The best of Ushuaia – A 4-day itinerary for spring and autumn

Ushuaia, famously known as "the city at the end of the world," truly lives up to its nickname . As the southernmost city on Earth, it’s perched on the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, that remote island at the tip of South America. In fact, the phrase "end of the world" is something you’ll encounter constantly during your visit — and it never gets old.

This destination is an irresistible blend of captivating history, stunning landscapes, unforgettable excursions, trails suited to all fitness levels, and countless opportunities to experience the local wildlife. And let’s not forget the mouthwatering Argentine cuisine, which is reason enough to visit!

Located on the shores of the legendary Beagle Channel — the very waterway Charles Darwin sailed through in 1833 aboard the HMS Beagle under Captain FitzRoy’s command — Ushuaia holds a special place in my heart. It’s easily one of my favorite destinations in Argentina. And considering Argentina ranks in my top three favorite countries in the world, that’s saying something!

In this post, I share everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Ushuaia, especially during autumn or spring. We were there in late April (autumm in the Southern hemisphere) and I’ve put together a 4-day itinerary packed with tips and recommendations to help you enjoy every moment of your trip.

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When to visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a destination that can be visited year-round, but each season offers a unique experience.

Ushuaia in summer

During summer, Ushuaia is a haven for trail enthusiasts and nature lovers. With pleasantly mild temperatures (rarely exceeding 15ºC) and long daylight hours, it’s the town's high season, bringing both the perks and downsides of peak tourism.

Ushuaia in winter

In winter, Ushuaia transforms into a wonderland for snow and winter sports enthusiasts . The Cerro Castor ski resort, one of the earliest to open and latest to close in the southern hemisphere, attracts a steady flow of tourists and athletes from the northern hemisphere in search of snow. While not as crowded as summer, winter is also considered high season.

If you it’s your first time experiencing snow, Ushuaia is an ideal destination. The town is not just about skiing — there’s a range of attractions in and around Ushuaia to diversify your snow vacation. Let’s be honest: during your first ski trip, staying on the slopes for more than 3 or 4 days is no easy feat (speaking from personal experience here!).

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Ushuaia in spring and autumn

I’ve visited Ushuaia twice: once in spring and once in autumn. In my opinion, these are the best seasons to explore the city.

During these shoulder seasons, you get the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect time for hiking and soaking in the breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, while still finding snow in the mountains to satisfy that urge to play in it—because, as Brazilians, we never pass up the chance to enjoy a snowy adventure.

The weather is mild, the landscapes are stunningly colorful, there are far fewer tourists (truly, so much quieter!), and the town exudes a unique charm. Visiting Ushuaia in spring or autumn lets you savor its beauty at a more relaxed pace, free from the crowds. While there’s snow in the mountains, it’s unlikely to cover the streets — which, to me, is a bonus. No one wants to risk slipping on every corner!

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How to get to Ushuaia

By plane

Despite the name - Ushuaia International Airport (USH), there are, at the time of this writing, no international flights at Ushuaia airport. However, it’s worth checking the details when planning your trip, as airlines occasionally announce direct flights from Latin American cities such as São Paulo to Ushuaia. I recommend using the website flightsfrom.com to confirm whether direct connections are available.

To reach Ushuaia, you’ll typically need to make a stopover in Argentina, most commonly in Buenos Aires at either Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) or Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). When booking your ticket, double-check that you won’t need to switch airports in Buenos Aires. If a transfer is required, be prepared for some hassle: the two airports are a fair distance apart, airlines don’t provide transportation between them, and you’ll need to collect your luggage and re-check it at the second airport.

Ushuaia also has flights from other Argentine cities, such as El Calafate (an excellent option if you plan to explore Argentinean Patagonia), Trelew, and Cordoba.

By car or motorbike

For roadtrip adventure lovers, Ushuaia is a dream destination.

As the southernmost city on both the continent and the planet, Ushuaia serves as a starting or ending point for countless adventurers looking to explore the Americas on two or four wheels. Bahia Lapataia marks the southernmost point of the road that stretches over 18 kilometers northward to Alaska . I’ve been to both ends of the Americas (check out my post about Alaska), but who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll take on the challenge of a roadtrip connecting the dots!

Even if an epic continental journey isn’t in your plans, Ushuaia is an excellent place to rent a car and embark on a road trip through Patagonia. It’s about 900km from Ushuaia to El Calafate and slightly less to National Park Torres del Paine in Chile.

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Where to stay in Ushuaia

Ushuaia offers accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. I recommend staying in the central area, near San Martín Street, where you’ll find a concentration of restaurants, shops, and cafes, all within walking distance of the tourist pier and the Beagle Channel promenade.

On our first visit in Ushuaia, we stayed at the Hotel Tierra del Fuego, one of the city’s most traditional options. It’s well-located, comfortable, and a great choice. Another excellent hotel in the same area is the Hotel Albatros, which offers a similar style and an equally convenient location.

More recently, while traveling with the kids, we opted for Antarctica Park Ushuaia, a two-bedroom apartment on Maipú Avenue, right across from the Beagle Channel. The spectacular view was the highlight of our stay and, honestly, worth it for that alone. Other apartment options I considered for this trip were Austral 503 and the Aunaisin – Toluken apartments, but I admit that the Antarctica Park won me over with the views.

If you’re seeking luxury accommodations with all the comforts you could wish for, Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, located on the slopes of Cerro Martial, is among the city’s best. Another standout option in the same area is Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel. However, if I had to choose my dream hotel, it would undoubtedly be Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, which seems to be the definition of perfection at the end of the world.

For more budget-friendly options, consider Posada Del Fin Del Mundo and the El Refugio Lodge Hostel, both of which are highly rated on booking platforms.

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What to pack for fall or spring in Ushuaia

This was one of my biggest questions since I’ve been traveling exclusively with a carry-on in recent years. I knew it would be cold, but how cold exactly?

On our most recent trip to Ushuaia, in mid-autumn (late April to early May), temperatures ranged from -7°C to 7°C. In the town, it was typically around 2°C early in the morning, rising to 7°C in the early afternoon. In the mountains, we experienced temperatures as low as -3°C, and during our boat trip through the Beagle Channel, it dropped to -7°C (with the wind chill making it feel even colder).

We packed the same essentials we had used for a three-week winter trip to Eastern Europe, just in smaller quantities. Here’s the list:

Checklist – what to pack for cold destinations

• 1 pair of thermal pants (specifically for trekking; mine are from Decathlon)
• 1 pair of thermal leggings (can be worn alone or under the thermal pants; mine are from UNQL)
• 5 long-sleeved dry-fit t-shirts (I buy these at Decathlon, Centauro, Track&Field, or similar stores)
• 1 fleece jacket (mine is Columbia, but Decathlon’s are great too)
• 1 thick winter coat (mine is Columbia)
• 1 raincoat (since my coat isn’t waterproof; if yours is, you can skip this)
• 1 pajamas
• 5 pairs of regular socks
• 2 pairs of thick wool socks (to layer over regular socks; I got mine at Decathlon)
• underwear for 5 days
• 1 pair of waterproof trekking shoes (Decathlon, Columbia, Merrell, Timberland, or equivalent)
• 1 pair of slippers
• hat, scarf, wool gloves and waterproof gloves

Actually, this is pretty much my standard packing list for any winter trip. The bulkiest items go on my body (except for the thermal pants), and everything else fits into my carry-on. For longer trips, simply add more leggings, t-shirts, socks, and underwear, and maybe an extra hat or scarf for variety.

For more tips, check out my post on how to travel with just hand luggage..

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How to get around Ushuaia

On both of our trips to Ushuaia, we rented a car, picking it up and returning it at the airport. For our fall and spring visits, a 4 WD wasn’t necessary; we opted for the most economical model available, which worked perfectly.

Driving around the region is very straightforward, with easy access to the main attractions. When we visited Tierra del Fuego National Park, we encountered a stretch of road covered in snow. Even though it was our first time driving in such conditions, everything went smoothly — another ✅ for our travel résumé!

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When renting a car, ask if snow tires are required (both times, our vehicles came equipped) and ensure you understand how to use snow chains if necessary. While we didn’t need them on either trip, it’s always good to be prepared.

If you’re staying outside the city center, having a car will be helpful for getting around. Otherwise, you might only need it for sightseeing trips.

Although renting a car gives you flexibility — and in our case, it was more cost-effective — it’s not essential. All the tours can be done with organized groups, and for short trips, taxis or Uber are readily available. For getting from the airport to the town, you can schedule a transfer in advance.

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4-day itinerary in Ushuaia

We arrived in Ushuaia early in the afternoon, absolutely starving. Naturally, our first stop was for a hearty ojo de bife at Casimiro Biguá restaurant..

After checking in at our apartment, we took advantage of the nice cold weather to walk around the city, have a coffee and take the classic photo in the Ushuaia Fin del Mundo sign. This sign is located on the tourist pier, where the kiosks of the operators of boat tours along the Beagle Channel are located.

Since this first day didn’t involve any major activities (other the food!), I’m counting our four-day itinerary in Ushuaia as officially starting the next day. Sound good?

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Day 1: 4×4 Tour of Lakes and the Prison Museum

4×4 Tour Escondido and Fagnano Lakes

On our first full day in Ushuaia, we joined a 4 WD tour to Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. This was the only tour I booked in advance, through the agency Antartur (though I left the payment to be made on-site). Other agencies also offer this tour, and you can book it online if you prefer. The tour is typically for small groups of 8–10 people, but that day it was just the four of us and an Argentinean couple.

The guide picked us up from our apartment early in the morning, and we followed Route 3 to our first stop: a coffee break at Centro Invernal Tierra Mayor (Tierra Mayor Winter Center). Everything there was blanketed in snow! The landscape was dazzlingly white, and the kids were overjoyed.

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We continued along the road to Paso Garibaldi, the highest point on Route 3, which marks the transition from the southern to the northern Andes in Tierra del Fuego. Unlike the rest of the continent, where the Andes run north to south, here they stretch east to west. The Garibaldi Pass stands 450 meters above sea level, and, as our guide explained, in this region (and at this time of year), the temperature drops by 1 °C for every 100 meters of elevation gain. So, be prepared for the cold and wind — it was the chilliest spot of the day for us!

At the pass, there’s a viewpoint offering a stunning panorama of our two main destinations: Escondido and Fagnano Lakes.

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After a quick stop to take in the view, we descended and left the main road, heading onto dirt tracks until we reached Escondido Lake. The car went as far as it could, and then we walked the remaining 200 meters to the lake’s shore.

After a while by the lake, we returned to the car, and that’s when the real 4×4 adventure began . The trail became a mix of dirt, mud, and puddles, with the vehicle bouncing and splashing all the way — needless to say, the kids had the time of their lives, feeling like true explorers in the glacial forests.

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Finally, we arrived at Fagnano Lake, the largest lake in Tierra del Fuego and one of the most breathtaking landscapes of our trip . The car drove along the lake’s edge, sometimes more on water than on land, until we reached a scenic picnic spot.

The return journey was quicker and smoother. We reached the main road, crossed Paso Garibaldi again, and stopped at Husky Park and Nunatak Refuge, another "centro invernal" (winter resort) located near Tierra Mayor.

Needless to say, the kids went absolutely wild at Husky Park! There are dozens of dogs, most of them Siberian Huskies (though there are other breeds too), each one cuter than the last. The handlers explained the dogs' training, their roles in pulling sleds, and even gave a demonstration. Some of the dogs came over for cuddles, which was just adorable. During winter, visitors can also enjoy sled rides with the dogs.

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If you think the day couldn’t get any better for the kids, you’d be wrong. Right after visiting the dogs, it started snowing! It was a dream come true for my two girls — it was their first time seeing snow falling.

After plenty of fun in the snow, we had lunch at Refugio Nunatak. The meal was excellent, with a starter, main course, and dessert — all very generous portions. Afterward, it was time to head back to Ushuaia.

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Maritime Museum and Museum of the Ushuaia Prison

When in Ushuaia, don’t miss a visit to the Ushuaia Maritime and Prison Museum..

When we visited, the museum was open until 8 PM, so it was easy to fit into our schedule after a day of sightseeing. Set aside at least two hours to explore it properly. If you run out of time, don’t worry — just get your ticket stamped at reception, and you’ll have two additional days to return without paying again (do check the official website for updated details).

There are guided tours in Spanish included in the ticket, and I highly recommend joining one if you are able to understand the language - the website says English guided tours can be arranged, so it is worth checking. I took the tour both times I visited the Museum, and the stories the guides share are the most fascinating part of the experience.

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As the name suggests, the museum is housed in the old prison that operated in Ushuaia from 1904 to 1947. Walking through the corridors, you can explore restored cells that showcase what life was like for inmates sent to the “end of the world” and how the city developed around the prison.

The prison’s layout features five wings branching out like tentacles from a central courtyard. One of these wings remains untouched, preserved just as it was when the prison was decommissioned in 1947 — a truly interesting sight.

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Another must-see at the Prison Museum is the full-size replica of the iconic Lighthouse at the End of the World. Built in 1884 on the remote Isla de los Estados, the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse inspired Jules Verne’s famous novel but was short-lived due to the harsh conditions of its location.

The museum also features sections dedicated to Argentina’s maritime history, Antarctic expeditions, and rotating art exhibitions.

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Day 2: Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Our second day of activities was dedicated to exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ushuaia.

After all, this is where the Pan-American Highway ends — in Lapataia Bay — along the Argentine Route No. 3. You could theoretically drive here all the way from Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's Arctic Ocean coast (barring a small gap between Panama and Colombia). From this point onward, travel continues only by boat. Ushuaia is about 1,000 km from the Antarctic continent.

The entrance fee to the park for foreign visitors is ARS $40.000. You can explore it independently, as we did, or join a guided tour that may include a ride on the end of the world train.

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Tierra del Fuego National Park spans a vast area, reaching all the way to the Chileborder. It boasts several trails and points of interest worth visiting.

One of the park’s highlights is the End of the World Post Office , in Zaratiegui Cove. They say it’s a functioning post office, but when I visited on a Monday morning, it was closed. Growing up in the 80s, I always eagerly awaited the mailman’s arrival, so sending a postcard from the end of the world would have been such a nostalgic thrill.

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Another unmissable stop is Lapataia Bay, the literal end of the road . Wooden walkways lead to the bay’s shore, and several trails originate from this spot, including one that extends all the way to the Chilean border (I hiked this one during my first visit to Ushuaia).

Nearby, you’ll find the Turbal, Mirador Lapataia, and Laguna Negra trails. These are short, flat, and very easy walks that are well worth doing. We also started the Paseo de la Isla trail, which is similarly easy and offers stunning views.

The Alakush Visitor Center is located within the park . It houses a simple restaurant, though it’s pricey for what’s on offer. Still, if you didn’t bring snacks, it’s your best option for a meal.

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End of the World Train

We also took a ride on the End of the World Train. It’s a pleasant and peaceful experience, especially suited for small children or individuals with mobility challenges . However, to be honest, I found it overpriced and not particularly different from what we had already seen in the rest of the park. Throughout the journey, there’s an audio narration that shares the history of the railway, which was the most interesting aspect of the ride (although much of this story had already been covered at the Presidio Museum).

The End of the World Railway was originally built by prisoners to transport materials for constructing the prison and the town — primarily stone, sand, and firewood, including the firewood used to heat the homes of Ushuaia’s residents. At the time, the railway connected the park area to the town, but today only the section within the National Park remains operational.

The ride costs ARS $62,000 (equivalent to around $60 USD at the time of our visit), which I found quite expensive. I wouldn’t do it again.

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The train’s departure station—Estación Fin del Mundo—is located outside the park, while its final stop, Estación Parque Nacional, is inside the park. Keep in mind that you’ll need a valid park entrance ticket to take the ride.

On our way back to Ushuaia, we had dinner at Almacén Ramos Generales, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just to try an empanada or sip a beer served in a penguin-shaped mug. My dinner choice was merluza negra (black hake), one of Ushuaia’s signature dishes — and if I could, I’d have it five times over!

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Day 3: Sailing the Beagle Channel and Exploring Martial Glacier

Boat tour on the Beagle Channel

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday celebration: a boat tour along the Beagle Channel.

This is one of the quintessential tours in Ushuaia, a must-do for anyone visiting the town.

The Beagle Channel separates the “main” part of Tierra del Fuego Island from the smaller islands that make up the archipelago. It’s famous for being the route Charles Darwin traveled in 1833 aboard the HMS Beagle, commanded by Captain FitzRoy, during a voyage that forever changed the course of science.

We booked our tour with Canoero Catamaranes, though several other companies offer the same experience. We purchased tickets the day before at the tourist pier, conveniently located across from the port and our apartment. If I remember correctly, the cost was around $40 USD per adult.

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The tour lasts about three hours and follows the Beagle Channel to Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, returning to the starting point.

There are two main stops before reaching the lighthouse.

The first stop is at an island teeming with sea lions and birds, mostly cormorants. These birds resemble penguins but are actually closer relatives of pelicans. The boat pulls up close to the rocky island, giving us a fantastic view of the wildlife. We spent some time observing the sea lions, including adorable pups awkwardly swimming and pulling off the funniest, most heart-melting antics.

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Our next stop was Bridges Island, where passengers disembark to explore a short trail leading to a scenic viewpoint. This island was once home to the native Yaghan people, and informative signs along the trail provide fascinating insights into their history.

After about XNUMX minutes on Bridges Island, we continued toward our final destination: Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, often referred to as the "Lighthouse at the End of the World." I seized the moment, positioning myself at the bow of the boat to capture the perfect photo, while my husband and daughters stayed inside, shielding themselves from the biting wind and the -XNUMX°C wind chill.

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Then, out of nowhere, the boat stopped in the middle of the channel, engines off. I was momentarily puzzled, thinking, “What’s going on?” when suddenly, three humpback whales appeared right in front of us.

For the next ten minutes, these magnificent creatures put on a private show, with no other boats in sight. It was pure magic. Whale season in Ushuaia typically runs from June to October, so seeing them in April was entirely unexpected — a perfect birthday surprise.

At that moment, the lighthouse became a mere detail of the trip, especially since I’d been there before. But for my daughters, it was their first visit, proving that <strong>even when you revisit a place, it’s never quite the same experience</strong>.

In summer, the Beagle Channel tours include a stop at an island where penguins gather. Penguin season runs from November to March.

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Cerro Martial

After a quick lunch back in the town, we headed to Martial Hill, also known as Parque del Fin del Mundo (did I mention how everything here seems to scream "end of the world"?).

Cerro Martial is home to a glacier within a protected area. In winter, it transforms into a winter sports hub offering alpine skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a popular spot for trekking up to the glacier itself.

We visited in April, before the winter season officially began. The area was open and free to access, but there was no operational infrastructure. We parked at the entrance and began our climb up the snow-covered mountain.

As we ascended, we reached a point (not sure how close to the top) where the snowfall became heavy. It was real, thick snow — the kind my kids had never experienced before. They were ecstatic! They stopped right there to revel in the snow, laughing and playing as it fell around them. Eventually, wet gloves and cold, soaked pants got the better of them, and we reluctantly headed back down amidst their playful protests.

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Day 4: Emerald Lagoon and farewell to the end of the world

Our last day in Ushuaia was supposed to be dedicated to one of the activities I was most excited about: trekking to Lagoa Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon). It’s a tour I missed on my first trip to the city, and I’m sad to admit, I missed it this time as well.

Initially, our return flight to Buenos Aires was scheduled for 5 PM, but Aerolíneas Argentinas rescheduled it to 2 PM. If it had just been us adults, I would have considered waking up at the crack of dawn to attempt the trail. But with kids, it wasn’t practical to risk such a tight schedule. We decided to save it for our next visit — because yes, I’m absolutely certain we’ll return to the end of the world.

Instead, we spent our last morning enjoying our time in town. We started with a wonderful breakfast at Café El Recreo, strolled along Av. San Martín, visited the city signs, snapped a few dozen more photos by the Beagle Channel, indulged in ice cream and coffee, and just enjoyed a peaceful vacation morning. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Ushuaia, the magical city at the end of the world.

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Other things to do in Ushuaia

For my next visit to Ushuaia, I’ve already added a few tours to my must-do list:

• trekking to Lagoa Esmeralda – This trail begins about eighteen km outside of Ushuaia. The hike is well-marked and moderately challenging, spanning a total of nine km (round trip). It’s said to take around five to six hours, offering stunning views of the lagoon as a reward.

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• visit to Estancia Harberton – Established in 1886, Harberton Ranch was the first productive enterprise in Tierra del Fuego. Today, it offers a tour that blends history, science, nature, and gastronomy. It also provides accommodation for those looking to stay overnight.

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• trekking to Vinciguerra Glacier – One of the most remarkable glaciers in Ushuaia. The trail is of medium difficulty and can be done without a guide. However, if you want to explore the glacier itself, a guided tour is highly recommended. The trek is ten km long, and it’s best to set aside about nine hours for the entire experience.

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Map of our Ushuaia itinerary

Our four autumn days in Ushuaia are mapped out below. Just click on the link to save it to your Google account — it’s the perfect starting point for planning your next trip to Ushuaia 😉

In this post, I explain how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s a fantastic tool for saving places, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your trip overall. I highly recommend it!

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How to use this map: Click the tab in the upper left corner of the map to access various layers, including points of interest and routes. You can choose which layers to view by selecting the corresponding checkboxes. For additional details about specific points of interest, click the icons on the map.

To save this map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon next to the map title. To access it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “My Places”, select “Maps” and you will find this map listed among your saved maps.

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Stay Connected!

Got comments or questions? Feel free to leave a comment here or connect with me on social media—I love chatting about travel 😉.

Before you go, don’t forget to SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account for easy access to this post on what to do in Ushuaia in 4 days — you’ll have it handy whenever you need it!

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