Ushuaia, Argentina Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Ushuaia, often celebrated as the southernmost city in the world and the breathtaking gateway to Antarctica. Major cruise lines including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, and Silversea frequently call at this dramatic destination nestled between ocean waters and jagged peaks.
Cruisers are drawn here by extraordinary wild landscapes, rich maritime history, and unique wildlife encounters across Patagonia.
In This Guide
- Key Ushuaia Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Local SIM Card
- Visiting Ushuaia Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Ushuaia Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Argentina
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monthly Pricing
Key Ushuaia Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
An excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park takes passengers just 20 to 30 minutes west of the pier, offering stunning coastal views at Lapataia Bay and hikes near Lago Roca.
Many travelers combine this with a scenic ride on the historic End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo), which winds through pristine sub-Antarctic forest corridors.
Alternatively, catamaran cruises along the Beagle Channel offer views of seabirds, sea lions, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse on short 3- to 4-hour boat trips.
For those preferring to stay in town, the Ushuaia Maritime Museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio) is located within walking distance, detailing the region's fascinating penal colony history.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Venturing inland over the Garibaldi Pass (Paso Garibaldi) brings visitors to Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano, located about 60 to 100 kilometers north and reachable in 1.5 to 2 hours by guided 4x4 or coach tours.
Historic Estancia Harberton, established in 1886, sits roughly 85 kilometers east of town and serves as the embarkation point for boat trips to see gentoo and Magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Port Location
The cruise pier, known as Puerto de Ushuaia, is conveniently situated right along the edge of downtown Ushuaia.
Ships dock directly alongside the commercial pier, meaning tendering is rarely required unless multiple large vessels overload capacity.
Passengers can easily walk off the pier directly onto Avenida San Martín, the primary street lined with shops, tour operators, and restaurants.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). While US Dollars and Euros are accepted by some souvenir shops and tour operators, carrying local currency or using cards is standard.
Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most main tourist establishments throughout town.
ATMs and official exchange locations are available along Avenida San Martín, though card usage and electronic payment options are increasingly preferred.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Safety Considerations
Ushuaia is considered one of the safest port cities in South America, with very low rates of violent crime.
Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure and remaining mindful of pocketbooks in crowded port zones.
Exploring the city center independently on foot is safe and easy, though booking guided tours is recommended for wilderness trekking or water excursions.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Weather & Climate
During the primary cruise season from November through March, daylight hours are long, but weather conditions remain highly variable and prone to sudden shifts.
Average daily high temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), though strong sub-Antarctic winds can make it feel substantially colder.
Rain and occasional brief snow flurries can happen at any time, so cruise passengers should pack windproof and waterproof outer layers, warm clothing, and sturdy walking boots.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Getting Around
Because downtown is immediately adjacent to the pier, most central sights are easily reachable on foot.
Taxis and remises are plentiful near the pier exit for short trips to attractions like Martial Glacier or local hiking trailheads.
For structured exploration, travelers can book Beagle Channel Catamaran Tours or Tierra del Fuego National Park Excursions directly at the tourist information center near the dock exit.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Shopping
The primary commercial hub is concentrated along Avenida San Martín, which offers duty-free shopping as Tierra del Fuego is a special tax-free region.
Popular items to buy include Fuegian handicrafts, local artisan chocolates, Fuegian gin, king crab delicacies, and high-end cold-weather outdoor apparel.
Prices in established retail stores are fixed, so bargaining is not typical, but duty-free outlets offer competitive prices on international and regional products.
Last updated on October 30, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Vinciguerra Glacier Trekking and Premium Floe Lagoon
Starting in the Andorra Valley, this walk crosses peat bogs and follows a river within RAMSAR-protected wetlands, offering an interpretive experience where visitors are protagonists. The journey continues with an ascent through native Andean Patagonian forests that combines steep slopes with flat sections.
Trekking Tour Laguna Esmeralda and Fuegian Valleys
This trekking tour features EXPLORE naturalist guides who love Southern Patagonia and provide an interpretive experience of the wonderful surrounding landscape. The small-group hikes focus on walking, exploring, learning, and teaching visitors about Tierra del Fuego.
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Our excursion features new vehicles and professional drivers and guides with extensive knowledge of the area. We ensure an excellent day for passengers through warmth, responsibility, and a good disposition.
Tierra del Fuego National Park Private Tour
This Tierra del Fuego National Park tour avoids crowds with an experienced local professional naturalist guide who speaks excellent English and has great knowledge of the nature and area. The experience is customized to your interests, allowing you to learn about the nature of South America's southernmost tip.
Packrafting experience along the Olivia River
This half-day outing combines trekking and rowing along a meandering river surrounded by peat bogs, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers in the magical Andes Mountains. It is the ideal activity for visitors wanting to fully immerse themselves in the nature of Tierra del Fuego.
Snow day on snowmobiles, snowshoe hike and culipatín
This full-day winter adventure combines snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and culiskating with an authentic dining experience featuring a free Patagonian lamb lunch. Visitors will create unforgettable memories through fun activities and natural beauty in a unique winter setting.
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park (Shore Tour)
Designed for cruise travelers, this small-group shore excursion offers a relaxed, well-organized, and authentic visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park with local professional guides. It includes easy pickup inside the port area near your ship to help you make the most of your time in Ushuaia.
End of the World Shore Excursion Ushuaia with train
Explore the National Park’s unique biodiversity, history, culture, and panoramic views during this four-hour adventure led by knowledgeable, passionate local experts. The tour visits various points throughout the park, including Lago Roca (Acigami).
Laguna Esmeralda (Trekking + lunch at refuge)
As the only company with a mountain refuge and salamander stove on the banks of the Emerald Lagoon, we offer a unique Ushuaia experience combining nature, comfort, and a gourmet lunch. Our specifically selected guides follow each passenger's rhythm to ensure an enjoyable outing.
Tierra del Fuego National Park – Small Groups. Optional Train
Discover the forests, lakes, and bays of Tierra del Fuego National Park on this unique tour designed for small groups and led by local guides. Guests can delve into nature and have the option to add a ride on the iconic End of the World Train through the forest.
Emerald Lagoon Trekking
Our boutique agency provides comfortable transport from your hotel to a detailed trekking experience reaching the Emerald Lagoon through the Tierra Mayor Valley forest. The trail crosses rocky terrain and turbulence, showcasing our passion for every detail of the journey.
Escondido y Fagnano Lakes
Our team of tourism professionals provides personalized services and a passion for their work to ensure travelers have the best experience discovering Ushuaia.
Helicopter Overflight - Landing in the Cordillera - A30
Ushuaia was born at the foot of the fascinating Cordillera de los Andes, where glaciers, lagoons, and valleys create an unforgettable adventure. This experience highlights the natural beauty of the city's surrounding landscape.
Afternoon in Lagos Escondido and Fagnano with snack in country house.
We are the only agency that conducts afternoon visits to Escondido and Fagnano Lakes to observe beavers in their natural environment.
Sailing Ushuaia Beagle Channel in a yatch
Enjoy a relaxing yacht sail through the historic, shipwreck-laden Beagle Channel south of the Strait of Magellan, starting from the tourist pier in Ushuaia Bay. This journey offers a unique perspective of the city's profile and the opportunity to capture a postcard-perfect photo with the lighthouse.
Private Tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking & Canoeing in Lapataia Bay
For 23 years, we have specialized in providing reliable, tailor-made tours of Tierra del Fuego National Park that meet the highest health and safety standards. Throughout the day, exclusive professional guides provide undivided attention to ensure the best possible exploration.
Tempanos Lagoon hiking
This demanding 'end of the world' adventure includes accommodation pickup for a 7km trip to the Andorra Valley and a challenging forest ascent to reach a glacier. A high mountain professional guide provides constant assistance to ensure visitors safely complete the journey.
5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier
Located minutes from Ushuaia, this guided trek to Martial Glacier features a chairlift ascent with panoramic views of the Beagle Channel before hiking through native Patagonian forest and alpine terrain. The guide shares insights into the region's nature, geology, and glacial landscape; please note chairlift tickets are not included.
Ushuaia : Hammer Island Hike among Penguins Navigation Wolves
This unique experience combines a Beagle Channel navigation to Bird Island, Wolf Island, and Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse with a visit to Estancia Harberton. It also features a one-hour guided hike among Magellanic penguins and puffins in their natural habitat.
Lakes Escondido and Fagnano - Classic
Departing Ushuaia on National Route No. 3, this tour explores a landscape of mountains, valleys, turbs, beaver dikes, and diverse native forests. After crossing the Olivia River, the excursion stops at the Carbajal Valley viewpoint to observe the area's relief, glaciers, and vastness.
Local SIM Card
GigSky eSIMs let you get data both on the ship and while in port. Their Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan and Cruise + World plan both cover Ushuaia as well as supported cruise ships. Choose the data allowance and duration that suit your trip, with a 7-day Cruise + Americas & Caribbean plan starting at only $19.99 USD for 1 GB.
Visiting Ushuaia Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Ushuaia Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Other Cruise Ports in Argentina
Frequently Asked Questions about Ushuaia
Last updated on June 13, 2025
❓ 1. What is the best way to get from the cruise terminal to the main attractions?
Ushuaia's city center and many attractions are within easy walking distance from the cruise terminal. Taxis are also readily available for destinations further afield.
❓ 2. What are the must-see attractions and landmarks within walking distance or a short ride from the port?
Must-see attractions include the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime and Prison Museum) and the End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo), both walkable. A stroll along Avenida San Martín is also recommended.
❓ 3. What local foods or restaurants should I try near the port?
Try local specialties like king crab (centolla) and Patagonian lamb (cordero patagónico). Many restaurants offering these dishes can be found along Avenida San Martín near the port.
❓ What is the local currency and what is the exchange rate?
The local currency is Argentine Peso (1 USD = 1185.50 ARS). ATMs are available in town but can have high fees or low withdrawal limits; exchanging some USD to ARS before arrival or using credit cards is often preferred. Some tourist shops may accept USD, but always confirm.
❓ 5. What is the typical weather when cruises visit, and what should I pack?
Expect cool, windy, and unpredictable weather, even in summer (November-March); pack layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, and gloves.
❓ 6. Are there good beaches nearby, and how do I get to them?
Ushuaia is not known for swimming beaches due to its cool climate. Coastal areas like Playa Larga offer scenic walks, accessible by a short taxi ride.
❓ 7. What are the best shore excursion options - through the cruise line or independent?
Popular excursions include Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel cruises, available through cruise lines or local operators. Independent tours can offer more flexibility, while cruise line tours provide convenience.
❓ 8. What shopping opportunities are available, and what are good local souvenirs?
Shop along Avenida San Martín for 'End of the World' themed souvenirs, artisanal chocolates, and outdoor gear. Ushuaia is a tax-free zone, which may offer savings on certain imported goods.
❓ 9. What other interesting places or towns are within a reasonable distance to visit?
Tierra del Fuego National Park is the most significant nearby attraction, offering stunning landscapes and hiking trails, typically visited via organized tours or taxis. Longer excursions to estancias are also possible.
❓ 10. What's a surprising or interesting fact about Ushuaia, Argentina?
Ushuaia is famously known as the southernmost city in the world, serving as a key gateway to Antarctica.
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Ushuaia
On average Ushuaia is somewhat expensive as a port of call. The graph below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Ushuaia. Cruises visiting Ushuaia during the the peak season of winter are considerably more expensive than the the low season of spring.