Ushuaia Tours: Cruises, Hiking, and Adventure

The must-do experiences in Ushuaia include a Beagle Channel cruise, a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park, and a penguin tour around Martillo Island. Other popular activities include glacier and lagoon treks, 4x4 tours to Escondido and Fagnano lakes, and the End of the World Train. The best options will depend on your schedule, the time of year, and the level of adventure you are looking for.

Spending between 3 and 5 days in Ushuaia is recommended. With 3 days, you can spend one day exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, another taking a Beagle Channel boat tour, and a third seeing penguins, hiking, or visiting Escondido and Fagnano lakes. An extra day or two provides more flexibility in case weather conditions affect your plans.

Summer is the best season to combine Beagle Channel cruises, hiking, penguin tours, and Tierra del Fuego day trips. From December through March, the days are long, with close to 18 hours of daylight, although the weather remains unpredictable. It is also a good time to visit the national park and lakes or enjoy activities such as kayaking, cycling, and hiking.

For first-time visitors, the classic route past the Bridges Islands, Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, and Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is a well-rounded option. Travelers who want to see penguins should choose a longer Beagle Channel cruise to Martillo Island. Some tours also include a short hike on the Bridges Islands or combine the cruise with a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The most complete option allows visitors to land and walk on Martillo Island in small, controlled groups. There are also boat tours that approach the colony, allowing passengers to see penguins from the vessel. The walking tour offers a closer experience, but availability is very limited and advance booking is usually necessary.

Emerald Lagoon is one of the most popular Ushuaia treks and has a moderate difficulty level. Martial Glacier offers shorter and more accessible routes, while Vinciguerra Glacier and Ojo del Albino are longer and more demanding hikes recommended for experienced travelers with good fitness. Ushuaia has trails for different ability levels, but mud, elevation gain, and changing weather can make the routes more challenging.

Expedition cruises travel from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas through the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and the fjords and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego. Ushuaia is also one of the main departure ports for cruises to Antarctica. Cruise duration, stops, and operating season vary depending on the itinerary and cruise line.

During peak season, booking several weeks in advance is recommended, especially for penguin walking tours, cruises, and small-group guided treks. Classic Beagle Channel cruises and sightseeing tours usually offer more availability, but they can still sell out on popular dates. Booking early makes it easier to organize your itinerary and find alternatives if weather conditions change.

It depends on the experience you are looking for. El Calafate is the better choice for visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, cruising on Lake Argentino, and hiking on glacier ice. Ushuaia offers a wider variety of landscapes and activities, including the Beagle Channel, penguins, forests, lakes, and mountain treks. When your itinerary allows, the two destinations complement each other and are worth visiting on the same Patagonia trip.

Downtown Ushuaia is compact and easy to explore on foot. Transportation is required to reach attractions farther from the city, such as Tierra del Fuego National Park, Emerald Lagoon, the lakes, and the winter activity centers. Rather than renting a car, the most convenient option is usually to book an organized day tour that includes transportation.