Is Ushuaia Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ushuaia, Argentina just so happens to sit in one of the most unique spots on the planet.

If you’ve heard of this South American town, you probably know what it’s famous for.

Ushuaia is also known as the end of the world.

That’s because it’s the last place you’ll come across before hitting the end of the continent.

The only place that exists beyond the tip of Argentina is Antarctica.

So, if you ever plan on making that frigid and dangerous journey south, it’s likely that Ushuaia is the last stop before boarding a shop.

Aside from this being where adventure seekers come together to make a trek over icy waters, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Tourists can take a scenic train ride, tour a once-packed prison, or even see a glacier up close and personal.

But just how safe is it?

Warnings & Dangers in Ushuaia

OVERALL RISK: LOW

All topics considered, Ushuaia is a relatively safe place to travel. Crime is extremely low, weather can be planned around to a degree, and the water is drinkable. As a traveler, you should feel confident going and spending any amount of time at the end of the world.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The biggest risk on public transportation in Ushuaia is the fares. It's a bit more expensive to get a taxi or hop on a bus here than in other parts of Argentina. As far as safety goes, there is no reason to assume there is anything to fear. There aren't reports of any violence or thievery going on while catching a ride.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Ushuaia is fortunate enough to have a very low level of petty crimes. If someone were to run into any type of trouble, it would be pickpocketing or purse snatching. While it's rare, it should still be noted.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Ushuaia is at the very southern tip of Argentina. This is the last stop on the way to Antarctica, a dangerous trek in itself. Naturally, some of that danger comes to Ushuaia. For one, extreme weather can completely reroute an entire expedition. In recent years, the town was hit by a massive snowstorm. Other issues that can strike in Ushuaia or have consequences in other parts of the country are flooding, volcanic activity, earthquakes, landslides, drought, and even desertification.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Similar to pickpocketing, mugging is something that happens in Ushuaia but rarely. There are enough police around to keep it from being a serious problem. Occurrences can take place in busy areas and crowds.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Thanks to being far from a big city, threats of terrorism are non-existent in Ushuaia. People come here to check out the scenery or prepare to depart for Antarctica. Coming here to make terroristic threats would not make a lot of sense. Not that any terrorism is logical, it just would be less so in Ushuaia.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Being far from a big city helps keep scammers at bay. There's not a whole lot going on outside Ushuaia and not a big population going in within. So, it would be hard for a stranger to be scammed and not be known to citizens or authorities.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are typically considered welcome and safe when they arrive. Crimes against women who call Ushuaia home are already almost non-existent. So, even women traveling solo should not be worried about encountering someone up to no good. As we'd always stated, no matter the area, it's always smart to stay hyper-vigilant nevertheless.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Water can be a great risk anywhere you head. Fortunately, Argentina goes to great lengths to make drinking water a safe prospect. Locals and travelers alike can enjoy ordering water at a restaurant or drinking from the hotel in Ushuaia.

Safest Places to Visit in Ushuaia

Ushuaia has a population of 80,000 spread out over a narrow strip of land on Beagle Channel.

Crime is pretty unheard of.

So, we look to other factors.

The safest places in Ushuaia could be considered anything inland.

Coastal areas are more likely to cause problems than anywhere else.

Places to Avoid in Ushuaia

For a city that’s only nine square miles, there isn’t a whole lot to work with.

Luckily for residents and travelers alike, Ushuaia is a pretty safe place already.

So, there really aren’t any places specifically in the town that people need to avoid.

What you do need to avoid, though, is where dust has been raised.

After arriving, ask locals if there have been any pockets of bad weather left on the land that you should avoid.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Ushuaia

So... How Safe Is Ushuaia Really?

Ushuaia is considered safe for all types of travelers.

No one visiting should be worried about being a witness to or victim of any crime.

How Does Ushuaia Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

As long as you plan to keep your visit to Ushuaia under three months, a visa most likely won't be necessary. Of course, that means you will need to provide proof that the plan is to exit. Typically, a return flight that has already been purchased is sufficient. That is if your passport is from the US or most European nations. Have a passport from outside these areas? Contact the nearest Argentinian embassy or consulate for more info.

Currency

Don't let the $ confuse you. The currency used in Ushuaia is the Argentine Peso. They just so happen to use the same monetary symbol. Comparative rates are always in flux, so be sure to check exchange rates before departing.

Weather

Knowing what the year looks like temperature-wise can make a big difference in when you want to go. If rain is a problem, you might want to avoid what we consider summer in the Northern Hemisphere. That's winter in Argentina and the rainiest time of the year. Looking for sunnier days? Between December and March would be your best bet. The highs during this period are around 57° with lows at 40°F. Generally speaking, on average, the temperatures in Ushuaia do not typically go above 57° or below 30°.

Airports

The most direct way to fly to Ushuaia is Ushuaia International Airport. Located a mere 2.5 miles from the city center, UIA has been serving the province of Tierra del Fuego for almost 30 years. If you fly directly, it can be 18 hours or longer from the US. You can find cheaper airfare, and more breaks, by factoring in layovers. Flying in from Buenos Aires can add an extra Argentinian stop to your trip.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required to go to Argentina. However, there are just too many variables that could get in the way. You just never know what could happen on a trip. So, it would be wise to think ahead and get some insurance. It would also behoove you to shop around. Travel insurance in South America is often higher than in other places. Get the best deal by looking around well in advance.

Ushuaia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Argentina - Safety by City