Things to Do in Ushuaia: The Best Tours by Season
In short
In Ushuaia, November to March is best for glacier and lake treks, the penguin colony boat trip to Martillo Island and mountain biking. June to September brings fat biking and snowshoeing. Year-round, you can do the 4x4 tour to Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, the Beagle Channel and the National Park.
Ushuaia has two very different seasons, and almost every tour changes with the month. This guide sorts the trips we run every week by time of year, with duration, difficulty and the kind of traveler each one suits, so you can plan without wasting a day.
Quick summary: what to do depending on when you travel
| Season | Must-dos | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (November to March) | Vinciguerra Glacier, Laguna Esmeralda, Martillo Island penguin colony, Cabo San Pablo, MTB to Estancia Túnel | Trekking, wildlife, 16 to 17 hours of daylight |
| Winter (June to September) | Fat bike to the beaver dams, Night Ride on Ice, snowshoeing, 4x4 in the snow | Snow, unusual activities, white landscapes |
| Year-round | 4x4 to Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, Lighthouse and Sea Lions cruise, National Park, Puerto Almanza, Tolhuin | Families, first visits, short stays |
Summer tours (November to March)
Vinciguerra Glacier trek
Ushuaia's most complete trek: 16 km round trip, 700 m of elevation gain and about 8 hours through lenga forest, peat bogs and Laguna de los Témpanos to the glacier front. Moderate-hard to hard, so you need good fitness. See the Vinciguerra Glacier tour.
Laguna Esmeralda trek
9 km round trip through the Carbajal Valley, 4 to 6 hours, moderate difficulty. It's the best first hike if you've never done mountain trekking. In summer the water turns emerald-turquoise. See Laguna Esmeralda.
Boat trip to the Martillo Island penguin colony
4 to 5 hours from the Tourist Pier: Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and the colony of Magellanic penguins (and gentoos, depending on the time of year), seen from the boat. It runs only in penguin season. We compare it with the short cruise in this Beagle Channel guide.
Cabo San Pablo and the Desdemona shipwreck by 4x4
A full day (9 to 10 hours) to the Atlantic coast: Garibaldi Pass, Tolhuin, the Cabo San Pablo lighthouse and the Desdemona, aground since 1985. Country-style lunch included. See Cabo San Pablo 4x4.
Biking: MTB to Estancia Túnel and e-fatbike across the range
The Túnel MTB Experience is 30 km along the Beagle Channel from downtown (5 to 6 hours). The Andes Crossing by E-Fatbike follows old logging roads and streams with electric assist, so you don't need to be a cyclist.
Caleta María and Chilean fjords expedition
If you have more time: 3 days and 2 nights, November to March, sailing to Parry Bay, the glaciers of the Darwin Range and the elephant seals. See the expedition.
Winter tours (June to September)
Fat bike to the Fuegian beaver dams
7 to 8 hours on electric bikes with snow and ice tires, through snowy valleys to the beaver dams. No experience needed. See Beaver Dams by E-Bike.
Night Ride on Ice
A 7-hour, 20 km night outing on snowy trails and frozen peat bogs in the Tierra Mayor Valley, with dinner included. See the night ride.
Winter snowshoe trek
5 hours and 7 km on snowshoes through frosted forests. Easy to moderate, and you'll learn the technique in five minutes. See snowshoeing.
Year-round tours
- Lakes Off Road 4x4: 8 hours, Garibaldi Pass viewpoints, a 4x4 circuit to Lake Escondido and lunch facing Lake Fagnano. There's also a half-day Express and an afternoon version.
- Lighthouse and Sea Lions cruise: 2.5 hours on the Beagle Channel. The best choice if you're short on time.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: 5 hours with guide and transfer. Learn how to visit it in our park guide.
- Puerto Almanza Full Day and Heart of the Island and Tolhuin: easy full days, great for families.
How to choose if you only have a few days
On a first visit, combine a boat trip, a 4x4 lakes day and a trek that matches your fitness. That covers channel, forest and mountains. For a day-by-day plan, see our 3, 4 and 5-day itineraries.
Booking tips
- Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit by bank transfer or payment link.
- Book your tours with us and get 50% off cold-weather clothing rental at our Rental.
- Weather can change schedules or routes; decisions are always made for safety. Check the month-by-month weather before you travel.
Not sure which one suits you? Message us on WhatsApp or drop by our store at 25 de Mayo 50 and we'll put together a plan for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-dos in Ushuaia?
A Beagle Channel boat trip, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Lakes Escondido and Fagnano and, in summer, a trek to Laguna Esmeralda or the Vinciguerra Glacier.
What can you do in Ushuaia in winter?
Fat biking on snow to the beaver dams, night rides on ice, snowshoe treks, 4x4 trips to the snowy lakes and skiing at Cerro Castor.
How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
Three full days cover the highlights; with 4 or 5 you can add a demanding trek or a full-day 4x4 trip to Cabo San Pablo or Puerto Almanza.
Guides and team at Ushuaia Extremo, running trekking, 4x4 and fat bike tours in Ushuaia. We write about the places we explore every week. Meet us
Live this adventure
