As much as would’ve loved to go to Antarctica, it just wasn’t room in our budget for that kind of trip, and to me going somewhere just because it’s the southernmost city isn't reason enough. So we almost skipped it.
That’s until I saw that you can walk with wild penguins on Martillo Island. I’ve dreamed of seeing penguins in the wild for years so we spontaneously decided to add it to our trip anyways, and I'm so glad we did.
After exploring Ushuaia and its surroundings, I quickly realized it's much more than a stopover on your way to Antartica.
If you're debating whether to include Ushuaia to your Argentina itinerary, here's everything I wished I knew before we left.
Ushuaia Is So Much More Than a Gateway to Antarctica
One thing I wish more people understood is that Ushuaia deserves to be visited even if you're not going to Antarctica. And if you're headed to Antartica I strongly advise you to add at least a couple of nights here before your cruise.
I would honestly be a bit upset if I came here on my way to a cruise, saw the spectacular nature and only had one night.
The city sits between the Beagle Channel and the beautiful Tierra del Fuego national park, creating one of the most spectacular settings I've ever seen for a town. Everywhere you look, there are mountains.
And unlike some places that are famous mainly because of their location, Ushuaia actually has plenty to do. If you decide to come here you can find all my favourite things to do in Ushuaia here to help plan your trip in more detail.
Seeing Penguins Was Every Bit as Magical as I Hoped
The penguins were originally the reason I came. And honestly that alone would have made the trip worth it to me.
Watching penguins waddle around their natural habitat is still one of my favourite memories from our time in South America. It was just a truly special experience.
Obviously if you’re coming to Ushuaia on your way to Antarctica you already know you're most likely going to see an abundance of wildlife, there amongst penguins, on your cruise.
But if you've ever dreamed of seeing penguins in the wild but Antarctica isn't in your budget, Ushuaia is one of the best places in the world to do it.
If you want to walk with penguins in the wild this is the only tour that lets you access the island and actually wander amongst the penguins. There is only one tour company allowed to take people there and not many are allowed on to the island every day, so make sure to book in advance, especially during high season.
The Incredible Hiking Is One of the Best Reasons to Visit Ushuaia
If you enjoy being outdoors, this is one of the best destinations in Argentina. The landscapes are incredibly diverse, with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, glaciers and winding rivers all within easy reach of the super cute small town.
Compared to many of the other and more famous spots in Patagonia, like El Chaltén and El Califate you’ll find less people on the trails here which is always nice when exploring a national park.
The national park is packed with scenic walking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes and you'll find a huge variety of landscapes to wander through so even if you stay for a while you’ll no doubt find various hikes to keep you satisfied.
However, I wont say the hiking views rival the one you get if you hike Fitz Roy in El Chaltén, but the hikes are more accessible and in my opinion a bit easier without as much steep hiking.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a serious hiker, I’d still recommend setting aside time to experience the trails around Ushuaia. They ended up being some of my favourite memories from the trip and are a big part of what makes this remarkable corner of Argentina so unforgettable.
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It Has a True End-of-the-World Feeling
A lot of destinations market themselves as remote, but Ushuaia actually is.
I don't usually care about this kind of stuff, but even I have to admit that there is something special about knowing you're standing at the southern tip of South America.
Looking out over the Beagle Channel and realizing Antarctica is the next major landmass gives the whole place an adventurous atmosphere.
It's difficult to explain until you're there and maybe it was just me, but it somehow just felt a bit magical and adventurous to be here.
What I Didn't Love About Ushuaia
Even though I loved our time in Ushuaia, no place is perfect. Not even Ushuaia. So here are some negatives that you might want to be aware of before your trip.
The Weather In Ushuaia Is Very Unpredictable
First of all the weather is incredibly unpredictable and can change by the minute. Meaning that even though it's sunny when you leave for a hike, you need to bring both warm clothes and rain jackets because you might need it during the day.
You can also do a complete hike in amazing weather only to reach your final destination expecting some amazing views for it all to be covered in clouds.
We were lucky and had some really nice days when we visited in January, but even though this is supposed to be the best season weather wise, you might not be as lucky.
The Prices In Ushuaia Can Be Rather High
I didn't expect Ushuaia to be cheap, as it is rather remote. I do however think it's nice to point at that no matter what you want to do here you probably have to expect to pay a higher price than you’re used to.
Everything from hotels, tours, meals and transportation is a bit more expensive than other places we went in Argentina and South America.
I do however have to say that I think it was with it.
If you're one a tight budget you’ll still be able to find reasonable accommodation and buy food to make yourself, so it really is what you make of it.
We did a combination of eating out and making food ourselves so we could afford the tours we wanted to do and it worked out well for us.
Best Places to Stay in Ushuaia
If you’re going to splurge, Arakur should be at the top of your list. Set above Ushuaia in a private nature reserve with its own trail network, it feels like a mountain lodge and a luxury spa all in one. The views are extraordinary, the spa is perfect after long days of hiking, and the setting is truly unique.
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A longtime favorite in Ushuaia for travelers who want more comfort without a luxury price tag. Spacious rooms, excellent service, and panoramic views over the Beagle Channel make it a standout. The location is perfect just a few blocks from the waterfront.
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This is a classic Patagonia luxury stay right on the Beagle Channel. The location is unbeatable, with sunsets over the water that are worth every penny. Rooms are spacious and elegant, and the spa and experience programs (like guided hikes or boat tours) add extra value.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Ushuaia?
Since Ushuaia is far from everywhere else I honestly don't think it’s worth spending less than at least three full days in Ushuaia.
Of course anything more is amazing and you’ll have no problem filling your time.
But if you’re short on time and want to see the highlights you’ll get to do that with 3 days.
This gives you enough time to for instance:
- Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Hike Laguna Esmeralda
- Visit Martial Glacier
- Visit Martello island or take a Beagle Channel boat trip
Final Verdict: Is Ushuaia Worth Visiting?
Without hesitation, yes.
Ushuaia isn't just worth visiting because it's the southernmost city in the world. It's worth visiting because it offers some of Argentina's most unique landscapes, excellent hiking, fascinating wildlife, and a genuine sense of adventure.
It's the kind of place that feels remote, wild, and memorable long after you've left.
If you're planning a trip to Patagonia and wondering whether Ushuaia deserves a spot on your itinerary, I would absolutely make room for it.
I hope this helps you plan your amazing adventure to Argentina and Ushuaia. If you have any questions about travel in Argentina, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid