museum offers a fascinating look into the harsh history of the region. Built in the early 20th century, the prison once held Argentina’s most dangerous criminals and helped establish Ushuaia as a permanent settlement.
Today, the museum preserves the original cells and corridors, giving visitors a chilling sense of what life was like for the inmates. Exhibits also cover maritime exploration, Antarctic expeditions, and naval history. It’s both eerie and educational, making it one of the most unique attractions in the city.
8. Lapataia Bay
At the southern end of Tierra del Fuego National Park lies Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway officially ends after stretching all the way from Alaska. This breathtaking bay, where land meets sea, symbolizes the true “end of the world.”
Visitors can enjoy easy walking trails, picnic spots, and serene views of the Beagle Channel. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of ducks, geese, and other Patagonian species. Watching the sunset here, with its golden hues reflecting on the calm waters, is a moment that perfectly captures Ushuaia’s natural magic.
9. Isla Martillo (Penguin Island)
A dream destination for wildlife lovers, Isla Martillo is home to hundreds of Magallanic and Gentoo penguins that nest and waddle freely across the island. Some tours even allow visitors to walk among the penguins under strict supervision, making for an unforgettable experience.
Reaching the island involves a scenic boat trip through the Beagle Channel, passing sea lion colonies and bird islands along the way. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the penguins are most active. For photographers and nature enthusiasts, Isla Martillo is pure joy.
10. Cerro Castor Ski Resort
For those visiting in winter, Cerro Castor Ski Resort is a must-visit destination. Known as the southernmost ski resort in the world, it offers top-notch skiing and snowboarding facilities, modern lifts, and stunning mountain views. The snow quality is exceptional, and the season lasts from June to October — longer than most resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.
Even in summer, Cerro Castor offers great hiking and mountain biking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the resort provides fun for all skill levels, along with cozy lodges and restaurants to unwind after a day of adventure.
Why Visit Ushuaia?
Ushuaia is more than just a city — it’s an experience at the edge of the world. From its glaciers and forests to its history and wildlife, the city embodies the spirit of Patagonia in every way. It’s the gateway to Antarctica, a hub for adventure tourism, and a paradise for photographers and explorers alike.
Every corner of Ushuaia tells a story — of resilience, nature’s grandeur, and human discovery. Whether you’re sailing through the Beagle Channel, hiking the glacier trails, or marveling at penguins on Isla Martillo, the memories you make here will stay with you forever.
Visiting Ushuaia is like stepping into a dreamscape where nature dominates and adventure never ends. It’s a destination that challenges, inspires, and enchants every traveler. From the icy peaks of Martial Glacier to the gentle waters of Lapataia Bay, Ushuaia invites you to discover the true beauty of the planet’s southernmost frontier.
If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with wonder, tranquility, and exploration, Ushuaia is waiting at the end of the world.
