Ushuaia Uncovered: A Bucket-List Guide for Pre-Antarctic Explorers
A waterfront view of Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city – serves as the gateway to Antarctica. Just about every Antarctic-bound traveler has to pass through this city at least briefly to continue on their journey to the White Continent. While our gaze is certainly fixed southward when we arrive to Ushuaia, it is certainly not a place to bypass without discovering what makes this part of the world so special. It’s culinary experiences, beautiful landscapes, and deep-rooted Argentinean and indigenous culture makes this city nestled between mountain ranges and the beautiful Beagle Channel a must-see.
We canvassed the Antarctica Travel Group Facebook page for our community’s very best recommendations for Ushuaia, and the community did not disappoint! This is a short (but by no means complete) list of things to do in Ushuaia. If there is something that you think needs to be on this list, we’d love to know about it in the comment section. Maybe your recommendation makes the second edition of “Ushuaia Uncovered!”
Must-Do Activities
Tierra del Fuego NP
Photo by Dharmajan Patteri
Tierra del Fuego National Park - Trekking and Canoe Tour: Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping escapade. Trek through verdant forests and canoe down serene lakes in the backdrop of dramatic mountains in the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Tierra del Fuego National Park – Coastal Trail: Looking to get away from the crowds and stretch your legs on your own? The coastal trail in the incredibly scenic Tierra Del Fuego NP offers a moderate-difficulty walk along the shores of the Beagle Channel. ATG Member Talia Salenger says: “I loved the coastal trail, it was beautiful and peaceful and not too strenuous.”
Laguna Esmeralda Hike: Strap on your hiking boots and tackle the rewarding trail to Laguna Esmeralda. The mesmerizing turquoise glacial lake awaits! The bus transfer to the start of the hike can booked through your hotel but it is easily organized directly at the bus terminal on Avenida Maipu or by taxi. It is around 9 km return hike to the laguna through forest and marshland. The pre-organized bus returns 4 or 5 hours later which is just about perfect timing for the walk (2 hours up, 1.5 hours down) and some time to soak up the views at the top.
Beagle Channel Boat Tour: Board a boat tour on the Beagle Channel for a chance to meet sea lions, spot varied birdlife, and snap the perfect photo of the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
"Walk with Penguins" Tour by Piratour: Indulge in an intimate encounter with the charismatic inhabitants of Martillo Island – the penguins! Watch them waddle, play, and swim in their natural habitat. This tour takes you by bus along the coast of the Beagle Channel before you hop on a ferry to Martillo Island and experience this little wildlife wonder.
Laguna Esmerelda, hiking destination outside of Ushuaia
Must-Try Eateries
Ojo de Bife at Casamiro Bigua, Ushuaia
Photo by Lauren Smith
Kuar: A seafood lover's paradise, this restaurant promises fresh catches prepared with Argentinian flair. The gooey lobster cheese pot and the risotto catch the eye on this menu and are mouth-watering options. The restaurant has two locations, one in a historic converted home in the Ushuaia city center, the other in a spacious coastal lodge with great sunset views of the Beagle Channel. Service can be spotty, but the views and the cuisine are hard to pass up!
Casamiro Biguá Parrilla and Restaurant: Experience the authentic flavors of Patagonia, especially the locally renowned lamb dishes. If you want a true Argentine steak, go for the Ojo de Bife – it is almost for sure bigger than your head, and it is delicious to boot! We hear the Caesar salad is legendary 😊.
Maria Lola Restó: Enjoy gourmet cuisine coupled with sweeping views of the Beagle Channel – a feast for all senses! This is an upscale dining experience just a short walk from the city center of Ushuaia. A great wine selection pairs nicely with the beautifully plated main courses. Reserve in advance!
Great Lunch Spots
Dona Lupita Menu
Photo by Dave Ryan
Doña Lupita Pizza: Stop by for mouth-watering pizzas. The perfect fuel for your Ushuaia explorations! This charming little spot is known for friendly service and great views.
Tante Sara: This cozy eatery offers a diverse menu to satisfy all palates. It is centrally located on Av. San Martin and offers great burgers, sandwiches, and a full dinner menu for those dining later into the evening.
El Mercado Restaurant: Relish a seafood-centric lunch in a lively setting. They have a fantastic wine menu, and an impressive deli and bakery section which accompanies a full menu of wonderful comfort food. Highly recommended!
Bars We Recommend
Dublin Pub: For the beer enthusiasts, this pub serves a range of craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. This is a proper Irish pub in one of the most unlikely places to find one, and it also has a patio area for outdoor relaxation. The evenings can be very crowded, and it can be difficult to elbow your way in to order a drink from the one or two bartenders on duty. If you are wanting to see how the Ushuaia locals let off some steam, this is the place to go.
Viagro: If you are looking for a big night out at the end of the world, the pulsing beats of this nightclub may be your salvation. This pulsing club has a big bar and can often be heard from a block away. Expect a lot of house and reggaeton music and a sweaty dance floor. (*Experiences may vary*).
Cafes We Absolutely Love
Pastry from Ana y Juana
Photo by Stewart W. Thompson
Ana y Juana: Pastry aficionados, this is your place. ATG Member Stewart W. Thompson writes: “Exceptional bakery creations, both visual and culinary perfection. This is 5 excellence.”
Marcopolo Freelife: Excellent food and drinks which cater people to food restrictions. This great breakfast and lunch spot utilizes tons of fresh ingredients in their menu, offering a delicious healthy start to your day.
Ramos Generales: For my money, this is the best coffee spot in Ushuaia. The
Must-Stay Accommodations
Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa: Perfect for an extended stay, this hotel offers apartments with kitchen facilities. The hotel even provides a basic, but top-quality breakfast. The rooms are nicely maintained and is in a quiet area of town. Easily walkable.
Hotel Albatros: The major benefit of this centrally located hotel is that it is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the tourism pier. Many tour operators even have their pre-trip luggage drop-off point here at this hotel because it is so central to ship tourism in Ushuaia. That said, some ATG travelers have reported that the hotel can be quite loud at night and rated the stay lower than they did other hotels in town.
Hotel Alto Andino: Known for excellent service, well-kept rooms, and a prime location, this hotel promises a comfortable stay. Just be prepared for a small walk uphill. We hear that the view from the breakfast seating area is amazing!
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa: For a dash of luxury, book your stay at this resort and enjoy panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. Guests really enjoy the outdoor heated infinity pool and the full-service spa, all with sweeping views of the Beagle Channel. It is located outside of the city, so be prepared to utilize the taxi service for runs into town at a reasonable rate ($6-7 USD per ride).
Hotel Austral: A recommendation from ATG member Liz Hobart who says: “It’s a great location only a block uphill (definitely uphill!!) from San Martin, wonderful staff who were friendly and helpful at all hours, spacious room - we stayed four nights before our cruise and I couldn't fault anything!”
With this handy bucket-list guide, gear up to immerse yourself in Ushuaia's wonders before you embark on your Antarctic expedition. Happy exploring!
