End of the World

Mountains, forests, glaciers, and the Beagle Channel

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

A compact yet highly rewarding trip to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, surrounded by mountains, subantarctic forests, and the Beagle Channel.

Often known as the gateway to Antarctica, Ushuaia also works very well as a standalone destination with excellent nature access and manageable logistics.

Province: Tierra del Fuego
Base: Ushuaia
Overall time: 5–6 days
Main focus: nature, easy hiking, maritime landscapes
Ranking: top Patagonian highlight
Best season: November–March

📷 Photo albums
instagram Ushuaia
Arrival & Ushuaia Town ▾


Arrive in Ushuaia by flight.

From the airport:
• Taxi (short and easy)

Base:
• Ushuaia town for the entire stay

What to do after arrival:
• Walk around the town center
• Harbour and promenade walk – views over the Beagle Channel and seabirds

Local transport:
• Taxis are reliable and affordable
• City buses exist but are rarely needed

Tierra del Fuego National Park ▾


Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, combining forests, rivers, and coastal scenery.

Highlights:
• Well-marked, mostly flat trails
• Forests, lakes, and coastal viewpoints
• Classic Patagonian landscapes

How to visit:
• Taxi to park entrance + walking
• Shared transfers from town
• Rental car
• Organized tours (easier, but more expensive)

Optional:
• Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train) – relaxed and scenic, book in advance

What to expect:
• Easy walking, suitable for all ages

Duration:
• Half day to full day

Martial Glacier Viewpoint ▾


Visit the Martial Glacier viewpoint above Ushuaia.

How to visit:
• Taxi to the trailhead
• Short, moderate walk to viewpoints

What to expect:
• Panoramic views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel
• Glacier itself is small

Best conditions:
• Clear weather days
• Snow is possible even in summer

Duration:
• Half day

Laguna Esmeralda ▾


Visit Laguna Esmeralda, the most popular nature walk near Ushuaia.

How to visit:
• Taxi, shared transfer, or guided excursion

Trail conditions:
• Flat to moderate
• Can be muddy after rain

Landscape:
• Forests, peat bogs, mountains, and turquoise lagoon

Duration:
• Half day

Beagle Channel Boat Tour & Penguins ▾


Boat excursion on the Beagle Channel.

Highlights:
• Sea lions and seabirds
• Lighthouse viewpoints
• Penguin colony on Isla Martillo (seasonal)

Important notes:
• Penguin tours operate mainly **November–March**
• Boats depart from Ushuaia port (walkable or taxi)
• Advance booking strongly recommended in high season

Duration:
• 5–7 hours

Flexible / Weather Buffer Day ▾


A flexible day for weather adjustments or lighter activities.

Easy options:
• Long Beach coastal walk – calm, open views
• Reserva Natural Urbana Bahía Encerrada – close to town, good birdlife
• Mirador del Beagle – easy access, fewer crowds

Museums are available but optional and generally secondary to nature here.

Transportation

  • Rental car is useful but not required
  • Taxis are reliable for all excursions
  • Shared transfers cover all major sights

Connections

  • Ushuaia → El Calafate (frequent direct flights)

Notes

  • Weather can change several times per day
  • Wind is common year-round
  • Rain and snow are possible even in summer