Things to do in Trelew & Some Great Nearby Day Trips!

What are some things to do in Trelew and why should you visit?

Trelew is a city situated along the eastern part of the Province of Chubut in Argentina. Its name translates to 'town of Lewis' in honour of Welsh founder Lewis Jones. Yes, this is one of many towns in Patagonia founded by Welsh immigrants!

Trelew was founded in 1886 shortly after works for a railway line between the Chubut Valley and the port city of Puerto Madryn were approved in 1884. This became known as the end of the railway line right in the heart of the Welsh settlement. But we'll get to Welsh history later.

For now, if you want to go off the beaten track in coastal Patagonia, we want to share a few reasons why you should consider visiting Trelew! Aside from Welsh culture, this city also boasts some of the biggest dinosaurs on the planet, it is home to a hotel with links to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, plus it's a jumping-off point for day trips to a petrified forest, a geo park and a whole slew of Welsh communities in the area.

This destination doesn't receive a huge number of international visitors, so it feels like a bit of a diamond in the rough. The tourist attractions are few but they are quirky, and if you come with an open mind you're bound to have a good time!

So if this sounds like your kind of destination, read on for some ideas of things to do in Trelew, Argentina:

Things to do in Trelew, Argentina

Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum

If you want to see dinosaurs, Trelew needs to be on your list of places to go in Patagonia.

The museum visit begins in a gallery that focuses on the first human settlements in the area about ten thousand years ago, and it then jumps back in time to the Mesozoic era when dinosaurs roamed these lands.

There are over 30 dinosaurs on display at the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum and you can even see some dinosaur eggs. However, no dinosaur is more famous than the Patagotitan Mayorum - the largest dinosaur in the world!

This titanosaur was discovered in early 2013 and it measures more than 8 metres in height, 40 metres in length, and is estimated to have weighed around 74 tons.

If you have time, the museum screens a dinosaur documentary narrated by David Attenborough and it plays a few times a day.

Biggest Dinosaur in the World Sculpture

If you still want to see more dinosaurs, you won’t want to miss the sculpture of the biggest dinosaur in the world on the outskirts of Trelew.

Head north on Ruta 3 just a few minutes outside of town, and you’ll spot the Patagotitan Mayorum on the left-hand side.

It’s located directly across from Trelew Airport and it’s massive, so you really can’t miss it!

It’s a short drive, so if you don’t have a car, you can always take a taxi and ask the driver to wait for you while you snap a few photos.

Hotel Touring Club

Trelew's Hotel Touring Club is known to have hosted many famous guests including writer and aviator Antoine de Saint Exupéry of The Little Prince. He was a frequent guest in the 1930s and today there’s a plaque that commemorates his stays.

It also hosted an infamous gang of bank and train robbers. Do the names Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and Ethel Place ring a bell?

They were on the run from US law enforcement and ended up in this remote corner of Patagonia. They bought land, set up a ranch in Cholila, and would come to Trelew for business. (You can still visit the Butch Cassidy Ranch if you make it to northwestern Chubut.)

It may not look like it today, but Hotel Touring Club was once considered one of Argentina’s most luxurious hotels. It was constructed in 1898 and remained the it place hosting multiple presidents through to the 1930s.

Today it oozes faded charm and stepping through its doors will transport you back to a different era.

Downstairs you can eat at the Touring Club Café with its wooden bar from a bygone era, walls covered in Butch Cassidy memorabilia, and bright fluorescent lights. The food is good, but we’ll get to that in the restaurant recommendations down below.

Regional Museum Pueblo de Luis

To learn a bit more about the history of Trelew, you can visit the Regional Museum Pueblo de Luis. The name really says it all: Pueblo de Luis is Spanish for Town of Lewis, which is Trelew in Welsh.

This museum is set in the former railway station which dates back to 1889. It tells the story of the Welsh immigrants who crossed the Atlantic Ocean, arrived on the shores of Puerto Madryn, and went on to settle the valley along the Chubut River.

The museum is split up into different rooms starting with the Mapuches and the Tehuelches who lived in these lands, followed by the early exploration of the area between 1520 and 1865, and then the arrival of Welsh immigrants.

You can see farming equipment, furniture, homewares and other items that would have been brought over from Wales by the early settlers.

Plaza Independencia

Another place to visit in Trelew is Plaza Independencia or Independence Square.

This plaza has a beautiful pavilion and is surrounded by centuries-old trees, so it’s a nice place to enjoy a quiet stroll.

It’s where many city events are held and sometimes there’s even live music.

Trelew Visual Arts Museum

Directly across from Plaza Independencia on the west side of the square, you'll find the Trelew Visual Arts Museum.

This museum showcases the work of local artists and the exhibition is constantly changing.

The works featured are mainly photography and paintings, and it makes for a short but enjoyable visit.

Cacique Chiquichano Lagoon

This lagoon is located in Trelew’s city centre directly behind the bus terminal.

There’s a 1.9-kilometre trail that goes all around the lake and it’s a nice place for a walk or a run if you're looking to get a workout during your visit.

You can also see swans, ducks and flamingos.

Day trips from Trelew

There are multiple day trips you can take from Trelew ranging from 20 minutes to just under 2 hours of driving time. These include:

Gaiman

Driving time: 20 minutes

Gaiman is the place to visit if you want to experience a Welsh town in Patagonia. The main thing to do in Gaiman is to enjoy Welsh afternoon tea in one of the town’s many tea houses. Some other highlights include visiting a local farm and learning about Welsh immigration to Argentina in the town’s various museums.

Rawson

Driving time: 20 minutes

Rawson was the first town founded by Welsh immigrants who sailed to Patagonia aboard the Mimosa in 1865. The city rises next to the Chubut River not too far from where it meets the sea. If you’re craving a beach day or want to do some dolphin or whale watching (season dependent) this is your destination.

Dolavon

Driving time: 30 minutes

Dolavon is another Welsh community you can visit in Chubut and its name translates to ‘river meadow’. This is a very small, sleepy town that can easily be visited in half a day. Some of the highlights include walking along the canals, and visiting the old mill turned museum and restaurant.

Bryn Gwyn Geopark

Driving time: 30 minutes

Bryn Gwyn Geopark is a natural geological reserve and its name translates to ‘white hill’ in Welsh. The park is in an area that separates the Chubut River valley from the Patagonian steppe. There is a hiking trail and along the way you can see fossils - both real and replicas.

Puerto Madryn

Driving time: 50 minutes

You’ll want more than a day to visit Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés, but if a day is all you have, a full-day excursion is the best way to do so. You’ll get to see this port city in passing and then continue towards the peninsula for some wildlife viewing. We’re talking penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and more!

Petrified Forest Florentino Ameghino

Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can visit a petrified forest in the province of Chubut. Here you’ll come face to face with petrified logs that were part of an extensive forest that were carried by rivers to the sea coast of that time. The tree logs are estimated to date back 60 million years!

Punta Tombo

Driving time: 2 hours 10 minutes

You can also visit Punta Tombo National Reserve on a day trip. This is a narrow and rocky peninsula known for its Magellanic penguin colony. It's an alternative to Peninsula Valdes if you're looking for a destination with less tourism.

Where to eat in Trelew

Trelew offers a nice variety of restaurants featuring all your classic Argentine foods, and that means plenty of steak, pizza and pasta! Here is a list of restaurants we enjoyed in the city:

Sugar

Sugar is a gourmet restaurant specializing in Argentine cuisine with a contemporary twist. It is the best restaurant we visited in Trelew and it left us ooh-ing and ahh-ing at every bite! Their menu is ever evolving but we really enjoyed the smoke-infused steak and the beetroot gnocchi in a blue cheese sauce. A delightful foodie experience from start to finish.

Tía Camila

If you’re craving pizza, then make your way over to Tía Camila for some of the most delicious pizza you’ll ever have! This is very much a local eatery with prices to match. I’d recommend trying the Pizza Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons Pizza), so you can sample 4 different pizza toppings.

Raíces

Another restaurant we visited in Trelew is Raíces, which specializes in pasta dishes. We tried the spinach and ricotta cannelloni with a tomato and beef sauce, as well as the plum and bacon-stuffed gnocchi in a creamy mushroom sauce. Pair that with a bottle of red wine and you’ve got yourself a wonderful meal!

Francesca

This is a cute cafe for breakfast or afternoon tea. They have all sorts of pies, tarts, cakes and pastries to choose from. If you're craving something savoury, you can't go wrong with their classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It's a relaxed setting where you can linger in between all the sightseeing.

Hotel Touring Club

We mentioned this place under the attractions, but don’t miss out on the chance to eat here. The vibe is a bar stuck in time and the food is good. I would recommend ordering the picada, which is Argentina’s version of a snack. Expect lots of little plates with salami, cheese, mortadella, olives, peanuts, chips, fries, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Order a pint of beer to go with it and it’s a complete meal!

Where to stay in Trelew

Hotel Libertador - This is a centrally located 3-star hotel close to most attractions and offering breakfast.

Apart Hotel Argenta - These are spacious self-catering apartment-style accommodations with a kitchen, living and dining area.

La Casa de Paula Bed & Art - This is a bed and breakfast option set in a residential neighbourhood with a familiar touch.

Hotel Touring Club - If you’re visiting Trelew for its history and Butch Cassidy connection, then you may be interested in this hotel, however, keep in mind it is a 1-star hotel!

How to get to Trelew

Trelew has a small airport (Almirante Marcos A. Zar - REL), so it is possible to fly into the city. The national airline Aerolineas Argentinas operates a few weekly flights.

However, you’re most likely to arrive in Trelew by bus via the port city of Puerto Madryn. There are two bus companies that operate regular routes between Trelew and Puerto Madryn and those are Mar y Valle and 28 de Julio. The travel time between the two cities is 53 minutes.

If you feel comfortable driving in Argentina (keep in mind most cars have manual transmission!), an even better way to explore Trelew and the surrounding area is by renting a car. This will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace without having to depend on public transport. Plus it'll make the day trips a lot more accessible.

That's our travel guide to visiting Trelew! Hopefully, this blog post gave you a few ideas of things to do and day trips to go on during your visit.

Now over to you. Let us know if this Welsh city in Patagonia is on your travel itinerary.


Things to do in Trevelin, Argentina: Tulips, Wineries and Welsh Culture in Patagonia

If you're looking for things to do in Trevelin during your visit, you've come to the right place!

This rugged mountain town sits on the shores of the Percy River, is surrounded by epic mountains, boasts multiple vineyards, is within driving distance to a beautiful national park, and transforms into a fairy tale when the tulip fields bloom in the springtime.

Despite all it has to offer, Trevelin is still quite undiscovered by international tourists. However, if you enjoy venturing off the beaten path and exploring lesser-known destinations, Trevelin is one of those places in Patagonia worth adding to your list.

The following is our Trevelin travel guide, so get ready to take some notes for your visit.

History of Trevelin

In 1865, a group of Welsh immigrants embarked on a journey from Wales to Patagonia, seeking religious freedom and better economic opportunities.

Led by Michael D. Jones, a Welsh nationalist and preacher, they arrived in the Chubut River Valley in Argentina, where they established several settlements, including the town of Trevelin, which translates to ‘mill town’ in Welsh.

The Welsh settlers faced numerous challenges upon their arrival, including the harsh and unfamiliar Patagonian landscape and climate, and they only made it through those early years thanks to help of the Tehuelche people who taught them how to hunt and survive in this new climate.

Over the years, the Welsh settlers in Trevelin managed to cultivate the fertile lands, engage in sheep farming, and build a thriving community. They also constructed traditional Welsh-style houses and chapels, which can still be seen in the town today, adding to its unique charm and cultural heritage.

The descendants of the Welsh settlers in Trevelin are proud of their heritage and continue to honor their roots through various cultural events and festivals.

The town’s legacy stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Welsh immigrants who ventured across the Atlantic Ocean to build a new life in the remote Patagonian wilderness.

Things to do in Trevelin

There are plenty of things to do in Trevelin, both within the town and in its vicinity. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Los Alerces National Park

Los Alerces National Park has various access points that allow you to explore different areas of the park.

You can access from El Bolson in the north, Esquel in the east, while Trevelin gives you access to the southern sector, which is home to the Futaleufú Hydroelectric Complex.

We decided to visit the park on a half-day trip and these are the places we were able to cover:

Cascada de los Tambores: short trail that leads to a waterfall.

Mirador de los Pozones: lookout point where you have turquoise pools along the river - this is a popular swimming spot in the summer.

Presa Futaleufú: a snaking road leads up to the dam where you can drive across and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Bahía de Troncos: this is the 'bay of the logs' referring to the trees from the forest that was flooded during the creation of the dam.

Chimenea de Equilibrio: this chimney stands 62 meters high, has a 30-metre diameter, and its job is to regulate the water pressure. This stop also offers views of the abandoned hotel that once housed the foreign workers who helped build the hydroelectric complex.

Tip: If you're renting a car you can do this trip independently. Alternatively, you can hire a remís (private car and driver) to take you on a tour of the park, which is what we did.

This is not a guided tour, but the driver will stop at all the scenic points and give you time to go on little hikes and take photos.

If you speak some basic Spanish, you can approach one of the remís booths in town and inquire about this half-day outing.

Winery Visit

Patagonia has an emerging wine region, and Trevelin alone has 3 different vineyards you can visit:

Casa Yagüe

Viñas del Nant y Fall

Contra Corriente

We only had time to visit one vineyard and we went to Casa Yagüe, so we'll share that experience.

For starters, this vineyard is in a beautiful setting surrounded by snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and rows upon rows of vines.

Casa Yagüe is the second southernmost vineyard in the world - it's quite impressive that they can produce wine at these latitudes! - and it's just 12 kilometres from the border with Chile, meaning it's closer to Chile than it is to the town of Trevelin.

We signed up to have lunch and do the guided vineyard tour, and we loved the order of things - food and drink first, then tour the property!

For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious cheese plater with fruits and nuts. That was followed by a delicious fresh salad with local, seasonal veggies grown right in their garden. The main course was a homemade gnocchi with a beetroot sauce.

All of this was paired with complimentary wines!

And lastly, we had pancakes with dulce de leche for dessert.

Tip: It's best to make a reservation if you want to dine at the winery, especially if you're visiting during high season as seating is limited. You can either call or send a message through Whatsapp and they're good about messaging back the same day.

 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo Molino Nant Fach (@museo_molino_nant_fach)

Nant Fach Mill

Another popular attraction in Trevelin, or rather its outskirts, is Molino Nant Fach.

This mill is an exact replica of the flour mills that existed in Trevelin from the late 19th century up until the mid-20th century.

In fact, this mill was built by Mervyn Evans, one of the direct descendants of Trevelin's early Welsh settlers.

The mill itself looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's a picturesque log construction complete with a waterwheel and a sparkling stream that can be crossed via a cute footbridge.

Guided tours are offered and it's a great opportunity to learn about Patagonia's Welsh heritage.

Tip: It's best to check the mill's hours of operation at the Visitor Centre in Trevelin's town square since this changes month to month.

Nant y Fall Waterfalls

The Nant y Fall Waterfalls are located just south of Trevelin off of Route 259.

It's then a 4-kilometre drive from the turn-off until you reach the trailhead, where you pay a small admission fee.

The whole circuit is about a 500-metre walk along a well-marked trail that leads to a couple of different lookout points where you can view the different waterfalls including La Petisa meaning 'the short one', Las Mellizas meaning 'the twins', and El Salto Grande or 'the big jump'.

There's also a small shop at the entrance just as soon as you cross the bridge where you can buy cold drinks, sandwiches, cookies, scones, and other snacks.

This place is located quite close to the Nant Fach Mill, so you can hit up both attractions if you’re in the area.

Andean Mill Museum

If you want to dive into Patagonia's Welsh history, I would recommend visiting the Museo Regional Trevelin Molino Andes.

They have the list of passengers who arrived from Wales aboard the Mimosa in 1865, photos of the early settlers, and all sorts of farming equipment and homeware goods that would have been used by the newly arrived in their new home.

Tip: This is a great attraction for a rainy day and you can combine it with Welsh afternoon tea on the same day.

 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tulipanes Patagonia (@tulipanespatagonia)

Tulipanes Patagonia

This next attraction is a seasonal one, but if you happen to be travelling in Patagonia in the springtime, then you can't miss visiting the tulip fields!

Tulipanes Patagonia is located in the outskirts of town just south of Trevelin and during peak bloom, it draws visitors from all over the country.

They organize all sorts of cool events during this brief month-long window; you can enjoy the views of the tulip fields from a hot air balloon, you can fly over in a small plane, or you can even attend a moonlit dinner in the fields.

If your trip happens to coincide with these dates, it's a sight you cannot miss!

Tip: MerakiSur runs an excursion to see the tulip fields from Esquel during the month of October. If you miss that, they also run an excursion to see the peonies in bloom at a neighbouring plantation starting in mid-November. The fresh blooms last about a month.

Welsh Fire-breathing Dragon

One of the unique things to do in Trevelin is to wait for the fire-breathing dragon to wake up!

That's right! Seated atop the town's tourism office on the north end of the plaza is a red dragon that comes to life twice a day and breathes three fiery puffs.

It's a bit of a blink-and-you-miss-it experience, so have your camera ready to go.

The schedule is posted to the left of the tourism office just under the dragon, so check the times because they change throughout the year.

Shop at El Caballo

There's a shop located on the northwest end of the central plaza called El Caballo, and it's a great place to pick up some typical Argentine souvenirs.

They have all sorts of leather goods ranging from belts to boots, sombreros to boinas, ponchos to wool sweaters, and knives to mates.

It's a really cool store and the staff are really helpful, speak English, and can help you find what you need.

Where to Stay in Trevelin

Casa de Piedra - here you'll find centrally-located alpine-style accommodations featuring a main guesthouse and cottages, plus a buffet breakfast.

La Estancia - they offer log and stone cabins in a quiet neighbourhood just a few blocks from the centre of town.

Ladera de Nant y Fall - this is a holiday home on the outskirts of town, right across from the tulip fields and a vineyard, and just down the road from the hike to the Nant y Fall waterfalls. Keep in mind you would need a rental car since it's not within walking distance of town.

Nomade Glamping y Domos - a glamping site overlooking the shores of the Futaleufú River in Los Cipreses, about 25 kilometres from Trevelin. You can find more glamping spots in Trevelin and across Patagonia here.

Where to Eat in Trevelin

Los Troncos

Los Troncos is a traditional parrilla restaurant, so the focus here is grilled meats.

If you order the parrillada para uno or 'BBQ for one', you'll get an assortment of classic cuts of meats, including chorizo (sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), bife (steak), asado de tira (short ribs), chinchulín (small intestine), and more.

They'll bring a small grill to your table with the meat still sizzling, that way the meat stays warm while you dine.

Pair that with a salad and a bottle of Malbec, and you've got yourself a traditional Argentine barbecue!

Address: Avenida San Martín 214

El Refugio

If you're craving pizza, you need to eat at El Regufio. This pizzeria is located on the northwest corner of the central plaza in a cozy log cabin-style building, complete with a fireplace.

We tried a really interesting pizza with blue cheese, walnuts and celery, which sounds really odd, but we quite enjoyed the mix of flavours and textures.

For something a bit more classic, you can't go wrong ordering their Napolitana with mozzarella, tomato slice, garlic and oregano.

Address: Avenida Fortin Refugio across from the plaza

De la Cabaña

This place does take out food, so it's a nice option if you want to get an Argentine homecooked meal to enjoy at your cottage.

It's buffet style, so you just grab a box, fill it up with what you want, have it weighed and pay.

They usually have a mix of chicken, beef, pizza, pasta, salads, and a couple of vegetarian options like stuffed pumpkin, roasted squash, eggplant and more.

They also have a couple of tables outdoors on the sidewalk, so you can eat there if the weather is nice.

Address: Perito Moreno 215

Nain Maggie

Nain Maggie translates to 'Grandma Margaret' in Welsh and it's named after the matriarch who first opened the teahouse in 1975 in order to share the Welsh flavours of her ancestors.

The specialize in Welsh cake or bara brith, which is served in the tea house but can also be purchased to take away.

Their afternoon tea is copious with homemade bread, butter, jams, cheeses, scones, and an assortment of freshly baked cakes.

Definitely skip lunch and make this your main meal.

Address: Perito Moreno 179

Casa de Té La Mutisia

This is another alternative for a Welsh afternoon tea in Trevelin.

You can expect a similar menu featuring scones, Welsh cake, and a few other baked items, with the addition of grilled sandwiches.

This place feels slightly fancier than the previous tea house, and it also has a mini museum on site with displays of items that belonged to the early Welsh settlers.

Address: Avenida San Martín 170

Day Trips from Trevelin

There are a variety of day trips from Trevelin ranging from half an hour to two hours away, and one is even across the border in neighbouring Chile!

Esquel

Driving time: 28 minutes

There are plenty of things to do in Esquel and you could easily spend a few days there, but if one day is all you have, you can visit on a day trip from Trevelin.

Some activities not to miss include riding the Old Patagonian Express, kayaking on Laguna La Zeta, biking to Laguna Willmanco, and hiking up Cerro La Cruz for panoramic views of the town.

Los Alerces National Park

Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

I've already mentioned you can visit the southern sector of Los Alerces National Park from Trevelin, however, the area around Pasarela Río Arrayanes (accessed via Esquel) is really nice.

You can book a guided tour that departs from Puerto Chucao, cruises up Lake Menendez, and then disembarks in Puerto Sagrario where you can hike through Valdivian forest and see a 2,700 year old tree!

Cholila

Driving time: 2 hours

The main draw to Cholila is to visit the famous ranch once inhabited by Butch Cassidy, Etta Place and the Sundance Kid.

This wild gang of former bank and train robbers ended up hiding out in Patagonia, and their former ranch still stands today.

There's an interesting museum of sorts showcasing all thing Butch Cassidy and the Wild Gang, and it's a quirky stop in this remote corner of Patagonia.

Futaleufú, Chile

Driving time: 1 hour (may take longer with border crossing)

If you're up to visit another country, you can cross the border into neighbouring Chile!

This small frontier town is located just 10 kilometres from the international border and it has a slowly burgeoning tourism scene where travellers can enjoy hiking, fishing, mountain biking, trekking and canyoning.

Just don't forget to bring your passport if you decide to go on this day trip!

If Trevelin sounds like your kind of place, you might also enjoy our El Bolson travel guide and Villa La Angostura travel guide. These are two charming mountain towns worth adding to your northern Patagonia travel plans.


Things to do in Ushuaia | Ultimate Ushuaia Travel Guide

If you're looking for the best things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina, you've come to the right place! This ultimate Ushuaia travel guide has everything you need to know.

Ushuaia is one of those destinations that feels like a major accomplishment as a traveller. After all, it takes a lot of effort and planning to reach the southernmost city in the world, so when you get there, you want to make sure you're making the most of your trip!

During my very first trip to Ushuaia, I spent an action-packed 2 weeks there. I visited all the main attractions as well as some lesser-known sites, I did a lot of hiking, went on day tours, stayed at a few different accommodations and restaurant-hopped my way across the city.

As a result, I feel like I have a really good understanding of everything there is to do in Ushuaia!

Today, I want to share everything I know about this destination to help you have the most amazing time there. In this massive Ushuaia travel guide, I'm going to tell you the best things to do in Ushuaia, how to get there, fun day trips and hikes you can go on, where to stay in the city, and the best time to visit.

It's a lot of information, but as it turns out, there's a lot to do at the End of the World. Now let's dive in!

How to get to Ushuaia

Getting to Ushuaia can be quite an adventure, depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

The quickest and most straightforward option is to fly into Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas. There are multiple daily flights from Buenos Aires, though you can also get flights from some other major Argentine cities during high season.

The flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The next option is bus travel, which makes more sense if you're already travelling in southern Patagonia (around El Calafate or El Chaltén). The bus journey does involve going through Chile (a good excuse to stop over in Torres del Paine National Park!) and it also includes a ferry crossing.

You can read our detailed guide on how to get to Ushuaia here.

Things to do in Ushuaia, Argentina

First up, let's dive into the top attractions in Ushuaia you won't want to miss during your visit!

Cruise the Beagle Channel

One of the top things to do in Ushuaia is to go on a boat cruise of the Beagle Channel and enjoy the wildlife at the bottom tip of South America!

The Beagle Channel is the strait that separates Isla Grande, the main island of Tierra del Fuego, from various smaller islands. Plus, the channel also acts as a border between Chile and Argentina. This is one of three navigable bodies of water that act as a passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean at the bottom of South America; the two others are the Straits of Magellan to the north and the open-ocean Drake Passage to the south.

There are numerous Beagle Channel tours to choose from, ranging from catamarans to sailboats, but all afford the opportunity to view seabirds, sea lions and penguins! One tour even lets you walk amongst penguins on Martillo Island, though keep in mind this one needs to be booked in advance as only a very small number of visitors are allowed on Isla Martillo each day.

You also get to cruise past the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, an iconic red and white-striped lighthouse that stands 11 metres high on a rocky outcrop some 5 nautical miles east of Ushuaia.

It is locally known as 'the Lighthouse at the End of the World', but that title officially belongs to the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, which was made famous by Jules Verne in the novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World, and is located on Isla de los Estados much further east.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to go inside Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, however, a Beagle Channel tour is a great opportunity to see it up close, and the captain does linger in the area so tourists can take their photos.

Tip: Make sure you bring your passport on the boat cruise because staff will come around and offer you a stamp of the Beagle Channel.

Pose at the Fin del Mundo sign

Every traveller in Ushuaia has to pose next to the Fin del Mundo sign, literally the 'End of the World' sign. This is kind of like a right of passage to prove you made it to the southernmost city in the world. The sign is on the waterfront right next to the tourist pier where all the Beagle Channel cruises depart from.

Tour Ushuaia by Double-Decker Bus

One fun way to experience Ushuaia is by going on a double-decker bus tour of the city. This is a great activity to do at the very start of your trip so you can get an idea of the lay of the land.

The bus tour is 1 hour and 10 minutes in length and it's an opportunity to enjoy views of the Beagle Channel, soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks, and cruise the city streets.

This is done as an audio tour where guests receive a headset and can learn about Ushuaia's history in 8 different languages.

This hour-long Ushuaia double-decker bus tour provides a good overview of the city beyond the top tourist sites.

Visit the Old Ushuaia Prison

One of Ushuaia’s main attractions is the Prison at the End of the World, also known as the Ushuaia Prison. This is because the city of Ushuaia was founded as a penal colony, with the first prisoners arriving in 1884.

The prison was in operation between 1902 and 1947 and was known for its harsh conditions, meaning it was damp, humid and cold. Not the kind of place you’d want to end up.

Today, the prison has been turned into a tourist site, and it houses multiple museums. The prison’s five wings converge in a central hall and each wing holds a different museum.

These include the Prison Museum, which focuses on the stories of the prisoners; the Maritime Museum, where you can see scale models of vessels that would have sailed the waters in this part of the world; the Antarctic Museum, which highlights the age of exploration and scientific expeditions; the Art Museum, showcasing a collection of maritime-inspired art; and the Art Gallery, where local artists can showcase and sell their artwork.

There's a lot to see here, so give yourself at least a couple of hours to visit the various wings and exhibits.

Hike Tierra del Fuego National Park

No trip to Ushuaia would be complete without visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost national park in Argentina.

The park is located just 11 kilometres west of Ushuaia, so it's fairly easy to get there either by shuttle or joining a guided tour.

The park is renowned for its hiking trails, which range from easy walks to more challenging treks, with the most famous being the Pampa Alta Trail and the Coastal Path.

You can also expect to see beavers in Tierra del Fuego National Park. These are not native to Argentina but they were introduced to the region in 1946 in an attempt by the Argentine government to generate a fur trade; that was an environmental disaster!

Send mail from the Southernmost Post Office

One place you cannot miss when you visit Tierra del Fuego National Park is the post office at the end of the world.

Made of corrugated metal and wood, this tiny post office sits atop a pier on the shores of the Beagle Channel, and it’s the last chance to send mail before reaching Antarctica.

The exterior is plastered with stickers from travellers who’ve reached this place from all corners of the world, and inside the walls are covered in postcards, maps, magnets and currencies from faraway lands.

Aside from sending mail, this is one of several places in Ushuaia where you can get your passport stamped, so don't forget to bring your passport.

It does cost a few dollars ($2.50 USD when we were there), but it's a full page with several stamps, and it's a special souvenir from your time visiting the city at the end of the world.

In my experience, it can take about 3 weeks for international mail to reach its final destination, so be patient if you send mail.

Ride the Train at the End of the World

One of the best things to do in Ushuaia for train enthusiasts is to ride the Southern Fuegian Railway, also known as the Train at the End of the World!

Once upon a time, this was known as the train of prisoners. As we mentioned earlier, Ushuaia started out as a penal colony and prisoners were put to work building their own prison. This meant transporting rock and timber from the nearby forests to the town, first using oxen-pulled wagons, and eventually, this narrow-gauge railway.

Today, the train has been developed into a heritage train, and it’s considered the southernmost functioning railway in the world.

The journey begins at the Train Station at the End of the World and then crosses the Cañadón del Toro (Bull's Canyon) and the Pipo River over the Puente Quemado (Burnt Bridge).

The train then makes a stop at La Macarena Waterfall Station, where visitors can climb out to a viewpoint and see the waterfall.

The journey continues to the boundary with Tierra del Fuego National Park where you can witness peat bogs and the tree cemetery, a collection of stumps left from nearly half a century of cutting down forest to supply the town with firewood - a job that was done by the prisoners.

Lastly, the train reaches Tierra del Fuego National Park where visitors have the option of remaining in the park or completing the journey back.

This guided tour includes a ride aboard the End of the World Train and a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park. It also includes transportation there and back.

Reach the End of the Road in Lapataia Bay

I've included a lot of signs to pose next to in Ushuaia, and I'm about to share one more: Lapataia Bay.

So what's the significance of Lapataia Bay? Well, this is officially where the road ends. It is the southernmost point you can drive in the Western Hemisphere, and there is a sign marking the end of National Route 3, which is the last leg of the Pan-American Highway.

From this point, you'd have to drive 17,848 kilometres to reach the opposite end of the road in Alaska. I think that's worth a photo op!

Take a Helicopter tour over Ushuaia

One unforgettable way to experience Ushuaia is by taking a helicopter tour to soak in the views of the southernmost city in the world, perfectly framed by the Andes Mountains.

This activity may sound like a bit of a splurge, and it can be if you opt for a landing in the mountains followed by a champagne toast, however, you can also take a short scenic flight over the city and not break your budget.

HeliUshuaia is the local helicopter tour operator and offers three different flight options: a 7-minute flight over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, a 15-minute flight that goes as far as Laguna Esmeralda, or a 30-minute flight that takes you even further into the Andes Mountains with a landing and bubbly to celebrate.

Tip: Book your helicopter tour early on in your visit in case it case to be rescheduled due to weather.

Visit Galeria Tematica de Historia Fueguina

Note: This attraction recently closed, but we will update you if it re-opens in a different location.

Another unique museum we visited was the Galería Temática Historia Fueguina. This is a museum featuring dioramas and lifelike figures that showcase the history of the province of Tierra del Fuego.

The visit is done as a self-guided tour with an audio guide, so you can go at your own pace.

The tour starts out by sharing the history of the indigenous people who lived in this area, which included: the Yamanas, who were coastal hunter-gatherers and fishers, known for their canoe-building skills; the Shelknam, who were nomads, guanaco hunters, and renowned for their use of the bow and arrow; and the Haush, who are the least known of the three groups and lived in the southernmost part of the island which has a lot of peat bogs.

The tour then moves on to the early exploration and colonization of Tierra del Fuego. It also has sections focusing on the HMS Beagle, Ushuaia’s early beginnings as a penal colony, and Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance.

We found the museum to be very educational, and it’s especially worth the visit if you can take the time to listen to the audio guide.

Check out some lesser-known museums

If you get some bad weather days and are looking for some rainy day activities, consider visiting some smaller and lesser-known museums in town.

First, you have Museo del Fin del Mundo, or End of the World Museum, which is located inside the old Government House.

The museum is focused on a variety of topics, including local history and natural history, with exhibits on sailing, whaling, seabirds & more.

There's also a small botanical garden right next to the museum, which can be really nice in the summertime when the flowers are in bloom.

Sample traditional Fuegian cuisine

If you're a foodie, one of the best things to do in Ushuaia is to try Fuegian food, showcasing dishes native to Tierra del Fuego.

Given the proximity to the sea, seafood is a fundamental part of the Fuegian diet. This included fish such as sea bass, hake, and mackerel. Plus, shellfish like mussels, clams, and sea urchins. And we cannot forget King crab, which is locally known as centolla.

Patagonian lamb is another food staple of the region, given the number of estancias in the area. You'll find lamb served at numerous parilla restaurants specializing in grilled meats.

As for desserts, you'll notice lots of calafate berries on the menu. These are small berries that grow on bushes and they're used in ice creams, cakes, smoothies, you name it!

You can check out our list of where to eat in Ushuaia for some restaurant recommendations.

View the Saint Christopher shipwreck

There are quite a few landmarks you can visit while walking along the waterfront in Ushuaia, and one of the more famous vessels here is the San Cristóbal, or Saint Christopher, which sits on the shores of the Beagle Channel.

Once known as the HMS Justice, this was a Royal Navy ship classified as a rescue tug and it served at the Normandy landings during World War 2.

When the war ended, the ship was sold and renamed Saint Christopher, where it was chartered for salvage operations in Beagle Channel.

After suffering engine trouble and rudder damage, it was eventually beached and abandoned on the shores of Ushuaia.

Now Saint Christopher can be admired from shore, though no one is permitted aboard.

Pose at the Ushuaia city sign

So many signs and so many photo ops, but that's Ushuaia for you. Another spot you cannot miss is the Ushuaia city sign located on the waterfront right across from Plaza Islas Malvinas.

This is the classic city sign you'll encounter in numerous cities across Argentina. It does change up a little bit during the year, mainly during the Christmas holidays when the giant U sports a Santa Claus hat.

Typically, a line of tourists will form. You will take a photo for the person ahead of you and the next person in line will do the favour of taking your picture for you.

Hikes in Ushuaia

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in and around Ushuaia, both in Tierra del Fuego National Park and in the city outskirts. We're going to highlight some of the best hikes in Ushuaia, ranging in length and level of difficulty.

Senda Costera

The Senda Costera or Coastal Path is a hike known for its breathtaking coastal views. The trail is approximately 8 kilometres long and is considered a moderately easy hike. It typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the hike, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels.

Hikers can expect to see stunning vistas of the Beagle Channel, come across beautiful pebbly coves, and hike through Southern Fuegian forest.

This coastal trail runs from Zaratiegui Bay to Alakush, so you can get dropped off at either starting point and hike in either direction. I would recommend hiking from Zaratiegui Bay to Alakush since there's a cafe at the end where you can enjoy a hot meal at the end of the trek. That's how we did this particular hike.

The trail is flat most of the way, though you do gain some elevation as you approach Alakush.

Laguna Esmeralda

This is a popular day hike that leads to a lagoon with emerald waters surrounded by mountains. The hike is 8.7-km out-and-back but the hiking time greatly varies depending on the time of year and the ground conditions.

During the summer, this hike can be done in 2.5-3 hours, but once the trail is covered in snow and ice, the same hike could take 4-5 hours.

The trail can get quite muddy as you need to cross a fairly large swamp, followed by a steep hike with rocks, but the reward is an impressive emerald lagoon at the end.

Trekking poles and crampons are recommended if you're attempting this hike outside the summer months.

If you feel safer doing this with a guide, you can join a guided trek to Laguna Esmeralda.

Martial Glacier

The glacier atop the Martial Mountains is named after Captain Ferdinand Martial of the Cap Horn Scientific Mission, a French expedition that arrived in Tierra del Fuego in September 1882.

This hike is 6.3 km out-and-back and is considered a moderate hike. The only thing that tends to disappoint some visitors is that you won't find an impressive glacier! Much of what you see is a moraine, the rocks and sediment carried down and deposited by a glacier that once existed.

You can start this hike from Refugio de Montaña Glaciar Martial. Right across, you'll see La Cabaña de Té, a cute tea house where you can enjoy some sandwiches, cookies, pastries and a hot beverage either before or after your hike.

Vinciguerra Glacier and Laguna de los Témpanos

The Vinciguerra Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Tierra del Fuego, situated in the Andes Mountains about 20 kilometres northwest of Ushuaia.

The trail to Vinciguerra Glacier is quite varied, going through dense forests, peat bogs, and stretches of rocky terrains.

It's considered a moderately challenging hike that takes anywhere between 4 to 6 hours round trip, depending on the weather conditions and the group's hiking pace.

At the base of the Vinciguerra Glacier, you'll find Laguna de los Témpanos. This is a glacial lagoon with floating icebergs that break off from the glacier above.

While the Vinciguerra Glacier can be accessed year-round, the best hiking window is in the summertime from December to March when the weather is milder and the paths are less treacherous.

You can visit the Vinciguerra Glacier with a small group guided tour.

Laguna del Caminante

For a more challenging hike in Ushuaia, you have Laguna del Caminante. This is a 24 km point-to-point trail through Tierra del Fuego National Park that can take anywhere between 8 to 13 hours to complete, depending on the conditions and the time of year.

Some people opt to hike Laguna del Caminante as a 2-day trek, renting a tent and sleeping bag in town and then camping next to the lagoon.

If you're not a very experienced hiker, you'll want to book a guide for this hike. It's fairly remote and you're not likely to encounter other hikers along the way.

For more ideas of hikes you can do around Ushuaia, check out this list by All Trails.

Day trips from Ushuaia

Tolhuin

One of the most popular side trips from Ushuaia is the lakeside town of Tolhuin. Located 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Ushuaia, this is a destination that can either be visited as a day trip, or if you want to linger in a quiet town, you can easily spend 2-3 days here.

The main attraction is Lago Fagnano, a lake of glacial origin that stretches across both Argentina and Chile. When the waters are calm, this is a nice place to go kayaking. There are also lakeside trails to explore in Laguna Negra Provincial Reserve.

Essentially, this is a place to completely disconnect, enjoy the remoteness of it all, and unwind after a few days in Ushuaia. You can get some ideas of things to do in Tolhuin here.

Estancia Harberton

Estancia Harberton is the most famous estancia in Tierra del Fuego province. It is located about 1 hour and 25 minutes east of Ushuaia, with most of the journey being on a gravel road.

The estancia dates back to 1886, when it was founded by Reverend Thomas Bridges, an English missionary who worked with the indigenous Yámana people and who was also the author of the dictionary of the Yámana language. The Argentine government granted him this land in appreciation of his services.

The estancia or ranch covers some 50,000 acres of predominantly sheep-grazing land, interspersed with patches of native forests, and it is bordered by the Beagle Channel.

Within the estancia grounds, you'll also find the Acatushún Museum, which is focused on marine mammals and birds; it’s especially famous for its collection of marine mammal skeletons.

The best way to visit Estancia Haberton is by joining a guided tour, which includes transportation to and from the ranch.

Paso Garibaldi

The Garibaldi Pass is the only paved route across the Fuegian Andes and also the highest point on Argentina’s Ruta Nacional 3.

It's a beautiful winding journey over the mountains with a breathtaking lookout along the way, where you can spot Lago Escondido, which translates to ‘hidden lake’.

You can rent a car and drive this route, however, for an even better experience, I would recommend doing the 4x4 overland tour that goes along the lake’s edge and through the forest, eventually reaching Lago Fagnano.

Because this is Argentina, you shouldn't be too surprised that the tour concludes with a traditional Argentine BBQ featuring choripán, bife de chorizo, salad, Malbec wine, and cheese.

If you need more ideas, check out this list of 10 Ushuaia tours you won't want to miss.

Where to stay in Ushuaia

Ushuaia offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences ranging from luxury to mid-range to budget-friendly options. Here are some places to consider:

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

For those looking for a taste of luxury, you cannot go wrong with Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. This is considered the best hotel in Ushuaia and because it's perched on a mountain, it offers great views of the Beagle Channel and the city below. The indoor and outdoor infinity pool is one of the key selling points of this high-end property.

Alto Andino Hotel

Situated in downtown Ushuaia, this mid-range hotel is a great choice for travellers who want to be in the heart of it all and mainly get around on foot. They have single, double, triple and quadruple rooms as well as apartments for those who prefer a self-catered holiday. This hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast that is served in their rooftop Bar Lookout, which offers spectacular views of Ushuaia.

Hotel de Los Andes

Hotel de Los Andes is a budget-friendly option right in the centre of Ushuaia, only two blocks from the waterfront. Rooms are simple but bright, and they offer free high-speed internet in all rooms as well as common areas. Their on-site restaurant Bar D Pizzas serves up stone-baked pizzas and beer.

For more accommodation options, read our complete guide on where to stay in Ushuaia for all budgets. Keep in mind that Ushuaia is a popular tourist destination, so it's a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you're visiting during the peak summer season.

Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia

There are two types of travellers in Ushuaia: those who are here to experience the city at the end of the world and those who have a cruise to catch because they're going all the way to Antarctica! If you're in the second category, you are one lucky traveller.

There are all sorts of cruises departing for Ushuaia, some which detour over to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and others that cruise the Antarctic Peninsula.

Here are 4 different Antarctica cruises to consider:

Antarctica Classic (11 days)

Antarctica Classic in Depth (13 days)

Quest for the Antarctic Circle (14 days)

Spirit of Shackleton (21 days)

You can find last-minute Antarctica cruises in Ushuaia. You'll typically see these advertised in the windows of tour agencies or on posters on the street.

The prices are low, but the issue is that you may need to be ready to get on a cruise the next day, or you may have to wait around for a couple of weeks.

If you can, it's better to book in advance and to book during a sale.

Best time to visit Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a destination that can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your personal interests and what you're hoping to do during your tip. Here's a breakdown of what each season in Ushuaia has to offer:

Summer in Ushuaia (December to February)

This is the peak tourist season in Ushuaia.

The weather is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 41°F / 5°C to 59°F / 15°C.

Days are long with plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.

It's the best time for hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours to nearby islands.

This is also the time of year when cruise ships depart for Antarctica (a very short window).

Fall in Ushuaia (March to May)

Fall is a quieter time to visit Ushuaia, with fewer tourists.

The weather begins to cool down and you can experience the beautiful fall foliage.

Wildlife is still active, and it's a good time for birdwatching.

Prices for accommodations and tours are lower compared to the summer months.

Winter in Ushuaia (June to August)

Winter in Ushuaia is cold and snowy.

This is the best time for winter sports enthusiasts, as you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the nearby mountains - Cerro Castor is the it destination for winter sports.

The city itself has a cosy atmosphere during this time, with many indoor activities and restaurants to enjoy.

Keep in mind that some attractions and tours may be limited during the winter season.

Many of the hiking trails close during the winter months.

Spring in Ushuaia (September to November):

Spring is a transitional season, with temperatures gradually warming up.

This is a good time for hiking and enjoying the changing landscapes as plants and flowers begin to bloom.

Wildlife becomes more active as well, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts.

Similar to fall, spring is less crowded than the summer months.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Ushuaia depends on your interests and the activities you want to pursue. If you want to experience milder weather and long daylight hours for outdoor adventures, consider visiting during the summer. If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly trip, fall and spring can be excellent choices. And if you're a winter sports enthusiast, the snowy months of June to August are ideal.

Travel tips for visiting Ushuaia

Pack for winter, no matter what time of year you're visiting. This may sound a bit extreme, but you are travelling to the city at the end of the world, and that means you can experience rain, snow, sleet and sunshine all in one day.

Plan for a few bad weather days. There will be days when the weather will be too unpleasant to spend long periods of time outside. Save your museum visits and restaurant hopping for these days.

Splurge on a few activities. There are certain tours and activities in Ushuaia that can be on the pricier side and you may be tempted to skip them, but ask yourself, when are you planning to come back to Ushuaia again? It takes quite a bit of effort to get here, so don't miss out on the things you really want to do during your visit.

Reserve popular excursions in advance. This is especially important if you're visiting Ushuaia during the summer months when the majority of tourists descend on the southernmost city. If there's a tour you really want to do, don't wait until the very last minute because it could be sold out.

Bring hiking boots and trekking poles. That is if you plan to go hiking, of course. This isn't a running shoes type of destination. Trails can get muddy and there are also lots of peat bogs, so bring adequate hiking gear. Collapsible trekking poles can be really helpful if you're planning some longer and more challenging hikes.

Give yourself at least 3 days in Ushuaia. This is the minimum amount of time you should spend in the city, as there really is so much to see and do! Also, keep in mind that the weather can affect flights, and you don't want to be cutting it close, especially if you have a cruise to catch.


Top 15 El Chaltén Hikes Ranked by Difficulty (Easy to Epic Treks!)

After spending a week hiking in El Chaltén, I can confidently say this is one of the most jaw-dropping destinations for trekking in all of South America!

Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, this small mountain town in Los Glaciares National Park offers an unparalleled mix of dramatic landscapes featuring glacier-fed lagoons and the towering granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Whether you’re tackling short scenic strolls or gruelling full-day mountain adventures, the diversity of hikes in El Chaltén is what makes it accessible to beginners and experienced trekkers alike.

I'm breaking down the 15 best El Chaltén hikes organized by difficulty (easy, moderate, and challenging!) with trail descriptions, distances, duration, and pro tips from our own time on the ground.

We’ve done the legwork (quite literally!) so you can skip the guesswork and focus on what matters: epic views, glacier-fed lakes, and the raw beauty of Patagonia.

So if you're planning a hiking trip to Patagonia, lace up your hiking boots because this El Chalten hiking guide is for you!

Easy Hikes in El Chalten

These hikes are perfect for beginners, families, or travellers looking to warm up for bigger adventures. They offer excellent views with minimal elevation gain.

1. Mirador del Cóndor

Distance: 2.6 km round-trip

Elevation: 129 metres

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Mirador del Cóndor, also known as the Condor Lookout, is one of the most accessible short hikes in El Chaltén, offering a rewarding viewpoint with minimal time commitment. The trail begins behind the Centro de Visitantes (Park Ranger Station) and stretches just 2.6 kilometres round-trip, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

The path climbs gently through lenga shrubs and open terrain, making it easy for hikers of all levels. Yes, it's a bit steep at times, but it's a short distance. We saw families with young children tackling this hiking trail, so that gives you an idea of the level of difficulty.

We chose to do this hike on the very first day we arrived in El Chalten from El Calafate to warm up for the bigger treks ahead. We went up in the late afternoon just in time to catch sunset, and we were not disappointed.

At the viewpoint, we were treated to views of the town of El Chaltén, the Río de las Vueltas Valley and Mount Fitz Roy dominating the horizon - the latter was a very cool and unexpected surprise!

If you're lucky, you may even spot Andean condors soaring overhead, hence the name of the trail.

2. Mirador del Águila

Distance: 7.2 kilometres loop trail

Elevation: 213 metres

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Mirador del Águila is a 7.2-kilometre hike that can be done as an extension to the above-mentioned Mirador del Condor.

The start of the hike is the same, and once you reach the Condor Lookout, you continue on a loop that brings you to another lookout point with views of Lago Viedma.

Aside from the initial ascent, this is a relatively flat and gentle trail, making it ideal for a relaxing outing. If you're looking for a sunrise hike, I would recommend this one.

There are fewer crowds and a greater chance of spotting native birds like the carancho or the black-chested buzzard-eagle. You can also expect to encounter some free-roaming cows along the way!

3. Chorrillo del Salto

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 139 metres

Distance: 1 km (trail from parking lot) or 7 km if walking from town

Time: 30–45 minutes

This short, flat trail in El Chaltén leads to a picturesque 20-meter waterfall tucked away in the lenga forest. It's easily accessible by car (there's a parking lot right by the falls) or bike (you can cycle from town) and is ideal for families or travellers who want a quick nature fix.

The downside of the Chorrillo del Salto hike is that most of the trail is along Provincial Route 23, a dirt road that gets some vehicle traffic, which left us walking in a cloud of dust.

We hiked all the way from town, so we found it lacked the charm of hiking in the middle of nature. That being said, the waterfall is nice, and it's one of the easier and more accessible hikes in El Chalten.

4. Mirador Cascada Margarita

Distance: 1.4 kilometres

Elevation: 80 metres

Time: Under 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Another easy hike in El Chalten is Mirador Cascada Margarita. This is a short hike that leads to a viewpoint where you can see Margarita Waterfall across the canyon.

To do this hike, you take the Laguna Torre trailhead and do the first segment of the trail until you reach the 0.7-kilometre mark. This lookout point is the first stop of the much longer Laguna Torre trek, plus you also get your first glimpse of Cerro Torre.

We completed this hike on our way to Laguna Torre, however, you can do it as a quick standalone hike.

5. Sendero Río de las Vueltas

Distance: 3 km round-trip

Elevation: 106 metres

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Sendero Río de las Vueltas is another easy hike in El Chalten. It's on the way to Laguna Capri and Laguna de los Tres, so you'll cover it if you're doing either of those hikes.

The downside of Sendero Río de las Vueltas is that it can be quite busy in the morning when hikers set out to complete some of the longer hikes. You may find yourself hiking in single file, but the crowds eventually disperse. We stopped to rest on the log benches at this lookout point.

This hike offers beautiful panoramic views of Río de las Vueltas, literally the River of Turns, which is quite aptly named, as you can see in the photo! You also get views of the valley below and the mountain chain.

There are 106 metres of elevation gain on this trail, which at times feels a bit steep, but it's a short hike.

6. Laguna Capri

Distance: Approximately 8 km round trip

Elevation: 424 metres

Duration: 2–3 hours

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

If you want epic views for relatively low effort, I would suggest the Laguna Capri hike. It leads you to a gorgeous azure lake with Mount Fitz Roy standing proud in the background. It's something straight out of a postcard. I remember feeling it should require more effort to earn such epic views!

This is a very doable hike for those with limited time or seeking a less strenuous option. The trail is around 8 kilometres round-trip and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

The Laguna Capri trail shares its initial stretch with the Laguna de los Tres hike. In fact, the day we hiked to Laguna de los Tres, we had only planned to go as far as Laguna Capri! However, we arrived relatively early and were feeling strong, so we decided to continue on. But had we not, the plan was to spend the day lakeside and soak in the views.

This is also a great picnic spot; we had already eaten most of our lunch by the time we got here, but it's a great place to linger.

I would say this is an excellent hike for families, beginner hikers, or even those acclimatizing for longer treks.

7. Glaciar Huemul

Distance: Approximately 3 km round trip

Elevation: 211 metres

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking to Glaciar Huemul requires renting a car or arranging some form of transportation since this trail is an hour's drive north of El Chaltén. The trailhead is near the Lago del Desierto Campground on the south shore of the lake.

The hike to Glaciar Huemul is a short 3 kilometres round-trip that takes just 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail offers views of Lago del Desierto, Cordón del Bosque, the north face of Cerro Chaltén, and the Río de las Vueltas Valley.

The trail winds uphill through a private reserve and features mossy forest, wooden bridges, and crystal-clear streams. Though it’s a short hike, the ascent is steady and can be slippery after rain.

At the top, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the hanging Huemul Glacier spilling down a cliff face into a turquoise lagoon below.

This is a great half-day adventure if you're after glacier views without the effort of a full-day trek.

8. Laguna Azul

Distance: 5 km round trip

Elevation gain: 80-100 m

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Laguna Azul translates to 'Blue Lagoon' and it's an easy trek that starts 17 kilometres north of El Chalten.

Tucked within the private reserve of Estancia Los Huemules, the trail to Laguna Azul offers a peaceful contrast to the busier routes inside Los Glaciares National Park.

The hike starts from the reserve’s visitor center and winds through lenga forest, crossing a footbridge over the Río Diablo before gaining some gentle elevation.

Near the end, the path skirts a small waterfall and includes a final creek crossing before arriving at a crystal-clear lagoon framed by forest and rugged hills.

If you wish to press on, a short ridge walk beyond Laguna Azul leads to Laguna Verde, offering views of Fitz Roy’s north face peeking behind Cerro Eléctrico.

Because Laguna Azul sits in a private reserve, the hike requires an entrance fee. Last season, the price was 28,000 ARS ($20 USD) per person, but you can check their current rates on their website. On the bright side, you can tackle 5 different hikes within the nature reserve.

Moderate Hikes in El Chaltén

These intermediate trails are longer and involve more elevation gain, but remain accessible to most fit hikers. They can be done as half-day or full-day trips. You can easily squeeze a couple of these into your itinerary, even if you only have 3 days in El Chalten.

9. El Paredón

Distance: 3.7 kilometres

Elevation: 299 metres

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

If you want to enjoy views of El Chalten without the crowds, I think the trek to El Paredón is a wonderful alternative. The name El Paredón literally translates to 'the wall', referring to the massive rock wall that overlooks the Las Vueltas River.

In fact, during our first day in El Chaltén, my husband and I noticed that there were loads of rock climbers going up the paredón. We did the Costanera walk along the riverside just so that we could watch them in action! However, it's also possible to go up.

The trail starts on the east end of town as soon as you cross the bridge over the Las Vueltas River. The trail then immediately heads south along the river's edge and slowly winds north again as you begin the ascent to the top of the rock wall.

While this is considered a moderate hike in terms of difficulty, it does get steeper the further you go, with the final ascent being the steepest. It's a mostly dirt trail and is slippery in some sections, so expect a bit of scrambling.

The reward is the view of the town below, the Las Vueltas River, and the peaks of Fitz Roy off in the horizon. The El Paredón hike is a nice option to catch sunrise or sunset. Just be prepared for it to be windy up there!

Consider this a warm-up hike for some of the bigger treks in El Chalten.

10. Cerro Torre

Distance: 17.5 km round trip

Elevation: 571 metres

Duration: 6–8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Cerro Torre is one of those classic treks in El Chaltén that you can’t skip. It's also known as the Laguna Torre hike since it brings you to the lagoon at the base of the mountain.

Cerro Torre is actually the tallest in a chain of four that also includes Torre Egger, Punta Herron, and Cerro Standhardt. Pretty epic lineup, right?

The full hike is about 17.5 kilometres round trip. Most people take around 6 to 7 hours to do it, but of course, it depends on how fast you walk and what the trail is like that day (parts can get pretty muddy). Difficulty-wise, it’s considered moderately challenging.

The trail kicks off through a gorgeous valley, and along the way, you’ll spot some waterfalls. The steepest part of the climb happens right at the start, but once you get to around kilometre 3.5, things flatten out, which makes it easier to find a rhythm and cover more ground at a steady pace.

One of the things that kept us going on this trail was the fact that we could see Torre Glacier in the distance - it felt like the glacier was cheering us on. Plus, the route kept things interesting: we wandered through forests, along a river, and the scenery was always changing.

The big reward came at the end when we reached the viewpoint over Laguna Torre, a glacial lake sitting right at the base of Cerro Torre. Sometimes there are little icebergs floating around, and with that mountain backdrop, it’s a dream spot for photos.

The only bummer for us was that by the time we got there, clouds had rolled in and covered Cerro Torre, so we missed that postcard-perfect view.

If you’ve still got some energy once you hit Laguna Torre, you can keep going a bit further to Mirador Maestri. From there, you get even better views of the Torre Glacier.

11. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

Distance: Approximately 20 km round trip

Elevation: 1132 metres

Duration: 7–9 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

If you’re looking for a hike in El Chaltén that’s a bit less crowded than the super popular ones like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre, then Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a solid choice.

The trail starts right at the Visitor Center (same spot as Mirador de Los Cóndores and Mirador de Las Águilas), but instead of going left, you’ll see a marker pointing you to the right.

The path takes you through patches of forest, and then you come out onto this wide-open flat area called Pampa de las Carretas. From there, the climb continues, and you eventually hike past the timberline.

The last stretch is definitely the toughest; it’s steep, you gain elevation fast, and there are switchbacks with loose rock that keep you on your toes. But honestly, the views at the top make all of it worth it.

At the summit, you get this jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama of the whole area: Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Lake Viedma, Cerro Huemul, and even the Río Túnel Valley.

Of course, those views are earned via an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 meters. The big joke with this hike is that “The only time you don’t go up is when you go down!” You've been warned.

12. Piedra del Fraile

Distance: 14 km round-trip

Elevation: 262 metres

Time: 4–5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Piedra Frail is one of those that requires transportation. It starts 17 kilometres outside of El Chalten; the trailhead is at the Río Eléctrico bridge on Provincial Route 41. That means you'll need to rent a car, arrange a taxi or join a guided hiking tour that provides transportation.

The hike gets its name from the piedra or boulder that was dumped in the valley by the glacier. The trail starts off in an open area, goes through shrubbery, and then enters the lenga forest, but it always stays close to the Electric River.

Piedra del Fraile has a small campsite and refuge that acts as the first overnight stop for hikers who are tackling bigger hikes to Pollone Lagoon, the Marconi Glacier or the Paso del Cuadrado. Keep in mind that these are more challenging hikes that require special equipment and more technical experience, so you'll want to consult with the National Parks Administration before heading out.

13. Piedras Blancas

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 230–300 metres

Distance: 13.2 km (there are variants depending on route)

Time: 3.5 to 4 hours round-trip

The Piedras Blancas trail, often called Mirador Piedras Blancas or Glaciar Piedras Blancas Viewpoint, is a quieter glacier-view alternative to the main Fitz Roy treks.

Starting from the bridge over the Río Blanco (near El Pilar / Route 41), the route first passes through forests and follows the river corridor before rising gently toward a viewpoint overlooking the Piedras Blancas Glacier.

Along the way, you pass through lenga woods, cross into Los Glaciares National Park, and enjoy views of Cerro Eléctrico and parts of the Fitz Roy massif.

Because this trail branches off and intersects with parts of the Laguna de los Tres route, many hikers integrate it as a side excursion rather than a standalone hike.

The glacier itself sits around 2,000 metres away from the viewpoint, and you may see icefalls and glacier ice movement on clear days.

Difficult Hikes in El Chaltén

These challenging hikes involve long distances, steep ascents, and more technical terrain. Perfect for seasoned trekkers seeking Patagonia’s most iconic vistas.

14. Laguna de los Tres

Distance: Approximately 22 km round trip

Elevation: 1053 metres

Duration: 8–10 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

The hike to Laguna de los Tres is hands down one of the most spectacular day treks in El Chaltén, and it honestly lives up to the hype. This was the first big hike that we tackled on our visit, and we started out with a bang!

The name actually means “Lagoon of the Three,” and it’s a nod to those three peaks: Fitz Roy (3,405 m), Poincenot (3,002 m), and Saint-Exupéry (2,558 m).

Now, just a heads up: this isn’t a casual stroll, so you’re looking at a full-on trekking day. Most people take 8 to 10 hours, depending on pace and fitness. It’s definitely a challenging one, not only because of the distance, but also because the final kilometres culminate in a steep and strenuous ascent that climbs 400 meters.

Trekking poles? Highly recommended.

I’ll be honest, during that final kilometre, I seriously considered turning around. I was so tired, and the climb ahead seemed unending. It was the encouragement from hikers coming down telling us, “Don’t give up, it’s so worth it!” that kept us going.

Once we finally made it over the ridge, I understood what they meant. You’re rewarded with this stunning glacial lagoon framed by a glacier and massive granite peaks. The lagoon was this perfect deep blue, the glacier snaked down the mountain, and clouds drifted dramatically over Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding peaks. It was one of those jaw-dropping moments where all the pain of the trek just melted away.

Sam and I huddled behind a big boulder to escape the wind, pulled out what was left of our packed lunch, and just sat there soaking in the view until it was time to face the steep descent and long walk back to El Chaltén.

I’ll be honest, Laguna de los Tres isn’t for everyone; it’s demanding and long, but if you’re up for the challenge, the payoff is unforgettable. It's one of the best Patagonia hikes for the views alone!

Multi-day Hikes in El Chalten

15. Huemul Circuit

Distance: 65 km loop

Elevation: 2,838 metres

Time: 4 days

Difficulty: Very Difficult

If you're a hardcore hiker and you're looking to challenge yourself in El Chalten with a multi-day trek, then consider the Huemul Circuit.

Let me be very clear, this trip is NOT for beginners! The route involves river crossings, unpredictably windy mountain passes, a scree field, an ever-changing glacier and even two Tyrolean traverses. Not only do you need adequate gear, but you also need the experience to navigate the demanding terrain.

The rewards are the views of the South Patagonian Ice Field, the world's third-largest ice field (after those in Antarctica and Greenland) and aside from getting on a helicopter, this is the only way to see it!

The Huemules trek is typically completed in 4 days and 3 nights. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is a weather-dependent trek that can and will get cancelled if the winds are deemed too strong - this is especially important on days 2 and 3.

I would recommend reading this detailed first-hand account of the trek so you know what to expect.

Updated: Hiking Fees in El Chaltén

NOTE: As of October 2024, Los Glaciares National Park, which encompasses most of the popular hiking trails out of El Chaltén, has introduced a mandatory entrance fee (view current rates here).

If you visited El Chaltén when hiking was free, like I did, you may be in for a bit of a surprise on your return visit. New fees have been introduced, and these are supposed to fund trail maintenance and conservation efforts, helping ensure the region stays pristine for future visitors. However, the prices are a bit steep!

Note that these are the rates for foreign visitors, which are listed as 'general admission'. If you are a national visitor or a provincial resident of Santa Cruz, the fees are much lower.

1‑day pass - 45,000 ARS ($45 USD)

3‑day pass - 90,000 ARS ($90 USD)

7‑day pass - 157,500 ARS ($157 USD)

These passes can be purchased online in advance or at one of the entry gates near trailheads around El Chaltén.

Note that not all trails require fees. For instance, hikes outside the park remain free of charge. However, most people come to El Chaltén to tackle the famous trails!

Some travellers also report they can avoid paying by starting hikes before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when control booths at the trailheads are unstaffed, though this shouldn’t be relied on as a strategy.

Final Tips for Hiking in El Chaltén

Hit the trails early.

Start early for the best light, fewer crowds, and increased wildlife sightings. Many of El Chaltén’s hikes are most beautiful at sunrise or early morning, when the peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre glow orange and pink. Starting early not only improves your chances of seeing wildlife like condors or foxes but also helps you avoid strong afternoon winds and trail congestion.

Most trails start in town.

All hikes start in or near town, so you can base yourself in one spot without needing transport. One of the great advantages of El Chaltén is its compact layout; once you get to town, nearly all major trailheads are accessible on foot. This means you can stay in a central hotel and still walk to every hike, no car or shuttle needed. That is, unless you're tackling some hikes outside the park or in private nature reserves.

Check the weather before each hike.

The weather in Patagonia is famously unpredictable and can change quite rapidly. Clear skies in the morning can turn into rain, wind, or snow within hours. Always check the day’s forecast at your accommodation or the visitor center before setting out.

Use Windguru to see the wind forecast.

Strong winds are a defining feature of the region, especially in the afternoon. Local hikers and guides use Windguru to get detailed wind forecasts. It's a great tool to know if your hike will be breezy or a battle. We also found this website super helpful when booking our day excursions in El Calafate, especially our glacier boat tour, because we wanted good weather that day!

Pack the essentials in your day pack.

Bring layers, sunscreen, snacks, and water for every hike - even the short ones. Weather conditions can change dramatically throughout the day, so dress in layers and pack essentials like a windbreaker, gloves, and sun protection. Even on short hikes, it's best to be prepared.

Camping is allowed in designated sites.

If you're planning to do multi-day hikes, there are designated backcountry campsites such as Campamento Poincenot and Campamento De Agostini. These sites have basic amenities and are first-come, first-served. Bring your own gear and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Rent gear in El Chaltén.

Don’t worry if you didn’t pack trekking poles or a tent. El Chaltén has several outdoor outfitters where you can rent everything from sleeping bags to camp stoves.

Build in recovery days.

If you're building an itinerary, mix a few easy day hikes for recovery days with one or two major treks like Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre. We could not move after tackling our first 20+ kilometre hike; we needed a full day to sleep, stretch and hobble around! Other people like to treat themselves to a fancy dome stay as a reward for completing all their hikes. The choice is yours.

Don't bypass El Calafate

Once you're done trekking in El Chalten, be sure to spend a few days in El Calafate. This town sits on the south end of Los Glaciares National Park, and this section of the park has a series of trails and boardwalks where you can see glaciers and icebergs, the most famous of them all being the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's a completely different experience! You can find my complete El Calafate travel guide to help you plan your visit.


Tren Patagónico: Riding the Train Across Patagonia from Bariloche to Viedma!

The Tren Patagónico is an epic, overnight, cross-country train journey that crosses Argentina from west to east.

This passenger train travels over 800 kilometres from the city of Bariloche at the foot of the Andes Mountains to the city of Viedma which sits near the Atlantic Ocean.

It takes 18+ hours to complete the full journey which coincidentally also crosses the Province of Río Negro.

Travelling aboard the Tren Patagónico is a great way to experience the magic of the Patagonian steppe and see a side of northern Patagonia beyond lakes and snowcapped mountains.

Plus, it's an opportunity to see local wildlife; namely, hares, guanacos and lots of sheep!

In this blog post, we're going to share how you too can travel aboard the Tren Patagónico and what to expect from the train journey.

FAQ's about the Tren Patagónico

Is there a train through Patagonia?

The Tren Patagónico crosses northern Patagonia from east to west, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Andes Mountains.

There is currently no train that travels the length of Patagonia from north to south, though there are short tourist train segments for sightseeing purposes.

How much does the Tren Patagónico cost?

At the time of publication, the cost to travel from Bariloche to Viedma is $4,800 ARS. (So $23 USD at the official rate or $12 USD at the Blue Rate).

Where does the Tren Patagónico go?

The Tren Patagónico is a passenger train that travels from the city of Bariloche at the foot of the Andes to the city of Viedma on the Atlantic Ocean.

The Tren Patagónico makes stops in Bariloche, Pilcaniyeu, Comallo, Clemente Onelli, Ingeniero Jacobacci, Maquinchao, Los Menucos, Sierra Colorada, Ministro Ramos Mexia, Nahuel Niyeu, Valcheta, San Antonio Oeste, Winter, Palacios, and Viedma.

How long is the Tren Patagónico train journey?

The Tren Patagónico is an 18+ hour overnight train journey. You board the train in the late afternoon/early evening and arrive the following day around noon.

If you're looking for a fun way to get to Bariloche or Viedma (depending on the direction you're travelling), this train is it!

What days does the Tren Patagónico travel?

The Tren Patagónico typically travels from Viedma to Bariloche on Fridays, departing Viedma at 18:00 and arriving in Bariloche at 12:28 the following day.

It then runs from Bariloche to Viedma on Sundays, departing Bariloche at 17:00 and arriving in Viedma at 11:34 the following day.

That being said, it is always best to check the official website for an updated schedule before you plan your trip, and know that train delays are quite possible.

Is the Tren Patagónico the same as the Old Patagonian Express?

No, the Tren Patagónico and the Old Patagonian Express, also known as La Trochita, are not the same train.

The name Tren Patagónico translates to 'Patagonian Train' but is not to be confused with the Old Patagonian Express - these are two very different journeys in different provinces!

The Old Patagonian Express is a tourist train in the Province of Chubut that you can ride as a half-day excursion.

Meanwhile, the Tren Patagónico is an overnight journey that crosses the whole Province of Río Negro from the mountains to the sea.

How to book the Tren Patagónico

There are a few different ways to book a journey aboard this train.

Online

The first option is to try booking your train tickets online on the Tren Patagonico official website.

The only thing is that the website is entirely in Spanish, so you'll need some language skills.

The other issue is that sometimes the website doesn't show availability even though there are tickets available!

It's not the most straightforward option, but if you want to try it, click the 'Venta de Pasajes Online' button on their website and go from there.

At the train station

The other option is to go in person to the train station. The Tren Patagónico website shows you can book tickets at the train stations in Viedma, San Antonio Oeste, Ingeniero Jacobacci, and San Carlos de Bariloche.

The hours of operation for the train stations differ and some only open on certain days or for a few hours a day, so check the schedule on the official website before you make the trek over.

Via a tour operator

The best option, I would say, is to book your tickets via a tour operator. You can do so in a few select cities:

In Bariloche: Bioceánica Turismo, Mooving Travel, Gerardo de los Cerros, Surface Travel, Huiliches Turismo, Natural Travel, and Vivir Viajes

In El Bolsón: Grado 42

In Las Grutas: Ocasión Turismo

In Viedma: Monatour, Araucarias, Kosten, and Free Time

This is probably the easiest and most stress-free option. Let someone else take care of the details and just hand you tickets!

Travelling Aboard the Tren Patagónico

Since we travelled from Bariloche to Viedma, our train departed at 17:00 and we were asked to be at the station one hour prior at 16:00.

There were 3 classes to choose from when booking our train tickets: First, Pullman and Camarote.

First is actually the cheapest class, Pullman is the in between option, and Camarote is the one with private cabins.

We travelled in the Pullman carriage which featured reclining seats, a fair bit of legroom, and heat or AC (depending on the time of year).

Another thing to note about this train is that it has a movie carriage that’s available to passengers in Pullman and Camarote, and it also has a disco carriage for those who want to dance the night away as the train chugs across the Patagonian steppe.

I have to say, I loved the scenery on this train journey! We got to witness a magical sunset over the Patagonian steppe paired with ever-changing views. The fields were washed in gold with the last rays of day, and it was spectacular.

Shortly after departing the station in Bariloche, an attendant went across the carriage asking each passenger their final destination - that way they know where to stop and potentially wake you up if you’re getting off in the middle of the night.

Then another attendant came by selling snacks, so we got some milanesa sandwiches, and we also confirmed our reservation in the dining carriage.

The earliest time they had available was 21:00, which is a typical dinner time in Argentina. We ended up sharing a table with an Argentine couple and stayed up until 02:00!

We snoozed for four hours and then it was time to get off at our stop. We sleepily disembarked in San Antonio Oeste so that we could continue onwards to the seaside resort of Las Grutas.

And that was our experience travelling aboard the Tren Patagónico from the mountains to the sea!

I'll leave you with a video below to give you a better idea of what to expect from this train journey.


Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour: Is it Worth it?

Visiting Ushuaia and wondering if the Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour is worth it? We'll help you decide!

The Ushuaia Double Decker bus tour is a 1 hour and 10-minute city sightseeing bus tour across the southernmost city in the world.

The loop runs 15 kilometres in length and during the journey, you get to see a variety of sights and attractions that are on the less touristy side.

This tour is a good way to get a lay of the land, but it's not the only way to see the city.

So in this article, we're going to do a deep dive into this Ushuaia bus tour, look at the bus route, the attractions it goes past, the places where you get to disembark, see how the tour varies from summer to winter, and consider alternatives.

We're going to share everything you need to know so you can decide whether this bus tour is right for you.

#1 Pick

Ushuaia City Tour Aboard a Double Decker Bus

⭐ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 10 minutes

The Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour is a 1-hour sightseeing tour aboard a blue vintage bus. It provides a brief introduction to the southernmost city in the world and takes passengers to various attractions beyond the tourist trail.

What is the Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour?

Before we dive in, let's be very clear about what this bus tour is not.

The Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour is NOT a hop-on hop-off bus tour where you can get off at your chosen attraction, spend some time exploring, and then wait for the next bus to come by a few minutes later to pick you up.

This bus tour is a city sightseeing tour where you drive around the city and see a lot of places in passing.

During the tour, you get to listen to a narrated audio guide which offers commentary on Ushuaia's history and the attractions you're seeing along the way.

You only disembark at two points throughout the tour for brief photo ops.

Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour

All aboard the Ushuaia City Tour Bus

The Ushuaia city bus tour departs from Civic Plaza Ushuaia on the corner of Avenida Maipú and Comodoro Augusto Laserre Sur. This is right downtown just one block north of the port, so it's super easy to find.

Look for the old-fashioned London-style double-decker bus painted bright blue, and then get ready to be transported back through time once you step aboard.

During this bus tour, you’ll get to learn about Ushuaia’s history and hear fun anecdotes, with a bit of tango music in between.

The entire trip is narrated by an audio guide. You'll get a set of headphones and be able to choose from 8 different languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Russian and Chinese.

Attractions on Ushuaia Double Decker Tour

So what will you see during the tour?

Well, as I mentioned earlier, most of the attractions you will visit (or mainly drive by since this tour is just over an hour!), are not super touristy.

Here's the official bus route so you know what to expect:

Old Government House: Originally constructed in 1893, the building underwent a transformation after a devastating fire in 1920, resulting in its current design. The Old Government House is now also an annex of the End of the World Museum.

First School: The first school in Ushuaia was established in 1890, called Escuela Nº 1 Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.

First Church: In 1898, Ushuaia's first church was built, a catholic church called La Iglesia Parroquial de Ushuaia, which is now a National Historic Monument.

Otero House: This is the historic home of Lucinda Otero, a renowned writer who depicted life in Ushuaia through her poetry.

Malvinas Monument: This is a war memorial with a wall of remembrance that contains the names of the 649 Argentine servicemen who were killed in the war for Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) in 1982.

First Graveyard: Ushuaia's first cemetery takes up half a block just north of Plaza San Martin and it's where many of the early settlers are buried.

CADIC: This stands for Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas or Austral Center for Scientific Research. It's the southernmost interdisciplinary research centre, not counting the bases in Antarctica.

University: Tierra del Fuego National University or Universidad Nacional de Tierra Del Fuego is the university at the end of the world. It offers multiple careers in environmental science, political science, economy and education.

Monte Gallinero: This area is home to a battery with Bofors M45 DP 105mm cannons.

Monte Vigia: Another historic hill near Monte Gallinero.

Pipo River: This is where the Pipo River crosses through the city of Ushuaia.

New Neighbourhood: As the name suggests, these are the new neighbourhoods under development where you'll see a lot of new constructions.

Prisoners' Path: This is a historic hiking trail in the city's west end where you can still see the remains of the train track sleepers that took the prisoners from the prison to the forest.

Devil's Lagoon: This is a small green lagoon that's part of a nature reserve. It's named so because back in the day animals used to disappear during the winter months (unfortunately falling through the ice!) and local lore was that the devil was taking these animals.

Buena Esperanza: Not super exciting but this is the local water treatment plant.

Italian Neighbourhood: A historic neighbourhood where a lot of Italian families initially lived.

Hospital: Another exciting attraction, I know, but you'll get to go by the local hospital.

Saint Christopher: Formerly known as the HMS Justice where she served as a rescue tug in the Royal Navy, the Saint Christopher is a vessel that was later chartered for salvage operations in the Beagle Channel. After suffering engine trouble and rudder damage, she was beached and abandoned in the harbour, where she's now a tourist attraction.

End of the World Museum: This museum focuses on local history and natural history, and has exhibits dedicated to sailing, whaling and seabirds.

Navy Harbour: With some luck you might get to see part of the naval fleet docked in the port.

Fournier Monument: Monument to remember the ARA Fournier, a minesweeper of the Argentine Navy that was in service from 1940 until her sinking in 1949.

After reading this list, you probably have a better understanding of what I meant by less touristy attractions in Ushuaia. I mean, schools, hospitals, local neighbourhoods and the local water treatment plant probably aren't on your list of places you plan to visit in the southernmost city, but it gives you an overview of the city from a more local angle.

You also go past the Old Government House, the Malvinas Monument, the Saint Christopher beached on the city shores, so there are some spots geared more towards tourists.

There are two stops along this tour where you actually get off the bus. The first one is the Devil's Lagoon where you can snap some photos and enjoy the greenery.

The next stop is in front of Aeroclub Ushuaia. This isn't even listed as an official stop on the itinerary, but it offers great panoramic views of Ushuaia. So if you're looking for those postcard shots of the city, this is where you get them.

Pros of Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour

✅ Provides a great overview of the city

✅ Takes you to places you wouldn't be able to reach on foot

✅ Goes beyond the main tourist sights

Cons of Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour

❌ Not a hop-on-hop-off bus (there isn't such a tour in Ushuaia!)

❌ Limited time at each scheduled stop

❌ Short 1 hour and 10-minute tour of the city

Who is the Ushuaia Bus Tour for?

👍 Travellers who want an overview of the whole city

👍 Travellers who have limited time in Ushuaia

👍 Travellers who want to enjoy a short condensed city tour

My Experience on the Ushuaia Bus Tour

Let me say, I had very few expectations from this bus tour because I kind of booked it on a whim.

I figured it would be a good tour to do early on in my trip to Ushuaia so I could get a lay of the land and perhaps revisit some places if something caught my eye during this brief bus tour.

This sightseeing bus allowed me to see places in Ushuaia I otherwise never would have made it to, not only because they were too far for a tourist to get around on foot, but also because we visited less touristy places that weren't exactly on my travel radar.

With so many of Ushuaia's main attractions concentrated along the port or in the historic centre, it was nice to see where the locals live and what the city outskirts look like.

I also enjoyed the audio guide since it provided context to what we were seeing. Otherwise, the attractions wouldn't have made a lot of sense since we were only seeing them in passing.

As for my initial idea of retracing my steps to places of interest, I have to say, nothing I saw during the bus tour really warranted a longer visit.

We had enough time at the two scenic stops of the trip, the Devil's Lagoon and the Ushuaia Aeroclub, that I didn't feel the need to go back anywhere with more time.

There's so much to see and do in Ushuaia - go on a Beagle Channel cruise, ride the Train at the End of the World, visit the Ushuaia Prison Museum - that I'm glad I only spent an hour touring the city and therefore had plenty of time to enjoy other activities.

Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Schedule

HIGH SEASON (October to May)

Travel aboard the double decker bus

Departure times are 10:30, 12:30, 15:30 and 17:30

1 hour and 10-minute tour

LOW SEASON (July to September)

Travel aboard a 4x4 Bondi (you need a vehicle that can handle the snow!)

Departure times are 12:00 and 15:00.

1 hour and 20-minute tour

Hot chocolate included

Alternatives to the Ushuaia Bus Tour

If the Ushuaia Double Decker bus tour doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you may be interested in checking out the Ushuaia City Train.

This train is NOT the End of the World Train, but rather a city sightseeing train that does a similar loop through Ushuaia.

The Ushuaia City Train is a 1-hour journey (slightly shorter than the bus by just 10 minutes) and it covers 13 kilometres (2 kilometres less than the bus).

You also get 2 photo stops along the way, though at different locations.

You can check out the Ushuaia City Train Tour here.

Is the Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Tour worth it?

I would say it depends on the type of traveller you are and what you want out of your trip.

If you enjoy visiting quirky spots and you want an off-the-beaten-path look at Ushuaia, then this bus tour delivers. Also, it runs just over an hour, so it's a good way to see the city quickly especially if you're on a short trip to Ushuaia.

You'll get to see the city beyond the historic centre, you'll drive through local neighbourhoods, and you'll get to learn about the city's history via the audio guide.

It's also an activity to consider during the cooler months in Ushuaia when you may not feel like spending a lot of time exploring the city on foot.

On the other hand, if you're super pressed for time and you have a long list of activities in Ushuaia that you really want to get through, then you should probably focus on those.

Perhaps your time would be better spent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, cruising the Beagle Channel, enjoying a helicopter flight over Ushuaia, or so many other things!

I'm glad I did the tour because I got a good overview of the city and I feel like I know Ushuaia beyond its tourist sights, however, I don't think it's a must. But ultimately, the choice is yours!

How to buy your Ushuaia Double Decker Bus Ticket

You can book your ticket through Viator.

In-person at the bus stop right before departure.

By phone at +54 9 2901 582400

On the Ushuaia City Tour website (Spanish only).

Read More about Ushuaia:

Epic Ushuaia Tours at the End of the World

Post Office at the End of the World

How to Get to Ushuaia

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

Travel Tips for Your Trip to Ushuaia

Tolhuin: The Lakeside Town Near Ushuaia

Choosing a G Adventures Patagonia Tour