Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by glaciers and mountain peaks. Home to a former prison, a handful of ski trails, and a cruise into Antarctica, this Argentine town is the ideal base for exploring Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park and beyond.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ushuaia, so it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your time here. Read on for our picks of the top places to visit and things to do in this picturesque town.
1. Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Ushuaia is one of the city's top tourist attractions and a must-see when visiting this town at the end of the world. It's located in the old prison building, which was used as a jail from 1896 to 1947.
The former prison building is a classic prison design, with five spokes radiating out from a central hub (cf Eastern State Penitentiary). The two levels of the cell blocks - which were arranged to form the wings of the prison - are filled with exhibits.
What's more, the lower levels are dedicated to incarceration history - including the cells where the inmates lived and some of the furniture they made. This is a fascinating museum with twice-daily tours available and it's well worth a visit.
The Maritime Museum in Ushuaia also has an art exhibition and a section about Antarctica and the early colonization of Tierra del Fuego, as well as more contemporary aspects of the area's sea-based activities. In all, it's a big place with so much to see that you should plan on at least a couple of hours.
2. Take a Tour of the Old Prison
The Old Prison in Ushuaia is a fascinating attraction that's a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the region's history. It was a prison that housed the most dangerous criminals and political prisoners in Argentina between 1902 and 1947, when it closed.
The prison is built in an unusually shaped building with five spokes radiating outward from a central hub. Each hub has two levels of cell blocks, allowing space for other museums as well.
Once inside the museum you'll find a long corridor that leads to an exhibition section with photos and panels covering the walls. You can also visit the former cells, one of which is called Ala Historica and will thrill you with its dark atmosphere.
The museum also has a number of original prison tiles, shackles and paintings made by prisoners. The collection is quite extensive and is worth a look around.
3. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park
The Tierra del Fuego National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Ushuaia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to glaciers, lakes, and mountains and features stunning scenery.
Hiking is a great way to explore the park. You can either take a guided tour or go on your own.
There are many hiking trails throughout the park, and they all connect to each other. A guided tour is the best option if you want to learn about the history and ecology of the park.
You can also get a map from the tourism center in Ushuaia to plan out your treks. Some trails require registration before you begin, so it’s important to do that ahead of time.
The park is a pristine wilderness and has a large variety of bird species. These include Magellanic woodpecker, flightless steam duck, and the fire-eyed diucon.
4. Go on a Cruise
Located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is a bustling center for adventure travel. Cradled between the pristine-and-towering Martial Mountains and accessed via the Beagle Channel, this port town is surrounded by an expansive wilderness.
One of the best ways to see all that Ushuaia has to offer is on a cruise. There are several options, including a half-day catamaran trip to the Beagle Channel and a day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
You can also take a tour of the city’s historic sights. These tours are great if you only have limited time in Ushuaia.
The M/V Ushuaia is a small, ice-strengthened expedition ship originally built for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration). It has ample deck space and an open bridge policy, as well as a full complement of inflatable landing craft to maximize your time on land.
A 10- or 15-day Antarctic voyage will give you plenty of chances to see whales, elephant seals and sea lions. You’ll also encounter a variety of unique birds, such as terns, skuas and albatrosses.
