Things to consider

With a population of 80,000 people, Ushuaia is a historic centre with links to the Antarctic and Cape Horn. It is also the adventure capital of Tierra del Fuego with plenty to do in both Summer and Winter for the adventure enthusiast.

  • In the Summer, highlights from Ushuaia include cruising and wildlife watching (sea lions, penguins and other birdlife) on the Beagle Channel, light trekking on Gable Island, a day hike from one side of the Andes mountain range to the other and a 4WD trip to the Atlantic coast and Cabo San Pablo.
  • In the Winter, Ushuaia attracts winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and even ice mountain biking (with spiked tyres).
  • Activities available all year round include scenic heli-tours from Ushuaia, 4WD off-road adventures, visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park and visiting the Maritime & Prison museum.

Swoop's Guide to Ushuaia

History

Maritime Museum

The Maritime museum of Ushuaia is housed in the former prison of Ushuaia, which was closed down in 1947, and declared a National Historic Monument in 1997. There are some intriguing halls depicting penal life, and an exhibit of incredibly detailed scale models of famous ships spanning 500 years. It provides a really unique insight into the region’s history.

Estancia Harberton

The oldest estancia in the Argentine region of Tierra del Fuego, this picturesque ranch provides a fascinating insight into the history of the region, as well as being an ideal base from which to explore.

Ushuaia maritime museum

Wildlife

Martillo Island Penguin Excursion

Spend a morning walking amongst cute Gentoo penguins on Isla Martillo in the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego. On the way you’ll stop at Ushuaia’s most important historical site, Estancia Harberton.

Ushuaia penguins

Meet the Beavers

A great opportunity to discover the amazing colour of the Emerald Lagoon and the habitats and behaviours of these intriguing rodents! 

Beaver trip Ushuaia

Gable Island and Penguin Rookery with Canoeing

From October to April:

Experience a full day experience by road, canoes, sailing and on foot as you discover Gable Island, the historic Harberton Ranch and the penguins of Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel.

Penguins

Nautical

Beagle Channel Boat trip

The boat trip departs from Ushuaia's tourist wharf and heads south through Ushuaia Bay before entering the Beagle Channel. It stops at Alice Island, where you'll see southern sea lions, king cormorants and many other marine birds before continuing on to H Island a nature reserve with amazing flora and fauna. 

Departures at twice a day: 10am and 3pm, duration of trip around 4hrs 

Ushuaia nautical-sailing

Navigation on the Beagle Channel

Enjoy a day on the Beagle Channel to watch sea lions and the great variet and quantity of sea birds. Visit the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and the Bridges Islands, just outside the Bay of Ushuaia to enjoy views of the mountains as seen by Fitz Roy and Darwin when they first navigated these waters.

beagle channel

From the Sky

Scenic Flights

Just a ten minute walk from the centre of Ushuaia is the city’s old airport, from there you can board a 30 minute scenic flight to get a birds eye view of the city. The flight reaches an average altitude of 1,500 feet (equivalent to about 450 meters) while flying over Ushuaia Bay and the city. See the most important buildings in the city, the Andes and the famous Le Martial Glacier. Fly over Tierra del Fuego National Park before reaching Yendegaia Bay with its impressive glacier. You'll have views of Chilean Hoste Island, the Murray Channel, Navarino Island, Puerto Navarino, the Bridges Islands and lonely Les Eclereurs Lighthouse (known to some as Faro del Fin del Mundo, the end of the world lighthouse).

Ushuaia from the sky sml plane

Heli Tours

Ushuaia sits at the base of the mountains and on the edge of the Beagle Channel. Taking to the skies really opens up the expansive and spectacular scenery like no other way. Experience a unique perspective of the Beagle Channel, the imposing Andes mountain range, Martial Glacier and views of the city from your helicopter seat and perhaps landing on a mountain summit. Choose from 30 minute tours to half day excursions.

Heli tour Ushuaia

Active & Adventurous

Martial Glacier Hike

Take a taxi to the Cerro Martial ski centre and take the easy hike to the martial glacier for fantastic panoramas of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. 

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Sightseeing in Ushuaia

Standing close to the penguins was very moving. They are such gentle creatures and as you watch them their quirky ways bring smiles to the face. We were lucky to see whales on our way back and it is impossible to forget the face of the bull sea lion standing there in all his glory. To see as many Condors as we did, 10 came out to bid us farewell, was an awesome sight. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Chris Gibbs - UK

Review:

Off-Road 4x4 in Winter

Explore the surrounding beauty of Ushuaia during winter. This tour offers a full-day of activities in the snow, you'll be driven across mountain terrain and through forests in an all terrain vehicle.The day includes a barbeque with world-famous argentine beef and wine. 

4x4 Ushuaia

Horse Riding

A horseback ride between the Beagle Canal and Monte Susana. You'll cross glacial debris, called a morain before continuing higher to find panoramic views of Ushuaia’s city and its peninsula, at the Beagle Channel, just in front the Bridges islands.

Horse riding Ushuaia

Eating & Drinking

A top suggestion for Ushuaia is Ramos Generales, where you can sample the locally brewed Cape Horn Beer, and one of their speciality Merengue Penguins!

Ushuaia eat ramos generales
Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

Sightseeing activities listed don't need to be booked through Swoop. They are time fillers, perfect for a spare afternoon or day in the city. 

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Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the southernmost city before Antarctica and boy are they proud of it! The city is the capital of the region Tierra del Fuego. In this region you'll enjoy a host of outdoor adventures from hiking in the Martiel mountain range which is the backdrop to the town, cruising through the Magellan Strait or visiting the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. 

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