Ushuaia is the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province and the world's southernmost city, set on the Beagle Channel and ringed by the Martial Mountains. Nicknamed the 'End of the World' (Fin del Mundo), it is famous as the main departure port for Antarctic cruises and the gateway to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Right now (July 2026) it is the depths of the Southern Hemisphere winter: peak ski season at Cerro Castor, snow-covered landscapes and short daylight hours. The town itself is one of the safer places in Argentina, making it a rewarding base for enjoying the wild 'land's end' scenery.
Tierra del Fuego National Park - South America's southernmost national park of glaciers, ancient forest and lakes, ending at Lapataia Bay where National Route 3 terminates, home to the famous 'End of the World' post office
Beagle Channel cruise - passing sea lion and cormorant colonies and the Les Éclaireurs 'Lighthouse at the End of the World', with Magellanic penguin rookeries (Isla Martillo) in summer
End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo) - a narrow-gauge railway originally built by prisoners, restored as a scenic tourist train through the national park forest
Maritime & Prison Museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio) - housed in Ushuaia's former penal colony, telling the story of the prison and of Antarctic exploration
Martial Glacier viewpoint - a panoramic lookout on the mountains behind town over the city and the Beagle Channel
Good to know
SeasonJuly is mid-winter here: temperatures fall below freezing, daylight is only around 7 hours, and snow and strong winds are frequent. Bring waterproof/windproof outerwear, multiple layers and non-slip footwear.
SeasonWinds are strong year-round and the weather can change dramatically within a single day. Always check same-day conditions and whether treks or cruises are operating.
RulesIn peak season (winter skiing, summer cruising) the End of the World Train and Beagle Channel cruises sell out early, so book ahead. National Park tickets bought online at ventaweb.apn.gob.ar qualify for a 50% discount on a second entry within 72 hours.
CautionAlways ask the taxi driver to use the meter; be wary of street offers of a 'better exchange rate', of the camera-drop scam (a stranger blames you for breaking their camera), and of bar 'drink' scams with inflated bills.
MannersA tip of around 10% is customary in restaurants and cash is often preferred. Argentine dinner typically starts late, after 9 pm.
SafetyCentral Ushuaia sees very little violent crime and is relatively safe, but stay alert to pickpocketing and distraction theft in crowded tourist spots. Since Argentina relaxed currency controls in 2025, card payments now track close to the street ('blue') rate, so cards are safer than carrying a thick wad of cash.
Practical info
Ushuaia is reached by domestic flight from Buenos Aires (about 3.5 hours) or El Calafate, landing at Malvinas Argentinas Airport (USH); regular shuttles run from the city center (Fadul and Maipú corner) into the national park. The park is open daily 08:00-20:00, but fees, opening hours and cruise/train timetables shift with the winter peak season, so confirm the latest details on the official websites before you go.
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