What to do when you have 3 days in Ushuaia? Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, also called the end of the world. It is located between the Beagle Channel, glaciers and eternally snow-capped peaks. Ushuaia is a city that you absolutely want to visit during a trip in Argentina. Let me tell you how to get the maximum out of your stay and present you a 3 days in Ushuaia itinerary.

3 days in Ushuaia itinerary

Ushuaia has a lot to offer. The area lends itself to beautiful hikes to glaciers and the national park Tierra del Fuego, tours of remote farms and husky rides in winter. But also for boat trips on the famous Beagle channel where you are able to observe penguins, seabirds, seals and with a little luck even whales. Enjoy my tips in this 3 days in Ushuaia itinerary.

Day 1 – start of your “3 days in Ushuaia itinerary“

I would recommend to start your “3 days in Ushuaia itinerary” with a sailing tour on the Beagle channel. There are different tours to choose from. The two-hour trip sails past the bird and seal island: Places where you can take great pictures. This tour also includes a picture spot at Les Eclaires, the end of the world lighthouse, that is depicted in many photos. It is a special feeling to sail at the end of the world, knowing that you are sailing the same route as the ships to Antarctica. With Chile on one side and Argentina on the other, you can enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks.

If you opt for the long tour (about 4 hours), you will also sail to pinguïnera, Isla Martillo, the island with the penguins where you have a good chance of seeing the King penguin. Make sure to check the penguin population in advance. Early in the season there are sometimes not many penguins and the longer trip might not be worth it, especially if you are also visiting Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo in Argentina.

Estancia Haberton

Optionally, you can extend the trip on the Beagle Channel with a visit to the historic Estancia Haberton, known for the book, Uttermost Part of the Earth, about the end of the world and its indigenous people by Lucas Bridges. You get off the boat and then go for an extensive tour of the old farm. Afterwards you return to Ushuaia by bus.

Curious about the book: Uttermost part of the world by Lucas Bridges? You can order it here.

Depending on the tour you choose, you will arrive in the (late) afternoon back to Ushuaia. Stroll around the town and watch some interesting street art.

Evening

Finish your first day of your “3 days in Ushuaia itinerary” with a dinner in one of the famous restaurants and try the local centolla dish, Patagonian king crab. The best restaurants to try the centolla are Volver, Tia Elvira or Mi Viejo Marinero, one of the oldest restaurants in Ushuaia.

Day 2 of your “3 days in Ushuaia itinerary“

Today I would recommend to spend a lovely day in the Tierra del Fuego, land of fire. It is the most southernmost national park, famous for its unique vegetation. Depending on your time and the weather, you have two options. Find a taxi and have him drop you off at different places in the national park. From here you can go for short but nice hikes.

Do you like hiking? Then I recommend you to go for one of the most beautiful hikes in the park, the Costera, a trail of about 3 to 4 hours (8 km). You walk partly through the woods but most of the time along the Beagle channel. All places and corners offer a different view of the canal, because of the many trees and the unique light. And every minute of the trail is worth it. Along the way you will encounter vegetation consisting of Patagonian beech forests, swamps and peat. Numerous waterfowl, geese, beavers, birds of prey also live here and if you’re lucky, you’ll even bump into a red fox.

Tip: Bring a lunch box so you can find a picnic spot along the way. It is also possible to buy some food and drinks at the visitor center.

In this isolated place you will find a special post office, “the end of the world post office” where you can send a post-card and have a stamp put in your passport (please note: this is officially not allowed).

Looking for transportation to the national park? You can book transportation at the taxi station, very easy, because the rates are fixed.

Evening

Make sure you have dinner and drinks at Ramos Generales, one of the most autentic restaurants in Ushuaia.

Last day of your “3 days in Ushuaia“

Start your day early and book a taxi to the starting point for the hike to Laguna Esmeralda. Laguna Esmeralda is a glacier lake surrounded by the Albino Glacier and the peaks of Las Torres and Cordón Toribio.

It is one of the best hikes in Ushuaia that you can easily do on your own. You walk for 1 hour to 1.5 hours on a trail, leading you through different vegetation zones: Through forests, along beaver dams, peat bogs and moors another valley, until you reach the glacial lake. Some parts are a bit steep but overall this is a fairly easy hike. You can’t get lost because you walk the same way there as back.

Do bring warm clothes. It can be very windy and cold, especially at the lake. Make sure to arrange a timeslot with your taxi driver so that he will pick you up when you finish your hike.

Afternoon

Have lunch in one of the restaurants at the main street such as Tante Sara. Afterwards, you can either stay in town and dive into the history of Ushuaia, by visiting the old prison and the end of the world museum. Or if you are really into hiking, go for another walk to the Martial glacier.

Option 1

In the 20th century, Ushuaia was known as the Alcatraz of Argentina. At its peak, more than 800 prisoners would have lived there. Today you can visit the old prison and read stories about the harsh life of the prisoners that lived here at the end of the world.  In the museum El fin del Mundo you will find information about the end of the world, its early indigenous inhabitants and its special flora and fauna. A small but interesting place.

Option 2

Let the taxi drop you off at the foot of the former ski slope of El Martial. From here you walk in about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to a small glacier up the mountain. Keep in mind that this hike is a steep climb because the ski lifts are no longer working. Along the way you can enjoy views of Ushuaia and the mountains.

Make sure to arrange a time with the taxi so that he will pick you up again at the end of your hike.

Evening

Do you want to go for a more culinary restaurant experience in Ushuaia to finish your “3 days in Ushuaia itinerary”? Maria Lola is located a few blocks from the main street and is a good choice if you want fusion plates with a great view of the Ushuaia harbour.

Other Ushuaia itineraries

Did you enjoy reading this ‘3 days in Ushuaia itinerary”? Have a look at my other Ushuaia and Argentina itineraries.

What to do in Ushuaia for 2 days

One day in Ushuaia itinerary

More about Ushuaia

Do you want to read more about Ushuaia? In the next article you will find a comprehensive Ushuaia travel guide with the best things to do, including tips for my favorite restaurants and hotels, best time to visit and how to get there.

More about Argentina

With Passport the World I am taking you on a journey to discover beautiful Argentina. Make sure to check out my other travel guides about Argentina such as:

Things to do in Argentina

Things to do in Ushuaia | tips for your stay

Discover whales, penguins and sea lions in my Puerto Madryn travel guide

El Chaltén Argentina – a comprehensive guide with hikes and tips for your stay

Things to do in Bariloche Argentina – tips, hikes and tours

National Parks of Argentina

El Calafate – a comprehensive guide with everything you want to know

Iguazu falls – everything you want to know

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