Ushuaia, gateway to Antarctica and the world's southernmost city, has captivated imaginations for generations. Even Jules Verne dedicated one of his novels to it, The Lighthouse at the End of the World, and Nicolas Hulot his world-renowned travel show. For adventurers and globetrotters, Ushuaia is a challenging yet unmissable destination. And yes, this city at the end of the world truly deserves a few days of exploration: between hiking, penguin encounters, and adventures at the world's edge, there's plenty to do in Ushuaia. Here are some ideas to help you plan your stay in Ushuaia.

Discover the End of the World

A small city of only 60,000 inhabitants, Ushuaia is nonetheless one of the most renowned cities in the world and quite lively, contrary to what one might expect. It attracts numerous tourists thanks to its designation as the city at the end of the world: it is indeed the world's southernmost city. Located just across from Antarctica, Ushuaia captivates with its wild landscapes and unique colors, its colorful little houses, its wildlife, its port and its lighthouse at the end of the world.

Throughout the city of Ushuaia, signs will remind you that you are here at the end of the world or at the "end of the earth." So take advantage of your visit to this region of Patagonia to mark this unique passage with photos near the signs. You can also get your passport stamped at the Tourist Office, mail a letter to loved ones from a post office built on stilts, have a drink at the world's southernmost bar... In short, your entire stay in Ushuaia will be marked by this theme. Besides, the city boasts numerous attractions centered on this theme, notably the Museum of the End of the World and the train to the end of the world.

The city of Ushuaia is truly beautiful, surrounded by glacial ocean and mountains carved by the erosion of ice. Enjoy its incredible sky and its sunrises and sunsets at the end of the world, which are of unforgettable beauty. Take time to stroll through the city and along the coast to admire the Beagle Channel, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.

Meet the Penguins

Tierra del Fuego attracts notably for its exceptional landscape and the animals that inhabit this protected zone. It's an opportunity to see sea lions or perhaps whales. But the most famous inhabitants of this Patagonia region are the numerous penguins that live here freely and in colonies.

From Ushuaia, you can depart on a day excursion to Martillo Island, which hosts thousands of penguins. Most tours take you near the island by boat, and some agencies even allow you to land on the island and walk near these animals. You'll notably encounter Magellanic penguins, king penguins, and Gentoo penguins. For this excursion, binoculars and a camera are essential!

Hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Located just 12 km from the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Only a small portion of the park is open to the public, with the rest dedicated to a nature reserve closed to visitors. But several hiking trails wind through pristine nature, and it's even possible to spend the night in a tent if you're not afraid of the cold.

The most beautiful trail to take is the one along the coast, which overlooks the Beagle Strait and offers magnificent views of it. Furthermore, you'll reach the end of the famous Pan-American Highway, an 18,000 km trail that runs from Alaska all the way here, to Tierra del Fuego. Another chance to capture some memorable photos...

The park is easily accessible by bus or, to stay in the spirit of things, by the train to the end of the world.

Visit Martial Glacier

A short and must-do hike during a stay in Ushuaia takes you from the city center to the Martial Glacier. It's certainly not the most impressive glacier you'll see during your time in Patagonia, as this one has unfortunately melted considerably. But this hike of a few hours takes you through a truly unique setting in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, offering splendid views over the city.

Visit the Maritime Museum

The city of Ushuaia has several museums, with the largest being the maritime museum. It's surely also the most interesting. It features exhibitions on wildlife and Antarctica, as well as on the mysterious prison at the end of the world.

It's also possible to ski near Ushuaia, take a dog sledding excursion, or embark on a cruise toward Antarctica.

Practical Information:

Entry Requirements: Ushuaia is located in Argentina. For stays of less than three months, you won't need a visa to visit.

How to Get There: Ushuaia has a small airport in a picturesque setting, which connects to Buenos Aires and other cities. You can also arrive by ferry crossing the Beagle Strait.

Climate: Ushuaia has a subpolar oceanic climate, always very cold and windy. Plan your clothing accordingly!