Day trips from Ushuaia

Why Ushuaia is convenient for day trips

Ushuaia is a small city (about 80,000 residents) on the Beagle Channel shore, wedged between water and mountains. Almost everything interesting on Tierra del Fuego is within a 100 km radius of the city, so it's convenient to base in one hotel and leave for a new direction each day. No long transfers with luggage, like in Chilean Patagonia or around El Calafate.

The city is itself small: the main streets (San Martín and Maipú) take a couple of hours to walk. So the "flew in — sit in the city" format doesn't work here: by day two you'll be bored if you don't head out beyond Ushuaia.

Below — all the real day trips we run ourselves or organize through vetted partners. Prices in USD for 2026, current as of publication.

All day trip options

1. Tierra del Fuego National Park (Lapataia Bay)

Classic number one. The park starts 12 km from the city and goes to Lapataia Bay — where the legendary Pan-American Highway 3, running through two Americas, ends. Inside the park several short trekking routes, viewpoints over Ensenada Bay, beaver dams and the final point of the road with the "End of Route 3" sign.

• Duration: half day or full day
• Format: auto tour + easy walks 2–6 km
• Price: $120 per group (1–3 people) for half day, $180 for full day
• When to go: year-round, best October–April

2. Beagle Channel cruise

Boats and yachts leave from Ushuaia's main port and go along the Beagle Channel islands: "End of the World" lighthouse, sea lion island, cormorant island.

• Duration: 2.5–4 hours
• Price: $90 per person on a large catamaran, $150–180 on a small yacht
• When to go: year-round, less often in winter

3. Penguin colony on Isla Martillo

The only place in Argentina where you can land on the island and walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins at distances of a few meters.

• Duration: full day, 8–9 hours
• Price: $250 per person
• When to go: October–March only

The landing is run by a single company (Piratour), spots are limited — book in advance, minimum a month in high season.

4. Lakes Escondido and Fagnano on 4×4

Full day in the mountain part of the province: crossing the Garibaldi pass, two large lakes.

• Duration: 8–10 hours
• Price: $280 per group (1–3 people)
• When to go: year-round

5. Martial Glacier

The closest walk to the city: 7 km from the center, the trek starts right at the Ushuaia city limit.

• Duration: half day, 3–4 hours
• Price: $90 per group with guide
• When to go: November–April

6. Laguna Esmeralda

Classic full-day trek — 14 km round trip, elevation gain about 400 m. Emerald glacial lake.

• Duration: full day, 7 hours
• Price: $80 per group with guide
• When to go: November–April

7. Estancia Harberton

The oldest farm on Tierra del Fuego (founded 1886).

• Duration: half day (estancia only) or full day (with penguins)
• Price: $120 per group for half day
• When to go: October–April

8. Beagle Channel kayaking

Half-day program on two-person sea kayaks along the Beagle shore.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: $120 per person
• When to go: December–March

9. Ushuaia city tour

For the first day after arrival — nothing heavy. Prison museum, port, viewpoints.

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Price: $90 per group
• When to go: year-round

10. Crab fishing tour (centolla)

Going out to sea on a small boat with local fishermen.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: $180 per person
• When to go: July–October

11. Helicopter excursion

30, 60 or 90-minute flight over the city, glaciers and the Beagle Channel.

• Duration: from 30 minutes
• Price: from $250 per person for 30 minutes

12. Winter programs (June–September)

If you flew in during South American winter, the main options are different:

• Cerro Castor — ski resort 27 km from Ushuaia, ski pass about $90 per day
• Tierra Mayor — valley with dog sleds, snowmobiles, cross-country skis, from $150 per person
• Winter trek to Martial — with snowshoes, with guide mandatory

Which tours to combine in one day

• Penguins + Harberton — already in one package.
• City tour + Martial — both half-day, both don't go far from the city.
• Esmeralda + city dinner — after the trek you'll return hungry by evening.
• Beagle + city — morning cruise 2.5 hours, after lunch — city walk and prison museum.

How many days you need for Ushuaia

Short answer — three days minimum, five days optimal.

1 day

Arrival, city tour, dinner and early departure. That's a layover, not Ushuaia.

2 days

City + Martial, then Beagle and depart. The minimum to say "I was in Ushuaia."

3 days

Add the National Park. Already a normal set.

4 days

Add penguins (October–March only).

5+ days

Add active programs: Esmeralda, kayaking or 4×4 lakes.

Price summary table

Practical tips

• Weather changes four times a day. Bring layers.
• Book penguins and yacht-Beagle in advance.
• One buffer day won't hurt.
• Cards accepted everywhere.
• Time in Ushuaia: UTC−3, difference from Moscow −6 hours.