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Where to stay in Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a steep, compact town clinging to the base of the Martial Mountains overlooking the Beagle Channel. The urban grid rises sharply from the waterfront, meaning your street level determines how much climbing you will do daily. Most tourist activity centers near the port, but sleeping higher up offers better channel views at the cost of strenuous uphill walks, especially when returning from late dinners in the busy downtown core.
Centro
This is the buzzing heart of the town, centered around the intersection of San Martín and 25 de Mayo. It feels dense and functional, with constant foot traffic. You are within blocks of the Muelle Turístico and the Maritime Museum. Everything essential, from supermarkets to gear rental shops, is reachable via flat, walkable pavement.
Barrio La Misión
Perched on the higher slopes above the city center, this residential area feels quieter and more spacious. It is a steep ten-minute hike down to the waterfront, which is manageable during the day but tiring after a long excursion. You are closer to the base of the Martial Glacier trailheads here, making it ideal for hikers.
Avenida Alem Corridor
Stretching west along the hillside, this area is home to several larger hotels and lodges. The street is wide and significantly quieter than the downtown core. You can walk to the scenic viewpoints near the base of the mountain, but expect a twenty-minute walk to reach the central port area for boat tours.
Rent a car in Ushuaia
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Compare car rentals in UshuaiaOne thing to think about
Avoid staying too far east near the airport or the industrial outskirts. While potentially cheaper, these areas lack character and necessitate frequent, tedious taxi rides or long walks along monotonous roads to reach the town center’s restaurants and tour hubs. Stick to the central grid to avoid wasting precious time on transit.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Ushuaia are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Ushuaia
Common questions
Do I need to rent a car to see the national parks?
Not necessarily. While a rental provides autonomy, most hotels coordinate daily shuttles to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Buses and shared vans are frequent, reliable, and drop you directly at the major trailheads, making a car unnecessary unless you plan on extensive off-road exploration outside the standard tourist routes.
How difficult is it to navigate the city on foot during winter?
The streets become very icy, and the steep inclines make walking treacherous without proper footwear. Even if you stay centrally, the climb from the waterfront can be slippery. Bring boots with high-traction soles; local hardware stores sell inexpensive crampons that easily slip over your shoes to prevent dangerous falls on the hills.
Are there reliable ways to get to and from the airport?
The airport is very close to the town center, roughly a ten-minute drive. Official taxis and remises are always waiting for arriving flights and have fixed, regulated rates. Do not walk to or from the airport, as the route is industrial, lacks sidewalks, and is buffeted by extremely high winds.
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