Top 10 best excursions and tours in Ushuaia

Deep at the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia is a City of the Patagonia Argentina, “fascinating by nature”. Its landscapes are dreamy, its flora and fauna is spectacular, its winter have the best snow, its history is valuable, its people is friendly and its streets picturesque and cozy. Visiting the Land of Fire is an experience to live to the fullest, without waste. See the best 10 excursions and tours in Ushuaia… There is much to do!

1. TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

Unlosable, it’s a must of this destination. This place is a fascinating combination of nature, lakes and mountains with many walking trails. Its flora is majestic, not to mention its fauna. In addition, you can combine this destination with the End of the World! Train It is a matter of contacting our travel specialists!

The classic tour of this park that is located just 12 km from the city lasts noon and operates all year round. Depending on the time there are departures at 7:30-8:00 AM. The tour goes through the main points of the Pipo River National Park, Monte Susana, Bahía Ensenada; we get to see Isla Redonda, Lago Roca, Casita de Bosque, Laguna Verde, Negra, Represa de Castores and Bahía Lapataia.

In addition to the classic excursion, there is another option to get to know this magical place and it is Tierra del Fuego National Park with Trekking. It is longer (7 hours to be more accurate), and operates only from October to April. This walk is ideal for all audiences, has no restrictions and the bus always accompanies us. If someone gets tired, they can stay on the bus.

This second alternative involves a tour of the main points of Pipo River National Park, Zaratiegui Bay, Lake Acigami, Laguna Verde and Bahia Lapataia. Departure is at 7:30 AM and return at 4:00 PM. It does not include the entrance to the National Park, but we will get to taste the fascinating lagoon through the road.

The plus of this ride is the opportunity to get to the End of the World Mail, a picturesque place from which you can send a postcard and, in addition, they will seal your passport so that everyone knows that you were right where “the land ends”. Furthermore, it’s a quiet excursion; no crowds, including lots of nice walks and also food! You won’t have to worry about it!

The walks are 30 to 45 minutes and are carried out with the accompaniment of an expert and trekking. If you wish, you can also combine it with the End of the World Train; again, this tour is optional. Send us a whatsapp! There are more options. In this itinerary we have Park, Trekking and Canoes. It’s a full day with food, the lake is quiet so you can do it with children as well. Combines coastal path hike, lunch on Lake Acigami (included), and navigation along Lapataia Bay.

2. END OF THE WORLD TRAIN TOUR

As we mentioned, you can combine it with the National Park and it operates all year round. It is a fascinating excursion, aboard the Fueguino Southern Railway after 40 years of not functioning. It encloses the magic brought by Ushuaia nature with one of the most important historic areas of this enchanting place.

Traveling aboard the mythical train will take you back on time, reviving and living the day-to-day of the prisoners of the End of the World through the same path that they made 100 years ago as they searched for wood to return to prison to work. The rest of the story we won’t tell you here, though! Nothing better than listening to it (in the language you want with individual audio system), from the mouths of the guides while delving into the magnificent landscapes.

It’s two hours and 7 km between the zigzagging Pipo River, the waterfall La Macarena (with descent), the tree cemetery and the splendid Forest of Lengas. The locomotives are steamy, their cars are elegant and with large windows. If you want to know more, look at the End of the World Train, great for going with children!

For the shore excursion of the End of the World Train you have two options, going aboard the Fueguino Railway for a two-hour walk or just take the one-way ride. In the latter case we pick you up in the Park and accompany you on an internal tour with the guides. Consult with our advisors and do not miss one of the 10 best excursions and tours in Ushuaia.

3. END OF WORLD JAIL-PRESIDIO MUSEUM

Ideal to complement the excursion aboard the Fueguino Train after the close connection of this mythical railway with the End of World Prison. Today, converted into the Presidio Museum, a place where you will get to know very closely! An important and significant part of Ushuaia’s history, understanding that prisoners contributed significantly to its development.

It wasn’t just any prison. It sheltered the country’s most dangerous convicts (including political prisoners), subjected to severe work discipline even outside the inmate. Those who were well-functioning carried out forestry work and, through workshops, covered the needs of the early city. They built streets, bridges and public buildings.

But that’s not all, in the prison worked the first printing press, telephone, electricity and other essential services. Ready to take a step back in time? Visit the Presidio Museum and experience the lives of inmates in the Historic Pavilion; its narrow corridors and cells remain intact to those of that time. Check schedules and rates with our travel executives and discover life in jail without losing your freedom.

4. MARITIME ACTIVITIES

Any of the sea excursions depart from the Port of Ushuaia, located in the heart of the city. The schedule and operation will depend on the one you choose:

•         Isla de Lobos: operates all year round, we depart at 15 hs (in high season the 10 hs schedule is added). It can be combined with the National Park in the mornings. Last 2 and a half hours to tour Bird Island, Isla de Lobos and return.
•         Pinguinera: operates from November to March (subject to penguins, of course!). We depart at 15hs. Includes Bird Island, Penguin, Hammer Island and return. Keep in mind that penguins can be seen from the boat too.
•         Harberton: operates from November to March (specific days of the week), we depart at 9 hs. It includes Bird Island, Wolves, Pinguinera, Harberton (oldest stay in Tierra del Fuego). In the last mentioned we descend to explore a museum and cemetery. The idea is to depart by sea and return by land.

Boats for these excursions are very modern, you have to pay a dock fee that is usually included. Longer walks don’t include food so you’ll have to wear a way; although you can also buy on the promenade, as the boat has snack service. If you want to walk next to the penguins, you have the following option:

•         Maritime with penguin walks: operates from November to April. There are winters in which penguins “stay” and the tour is still continued; it all depends on the passenger. Of course, the magic of this walk is in the fact that you can walk alongside these friendly and elegant little animals. The boat is smaller and, in a moment, the group is divided into two smaller covered boats. Departure is at 9 hs (sea round trip) and 14:30 (round trip by land including Island of Birds and Wolves).

Check rates, prices and services if you are interested in any of the sea excursions. 

5. PUERTO ALMANZA TOUR

It’s a full day that operates from October to April (on specific days of the week), towards a fishing village that is located 90 km from Ushuaia and, although small, is fantastic. Its restaurants, cozy and exquisite gastronomy make this destination increasingly famous! In addition, it’s where the centolla is “hunted”; main dish known for being traditional in Tierra del Fuego.

The one-way path is very nice for taking pictures. We stop in Laguna Victoria for breakfast or a snack; there is a choice of beer with lamb or coffee patty with a bill. Then we continue to Almanza where you are given two options: hiking to a spectacular waterfall of the place or taking a boat to Hammer Island, home to many penguins.

If you choose the second alternative, it’s a 20 minutes navigation and, when you arrive, you have the penguins very close. You can also enjoy the rock cormorants (they build their nests in the rocks). We do not descend on the island but you will be very close to these specimens, just two meters away! Check rate with or without Hammer Island.

Lunch is included and, of course, it’s taken in one of the restaurants in the Port. The dish has the rye as an entrance, fishmonger with a side dish and dessert. It’s a delicious ride! That’s why it’s part of the top 10 best excursions and tours in Ushuaia.

6. FUEGUINOS LAKES

There are several options to live the charm of the Fueguinos Lakes and, while wonderful nature plays a fundamental role in this excursion, it’s best to taste the incomparable wild lamb that is prepared in Tierra Mayor. As a remark, the cost of lunch is additional. You can include it on the ride or pay for it on the site by credit card or cash.

If you’re not a meat lover, calm down! You can order other menu. The best thing is that everything is free: meats, salads and even dessert. Beers and drinks if extras are already up to the passenger.

The exit is early, we will take route 3 to enjoy the viewpoint Valle Carvajal, Lake Escondido and Paso Garibaldi. There are stops at a stall overlooking Turbal Mountains and in Puesto La Carmen (Lake Fagnano) with the Mirador La Herradura. This tour operates all year round, with a variant in winter that, given the short days and the remoteness of Lake Fagnano, this is replaced by a visit to winter resorts where you can take adventures on the snow. Consult right now!  

Don’t think that’s all. There is other way to explore The Escondido and Fagnano lakes and it’s through the Lakes Off Road excursion. An off-road adventure ride in 4×4. Upon arrival at Fagnano you descend for an hour’s walk, but hey! It’s optional, you can continue in the vehicles if you wish to and get lunch on the shelter where is prepared and tasted (this is included with everything and dessert). It can be done by children starting from 4 years old. Ask schedules, operability and discover why it is one of the best 10 excursions and tours in Ushuaia.

7. END OF THE WORLD EXPEDITION

It’s a full day whose itinerary is very similar to the classic excursion of Fueguinos lakes. It tours the Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, also Paso Garibaldi, adding a visit to Tolhuin, a very cozy little town that is famous for its bakery; and the beautiful Cabo San Pablo, a natural paradise that also encloses history. It is an imposing cliff where you will also see guanacos and foxes.

Finally, we visit the Loaicas stay whose owners are waiting for us with lunch entrance, fishmonger and dessert included! After eating, you can walk around the place if you wish. It is a very exclusive excursion, for up to 8 people. Ask about its operability and live one of the best 10 excursions and tours in Ushuaia.

8. EMERALD LAGOON EXCURSION

Trekking lovers can’t stay behind! Laguna Esmeralda is the ideal choice for them with 5 km of hiking with medium difficulty. It’s a swampy and complicated terrain that those passionate about this sport will know how to enjoy. Above all, if we consider the majesty of each landscape that gives us this destination, it’s not for all kinds of audiences!

Of course, you should wear the appropriate clothing (gloves, shoes, etc.). However, we provide you with leggings to cover the trousers and canes. It,s a midday tour (5 hours), with departure at 9:30 hs towards this lagoon that is fed by a glacier, from there its color and its name. It includes a bed, but there are no bathrooms. Check out the specific days to know when this End of the World adventure is held.

9. ALPINE SKIING IN CERRO CASTOR

Impossible to visit Ushuaia in winter and not enjoy its snow, perfect for a snowy adventure. Where do you get it? There are several winter resorts where you can snowboard, dog sledding, racquet walk and drive snowmobile.

But, if it is alpine skiing, the ideal place is Cerro Castor. Located just 26 km from the city, it offers us a high quality powder snow. It’s one of the most important winter centers and, for the strategic city of its location, you can combine it with more of the best 10 excursions and tours in Ushuaia.

The walk to this place includes transportation. We also provide you with equipment. If you go for downhill skiing, you should keep in mind that this sport takes place until 5 PM, remembering that winter days are shorter. Likewise, our specialists guide you in everything you need to live the best of snowy experiences. Get to know everything you can do on Cerro Castor alone or as a family, even if you’re a beginner! .

10. FLYOVERS

Other option to get to know the Land of Fire at its best it’s the flyovers in helicopters or airplanes! There are walks from 15 minutes to two and a half hours. It operates all year round and does not include transfers. Are you one of the most daring? Check fares and times with our travel executives. 

You won’t regret it! It’s a perfect blend of excitement and incredible landscapes that you will never forget: Mount Olivia, the Valley of Tierra Mayor, the Emerald Lagoon, the Castor hill, the Garibaldi Pass, Lake Escondido, Lake Fagnano, The Harberton Stay, the Gable and Hammer Islands with their penguins, the Beagle canal, the shipwreck of the ship Mount Sarmiento and, of no means, the lighthouse Les Ecclaireurs.

These are the best 10 excursions and tours in Ushuaia, surely you already have a clearer idea of what you can do in Tierra del Fuego, but do not hesitate to whatsapp us! Remember that we help you to create the best of itineraries out of pure experience. The idea is that you cover all your expectations and enjoy every minute arranged for your trip.

Furthermore, you can take advantage of special rates with travel packages that combine everything you need: rides, transportations, air ticket, accommodation and food. Do you doubt it? Check out the top 5 itineraries to travel to Ushuaia.

Discover the End of the World, you’re going to love it!