Discover Ushuaia: Ultimate Travel Guide for Adventure Lovers
Ushuaia, often referred to as “the end of the world,” offers two incredible activities: a scenic cruise around Penguin Island and an exploration of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Both adventures last approximately 5 hours, and while you can bring your own snacks, there are also food options available at the sites and on the cruise.
### Activities:
#### Penguin Island (Isla Martillo) (P1-P5)
🐧 To visit Penguin Island, you’ll need to pick up your tickets at the port. Each boat accommodates around 100 people across two levels, ensuring everyone has a great view. The journey begins with a stop at the iconic lighthouse before heading to the island.
🛥 Upon arrival, the guide will organize a line so that each visitor gets ample time to observe the penguins up close and snap some photos. A professional photographer is on board, capturing moments throughout the trip. At the end, they offer a package for 55,000 pesos, which includes a USB drive with all the photos.
However, the shots taken with your phone are usually just as good, making this an optional purchase.
#### Tierra del Fuego National Park (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego) (P6-P11)
This activity starts with a convenient minibus pickup from your hotel, guided by a bilingual expert, and is limited to a small group of 18 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
You’ll need to purchase your entrance ticket at the park gate, priced at 30,000 pesos, or 7,000 pesos for students (you can use the Precarga proof issued by the immigration office, paid in cash).
Note that there is no cell phone signal inside the park, so it’s wise to check all necessary information beforehand.
The park boasts four main attractions:
1. **Post Office** (currently closed, specific opening times unknown)
2. **Wooden Boardwalk Hike** (a loop trail with breathtaking views)
3. **Short Lakeside Hike** (about 15 minutes, easy and enjoyable)
4.
**End of the World Train** (a 1-hour round trip with commentary in 7 languages, offering stunning vistas along the way)
🛤 Before the train departs, staff dressed as prisoners will take photos with tourists. At the next stop, you can view these photos, which cost 15,000 pesos each, including a paper frame and a digital copy.
If you buy multiple, you can negotiate a better price.
These two activities were booked through the same travel agency, with a total cost of around 280,000 pesos per person. It was found that the price can be negotiated down to 225,000 pesos per person. It’s highly recommended to compare prices from different agencies, as there is room for negotiation, and each one typically provides a voucher for a hot cocoa.
Food recommendations:
1. Salitre (P13) 🥩
To truly savor the experience, be sure to reserve a window seat at this charming restaurant in advance. The breathtaking views and delectable cuisine make for an unforgettable meal, with prices averaging around 28,000 pesos per person.
2. La Casa de los Mariscos (P14) 🦞🦀🦐
For a memorable seafood feast, book your table via WhatsApp well ahead of time; only the 7:30 PM slot is usually available.
Indulge in their mouthwatering fried calamari rings, generous portions of seafood paella (though be mindful of a bit of sand), and the hearty seafood stew. The average cost per person is 36,000 pesos. While the food is exceptional, the frozen king crab, priced at 180,000 pesos, might be too steep for some.
When it’s time to settle the bill, the waiter will kindly ask if you’d like to leave a tip, which is entirely at your discretion.
3. Hot chocolate recommendation 🍫
Ushuaia boasts a plethora of chocolate shops, and after sampling three different hot chocolates, I can confidently recommend: Smenché > Laguna Negra > Ramos Generales El Almacén (a charming, century-old local café).
The scenery in Ushuaia is simply stunning, with highlights including Penguin Island and Tierra del Fuego Park, making every adventure here worthwhile. Despite being summer, the weather can be surprisingly chilly, so don’t forget to pack warm clothing.
