Ushuaia tours

Things to do in Ushuaia

Finding yourself in Ushuaia feels a bit like reaching the last stop on the train of the world. The crispness of the air here is almost a wake-up call, mingling with an undeniable sense of adventure that's hard to resist. As the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is your entryway to a wilderness that's both raw and breathtaking. You might find yourself at the Beagle Channel, where the past seems to linger on the breeze, and your guide stands ready to share stories that peel back the layers of this intriguing place. Wandering through Ushuaia with your guide, you’ll uncover the city's hidden facets, from ancient Yámana tales to the striking hues of local flora. Whether you're exploring the captivating Tierra del Fuego with a guide who knows the lay of the land or enjoying a sumptuous food and wine tour, you bypass the usual queues and dive straight into Ushuaia's essence. This place isn't merely a dot on the map; it's a passage into the unfiltered beauty of nature. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ushuaia. Explore Ushuaia your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ushuaia tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ushuaia for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Cruise a small boat across the Beagle Channel to watch sea lions at Isla de los Lobos and cormorants at Isla de los Pájaros, with a stop by Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse for photos. In season, your guide can arrange a permitted visit to the penguin colony at Isla Martillo via Estancia Harberton, or lead a wildlife-focused tour in Tierra del Fuego National Park to spot Andean foxes and Magellanic woodpeckers along Lapataia Bay. History tours: Walk the cell blocks of the former prison at the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio as your guide shares stories of the settlement and the “end of the world” railway built by inmates. Add the Museo del Fin del Mundo for exhibits on Yámana culture and early lighthouse keepers, then stroll the old pier for tales of Antarctic expeditions. Hiking tours: Take a guided hike to Laguna Esmeralda for glacier-fed views and peat bog boardwalks, with snacks packed to your taste. If you want a tougher challenge, set out on a private hiking tour up the Martial Glacier or Cerro Guanaco for sweeping channel panoramas, with pacing and route adjusted to your comfort. The downtown is walkable for shops and the port, but reaching trailheads and park sites needs transport, and public transit is limited; you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide to include transfers. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ushuaia inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour in Ushuaia and explore the vibrant neighborhoods that this southern city has to offer. With a local guide by your side, you can discover the true essence of Ushuaia’s charm. - Downtown Ushuaia: Perfect for families and cultural tourists, this area is packed with shops, cafes, and the local museum. It's an easy walk for multi-generational groups who enjoy mingling with locals and learning about the city’s history. - La Misión: Known for its stunning views and historic homes, this neighborhood attracts those interested in architecture and history. Your guide will share stories of the early settlers as you stroll through the streets. - Bahía Encerrada: Ideal for nature lovers, this area offers beautiful walking paths along the waterfront. It's a peaceful spot to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning landscapes unique to Ushuaia. Day trip ideas from Ushuaia Base yourself in Ushuaia, then use easy day trips and tours to reach wild parks, calm lakes, and a quiet fishing coast that sit within a short drive or boat ride. Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lapataia Bay — Forest trails, peat bogs, and beaches meet at the end of Route 3, so you get short hikes with big views, birdwatching, and the famous “end of the road” sign in one place; if you like easy walking and nature photography, this area fits your pace, and your tour can focus on boardwalks, lakeside stops, or a quiet picnic by the water. Beagle Channel by boat — Boat tours skim past sea lion colonies, cormorant rookeries, and the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, with seasonal penguin viewing from the vessel near Isla Martillo, and the city looks great from the water; wildlife fans, families, and photographers get close views without long hikes, while those who like history hear how early sailors used this windy passage. Garibaldi Pass to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano — Drive over the Andes on Route 3 for high lookouts, lenga forests, and two very different lakes, with quick stops for short walks and photos; if you enjoy road trips, big scenery, and simple food stops, this loop suits you, and the small town of Tolhuin on Fagnano caters to snack breaks and lakefront strolls. Martial Glacier trail — A close-to-town hike climbs beside a stream to wide views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, with wildflowers in summer and snow play in winter; hikers who want altitude without long driving time will like this, and your tour can set an easy pace to the main viewpoint or push higher if conditions allow. Puerto Almanza and Route J coast — A gravel road reaches a tiny fishing village facing Chile, where you see crab traps on the docks, spot seabirds, and follow a quiet shoreline; food lovers come for fresh centolla, while photographers and slow travellers get low-traffic roads and big southern skies in a single day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ushuaia most travellers miss.