Ushuaia & the Beagle Channel

Perched on the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city—a gateway to Antarctica and the dramatic Beagle Channel. This wind-whipped port town feels like the end of the world, with snow-capped Martial Mountains as a backdrop and the channel's icy waters stretching toward Cape Horn. It's a magnet for adventurers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to stand at the literal edge of the map.

Highlights & What to See

• Beagle Channel boat tours – Cruise past sea lion colonies, cormorant rookeries, and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse (the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World'). Keep an eye out for penguins at Isla Martillo.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park – Hike through subantarctic forests, along coastal trails, and to the end of the Pan-American Highway. The Pampa Alta trail offers sweeping views of the Beagle Channel.
• Museo Marítimo y del Presidio – Housed in a former prison, this museum delves into Ushuaia's penal colony past and the region's maritime history, including shipwrecks and indigenous Yamana culture.
• Cerro Castor – South America's southernmost ski resort, with winter snow sports and summer hiking on the Martial Glacier.
• Train of the End of the World (Tren del Fin del Mundo) – A nostalgic steam train ride through the valley of the Pipo River, once used by prisoners.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give Ushuaia at least three full days. Dedicate one day to a Beagle Channel cruise (half-day or full-day), one to Tierra del Fuego National Park (with the train ride as an optional add-on), and a third to exploring the town's museums and hiking the Martial Glacier. If you're heading to Antarctica, you'll need extra days for pre-departure briefings and gear preparation.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Punta Arenas, Chile – A 5-hour bus ride across the Strait of Magellan, with its own penguin colonies and colonial history.
• Puerto Williams, Chile – The southernmost settlement on Navarino Island, a base for trekking the Dientes de Navarino circuit.
• El Calafate, Argentina – About 12 hours north by bus, home to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park.
• Antarctica – Expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia, offering the ultimate polar adventure.
• Estancia Harberton – A historic sheep ranch 85 km east of Ushuaia, with a museum on Yamana culture and a penguin rookery.

Please check official sources for current details.