Ushuaia: Nature, Culture and the Beagle Channel

Ushuaia combines nature experiences with museums, public art and regional cuisine. Between protected wetlands, viewpoints overlooking the Beagle Channel and excursions to the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of reasons to set aside time for the region. Discover culture and landscapes as distinct facets of the destination.

Museums, History and Cityscape

The former Ushuaia prison complex is home to the Museo Marítimo, the Museo Antártico and the Museo de Arte Marino. The Museo del Fin del Mundo preserves the history and culture of Tierra del Fuego in two historic buildings associated with Ushuaia’s development. One admission ticket gives you access to both buildings for three days; guided tours are also available at scheduled times. Check the latest visitor information before your trip.

Murals are also part of the cityscape: numerous works of public art are spread throughout Ushuaia, reflecting the strong cultural identity developed by artists from Tierra del Fuego. Alongside the museums, they offer another way to explore the city’s art and local culture.

Nature Reserves and Trails

The Bahía Encerrada Nature Reserve is home to more than 50 bird species. Marked trails, boardwalks and viewpoints complement the circular trail, which is open to visitors and has no visitor restrictions. Interpretive information signs help you find your way around. Check the latest visitor information before your trip.

The Área Natural Protegida Vinciguerra y Valle del Arroyo Chico is located in the Department of Ushuaia and covers 4,245 hectares between the valleys of Andorra and Río Chico. Its landscapes include extensive wetlands, peat bogs, permafrost areas and high-altitude wetlands. The variety of landscapes makes this protected area a distinctive natural attraction in the region.

Glaciar Martial is located in the protected natural area of the same name, about seven kilometres from downtown Ushuaia. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are possible there in winter, and hiking in summer. At the glacier, the Circuito Mirador de las Lagunas leads to a viewpoint with a 180-degree panorama of the Beagle Channel. As seasonal activities and conditions at the viewpoint may vary, check the latest information before your visit.

The route to Laguna Esmeralda is part of Ushuaia’s tourism offering and is used for recreation by visitors and local residents. Check current trail conditions before setting out. An excursion to Isla H includes an approximately one-hour interpretive hike and archaeological remains of the Yámana people. Horseback riding excursions to Monte Susana depart from Centro Hípico on the outskirts of the city: they pass through Nothofagus forests and offer special views of the Beagle Channel.

Excursions Nearby

Puerto Almanza is about 75 kilometres away, via Ruta 3 and then Ruta Provincial J. The area combines coastal scenery with the history of the island’s first European settlements and the culture of artisanal fishing. Boat trips to the islands in the channel depart from there, and some restaurants offer activities for the day.

Also 75 kilometres from Ushuaia, Estancia Harberton is considered one of the first permanent European settlements and belongs to the Bridges family, founders of the first Anglican mission. An excursion there offers a mix of history, science and gastronomy.

Regional Cuisine

Ushuaia’s tourism offering features centolla (king crab), Patagonian toothfish and Tierra del Fuego lamb as typical regional dishes. Exploring the local cuisine adds another dimension to discovering the museums, nature reserves and excursion destinations.

Tierra Del Fuego Beyond Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park lies within the wider destination of Tierra Del Fuego. From Ushuaia, it can be reached after ten kilometres on Ruta Nacional 3; road conditions may vary. The park preserves more than 68,000 hectares of the Patagonian Forests ecoregion and has 40 kilometres of marked trails. Hiking, fishing and guided canoeing are possible there; the trails vary in difficulty.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ushuaia, Río Grande.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Tierra Del Fuego.