The 6 best youth hostels in Ushuaia for backpacking at the end of the world

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is perfect for anyone who loves adventure. Backpackers from all over the world dream of visiting this city, which is located in an archipelago with a curious name: Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) . This destination combines the breathtaking beauty of the snow-capped Andes with the blue and green lakes typical of Patagonia. Ushuaia is not only one of the most unspoilt places in the world, but also the starting point for practically all expeditions to Antarctica.

If the idea of reaching the end of the world hasn’t convinced you yet, the photos and incredible attractions of this harbour city will. Get ready to set foot on Tierra del Fuego, feel the breeze of the icy mountains, make hundreds of penguin friends and combine routes, share meals and experiences with the other guests in your hostel.

The hostels in Ushuaia are the temporary home of all backpackers who make it to the end of the world. The options are endless, you can opt for a super party atmosphere or stay in a quieter hostel. The only certainty is that you won’t be short of friends to take you on the most important boat trips. Get ready for roaring glaciers, evergreen forests and little-explored islands in this land that has the ability to combine fire and ice 365 days a year.

Why is Ushuaia known as Tierra del Fuego?

Tierra del Fuego isthe name of the archipelago whose capital isUshuaia. The name comes from Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator who saw the fires of the natives in this region from his Spanish ship in 1520. This was before the discovery of gold in these areas. Most of the province of Tierra del Fuego belongs to Chile, but the Argentinian part is best known for Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

Where to stay in Ushuaia: 6 TOP hostels in Patagonia

1- Vuelta al Mundo Youth Hostel, Ushuaia

Vuelta al Mundo Hostel is located just a twenty-minute walk from the city centre. From this hostel, rated 10 out of 10 by all travellers who have stayed there, it is super easy to visit some of the main attractions, such as:

• Ushuaia Maritime Museum
• Ushuaia Prison Museum
• Museum of the End of the World
• Ushuaia harbour

The VueltaalMundohostel welcomes travellers from all overthe world. Ushuaia’s main airport is just 2.8 kilometres from the hostel, which offers breakfast, lockers and central heating – much needed all year round.

2- Los Cormoranes Hostel, Ushuaia

You don’teven have to leave Los CormoranesHostel to enjoy the view of Ushuaia Bay and the Beagle Channel. The hostel’s motto is “Your home away from home”, and that’s exactly how travellers feel here. When you wake up , it smells likehome-baked bread and you can prepare your meals in the communal kitchen. Oh, one detail: Pets are not allowed here.

3- Oshovia Hostel, Ushuaia

Oshovia Hostelis a family-run accommodation perfect for exploring the nature of Ushuaia. Oshovia’s Kuanip Street is close to supermarkets, restaurants, bus stops and shops. Enjoy Ushuaia the traditional way and stay in this classic wooden house in the snowy region. The bunk beds also have a small curtain that adds a touch of privacy to the shared room.

4 – Cruz del Sur Youth Hostel, Ushuaia

The Cruz del Sur Hostel does not accept credit cards, but the location is perfect. You are only two blocks away from the Beagle Channel. During your stay in Ushuaia, you’ll meet the owner of Cruz del Sur, an Italian who has travelled the world. Wake up with a typical Argentinian breakfast and enjoy an authentic experience at the end of the world in this rustic hostel. At the hostel you can book all the main tours in Ushuaia.

5 – La Posta Hostel, Ushuaia

La Posta Hostel is your home at the end of the world. This place promises to crown your journey through Argentinian Patagonia with a view of the snow-capped white mountains . There are different types of accommodation on offer, from shared rooms to a room just for you.

6 – The travellers’ hostel

At The Travellers Hostel you can enjoy the traditional Argentinian asado, a barbecue that takes place in the hostel’s backyard. The hostel’s kitchen is very spacious, so you’ll never be short of space to cook. There is Netflix and WIFI in the rooms, but when you’re in Ushuaia ,the last thing you want to do is watch your favourite series.

What to do in Ushuaia, Patagonia Argentina

1 – Visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park, 12 kilometres from Ushuaia, is a paradise for those who love hiking and experiencing nature up close. The park is home to mountains, rivers and freshwater lakes such as the famous Roca. The park is very close to the sea and the coast of the Beagle Channel, named in honour of Charles Darwin, who sailed through the harbour in 1833. This is the southernmost park in the world and you can spot foxes, black swans and other birds along the way. You can also visit the Emerald Lagoon.

2 – Beagle Channel and penguin colony by boat

A 15-minute boat trip takes you to Martillo Island in Ushuaia. Be careful when you enter the huge colony of gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins. There are around 1,000 of these cute little nests and they are very sociable. The best time to visit is between September and April.

3 – Take the train to the end of the world in Ushuaia

The city of Ushuaia was once home to one of Argentina’s most feared prisons, and since the last century, when the railway was used for logging, the trains run through the Tierra del Fuego National Park in a breathtaking landscape. This is one of the most unusual ways to get to know the national park and learn a little of the history of this place.

Where is Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world?

Ushuaia is located at the intersection of the Andes and the famous Beagle Channel. As you approach the city, you can see the small streets with typical houses and understand how this city came to be. Ushuaia is known as the end of the world because it offers travellers heading to Antarctica a port and a warm bed before their journey.

How to get there: Distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

The most common way to fly to Ushuaiafrom Brazil is to fly to Buenos Aires and take one of the daily flights from the Argentine capital to Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. The distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on the map may give a sense of proximity, but Ushuaia is more than 5,000 kilometres south of the city of Buenos Aires.

When to travel to Ushuaia: Climate and temperature

Cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia every summer, from November to March. If this is your destination, you can plan your trip for this time. Cyclists and hikers also use this time to explore the mountains. If you really want to enjoy the cold, Ushuaia is also a paradise. The city welcomes skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to surf its snowy mountains. June is the peak month.

The climate in Ushuaia is humid and cloudy. Be sure to pack warm clothes, hats and gloves. It is always good to remember that summer in Ushuaia is cooler than the Brazilian winter. The average temperature is less than 6 degrees Celsius. Be prepared and take lots of photos of this harbour city for the brave.

📚 About the author 📚

Raquel Cintra Pryzant is a Brazilian journalist who writes about people. She travels to get to know life stories and has created the SolanoMundo project to share them. You can find more texts, videos, tips and photos on her Instagram account .