How to Spend 2 Days in Ushuaia

The southernmost city in the world is home to a picturesque jumble of colorful buildings surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Fuegian Andes. With two days in town, you can  explore the city and surroundings and visit a nearby national park and penguin colony. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Ushuaia.

Day 1: History, Wildlife, and Snowy Landscapes

**Morning:**Ushuaia is primarily known for its stunning Patagonian landscapes, but there is also a wealth of cultural and historic attractions to explore. Get your bearings on a sightseeing tour of the city by bus or on foot. Tours typically cover the historic La Mission neighborhood, the Brown and Solier districts, and cultural landmarks such as the Maritime Museum and Old Prison of Ushuaia.

**Afternoon:**Visit the Magellanic and Gentoo penguin rookeries of Martillo Island on the Beagle Channel by taking a boat trip from the city. Typically led by naturalist guides, tours offer insight into the lives of the penguins, as well as other birds including skuas, petrels, cormorants, and vultures, and usually include free time at the traditional Estancia Harberton.

**Night:**Strap on some snowshoes and dive into the snowy landscapes surrounding the city with an evening tour that combines snowshoeing and snowmobiling along some of the routes taken by the area’s earliest explorers. Some tours also include a dog-sledding experience, and most include dinner. 

Day 2: Train Journeys and Boat Tours

**Morning:**Kick off your second day with a visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park. You can travel there by bus or the famed End of the World Train, which follows the route of the original convict train that ran in Ushuaia from 1910 to 1947. Upon arrival, tours typically include free time to take in the views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains, and perhaps to spot some of the park’s abundant wildlife.

**Afternoon:**Get back out onto the water this morning and explore more of the Beagle Channel by boat. Sailing tours from Ushuaia typically cruise past Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs and colonies of cormorants and sea lions, and disembark at Bridges Island to allow passengers to go on a short trek. 

**Night:**Conclude your visit to Ushuaia with a taste of its modest nightlife scene. Head for the city’s main drag, Avenida San Martín, and take your pick from the many wine bars, pubs, and restaurants to sample typical dishes such as king crab and sea bass, washed down with locally brewed beer and Argentine wines.