This post is specially designed for those who have just one day to enjoy this beautiful city. Whether you’re passing through, here for work, or on a stopover to another destination, this guide is for you.
Wondering what to do in Ushuaia in one day?
In the city at the end of the world, travelers arrive from all over—with different needs, schedules, and expectations. And yet, Ushuaia is so versatile that it can adapt to any itinerary.
As a tourism company, we’ve learned that visitors arrive with high expectations, and meeting them is one of the biggest challenges for those of us who operate year-round in this incredible destination. That’s why we’ve created this one-day itinerary—to help you discover what to do in Ushuaia in just one day and make the most of this Patagonian paradise.
From exploring the awe-inspiring Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its 40 kilometers of scenic trails, to sailing the Beagle Channel, where you can spot sea lions and a wide variety of birds, or even visiting the historic Maritime and Prison Museum, which operated from 1896 to 1947—this guide offers something for every type of traveler.
Morning: Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park or go Trekking
To start your day in Ushuaia, I recommend waking up early and taking advantage of the morning light, which bathes the landscape in golden tones. Morning is the perfect time to enjoy the main activity that this beautiful place has to offer.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Visitng Tierra del Fuego National Park in the early morning is a smart choice for those spending just one day in Ushuaia. Walking through the lenga and ñire forests creates a truly memorable setting, especially while the park is still quiet—before the majority of tourists arrive. Early hours bring a sense of serenity that turns your visit into something special.
By starting around 8:00 a.m., you’ll be able to enjoy iconic spots like Acigami Lake and Lapataia Bay without the crowds that tend to gather around midday. Plus, beginning your day at the park gives you enough time to reach the famous “End of the World” sign at the end of National Route 3, and still return to Ushuaia in time to enjoy other city-based excursions in the afternoon—making the absolute most of your one and only day in this beautiful southern city.
Other Sights and the End of the World Sign
- Walking along Ushuaia’s waterfront is a great alternative to visiting the National Park, offering a 1.1 km stroll that takes about 13 minutes to complete. It’s an easy route that starts at Plaza Cívica 12 de Octubre, where the tourist information office is located, and continues east along the Bay of Ushuaia. Along the way, you’ll pass the area where the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina) operates and reach the iconic End of the World Sign, located at the tourist pier.
- Along the walk, you’ll come across the Ushuaia sign—a must-stop for a photo if you want to officially prove you were here 🙂
Visit to the End of the World Museum
Just a few steps from the pier, the End of the World Museum awaits with its two locations: the Founding Site (former Banco Nación, Maipú 173) and the Old Government House (Maipú 465). This museum preserves Fuegian history through exhibits on the island’s first native peoples, local wildlife, and historic shipwrecks.
The main building, constructed in 1915 by prison inmates, served as a Banco Nación branch for over 60 years before being converted into a museum. It is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Admission costs ARS 7.000 for foreign visitors (May 2025) and ARS 4.000. You can also pair your visit with a walk along Bahia Encerrada, located just nearby, for a scenic and cultural experience in one.
Next, head over to Bahía Encerrada, a spectacular natural haven just 7 minutes on foot from the port. This urban nature reserve, officially designated in 2009, serves as a protected area for watersheds and coastlines, preserving a wide variety of wild bird species and offering a peaceful escape right in the heart of Ushuaia.
The bay is literally “enclosed” by the Luis Pedro Fique footbridge and features marked trails that allow you to observe over 50 bird species during spring and summer. The two main circuits—“Corazón Bahía Encerrada” and “La Reserva Natural Urbana Bahía Encerrada”—can be completed in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and 2 hours, respectively, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Olivia and Los Cinco Hermanos.
Maritime and Prison Museum of Ushuaia
Next, visit the Maritime and Prison Museum of Ushuaia, located in the building that once housed the infamous repeat-offenders prison until 1947. This complex, declared a National Historic Monument in 1997, hosts four museums in one place: the Maritime Museum, the Prison Museum, the Antarctic Museum, and the Marine Art Museum.
Admission costs ARS 36,000 and is valid for two full days (don’t forget to have it stamped before leaving on your first day). This gives you ample time to fully explore the prison’s history and uncover fascinating stories about its most notorious inmates.
Trekking to the Martial Glacier
If you’re looking for adventure, choose between two trekking options near the city. Martial Glacier is located just 7 km from downtown and offers trails of varying difficulty. The Forest Circuit (30 minutes, 1,400 meters) and the Glacier Viewpoint Trail (75 minutes, 2,500 meters) are both ideal for a morning hike.
Afternoon Navigation on the Beagle Channel
After exploring the city in the morning, the afternoon is perfect for diving into one of Ushuaia’s most iconic experiences: sailing through the legendary Beagle Channel. This strait, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offers breathtaking scenery and close encounters with southern wildlife.
Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
The navigation begins at the tourist pier, where you should arrive 30 minutes before departure. The first highlight is Sea Lion Island, a permanent home to one-hair and two-hair sea lions. These animals live in harems and put on a true spectacle—especially during the breeding season.
Next, you’ll arrive at the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often mistakenly referred to as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.” Built in 1918 and operational since December 1920, this 11-meter-tall lighthouse stands on an islet that raises it to 22.5 meters above sea level. Today, it is one of Ushuaia’s most photographed landmarks. Despite the common confusion surrounding its name, there’s no doubt that this small lighthouse on the Beagle Channel has earned its own reputation as one of the city’s most memorable and beloved icons.
Birdwatching and Penguin Spotting on Martillo Island
During the tour, you’ll sail around Bird Island, home to skuas, albatrosses, gulls, upland geese, and cormorants. However, the highlight for many is the visit to Martillo Island, where you’ll find a penguin colony with Magellanic penguins and—if you’re lucky—some Gentoo and even King penguins.
It’s important to note that this activity is only available from October to March, when the penguins return for the breeding season. The males arrive first, returning to the same nests they used the previous year. Observation is done from the boat. There are options to walk on the island, especially during summer, while in winter, tours are available to observe the 20 penguin pairs that remain on the island.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tour
To make the most of this experience:
- Book in advance, especially during high season (some tours have a limit of 40 people).
- Choose between shorter sailings (2.5 hours) that include Sea Lion Island and the Lighthouse, or longer tours (5 hours) that go all the way to Martillo Island.
- Wear waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves.
- Keep in mind that excursions may be canceled due to bad weather and rescheduled.
Esta navegación, sin duda uno de los paseos favoritos entre los visitantes, complementa perfectamente tu día en el fin del mundo.
Culture and Cuisine at Sunset
As the sun sets at the End of the World, the city of Ushuaia reveals its culinary identity—a perfect way to end your day of adventure. The milder summer temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 16°C, make it easy to enjoy the region’s exquisite cuisine, even on outdoor terraces.
Dinner with King Crab or Patagonian Lamb
After a full day of exploring, there’s no better way to end your journey than by tasting the two undisputed stars of Fuegian cuisine: king crab and Patagonian lamb.
King crab, a crustacean from the cold waters of the Beagle Channel, offers tender, delicate meat with a flavor many describe as a blend between shellfish and lobster. You can enjoy it in several preparations:
– Natural, with a few drops of lemon (the most recommended way to appreciate its flavor)
– Gratinated, with cheese and cream
– Or in delicious empanadas.
For an authentic experience with this delicacy, El Viejo Marino, Tía Elvira and Kaupé Restaurant son referentes en la ciudad. Un cóctel o picada de centolla puede ser el comienzo perfecto para tu cena.
On the other hand, Fuegian lamb, raised in the grasslands of Tierra del Fuego, is renowned for its tenderness and unmistakable flavor. One of the top spots to enjoy it is La Estancia es uno de los lugares más recomendados para disfrutarlo, donde lo preparan asado lentamente sobre brasas, logrando una carne super tierna y bien cocida. Además, el Bodegón Fueguino, located in a fully restored 1896 house, offers this delicacy in a variety of preparations—from the classic grilled version to stews and tapas.
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