Perched on the southernmost tip of Argentine Patagonia stands Ushuaia, the 'town at the end of the world'. A stepping stone to the South Pole, Ushuaia is best suited to adventure seekers and nature lovers: whether you're exploring penguin colonies on nearby islands, hiking ancient glaciers or drinking a cool craft beer amongst Antarctic explorers fresh-off-the-boat, you will find yourself enchanted by the dramatic scenery, fascinating history and pure unspoilt air. Our collection of the best places to stay in Ushuaia offer both luxury and spectacular views.
At the port a sign reads: "end of the world, beginning of everything." The port is full of Antarctica-bound vessels and their crews, identifiable by their colourful jackets, and in the quaint little bars tucked away in side streets, explorers fresh from their expeditions exchange stories to tourists and locals alike, sipping Beagle beer - a locally-produced favourite. The town itself is a maze of steep streets lined with a colourful assortment of jumbled houses, all in the shadow of the snow-crested Martial massif.
This town at the end of the world started life as a penal colony: the prison was closed in 1947 and is now a fascinating museum, dedicated to detailing the maritime history of Ushuaia, its history of colonisation and the communities that lived here before, like the Yamana, who occupied much of what is now the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. By taking a guided tour of the park or by booking a cruise of the Beagle Channel, you can see the remnants of the Yamana communities: the archaeological ruins on Bridges Island is one such example.
Nature abounds in Ushuaia. Whether you're taking a boat trip to spot dolphins, whales and sea-lions or cruising out to Isla Martillo to stand amongst the colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, you will find yourself lost in a different world. Be sure to take some time out to hike up to the Glacier Martial or explore the Laguna Esmerelda, a blue-green lagoon. If you're here during wintertime, don't forget to try your hand at skiing at the Cerro Castor Ski Resort, a family-run resort just 16 miles north of town.
Ushuaia is an ideal spot for an adventure holiday. To start planning your trip, scour through our options of the best places to stay in Ushuaia below.