Day 1 — City and the national park
Start with a city tour (2.5 hours): historic prison, Martial viewpoint, waterfront. This gives context — the city's history, restaurant recommendations and basic orientation.
After lunch — Tierra del Fuego National Park (3–4 hours): Laguna Roja, beaver dams, subantarctic forest. The End of the World train through the park — optional, but kids love it.
In the evening we recommend a restaurant on the waterfront: centolla (Patagonian king crab), good lamb, local wine.
Day 2 — Sea
In the morning — Beagle Channel boat trip (4 hours): Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, sea lion islands, cormorants. Departure from the port around 9:00.
After lunch — free time or optional Martial Glacier (4–5 hours): hike up to the glacier tongue above the city. The best panorama of Ushuaia.
Day 3 — Penguins (Oct–Mar season)
Full day — Martillo Island penguin tour (10 hours): Andrés's farm, fishing village, boat to the island, walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, return by 19:00.
Out of penguin season (April–September) — Lakes 4x4 (8 hours): Escondido and Fagnano deep in Tierra del Fuego via dirt roads.
Practical tips
Weather. Patagonian saying: "Four seasons in one day." Bring a windbreaker, layers, sunscreen.
Booking. Penguins are best booked 1–2 weeks ahead in season — licensed boats are limited, spots sell out.
Transfer. We pick up from any Ushuaia hotel. The airport is within city limits — taxi 10 minutes.
Currency. Ushuaia accepts cards, but small cafés and markets — cash only. Exchanging dollars is better in the city than at the airport.