When I was planning our Argentina trip, we ended up with four days in Ushuaia, and I remember thinking… is that too much time at the end of the world?
Turns out, no. Not for us, anyway.
A lot of travelers only spend a night or two here before leaving for Antarctica, but I loved having the extra time. Ushuaia is small, but between the penguins, Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and all the seafood, we had no problem filling four days!
You don’t need four days in Ushuaia. If you only have two or three, you can still see the highlights. But if you do have a little extra time, this itinerary will help you make the most of it without turning the trip into a frantic checklist.
Ushuaia is located at the southern tip of Argentina, between the Beagle Channel, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and Tierra del Fuego National Park. It feels remote because it is remote, but it’s also much easier to visit than I expected once we were there.
In this post, I’m sharing how I’d spend four days in Ushuaia, plus tips on when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and where to eat.
Bridges Island, Ushuaia
When to Visit Ushuaia
Because Ushuaia is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer runs from December through February, and winter runs from June through August.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, and for good reason. The weather is milder, days are longer, and more tours are running. The average high in summer is around 60°F, so this is not exactly a beach vacation, but it’s much more pleasant for hiking, boat tours, and walking around town.
I visited in early March and thought it was a great time to go. The weather was mostly in the 50s during the day and dipped into the low 40s at night. It also wasn’t packed with tourists, which I appreciated.
If I were planning another trip, I’d look at late February or early March again. October and November can also work, though the weather in Patagonia is never something I would fully trust.
Getting from the airport to your hotel – From the airport to the city centre in Ushuaia is only about a 10-minute drive. I recommend taking a taxi to your hotel from the airport.
Another option is to rent a car from the airport. I, personally, wouldn’t feel comfortable doing this, as traffic in Ushuaia is a bit tricky (the city is built on a steep incline, and traffic is rather aggressive). However, it’s by no means impossible, as long as you are comfortable driving in these conditions.
Getting to Tierra del Fuego National Park from the city centre – If you don’t rent a car, then your best bet is to take a shuttle bus from the city centre to Tierra del Fuego. You can also take a taxi. However, it’s more cost-effective (and just as easy) to go to the shuttle terminal.
The shuttle terminal is near the tourist dock in Ushuaia (next to the gas station). If you’re not sure where it is, you can ask any of the tourist information booths, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
There are tons of shuttle services operating out of here, but all of the tickets are the same price. So, don’t worry! Walk up, buy your ticket, and get on the bus with the matching name to your ticket.
Getting around Ushuaia itself – Most places within the city are easy enough to get to by walking. There is always the option to take a taxi as well.
How to Spend 4 Days in Ushuaia – The Best 4-Day Ushuaia Itinerary
Day 1 – Scope out the town and local cuisine OR take a helicopter ride!
I’m going to be perfectly honest. After getting off our plane and finding where we were staying, I was so sick and tired, I needed a nap and some food.
So, we took it pretty easy the first day we were here and just meandered around Ushuaia for the day..eating and drinking hot beverages. Ushuaia is a lovely city. I loved just walking around to the different shops and cafes.
If the weather is bad, or you want something low-key, you could visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo or the Maritime Museum. I wouldn’t build an entire day around museums here, but they’re good options if you need a slower start.
If you’re feeling ambitious, this would also be a good day for a helicopter ride over Ushuaia. That was my original plan before my body decided otherwise. I’ve seen photos from these tours, and they look incredible, especially if you want aerial views of the mountains and Laguna Esmeralda.
Just book in advance if this is high on your list.
Day 2 – Walk With the Penguins on Martillo Island
2 of these are not like the others…Can you spot the King Penguins? 😉Look how close you can get to the penguins here!
This was hands down my favorite thing I did in Ushuaia.
There are plenty of Beagle Channel boat tours where you can see penguins from the water, but walking with penguins on Martillo Island is a totally different experience. You get surprisingly close to them, and only a limited number of people are allowed on the island at a time.
It feels much more personal than just cruising past them on a boat.
I’d schedule this early in your trip if possible. Tours in Ushuaia can be affected by weather, and Patagonia loves to remind you who is in charge. If your penguin tour gets canceled, having extra time gives you a better chance of rescheduling.
One important note: the penguins are not there year-round. They’re generally around during the spring and summer nesting season, roughly from mid-October through mid-April, but always check with the tour company before booking.
And yes, you do need to go with a tour company for this. You can’t just wander onto the island yourself, which is probably for the best. The penguins have enough going on.
If you’re visiting outside penguin season, I’d do a Beagle Channel wildlife cruise instead. You can still see sea lions, seabirds, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and the dramatic scenery around the channel.
Day 3 – Visiting Tierra del Fuego
You can’t go all the way to Ushuaia and skip Tierra del Fuego National Park.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of the area, and it’s an easy day trip from town. The park has forests, lakes, mountains, coastal views, and well-marked trails, so you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy it.
One popular route is the coastal trail from Ensenada Bay toward Lapataia Bay. Even if you don’t do a long hike, it’s worth spending time at the viewpoints and walking shorter sections of the trail.
If you want a more scenic way to enter the park, you can take the End of the World Train. It was originally connected to Ushuaia’s prison history and is now a tourist train that runs just outside the city into the park area.
I didn’t think you needed a guide for Tierra del Fuego National Park. The trails were easy enough to follow, and the shuttle system made it manageable without a rental car.
Bring layers, water, snacks, and shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Patagonia weather does not care what your itinerary says.
The border of Chile and Argentina on the Hito XXIV Trail in Tierra del Fuego.
Day 4 – Cruise the Beagle Channel
After spending a day in the national park, get out on the water.
A Beagle Channel cruise is one of the classic Ushuaia experiences, and it’s worth doing. The channel separates Argentina and Chile, and the scenery is ridiculous in every direction: mountains, islands, water, birds, sea lions, and that wild edge-of-the-world feeling.
Most tours visit the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is often called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” You’ll also usually pass islands filled with sea lions and seabirds.
Some companies offer sailing trips instead of the standard boat tour, which would be my pick if you want something a little different. Either way, dress warmly. Even if it feels pleasant in town, it can be cold and windy on the water.
This is a great final day activity because it doesn’t require as much energy as hiking, but it still feels like a proper Ushuaia experience.
Lodging in Ushuaia
Ushuaia has tons of accommodation options for various budgets. You can go for a cheap shared hostel room, a budget hotel, or stay in a more luxurious hotel. Regardless of what you go for, you’ll find a great option in Ushuaia within your budget.
Now, I can’t speak for every establishment in Ushuaia. But we stayed at Hotel Mustapic, and for the price, we were quite pleased. It was by no means glamorous (and it was rather dingy), but again, for the price…there were no complaints!
The owner and front desk staff were all very kind as well. The breakfast area has some wonderful views, and breakfast was some decent coffee and medialunas. So, if you require a larger breakfast, plan to eat out! (And see the next section.)
Views from Hotel Mustapic
Luxury Accommodation Option
While I didn’t personally stay here, the Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa is considered to be one of the best places to stay after a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park. It’s right on the shore of the Beagle Channel, so you get incredible views of the Andes mountains across the water.
This resort is located only 15 minutes walking distance from the town center of Ushuaia, and 20 minutes driving distance from Martial Glacier.
The rooms also look incredibly comfortable and relaxing. This would be a great spot to get away from it all and recharge. The resort seems to have a ton of amenities too – spa, restaurants, outdoor activities, and more.
This is a place on my list whenever I get to go down to Ushuaia again and explore Patagonia.
*For another luxury accommodation, I advise staying at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. It’s a gorgeous hotel with breathtaking views…& it’s where Leonardo DiCaprio stayed while he was filming “The Revenant” here.
We came here for breakfast a couple of times while we were in Ushuaia. (You can actually get scrambled eggs!) They have a great selection and everything was very tasty! We actually stopped back and had a really good burger for lunch one day too!
This is one of the finer dining experiences you can find in Ushuaia, and heck, I’d say it was one of the finer dining experiences of my life! My husband and I opted for the chef’s recommendation and did a tasting menu of a bunch of different dishes + a wine pairing.
Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. The chef also came out to explain each dish. He actually grows a lot of the ingredients himself or forages in the nearby woods for them. (I thought that was neat!) This was top-notch dining and service!
This was also a very fine dining experience! They have amazing seafood. Their crab ceviche is amazing. But come here for their Patagonian toothfish! It’s a fish that lives in the ocean at temps between 34–39 °F and at depths of 148 feet.
It’s one of “the” things to eat in Ushuaia, and it is SO tasty. This restaurant also has a fantastic dessert menu…so, be sure to save room for that. (Service was top-notch here as well, and the decor was super cute.)
This is where we came for our King Crab experience. Toothfish is one thing you have to try in Ushuaia, and King Crab is the other. It’s like a Red Lobster…you pick your crab out of the tank and then the chef prepares it for you in back.
It’s pretty darn pricey. My husband and I split one crab and then ended up getting a bowl of soup to fill us up. But the crab was really good!
It’s the oldest bar in town and has a lot of fun memorabilia throughout the place. It has some great comfort food. I honestly can’t remember what the name of the dish was, but it had a bunch of different seafood and ton of blue cheese…and my husband and I both loved it.
However, I did feel this place was a bit overpriced for what you get + the service is just awful. But if you’re looking for some hearty comfort food in a neat little bar, overlooking the sub-par service isn’t a big deal.
G Adventures is hosting last-minute group tour deals to Argentina that are up to $1,000 off.
Travel Insurance
It’s a good idea, no matter where your adventure takes you, to have travel insurance. You never know what might happen! Whether you get sick before your trip and can’t go, or you become sick or injured while on your adventure – being covered with travel insurance is a must. Some credit card companies do provide this service (check with yours), or you can get a free quote from travel insurance companies such as Squaremouth to find the best plan for you and your adventure.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this Ushuaia itinerary in the comments! I’d be happy to help. And I’m curious, which day looks like the most fun to you? Let me know in the comments, too!
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Hi! I’m Lindsey, the voice behind Have Clothes, Will Travel. I’m an online shopping aficionado from a small town in Wisconsin who has also lived in Russia, Argentina, Japan & Australia.
28 Comments
Thank for this great & informative work. Ushuaia is really a wonderful place. Saludos desed Marruecos.
Is there a bus that takes you to the start of the trails in the park or do you have to rent a car? We are in our 70’s but would love to do a short hike that makes sense for our age. Is there such a short hike with decent views? I love that you spent 4 days there. Did you ever ask any of the boat companies if they had last-minute “deals” to Antarctica? I wondered if they really offered them? You are the only person to recommend 4 days in Ushuaia. I am thankful for this. Did you ever hear how easy or hard it was to go to Puerto Williams, Chile, from Ushuaia?
Hi Cheryl! There are shuttles that will take you to the park. If you’re looking for a shorter hike that is still lovely – I would suggest the Hito XXIV Trail. You can click here for more info on this hike. We did ask about the “last minute” deals when we were there – but we didn’t have any luck. However, I would still say it’s worth a shot! I have heard it work for other travelers. And unfortunately, I don’t have any information for Puerto Williams. Sorry about that.
Oh, I’m so glad I found this post. I’m going to Ushuaia in September and am looking for someone to consult what shoes to pack. I hesitate between Dr. Marten’s winter boots and waterproof trekking shoes.
Hi, Mary! I guess it really depends on what activities you have planned for your trip. However, I believe September will be warming up in Ushuaia. For me, I would say waterproof trekking boots would suffice (something that comes up past your ankle at least) if you plan to hike any of the trails.
Since we are old..ha ha…we do like to relax and enjoy while we are somewhere visiting. It seems like if we cram too much into the day, then we don’t appreciate it as much!! So I loved this kind of travel!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh my gosh! What an amazing experience, I can’t believe you got so close to the penguins! That’s so awesome! xo Jana | www.janastyleblog.com | IG: @jana_meister
Thank for this great & informative work. Ushuaia is really a wonderful place. Saludos desed Marruecos.
Is there a bus that takes you to the start of the trails in the park or do you have to rent a car? We are in our 70’s but would love to do a short hike that makes sense for our age. Is there such a short hike with decent views? I love that you spent 4 days there. Did you ever ask any of the boat companies if they had last-minute “deals” to Antarctica? I wondered if they really offered them? You are the only person to recommend 4 days in Ushuaia. I am thankful for this. Did you ever hear how easy or hard it was to go to Puerto Williams, Chile, from Ushuaia?
Hi Cheryl! There are shuttles that will take you to the park. If you’re looking for a shorter hike that is still lovely – I would suggest the Hito XXIV Trail. You can click here for more info on this hike. We did ask about the “last minute” deals when we were there – but we didn’t have any luck. However, I would still say it’s worth a shot! I have heard it work for other travelers. And unfortunately, I don’t have any information for Puerto Williams. Sorry about that.
Very nice experience.
For sure.
Oh, I’m so glad I found this post. I’m going to Ushuaia in September and am looking for someone to consult what shoes to pack. I hesitate between Dr. Marten’s winter boots and waterproof trekking shoes.
Hi, Mary! I guess it really depends on what activities you have planned for your trip. However, I believe September will be warming up in Ushuaia. For me, I would say waterproof trekking boots would suffice (something that comes up past your ankle at least) if you plan to hike any of the trails.
Very well. Thank you!
Great post, Lindsey! I sounds like you had an great trip to Ushuaia! Wow, I would love to get that close to penguins! They are so cute!
Thanks for sharing! Besitos
So glad you liked the post, Rebecca! Thank you!
OMG I love so much your pictures from travels. Thes all pinguinues <3
Thank you! So glad you liked the photos. 🙂
Oh my god, walking with penguins must have been so much fun! It’s on my bucketlist now!
http://www.lambassadrice.com/
Yay! I hope you get to make it one day! It’s so incredible to see!
This post was sooo helpful! It looks like y’all had the best time
Thank you, Courtney! We really did! So glad you liked the post!
Oh my gosh you had me at the penguins!
briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Haha! You can’t go wrong with an itinerary that involves penguins! 😉
Looks like the best time! Definitely bookmarking this!
xo, Ilse
www.livelearnluxeit.com
That’s awesome! Thank you!
Since we are old..ha ha…we do like to relax and enjoy while we are somewhere visiting. It seems like if we cram too much into the day, then we don’t appreciate it as much!! So I loved this kind of travel!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Haha! We need to do more relaxed travel too! Or sometimes it feels as though you need a vacation from your vacation, haha.
Oh my gosh! What an amazing experience, I can’t believe you got so close to the penguins! That’s so awesome! xo Jana | www.janastyleblog.com | IG: @jana_meister
The penguins were so cool! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Looks beautiful! I would love travel, but I could never decide where I would want to go!
Ha! That can be tough!
Really interesting place, worth to visit. Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing!
Thanks!