Making the most of Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth directly in Ushuaia, less than a 10 minute walk from the town centre. Leaving the port involves about 3/4 km. Taxis are available but have no meters, with an average hiring cost of $20 an hour.
Carry a printable map ashore.
Sightseeing ideas:
On Beagle Channel's shores beneath the Martial Mounts, Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city. It is capital of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands Province, and its remarkable position combines sea, mountains and forest. Shopping is also excellent: the entire island is duty-free, so numerous imported goods sit beside regional products.
Have your passport stamped at End of the World museum. Leave the pier and turn right; the harbour-facing building is easy to find. Adult admission is US$17. Most displays have descriptions in Spanish and English, covering early Antarctic exploration, penal-colony history, some artworks and local maritime heritage.
Getting around
Several tourist-activity and excursion booths stand to the right at the dock's end. Options include boat journeys to Wolf Island and through Beagle Channel, flightseeing over Antarctica and coach tours of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Canopy tours begin at the aerosilla base and provide an hour of Tarzan time through the forest, with 11 zip-line cables and two suspension bridges. The highest cable reaches 8m.
Nearby places
Tourist attractions include Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lapataia Bay. Travel there from Ushuaia aboard End of the World Train, or Tren del Fin del Mundo. A city museum explores Yamana, English and Argentine settlement, including the prison-colony years. Birds, penguins and orcas appear around the Beagle Channel islands. Daily buses visit Harberton, the Bridges family's estancia. Some tours continue to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, called Lighthouse at the End of the World, or Faro del fin del mundo, although it is not the same lighthouse as the one…
Food and shopping
Av. San Martin is the main street at the heart of town. A craft area at the port also sells interesting local fare.
Money
Argentina's Peso is a volatile currency.
Read the Exchange tips for Argentina.
Staying connected
Spanish is spoken.
Wi-Fi is available inside the long hall-like building immediately before the port's pedestrian exit.