Ushuaia is the capital city of Tierra del Fuego and the southern terminus of many Patagonian adventures. The city is sandwiched between the Martial mountain range and the Beagle Channel, on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Originally settled by British missionaries in the mid-19th century, Ushuaia was formally founded in 1884. Today, the city is a major tourist hub.
Despite bearing the nickname El Fin del Mundo*, Ushuaia lacks the charm you might expect from a town at the edge of the world. What was once rugged wilderness is now overrun with tourists, shamelessly featuring souvenir shops on (almost) every corner and city's centerpiece: a Hard Rock Café. On the brighter side, the presence of such services as bike and outdoor gear shops certainly comes in handy when prepping for, or wrapping up, a tour.
Ushuaia is ~10 kilometers east of Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. The city is served by Aeropuerto Malvinas Argentinas. Cheap flights are available from Buenos Aires via LATAM and Aerolíneas Argentinas (price: ~$200 USD).
Best in Ushuaia
Eat
Doña Lupita
Restaurant serving tasty pizzas, calzones and empanadas. Doña Lupita is a local favorite, providing delicious food at exceptional value. The place is tiny but cozy. Eat there or order to go. Centrally located on Av. 25 de Mayo, two blocks north of Av. San Martin (up the hill).
Stay
Hostel Lo De Momo
Known simply as "Momo's", this hidden-gem of a hostel is located one block north of Ushuaia's main avenue (Av. San Martin). The bathrooms are large (& clean), the kitchen is well-equipped, and the common area is cozy and has satellite TV. The staff are friendly, laid back and full of good stories. Simply the best-value hostel in Ushuaia.
Ferries from Ushuaia
To Puerto Williams
Beagle Channel Crossing
Duration: 2.5 hours
Fare: ~ $135 USD
Distance: 7.4 km (channel); 54 km (land)
Ferry arrives at Puerto Navarino; bus from there to Puerto Williams*
Daily crossings (except Sunday)
+$20 USD for Saturday/holiday crossings
Service: Turismo Shila
*Bicycle Patagonia has inquired with Turismo Shila and learned that it is not possible to take the service only to Puerto Navarino (i.e. skip the bus portion of the crossing) due to passport control procedures taking place in Puerto Williams.
