Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or looking to relax with stunning views of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia has excursions to suit you.
On this page, we'll take you through the full list of activities available when staying here along with key pieces of information including a difficulty rating - Easy, Moderate, Hard, Advanced and Extreme - which you can read about in our Day Excursions FAQs below.
All of these excursions have been tried and tested by our Patagonia experts, so you can rely on us to help you choose the best experiences for your trip.
Iconic Adventures
Sea Lions, Birds, Lighthouse and Martillo Island Penguins
In the morning or afternoon, you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers at the pier and climb aboard the catamaran for an enchanting journey through the Beagle Channel. As you sail eastward, the boat will glide past Bird Island and Sea Lion Island. You'll also see the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and catch a glimpse of the distant city of Puerto Williams in Chile before arriving at Martillo Island to see the fascinating Magellanic penguin colony from the boat.
After a short time seeing the penguins, you'll return along the same picturesque coast of Tierra del Fuego, passing Remolino Ranch where the historic shipwreck of the Monte Sarmiento has rested since the early 1900s.
5 hours | Easy
Penguins on Martillo Island
Beagle Foodie Experience
You will be picked up from your hotel and head north towards the provincial route "J," making a stop at Laguna Victoria for a snack. Then, you'll arrive at Brown Bay to see the famous flag trees shaped by the strong southwest winds.
After enjoying this unique landscape, you will continue to Puerto Almanza, the main port for artisanal crab fishermen.
Next, you'll visit the home of Diana, the only female captain of the Beagle Channel, where you'll taste various dishes and experience a memorable cultural encounter. The tour concludes with your return to downtown Ushuaia.
Full-day | Easy
4x4 Off-road Adventure in the Andes
Start your day with a hotel pick-up for an unforgettable excursion exploring the hidden lakes of Tierra del Fuego. After a scenic drive into the Andes, crossing the Garibaldi Pass to take in the stunning views of Lago Escondido, you'll venture off-road for an hour, winding through lush forests, crossing rivers, and travelling along the picturesque shores of Lake Fagnano.
Around midday, you'll arrive at a cosy refuge where a traditional Argentine asado awaits, featuring grilled choripan, prime beefsteaks, salads, and dessert, with drinks included. You'll be dropped back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Full-day | Moderate
4x4 adventure in Tierra del Fuego
Swoop says
If you'd like to add any of these excursions to your upcoming trip please let your Customer Service Coordinator or Sales Consultant know. We can enquire about availability and incorporate it into an itinerary for you.
Clo Mazille Patagonia Specialist
Day Hikes
Tierra del Fuego National Park Hike
Start with a hotel pick-up and transfer to Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a brief drive, you'll stop at panoramic viewpoints with your guide before continuing to the starting point of your hike. Enjoy about two to four hours of hiking on several short trails through the park.
The adventure concludes with a super photo stop at Lapataia Bay - the end of the Pan American Highway - before heading back to Ushuaia. You can do this excursion in the morning or afternoon depending on availability.
Half-day | Hike: 2 miles (4 km)| Easy
Roam the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park with Trekking & Canoes
Today you'll trek through forests and canoe down rivers and lagoons to reach the famous Lapatia Bay. Your guide will be able to point out the flora and fauna of the national park and will pick a spot for your group to have lunch.
You'll be dropped back in town later in the afternoon.
Full-day | Guided | Moderate
Laguna Esmeraldas Hike
Laguna Esmeralda, an ancient glacial cirque with its emerald green waters, offers one of the most impressive hiking experiences in the region. Your transfer will take you into the rugged hills surrounding Ushuaia, with an east-to-west section of the Andes, distinct from the range's usual north-to-south orientation.
Hike an out-and-back trail which typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, allowing time for photos and relaxation by the lagoon. This popular hiking destination, frequented by locals, is open year-round and has beauty in every season. After your hike, you'll be driven back to Ushuaia, with a box lunch included.
Full-day | Hike 6 miles (9 km) | Moderate
On the hike to Esmeralda Lagoon
Vinciguerra Hike
You'll be picked up from your hotel at a time to be confirmed. From there, embark on a challenging trail near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. The hike, which typically takes 4 to 5 hours, is well-loved by outdoor enthusiasts, so you may encounter other hikers along the way.
The trail is open year-round and offers eye-catching views in every season. After completing your hike, you'll be returned to your hotel at the end of the day.
Full-day | Hike 7.2 miles (11.6 km) | Moderate/Hard
Vinciguerra Glacier hike
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Ushuaia is a good city to explore on foot. We recommend the excellent maritime museum or taking a taxi out to the Cerro Martial ski centre for a short but steep hike to the Martial glacier.
End of the World Train Station and Tierra del Fuego National Park Walk
Begin with a pick-up from your accommodation and the first stop will be the End of the World Train Station, where you'll have the opportunity to capture some great photos. The picturesque train ride, which connects La Estación Austral with the early stages of the National Park, lasts about 50 minutes.
In Tierra del Fuego National Park, you'll visit several scenic viewpoints and enjoy short walks through the natural landscapes. Highlights include Lake Acigami and the renowned Lapataia Bay, where you can observe beaver dams and peat bogs. After exploring these beautiful sites, you will return to Ushuaia.
Half-day | Easy
Estancia Rolito and Cape San Pablo
Uncover the secrets of this remote island as you visit a solitary lighthouse perched on a lonely cape and marvel at the mysterious shipwreck that has rested beneath the waves for 40 years.
Delve into the history of a distinguished antique estancia, each location revealing untold stories of this captivating land. Along the way, enjoy a provided box lunch as you take in the landscape and history of the region.
Full-day | Easy
Tierra del Fuego National Park Bus Tour
You'll be guided by experts through the park’s enchanting forests. This easy-paced hike is suitable for those who enjoy walking, though appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.
Your journey will showcase the diverse landscapes along the Beagle Channel, Lapataia Bay, Green Lagoon, and the Ovando and Lapataia rivers. Enjoy a delightful lunch, including wine, near Acigami Lake before returning to Ushuaia in the afternoon.
Half-day | Moderate | Max 15 people in a group
Tierra del Fuego National Park viewpoint
Swoop says
There are different permutations with these excursions from Ushuaia and you may be able to do things as half or full day depending on how much time you have available. The hikes in the national park are great and if you can I'd highly recommend a boat trip on the Beagle Channel.
Isidora Cruz Customer Experience Coordinator
Wildlife Encounters
Beagle Channel Yacht Excursion
You'll leave the local harbour with a small group of passengers, navigating through Ushuaia Bay and enjoying the mountainous surroundings. During the voyage, you'll get close to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, spot cormorants on the rocky cliffs and watch sea lions at play.
At Bird Island you'll see royal cormorants and imperials before continuing towards Bridges Island, famous for its shell fossils and view of the Chilean and Argentine shores. You'll leave the boat to discover flora, bird fauna and archaeological remains. During this walk, you'll share tea, coffee, chocolate and, of course, mate.
Half-day | Easy
Penguin Watching by Bus & Boat
You'll depart from Ushuaia by vehicle driving to the fishing village of Puerto Almanza. Here you will take a small motor boat for up to 20 people for 20 minutes until reaching the unique island of Martillo home to hundreds of nesting Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.
The return journey offers views of historical sites, ending with views of Ushuaia's mountain range and surrounding nature.
Penguin sightings may vary with the season, and the itinerary is subject to weather conditions!
Half-Day | Guided | AM or PM departures | Easy
Day Excursion FAQs
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How do I book one of these excursions?
Swoop's Patagonia Experts will combine these excursions into a tailor-made itinerary for you that includes hotels and transfers. We can arrange anything from public buses and camping to private vans and luxury spa lodges. Give us a call on the number at the top of the page and we will talk you through your options.
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Can you explain the difficulty scale in more detail?
Due to the sheer range of excursions available in Patagonia and this region, it is hard to have an exact scale so we recommend speaking to your Sales or CX Representative in the first instance.
However, the following is a general guide for the levels of activity which you will see referenced on the individual excursions:
Easy - Vehicle/boat-based tours and a wide range of activities that at their max involve 1-2 hours of walking or gentle exercise.
Moderate - Involves 2-5 hours of hiking or more physical activities such as kayaking, horse riding, rafting etc.
Hard - You need to be able to be active for a full day and previous experience or carrying a day pack may be required.
Advanced - Challenging full days of activity, experience is necessary and trekkers will need to carry an 18kg pack.
Extreme - Must be highly experienced at this activity and prepared for extreme weather, heavy loads and Type 2 fun.
Most of the excursions advertised will fall into the Easy and Moderate categories. Some will straddle between two categories and will be marked if so.
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What if the weather intervenes?
There is of course a good chance the weather may play a part in any Patagonian excursion but we will work with our local partners to assess things and communicate other options if required.
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Can I just book the excursions and take care of the hotel myself?
Swoop puts together the entire package and is not able to book the excursions by themselves.