Is Ushuaia expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Ushuaia is one of the more expensive places in Argentina, because almost everything arrives from far away and the town serves the Antarctic cruise trade. For most visitors from Europe or North America it is moderate rather than expensive. Expect about US$75 a day per person on a tight budget, about US$185 mid-range and US$395 or more for comfort; boat trips, the penguin landing and king crab dinners are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$25 | US$65 | US$150 |
| Food & drink | US$25 | US$45 | US$85 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$60 | US$120 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$15 | US$40 |
| Per person, per day | US$75 | US$185 | US$395 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Ushuaia day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee and a pastry | about US$5–8 |
| Empanada | roughly US$1.50–4.50 each, more with crab |
| Main course in a restaurant | about US$15–30, king crab more |
| Parrilla dinner with Malbec | about US$25–40 per person |
| Beagle Channel boat trip (2.5–3 hours) | about US$50–90 |
| Tierra del Fuego National Park entry (foreigners) | about US$30–40, paid in pesos |
| End of the World Train | about US$50–90 depending on class |
| Isla Martillo penguin landing with transport | about US$150–200 |
| Taxi or remis within town | about US$4–8 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Excursions are the biggest cost: a Beagle Channel boat, the national park entry and shuttle, the train and above all the penguin walk at Isla Martillo add up quickly. Accommodation is the next item, from hostels at US$25–50 to central hotels at US$90–170 and lodges on the Martial road at US$220–450, with rates highest during the Antarctic cruise season. Food is reasonable for parrilla and set lunches but expensive for centolla (king crab) and Patagonian toothfish. Prices in pesos change quickly with inflation and exchange rates, so treat all figures as a guide.
When it is cheaper
Autumn (April–May) and spring (September–October) are quieter, and hotel rates are usually lower than in the November–March summer. Ski weeks in July can also be busy; check current rates, as Argentine prices change quickly.
How to spend less
- Pay by foreign card where it gets a favourable rate, and check the current rules for cash before exchanging money.
- Walk the Senda Costera in the national park instead of taking the train if you are a hiker.
- Book the Isla Martillo landing weeks ahead, or choose a cheaper boat that watches the penguins from the water.
- Eat a set lunch or empanadas at midday and keep king crab for one special dinner.
- Walk one or two blocks uphill from the port for cheaper restaurants, especially on cruise days.
- Use shuttles to the park and Laguna Esmeralda rather than taxis or tours.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Ushuaia expensive?
It is one of the pricier places in Argentina. Plan on about US$75 a day on a budget, US$185 mid-range and US$395 or more for comfort.
How much does the Beagle Channel boat trip cost?
About US$50–90 for a 2.5–3 hour trip; longer trips with landings cost more.
How much is the penguin walk at Isla Martillo?
About US$150–200 with transport, from the one operator allowed to land. Book weeks ahead.