Best things to do in Ushuaia

Feel like you've reached the edge of the world at Tierra del Fuego National Park--located at the end of the world. The national park, at the southern tip of the South American mainland within the Subantarctic zone, offers some of Argentina's most spectacular scenery. Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains as you walk around mirror clear lakes surrounded by colorful plants. Rent a car or take a taxi from Ushuaia for easiest access to the national park.

While it might sound like a television network dedicated to videos of adorable dogs, Canal Beagle is actually a strait at the extreme southern tip of South America. The channel offers excellent wildlife watching, with plenty of cormorants and sea lions populating its waters. You can take a boat cruise to explore glacial offshoots and wild southern landscapes close to the edge of the continent, beyond which only Antarctica lies.

Housed in Ushuaia's spider-like former prison building, Museo Maritimo & del Presidio de Ushuaia tells the story of the city's seafarers and their irresistible yearning to explore the wilderness of Antarctica. Perched at the very tip of the continent, the museum captures Ushuaia's frontier-town atmosphere and the sense of intrigue about what lies in the waters beyond. Smell the salt in the air and feel the chilly ocean winds as you learn about explorers who colonized Argentina and the impact their arrival had on the area's indigenous people. The former prison complex houses several other museums worth checking out during your visit.

Sail along the coastline of Ushuaia Bay, featuring a backdrop of snowcapped mountains and offering access to small islands with thousands of birds, penguin colonies, and seals. Try to spot orcas, sea lions bathing in the sun, and albatrosses smoothly gliding through the air along the way. Visit the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which is often mistaken for the "Lighthouse at the End of the World" from Jules Verne's novel of the same title. Dress adequately, with plenty of layers, a hood, and warm gloves.

A short trip from the city, Glacier Martial offers an array of hiking trails and walks of varying difficulties. Providing nearby Ushuaia with much of its fresh water, the glacier rises behind town and serves as a natural vantage point over the surrounding area. Head for the start of the main trail--the most common route for visitors--and hike your way up through the gorge to the top of the hill (do ensure that you have proper hiking gear before setting off). Alternatively, hop aboard the chairlift, which whizzes you to the top in just 15 minutes and eliminates the need for trekking experience. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the view of the gorge and ocean from the summit.

Dotted with rock islets and rugged shorelines, Bahia Lapataia serves as a haven for the region's plentiful waterfowl. Home to ducks, plovers, migratory geese, and others, the bay also boasts a thickly forested landscape covered in sub-Antarctic tree and shrub species. Explore the bay's surroundings by wandering along the many trails and boardwalks that crisscross the area, and note the stony hills carved out over millions of years by glacial movements. Keep an eye out for non-avian wildlife, such as otters, and other local landmarks, including the old lighthouse beacon, along the way.

Go off-road with a 4x4 tour to Mirador de Lagos Escondido y Fagnano, one of southern Patagonia's wildest accessible spots. From the renowned viewpoint, you can see the crystal clear lakes, whose mountainous backdrop makes for a breathtaking scene. The road there, famous for being the southernmost mountain pass in the world, can only be traversed by specialty off-road vehicles.

A scenic rail tour from Ushuaia allows you to relive the history of prisoners who came to these lands on the original convict train in the first half of the 20th century. As the steam locomotive draws your carriage through a picturesque landscape towards the slopes of Mount Susana and Tierra del Fuego National Park, you'll learn the story of the convicts and hear about the history of the region from an English-speaking guide. The round-trip journey last around 100 minutes, but you can opt to spend an entire day exploring the national park once you reach the final station.

Hike through an enchanting forest to Laguna Esmeralda, which sits at the foot of a glacier resembling a dazzling green gem. You'll have little trouble managing the almost flat, 1.5-hour hike to the lake, and even young children will complete the trek easily. Catch your breath when you arrive at the emerald body of water and appreciate the peaceful nature surrounding you. Don't forget to bring food, water, and sun protection for the journey.