Before you go
Your trip to Ushuaia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ushuaia – Terra do Fogo Destination Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego Capital
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas (USH) 6 km
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Parada de ómnibus da avenida Maipú 0 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
There are about 6 km between the airport and the city center. Check for possible airport changes during the connection and arrange arrival transport.
How many days
Four or five days accommodate the museum, an outing to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego and hikes on separate days. Don’t schedule a long trail between the plane arrival and an activity with a fixed time.
When to go
From November to March there are more daylight hours for outdoor activities. Between June and September snow often appears on the mountains and can affect trails; check conditions before heading out. Wind makes layered clothing necessary at any time of year.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
The town center can be explored on foot, although the streets above Avenida San Martín are uphill. Transfers and excursions serve the park and trails. Renting a car is useful for independent travel, but it doesn’t remove the walking required at the attractions.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ushuaia
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Morning
Museo Marítimo y del Presidio
Walk through the pavilions and allow time for the rooms dedicated to maritime history and the former prison.
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Afternoon
Stroll along the central coastline
Walk along Avenida Maipú and take in the port and the bay. Use the rest of the afternoon to get familiar with the services in the town center.
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Late afternoon
Preparing hiking days
Check conditions at Glaciar Martial and Laguna Esmeralda and adjust transport for upcoming departures.
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Evening
Dinner in the central area
Choose a restaurant in the center and return with warm clothing: the temperature can drop even after a mild day.
2 days in Ushuaia
Day 1
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Morning
Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
Head to the park’s public-use area and divide the visit between forest paths and the coastline.
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Afternoon
Bahía Lapataia
Complete the outing with the boardwalks and viewpoints in the Lapataia sector, according to the accesses open that day.
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Late afternoon
Return to Ushuaia
Return without adding another long hike. Reorganize your luggage for the following day.
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Evening
Rest in town
Have a meal near your accommodation and prepare your hiking equipment.
Day 2
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Morning
Laguna Esmeralda
Start the hike in the morning with footwear suitable for wet terrain and bring water for the route.
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Afternoon
Return via Valle Tierra Mayor
Complete the return route respecting the markings and avoiding shortcuts across the peat bogs.
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Late afternoon
Break after the hike
Use your return to town to rest; the duration of the trail varies with ground conditions and the group’s pace.
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Evening
Meal and rest
End the day without long transfers and check the forecast before deciding on the next activity.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is the airport far from Ushuaia’s center?
The distance is about 6 km. The journey is usually made by car, taxi, or a transfer arranged with your accommodation.
Can I enjoy Ushuaia without doing long hikes?
Yes. The museum and the central coastline don’t require mountain routes. In the national park there are sectors with boardwalks; check the characteristics of each trail before choosing.
In which months does snow usually appear?
Between June and September snow is more common in the mountains. Trail conditions depend on weather and altitude, and you should not expect a specific scene in town.
Can I go to Laguna Esmeralda on the day of my flight?
It’s better to set aside another day. The round-trip hike takes about four to five hours, plus transfers, and the terrain can increase that duration.
