As someone who loves to travel on a budget, I was a little nervous about visiting Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world. This remote town at the tip of South America is known as a gateway for cruises to Antarctica and expedition trips. With its prime location and role as a jumping-off point for so many bucket list adventures, I worried that hotels in Ushuaia would be exorbitantly expensive.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! While luxury hotels in Ushuaia can indeed charge premium prices fitting for their stunning views and amenities, there are also plenty of affordable hotel, motel, and hostel options for those of us watching our wallets.
With a little research, I was able to find quality budget accommodations that didn’t break the bank.
If you’re planning a trip to Ushuaia and looking for cheap hotels and discounts, here are some tips from my recent visit:
Look for the “hospedajes” – That’s the Spanish word for small family-run guesthouses or bed and breakfasts. These intimate lodgings can often be booked for $30-50 USD per night and provide basic but comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The hospedaje owners I met were incredibly friendly and helped orient me to the best restaurants and hiking trails in Ushuaia.
Consider camping or hostels – For the ultimate budget traveler, there are campsites and hostels with dorm-style accommodations for well under $20 per night. The campsites have amazing views of the Beagle Channel, while the hostels are a great place to meet fellow adventurous backpackers.
Book early for best deals – Like any popular tourist destination, the hotels in Ushuaia raise rates during peak season of December through February. I visited in March and found excellent discounts at hotels that were nearly half the price compared to a few weeks earlier. Rooms were also widely available with the summer crowds gone.
Check for packages – Many Ushuaia hotels offer discounted packages that include things like breakfast, tours, airport transfers and more. These can be a great way to bundle costs together while saving money.
Stay a little outside town – The city center of Ushuaia has the highest concentration of hotels and rates. I found super affordable motels and rental cabins just a couple miles outside the downtown area. While not quite as conveniently located, having a rental car made it easy to get around.
Don’t overlook Airbnbs – In addition to traditional hotels and motels, Ushuaia has hundreds of homes, cabins and apartments to rent on Airbnb and similar platforms. Especially for groups, these vacation rentals can be an incredibly cost-effective option as you’ll have kitchen facilities to cook your own meals.
No matter your budget, Ushuaia has hotels, motels, B&Bs and hostels to fit your needs and travel style. From basic motel rooms under $50 per night to luxury hotels with heated pools and spas, you’ll find it all at the southern tip of South America.
I opted for a cute little hospedaje run by a sweet older couple. It was about a 15-minute walk from the main drag in Ushuaia, but I loved the authentic feel and being immersed in a residential neighborhood. My room was simple but spotlessly clean with incredible views overlooking the water.
With its spectacular scenery, incredible hiking opportunities, and unique location, a trip to Ushuaia can feel like being at the end of the world. But thanks to its wide range of accommodation options, you don’t need to spend a fortune to visit and experience it all for yourself. A little advance research can go a long way in finding great budget hotels in Ushuaia.
Some key amenities to consider when booking affordable hotels in Ushuaia:
Apartment-style rooms or kitchenettes for extended stays
Hotels or motels with free breakfast included
Indoor or outdoor pools for relaxing après hike
Onsite restaurants, bars and other dining options
Free parking
Airport shuttles
In-room WiFi and other tech amenities
Pet-friendly lodging
Vegan/vegetarian meal options
No matter what your priorities are, Ushuaia has budget-friendly hotels to suit all sorts of travel styles and needs. So don’t let the remote location deter you – get out there and explore one of the most beautiful destinations at the end of the world!