Ushuaia Airport, also known as Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, is located in Ushuaia – a city in southern Argentina.

General Information

  • Serves: Ushuaia
  • Country: Argentina
  • ICAO: SAWH
  • IATA: USH
  • Elevation: 102 ft / 31 m
  • Coordinates: 54°50′00″S 68°18′00″W
  • Airport Type: International
  • Tower Frequency: 118.4 (unverified)
  • Ground Frequency: 121.8 (unverified)
  • Number of Runways: 1
  • Timezone: UTC-3 (ART)
  • Fire Category: Unverified, likely CAT 6-8
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • AOE: Yes

On the Ground

  • Longest Runway: 2,800 x 45 metres
  • PCN: 60/F/B/W/T (unverified)
  • Equipment Available: Standard ground handling equipment (e.g., pushback, baggage handling, fire services, de-icing)
  • Navaid: Yes
  • Type of A/C Handled: Up to B767, primarily B737/A320
  • Terminal Capacity: 500,000 annually (unverified)
  • Cargo Capacity: Limited cargo capacity; primarily passenger-focused
  • Fuel Types: Jet A-1 (unverified)
  • FBO: No FBO at this airport
  • Distance to City: Approximately 4 km from the city

Operational Information

  • Typical Lead Time for Permit Approval: 48 hours (unverified)
  • PPR: Not required for domestic flights; may be required for international or special operations
  • Slots: Slots may be required during peak tourist season (December–March); otherwise not typically required
  • Alternate Airports: SAWE (Río Grande), SAWG (Río Gallegos), SCRM (Punta Arenas, Chile)

Contact Numbers

  • Police: +54 2901 420 611 (unverified; general emergency: 911)
  • Fire: +54 2901 420 622 (unverified; general emergency: 911)
  • Customs: +54 2901 420 633 (unverified)
  • Airport Authority: +54 2901 420 644 (unverified)

Tourist Information

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit/debit cards accepted in major hotels/restaurants; cash (ARS) preferred for small vendors. Exchange USD/EUR at official or informal rates (e.g., ‘blue dollar’) for better value, especially in Ushuaia’s tourist areas.

Immigration Rules: International visitors must present a valid passport; visa-free for up to 90 days for many nationalities (e.g., EU, USA, Mercosur with ID). Check visa requirements. Customs/immigration available at USH.

Crew Requirements: Crew must carry passports and be listed on the Gendec. Visas depend on nationality. Uniforms recommended but not mandatory. Clear immigration at USH.

Ground Transport: Includes car rentals (e.g., Avis, Hertz), buses, hotel shuttles, and non-metered taxis/remises (negotiate fare; typical to city center ~1,500-3,000 ARS, subject to inflation).

Accommodation: Available at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Los Cauquenes Resort, Hotel Albatros, Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, and Hotel Fueguino.

Attractions Near Ushuaia Airport (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego)

Ushuaia: Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH, SAWH) is located approximately 4 km south of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, known as the “End of the World” due to its status as the southernmost city globally. As a medium-sized international airport, it is the gateway to a region renowned for its dramatic Patagonian landscapes, Antarctic cruise departures, and adventure tourism. The airport has no significant on-site attractions, so it focuses on nearby attractions within Ushuaia and its surroundings, up to ~50 km, emphasizing natural wonders, cultural sites, and outdoor activities. Distances are approximate from the airport, and most attractions are easily accessible from Ushuaia’s city centre. Below is a curated list of key tourist attractions, drawn from sources like TripAdvisor and The Crazy Tourist, and general knowledge of Ushuaia’s tourism profile.

  1. Tierra del Fuego National Park
    • Description: A stunning 63,000-hectare park 12 km west of Ushuaia, featuring forests, lakes, and the southernmost post office at Bahía Lapataia. Trails like Senda Costera (coastal path) and Cerro Guanaco offer hiking with views of the Beagle Channel—entry: ARS 10,000 (6 USD, April 2025 rates).  
    • Distance from Airport: 15 km (20-minute drive).  
    • Why Visit: It is ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting (e.g., foxes and guanacos), and experiencing Patagonia’s raw beauty.
  2. Beagle Channel Boat Tours
    • Description: Boat excursions from Ushuaia’s port explore the Beagle Channel, visiting Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, sea lion colonies, and penguin rookeries on Isla Martillo (October–April). Tours (e.g., with Piratour) range from 3-6 hours, $20,000-40,000 ARS (12-25 USD).  
    • Distance from Airport: 5 km (10-minute drive to port).  
    • Why Visit: A must for marine life and iconic views, especially for Antarctic-bound travellers.
  3. End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo)
    • Description: A small museum in Ushuaia’s city centre showcasing Tierra del Fuego’s Indigenous history, maritime past, and wildlife. Highlights include Yamana artefacts and shipwreck relics. Open daily, entry ARS 2,000 (1.20 USD).  
    • Distance from Airport: 5 km (10-minute drive).  
    • Why Visit: A quick, educational stop for cultural context before exploring the region.
  4. Glaciar Martial
    • Description: A glacier above Ushuaia, accessible via a 7-km hike or taxi to the trailhead, followed by a chairlift (~ ARS 5,000 round-trip). Offers panoramic views of the city and Beagle Channel. Best in summer (December–March) for hiking; winter for skiing.  
    • Distance from Airport: 10 km (15-minute drive to trailhead).  
    • Why Visit: Perfect for adventure seekers and stunning alpine scenery.
  5. Ushuaia Maritime Museum & Old Prison (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio)
    • Description: Housed in a former prison (1896–1947), this museum explores Ushuaia’s penal colony history and maritime heritage. Features restored cells, ship models, and Antarctic exhibits. Open daily, entry ARS 3,000 (2 USD).  
    • Distance from the Airport: 5 km (10-minute drive, in the city centre).  
    • Why Visit: Engaging for history buffs, offering insight into Ushuaia’s rugged past.
  6. Laguna Esmeralda
    • Description: A turquoise glacial lake in the Andes, reached via a 9-km round-trip hike (moderate, 4 hours) through forests and peat bogs. Popular for photography and nature immersion. Guided tours are available (ARS 15,000).  
    • Distance from Airport: 20 km (30-minute drive to trailhead).  
    • Why Visit: A bucket-list hike for outdoor enthusiasts seeking pristine landscapes.
  7. Cerro Alarken Nature Reserve
    • Description: A private reserve near Arakur Ushuaia Resort, offering short trails through lenga forests with views of the Beagle Channel and Vinciguerra Glacier. Free entry for hotel guests, otherwise guided tours (~ ARS 10,000).  
    • Distance from Airport: 10 km (15-minute drive).  
    • Why Visit: A serene, less-crowded alternative to national park trails.
  8. Avenida San Martín & Ushuaia City Center
    • Description: Ushuaia’s main street is lined with shops, restaurants (try king crab at El Viejo Marino), and the “End of the World” sign for photos—a lively spot for souvenirs and local cuisine like Patagonian lamb.  
    • Distance from Airport: 5 km (10-minute drive).  
    • Why Visit: Great for dining, shopping, and soaking up the city’s unique vibe.
  9. Estancia Harberton
    • Description: A historic ranch 85 km east, founded in 1886, with a museum (Museo Acatushún) on marine mammals and guided tours of its gardens and sheep-shearing sheds. Accessible by car or boat tour (~ ARS 30,000).  
    • Distance from Airport: 85 km (1.5-hour drive or boat tour).  
    • Why Visit: Combines history, culture, and remote Patagonian scenery.
  10. Antarctic Cruise Departures
    • Description: Ushuaia is the primary embarkation point for Antarctic cruises (November–March), with operators like Quark Expeditions offering 10-—to 20-day trips to the Antarctic Peninsula (~$5,000-15,000 USD). Book well in advance.  
    • Distance from Airport: 5 km (10-minute drive to port).  
    • Why Visit: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the White Continent, starting from Ushuaia.

Additional Notes

  • Getting Around: The airport offers car rentals (e.g., Avis, Hertz), non-metered taxis/remises (1,500-3,000 ARS to the city centre, negotiate fare), buses, and hotel shuttles. City centre attractions (5 km) are walkable; a car or tour is ideal for sites like Tierra del Fuego or Laguna Esmeralda. Local buses to the national park cost ~ ARS 2,000 round-trip.
  • Travel Tips:
    • Best Time: Summer (December–March) for mild weather (5-15°C), extended daylight, and peak activities like cruises and hiking. Winter (June–August) for skiing (e.g., Cerro Castor, ~30 km) but colder (-5 to 5°C) and shorter days.  
    • Essentials: Carry cash (ARS) for small vendors, taxis, or park entries due to limited ATMs. Exchange USD/EUR at informal “blue dollar” rates for better value (e.g., ~1 USD = 1,800-2,000 ARS in Ushuaia). Due to unpredictable weather, layered clothing, waterproof gear, and sunscreen are key. Book tours or cruises well in advance, especially in summer.  
    • Activities: Prioritize nature (national park, Beagle Channel, Laguna Esmeralda) and history (museums, prison). Check cruise schedules or festival dates (e.g., Fiesta de la Nieve in July).  
    • Safety: Ushuaia is tourist-friendly, but use standard precautions (e.g., secure valuables and follow trail guidelines). Weather can change rapidly, so check forecasts for outdoor activities.