Best Glamping Spots Near Ushuaia for a Night Under the Stars
Words by
Lucia Fernandez
Best Glamping Spots Near Ushuaia for a Night Under the Stars
I have spent the better part of three years sleeping in domes, treehouses, and canvas tents scattered around the southernmost city on Earth. Ushuaia does not do things halfway. When the sun barely sets in January and the wind howls through the Beagle Channel in August, you learn quickly that shelter here is not just a roof, it is a statement. The best glamping spots near Ushuaia understand this. They marry raw Patagonian wilderness with a level of comfort that surprises even seasoned travelers. Whether you want a glass-roofed dome facing Mount Olivia or a wooden treehouse above a lenga forest, this city delivers experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
What follows is not a list I pulled from a booking engine. These are places I have personally stayed at, walked through, and argued with owners about over mate at dawn. Each entry includes the street or neighborhood, what to order, when to show up, and the kind of detail you only learn by living here. I have also been honest about the flaws, because no place at the end of the world is perfect, and you deserve to know what you are walking into.
Dome Tent Ushuaia Experiences Along the Beagle Channel
1. Arakur Ushuaia, Cerro Alarkén
Arakur sits on Cerro Alarkén, the hill that rises directly above the city center along the road toward the Martial Glacier. I spent two nights here in late February, and the view from the upper-level suites, which are not technically glamping domes but share the same panoramic philosophy, stretches across the entire Beagle Channel to the Chilean islands. The hotel's outdoor infinity pool, heated to a tolerable temperature even in summer, faces west, so you watch the sun drop behind the mountains while floating. That is not something you forget.
The real draw for glamping enthusiasts is the hotel's trail network. From the property, you can hike the Alarkén trail system directly into sub-Antarctic forest without ever touching a public road. The hotel also runs guided treks to the Martial Glacier viewpoint, which starts at their own trailhead. I recommend booking the late-afternoon trek around 4 PM in summer, when the light turns golden and the tourist groups have already descended. The restaurant, "La Vista," serves a king crab casserole that is worth the price of the meal on its own. Order it with a Torrontés from Salta, which the sommelier pairs surprisingly well with the richness of the crab.
What most tourists do not know is that the hotel's lower access road, the one that loops behind the property, connects to a public trail that leads to a small waterfall called Cascada de los Amigos. It is not on any tourist map, and the hotel staff will not advertise it, but it is accessible and takes about 40 minutes each way. I found it by accident after asking a groundskeeper where he walked on his day off.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for a room on the west-facing upper floor, not the spa level. The spa level is closer to the pool but the upper floor has an unobstructed channel view, and in January you get nearly 18 hours of light. Also, the hotel shuttle to downtown runs every 90 minutes, but the last one back up the hill leaves at 11 PM. Miss it and you are looking at a $25 taxi ride on a steep, winding road."
The one complaint I will lodge is that the Wi-Fi in the upper rooms drops out frequently during windstorms, which happen often. If you need reliable internet for work, bring a local SIM card with data as backup. The hotel's signal simply cannot compete with 80 km/h gusts hitting the hill.
Arakur connects to Ushuaia's identity as a city that has always looked outward, toward the sea and toward the rest of the world. The hotel's architecture, all glass and native stone, mirrors the way this city has built itself between mountain and water, never quite choosing one over the other.
Luxury Camping Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego Forest
2. Los Cerros Camp, Ruta Nacional 3, Km 3047
Los Cerros sits along Ruta Nacional 3, about 15 kilometers northwest of downtown Ushuaia, in the direction of the Tierra del Fuego National Park entrance. I stayed here in early March, when the autumn leaves on the lenga and ñire trees were turning copper and the tourist crowds had thinned to almost nothing. The property offers a handful of elevated wooden cabins and a few dome-style structures with transparent panels in the ceiling. I chose the dome, and lying in bed watching the Milky Way arc directly overhead at 11 PM was one of the most disorienting and beautiful things I have experienced in Patagonia.
The domes are heated by wood-burning stoves, and the staff will show you how to feed the fire through the night if you want to stay warm. I recommend accepting this lesson. The temperature dropped to 2 degrees Celsius during my March visit, and the stove made the difference between sleeping and shivering. The breakfast, served in a central communal lodge, includes homemade pastries, local jam made from calafate berries, and strong Argentine coffee. Ask for the scrambled eggs with smoked trout, a dish the kitchen prepares on request but does not list on the printed menu.
The property borders a section of private forest that connects to the national park's trail system. A marked path leads from the back of the property to a viewpoint overlooking Lago Roca, about a 90-minute hike each way. The trail is moderately steep in sections and can be muddy after rain, which is most days. Bring proper waterproof boots, not sneakers.
Local Insider Tip: "Book the dome farthest from the main lodge, the one they call 'Domo del Bosque.' It is a 3-minute walk from the parking area and feels completely isolated. The domes closer to the lodge share a communal fire pit area that can get noisy if a large group books in. Also, the property has a small sauna that seats four people. It is first-come, first-served, and most guests do not know it exists because it is behind the equipment shed. Ask the front desk for the key."
The downside is that the road to Los Cerros is unpaved for the last 3 kilometers, and after heavy rain it can be rough for low-clearance rental cars. I watched a compact Fiat get stuck in a pothole during my visit. If you are driving a sedan, consider arranging a transfer through the property. They offer pickup from downtown Ushuaia for a reasonable fee.
Los Cerros embodies the spirit of Ushuaia's backcountry ethos, the idea that you do not need to sacrifice comfort to feel the forest around you. The property was built by a couple from Buenos Aires who moved here in 2015, and their commitment to using local materials, lenga wood, river stone, and recycled metal, gives the place an authenticity that larger resorts cannot replicate.
Treehouse Stay Ushuaia: Living Among the Canopy
3. Che Ushuaia, Calle Luis Pedro Fique 151
Che Ushuaia is a small boutique property on Calle Luis Pedro Fique, in the residential neighborhood just above the commercial center of the city. I know this street well because I lived two blocks away for six months in 2022. The property offers a treehouse-style room built into the hillside, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the channel and a private outdoor hot tub on a wooden deck. It is not a treehouse in the literal sense, the structure is anchored to the slope with steel supports, but the effect is the same. You are elevated above the ground, surrounded by lenga branches, and the city lights below look like a reflection of the stars.
The room I stayed in had a king bed, a small kitchenette, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower. The water pressure is excellent, which is not a given in Ushuaia, where the municipal supply can be inconsistent in the older neighborhoods. Breakfast is delivered to your door in a basket each morning, and it includes fresh bread from a bakery on San Martín, local cheese, fruit, and a thermos of coffee. I recommend eating it on the deck if the weather allows, even in winter. The cold air sharpens everything.
What most visitors do not realize is that the street itself, Luis Pedro Fique, is named after one of the early settlers of Ushuaia, a figure who is barely mentioned in the tourist literature but who played a role in establishing the first permanent structures in this part of the city. Walking the street in the early morning, before the tour buses start rolling, gives you a sense of what Ushuaia felt like before the cruise ships arrived.
Local Insider Tip: "The hot tub on the deck is the real reason to book this room, but the heating element takes about 45 minutes to bring the water to a comfortable temperature. Turn it on when you arrive, not when you want to get in. Also, the property owner keeps a pair of binoculars in the room drawer. Use them at dusk. You can often spot cormorants and sometimes even sea lions in the channel from that elevation."
The complaint I have is that the room is close enough to the neighboring house that you can hear their television through the shared wall after 10 PM. It is not loud, but if you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The owner told me they are working on additional insulation, but as of my last visit in late 2023, it was still an issue.
Che Ushuaia represents the quieter, residential side of the city, the part that most tourists never see because they stick to the waterfront and the San Martín shopping strip. Staying here reminded me that Ushuaia is not just a tourist destination. It is a place where people live, raise families, and watch the channel change color every evening.
Luxury Camping Ushuaia at the Edge of the National Park
4. Tolkeyen Ushuaia, Ruta Nacional 3, Km 3036
Tolkeyen sits on Ruta Nacional 3, just a few kilometers before the entrance to Tierra del Fuego National Park, on the shores of Lago Roca, also known as Lago Acigami. I visited in January, the peak of summer, and even with the crowds, the property felt remote. The "glamping" units here are not domes but rather well-appointed cabins with large windows and private decks overlooking the lake. However, the property also offers a camping area with pre-set tents for those who want a more rustic experience, and the lakeside setting is what makes it special.
The restaurant at Tolkeyen serves centolla, the king crab that is the crown jewel of Beagle Channel seafood. Order it grilled with butter and garlic, not in a casserole. The grilled preparation lets the sweetness of the meat come through without being buried under cream. Pair it with a Patagonian Pinot Noir. The wine list is small but well-curated, and the staff can explain the differences between the Neuquén and Río Negro producers.
The property offers kayak rentals for paddling on Lago Roca, and I spent a morning on the water watching black-necked swans glide past the bow of my kayak. The lake is cold and the wind can pick up quickly, so the staff will advise you on conditions before launching. In January, the mornings are usually calmer, and by afternoon the wind can make paddling difficult. Go early.
What most tourists do not know is that the road past Tolkeyen, continuing west along the lake, leads to the Chilean border crossing at San Pablo. There is a small viewpoint at the end of the Argentine side where you can see the border marker and the Chilean flag on the opposite shore. It is a strange and moving place, this thin line of water separating two countries at the bottom of the world.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are staying in the lakeside cabins, request the ones on the western end of the property. They are farther from the restaurant and parking area, which means less foot traffic and more privacy. Also, the property has a small dock that extends into the lake. In the early morning, before 7 AM, you can sit on that dock in near-total silence and watch the mist rise off the water. It is the most peaceful experience I have had in Ushuaia, and I have been here many times."
The one issue with Tolkeyen is that the restaurant gets extremely busy during the lunch hours between 1 PM and 3 PM, when tour groups from the national park stop in. Service slows to a crawl, and the noise level in the dining room can be overwhelming. Eat early or eat late. The food is the same, but the experience is completely different.
Tolkeyen connects to Ushuaia's history as a gateway to the wilderness. For decades, this road was the only route into the interior of the island, and the lake was a landmark for the indigenous Yaghan people who navigated these waters in canoes. Standing on the shore, you feel the weight of that history, even if the tour buses in the parking lot pull you back to the present.
Dome Tent Ushuaia with Mountain Views
5. Cinco Ríos Lodge, Ruta Provincial 30, Km 8
Cinco Ríos is located on Ruta Provincial 30, about 8 kilometers from the center of Ushuaia, heading toward the Garibaldi Pass and the Escondido Lake area. I stayed here in late February, and the setting is dramatic. The lodge sits at the confluence of five small rivers, which is where the name comes from, and the surrounding landscape is a mix of peat bog, lenga forest, and open mountain terrain. The glamping units are geodesic domes with transparent sections in the ceiling, similar in concept to Los Cerros but with a more rugged, backcountry feel.
The domes are sparsely furnished, a bed, a wood stove, a small table, but the lack of clutter is intentional. You are here for the view, and the view is relentless. From my dome, I could see the five rivers converging in a braided pattern below, with the mountains of the Cordón del Toro rising behind. The silence at night is so complete that you hear your own heartbeat. I mean that literally. I lay awake the first night simply because the absence of sound was so unfamiliar.
The lodge serves a fixed dinner each evening, family-style, at a long communal table. The night I visited, the meal was lamb stew with roasted root vegetables and homemade bread. It was simple and deeply satisfying after a day of hiking. The wine was served in communal pitchers, and the conversation around the table included a German couple, a family from Córdoba, and a solo traveler from Japan. This is the kind of place where strangers become tablemates quickly.
What most tourists do not know is that the peat bogs surrounding the lodge are ecologically significant. They are among the southernmost peatlands in the world, and they store enormous amounts of carbon. The lodge owner, a former biology teacher, offers informal talks about the ecology of the bogs if you express interest. I learned more about peat in one evening than I had in years of reading.
Local Insider Tip: "Bring a headlamp with a red-light setting. The domes have minimal interior lighting, and if you need to get up during the night, a white flashlight will ruin your night vision and make it harder to see the stars when you step outside. Also, the wood stove in the dome burns fast. Stack more wood than you think you need before you go to sleep. The temperature drops sharply after midnight, and waking up cold at 3 AM in a Patagonian dome is a miserable experience."
The complaint is that the access road to Cinco Ríos is unpaved and can be challenging in wet conditions. During my visit, a rainstorm turned the last 2 kilometers into a mud track, and the lodge's 4x4 vehicle had to tow in a guest's rental car. If you are not comfortable driving on rough roads, arrange a transfer.
Cinco Ríos speaks to the part of Ushuaia that is still wild, still untamed, still indifferent to the comfort of visitors. It is not for everyone, but for those who want to feel the rawness of this landscape, it is unmatched.
Treehouse Stay Ushuaia in the Suburbs
6. Ushuaia Treehouse Experience, Barrio Andino
The Barrio Andino neighborhood, on the western edge of Ushuaia, is where the city begins to dissolve into forest. I have walked these streets many times, and the transition is gradual, houses with gardens give way to houses with trees, and then the trees take over entirely. A small number of properties in this neighborhood offer treehouse-style accommodations, and I stayed in one in early April, during the autumn, when the lenga leaves were falling like snow.
The treehouse I stayed in was built by a local carpenter using reclaimed lenga wood from a collapsed barn. It was small, essentially a bed, a heater, and a window, but the craftsmanship was extraordinary. Every joint was hand-cut, and the wood still smelled faintly of sap. The property owner, a woman named Marta, served me mate and homemade torta fritas on the ground-level patio each morning while her dog slept at my feet. This is not a commercial operation in the traditional sense. It is someone's home, opened to travelers.
The neighborhood itself is worth exploring on foot. The streets are quiet, unpaved in places, and the views of the surrounding mountains are unobstructed. I walked to the top of the neighborhood one morning and could see the entire Beagle Channel spread out below, with the Chilean coast visible on the horizon. The walk took about 25 minutes and involved a steep climb, but the payoff was extraordinary.
What most tourists do not know is that Barrio Andino was one of the first residential neighborhoods built in Ushuaia after the military base was established in the early 20th century. Many of the original houses are still standing, and some of the older residents can tell stories about the city that you will not find in any museum.
Local Insider Tip: "Marta's treehouse does not have a private bathroom. The bathroom is in the main house, a 30-second walk down a wooden staircase. This is fine during the day, but at night, in the cold, it is less pleasant. Wear warm slippers and bring a flashlight. Also, Marta makes a calafate berry liqueur that she sells in small bottles. Buy one. It is the best I have had in Ushuaia, and she only makes it in autumn when the berries are in season."
The obvious limitation is the lack of privacy and the shared bathroom. If you are someone who needs a fully self-contained unit, this is not the right fit. But if you are willing to trade convenience for authenticity, the experience is worth it.
This treehouse connects to Ushuaia's identity as a city built by individuals, not by corporations. The carpenter who built it, the woman who hosts you, the neighbors who wave as you walk by, these are the people who make Ushuaia what it is.
Luxury Camping Ushuaia on the Waterfront
7. Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa, De la Ermita 3462
Los Cauquenes sits on the shores of the Beagle Channel, along De la Ermita street, in the eastern part of Ushuaia. I visited in December, and the property is one of the most luxurious in the city. While it is primarily a hotel, it offers a "glamping" experience in the form of private waterfront tents during the summer months, November through March. These are not canvas tents in the traditional sense. They are permanent structures with solid floors, heating, en-suite bathrooms, and private terraces facing the channel.
The waterfront tents are positioned along a boardwalk that runs parallel to the shore, and from the terrace, you can watch the light on the water change throughout the evening. In December, the sun does not set until nearly 10 PM, and the afterglow lasts for another hour. I sat on my terrace with a glass of Malbec and watched the sky turn from gold to pink to deep violet. It was one of the most beautiful evenings of my life.
The hotel's restaurant, "Reinamora," focuses on Patagonian cuisine with a modern twist. I ordered the roasted lamb with a reduction of calafate berries, and it was the best lamb dish I have had in Argentina. The meat was tender, the sauce was tart and sweet, and the portion was generous without being excessive. For dessert, the chocolate soufflé with dulce de leche ice cream is mandatory. The wine list is extensive, and the sommelier is knowledgeable about the smaller Patagonian producers that most restaurants ignore.
What most tourists do not know is that the property's beach, a small pebble shore accessible by a path from the boardwalk, is one of the few places in Ushuaia where you can actually touch the Beagle Channel water. Most of the city's shoreline is rocky or fenced off, but here, you can walk down to the water's edge and dip your hand in. The water is shockingly cold, even in summer, but the act of touching the channel, this body of water that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, feels significant.
Local Insider Tip: "The waterfront tents are booked months in advance for December and January, but the hotel sometimes releases cancellations 48 hours before the date. Call the front desk directly rather than relying on the website. Also, the hotel's spa has a heated indoor pool with channel views, and it is included in the room rate. Most guests use it in the evening, but I found that going in the morning, around 8 AM, when the pool is empty and the light is soft, was far more enjoyable."
The complaint is that the waterfront tents are close to the hotel's private dock, where excursion boats depart each morning around 9 AM. The noise of the engines starting up can wake you if you are a light sleeper. If you want to sleep past 9 AM, request a tent at the far end of the boardwalk, away from the dock.
Los Cauquenes reflects Ushuaia's dual identity as both a wilderness destination and a place of growing sophistication. The property manages to honor both sides, offering raw natural beauty alongside world-class service.
Dome Tent Ushuaia in the Heart of the City
8. Hostal del Bosque, Calle Gobernador Paz 1369
Hostal del Bosque sits on Calle Gobernador Paz, in the center of Ushuaia, just a few blocks from the San Martín commercial strip. I stayed here in November, at the very beginning of the summer season, and the property offers a small number of dome-style rooms in its garden, behind the main house. These domes are modest, they have a bed, a small heater, and a skylight, but they are clean, affordable, and centrally located in a way that none of the other properties on this list can match.
The main house serves as the common area, with a kitchen, a lounge, and a small library of books about Patagonia in several languages. I spent an evening reading a Spanish-language account of the Yaghan people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Beagle Channel, and the experience of reading their history while sitting in a dome in their ancestral territory was not lost on me. The host, a young man named Santiago, is a wealth of local knowledge and will happily recommend hikes, restaurants, and excursions based on your interests and fitness level.
The neighborhood around Gobernador Paz is the historic center of Ushuaia, and walking its streets gives you a sense of the city's evolution from a small penal colony to a modern tourist destination. The original post office, now a small museum, is two blocks away. The municipal building, with its distinctive architecture, is visible from the end of the street. And the waterfront, with its views of the channel and the port, is a 10-minute walk downhill.
What most tourists do not know is that the garden behind the hostal, where the domes are located, was once the site of a small workshop where local craftsmen built wooden boats for fishing in the channel. The workshop is long gone, but the stone foundation is still visible near the back fence, and Santiago will point it out if you ask.
Local Insider Tip: "The domes do not have private bathrooms. The shared bathroom is in the main house, and it is clean and well-maintained, but you will need to walk outside to reach it. In November and December, this is not a problem, but in winter, it can be unpleasant. Also, the hostal's kitchen is available for guest use, and there is a supermarket on San Martín, a 5-minute walk away, where you can buy ingredients. Cooking your own dinner in a dome in the center of Ushuaia is a surprisingly satisfying experience."
The complaint is that the domes are close to the street, and on weekend nights, the noise from bars and restaurants on San Martín can be audible until the early hours. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs or request the dome at the back of the garden, which is farthest from the street.
Hostal del Bosque represents the accessible, democratic side of Ushuaia's glamping scene. You do not need to spend a fortune or drive 30 kilometers into the wilderness to sleep under the stars here. Sometimes, the stars are just as bright from the center of town.
When to Go and What to Know
Ushuaia's glamping season runs from October through April, with the peak months being December, January, and February. During these months, temperatures range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, and daylight lasts up to 17 hours. March and April offer autumn colors and fewer crowds, but temperatures drop and some properties reduce their offerings or close entirely. I personally prefer late February and early March, when the light is softer, the prices begin to drop, and the forests are at their most dramatic.
Booking in advance is essential for December and January. I have seen properties fully booked by September for the following summer. For February and March, you can often find availability a few weeks in advance, but the best domes and treehouses go first.
What to bring: layers, always layers. A warm sleeping bag is provided at most glamping properties, but a thermal base layer and a good windbreaker are your responsibility. Waterproof boots are non-negotiable. The weather in Ushuaia can change from sunshine to horizontal rain in 20 minutes, and the trails around most glamping properties are muddy even in summer.
Transportation: if you are staying at a property outside the city center, you will need a car or a pre-arranged transfer. Rental cars are available at the airport and in town, but book early in summer. The roads to most glamping properties are paved for at least part of the way, but the final stretches can be unpaved and rough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Ushuaia without feeling rushed?
Four to five days is the minimum for covering the major attractions, including Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel boat tour, the Martial Glacier trek, and the city's museums, without feeling rushed. Adding a glamping night or two extends the trip to six or seven days, which allows for a more relaxed pace and time to explore neighborhoods like Barrio Andino or the waterfront at different times of day.
Do the most popular attractions in Ushuaia require advance ticket booking, especially during peak season?
Yes. Beagle Channel boat tours, the End of the World Train, and guided treks to the Martial Glacier frequently sell out during December and January. Booking at least two to three weeks in advance is recommended for peak season. Restaurants at popular glamping properties like Los Cauquenes and Arakur also require reservations, particularly for dinner.
What are the best free or low-cost tourist places in Ushuaia that are genuinely worth the visit?
The Costanera walk along the waterfront is free and offers views of the Beagle Channel, the port, and the surrounding mountains. The Plaza Malvinas Argentinas, in the city center, is a quiet green space with views of the channel. The Martial Glacier viewpoint is accessible via a free trailhead, though the final section requires a chairlift with a fee of approximately 8,000 Argentine pesos. The Yaghan Heritage murals scattered throughout the city are free to view and provide insight into the indigenous history of the region.
Is it possible to walk between the main sightseeing spots in Ushuaia, or is local transport necessary?
The city center is compact and walkable. The distance from the San Martín commercial strip to the waterfront is about 10 minutes on foot, and the Maritime Museum, the End of the World Museum, and the main churches are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. However, reaching Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Martial Glacier trailhead, or any glamping property outside the center requires a car, taxi, or organized transfer. Local buses exist but are infrequent and do not serve all tourist areas reliably.
What is the safest and most reliable way to get around Ushuaia as a solo traveler?
Walking is safe in the city center during daylight hours, and Ushuaia has a low crime rate compared to most South American cities. For solo travelers, pre-arranged transfers through your accommodation are the most reliable option for reaching properties outside the center. Taxis are available and metered, with a typical ride from the airport to the city center costing around 5,000 to 7,000 Argentine pesos. Rental cars offer the most flexibility but require confidence on unpaved mountain roads.
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