Plan a CruiseUshuaia Cruise Port Guide
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is uniquely situated on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains. This allows visitors to experience sea, mountains, and forests simultaneously. The entire island is a duty-free zone, making it an excellent spot for shopping for both imported and regional products. Your cruise ship will dock directly in Ushuaia, and the town center is easily accessible, less than a 10-minute walk from the pier. You'll walk approximately 3/4 km to exit the port area.
Getting Around from the Port
The town center is a short walk from the cruise terminal, less than 10 minutes away. To exit the port area, you will walk about 3/4 km. Taxis are available near the port, though they are not metered. Expect an average cost of $20 per hour if you choose to hire one. For attractions outside of walking distance, such as Tierra del Fuego National Park, you can find bus tours from booths near the dock or take the End of the World Train from Ushuaia. Daily bus tours also depart for Harberton.
Attractions and Activities
Given 8-10 hours in port, Ushuaia offers a range of activities:
- End of the World Museum: Located right outside the pier area (turn right, faces the harbor), this museum costs US$17 for adults. Most exhibits have both Spanish and English descriptions. It covers early Antarctic explorations, the history of the penal colony, local maritime history, and some art. You can also get your passport stamped here.
- Beagle Channel Boat Trips: To the right of the dock's end, several booths offer tourist activities. Popular options include boat trips to Wolf Island and excursions through the Beagle Channel to spot wildlife like local birds, penguins, and orcas.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: Reachable by bus tours or the scenic End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo) from Ushuaia. The park features stunning landscapes, including Lapataia Bay.
- Canopy Tours: For an adventurous option, canopy tours are run from the base of the aerosilla. These offer an hour of zipping through the forest on 11 zip-line cables and two hanging bridges, with the highest cable reaching 8 meters.
- Harberton Estancia: Daily bus tours are available to Harberton, the historic ranch of the Bridges family. Some tours may also include a visit to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, known locally as the "Lighthouse at the End of the World" (note: this is not the famous lighthouse from Jules Verne's novel).
Dining & Shopping
Ushuaia is an excellent destination for shopping due to its duty-free status across the entire island. You'll find a wide variety of imported goods alongside regional products. The main shopping street is Av. San Martin, located in the heart of town. Near the port, there's also a craft area offering interesting local fare and souvenirs. While specific restaurant names aren't provided, you'll find dining options along Av. San Martin.
Safety
No significant safety concerns are noted for Ushuaia. As with any travel, be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Argentina Peso, which can be volatile. It's advisable to check current exchange tips before your visit. While credit cards are accepted in many places, having some local currency for smaller purchases or independent vendors is recommended. The official language is Spanish, but you may find some English speakers in tourist areas. Wi-Fi is available in the long, hall-like building just before the pedestrian exit of the port.