Is Ushuaia safe?
Safe city with normal care. Cold, wind and long gravel roads matter more than crime; petty theft rises in cruise season.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate in Argentina: 4.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Argentina: 14.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
Safety in Ushuaia at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from hostels and cars, occasional pickpocketing near the port in cruise season, and rare bar fights. |
| At night | Centro is quiet and safe; streets near the port and bars are lively on weekends. Taxis are cheap, and winter nights are very cold. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Take normal care late near bars and arrange taxis; hikes should be done in groups in shoulder season. |
| Other risks | Sudden cold, wind and rain; Icy roads and sidewalks in winter; Rough seas on Beagle Channel trips |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overpriced boat tours sold on the pier; compare agencies
- Unlicensed taxis near the port overcharging cruise travelers
- Antarctica 'last-minute' sellers without a confirmed vessel
Take care
- Walking icy sidewalks in winter
- Leaving valuables in cars at trailheads
- Hiking Martial Glacier in poor weather without proper gear
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving with any alcohol in your blood is illegal nationwide.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.
How Ushuaia compares in Argentina
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| El Calafate | 5/5 · Very safe |
| El Chaltén | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Mendoza | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bariloche | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ushuaia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Salta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Iguazú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Madryn | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mar del Plata | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Quebrada de Humahuaca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cafayate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Buenos Aires | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Córdoba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Rosario | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Ushuaia safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Take normal care late near bars and arrange taxis; hikes should be done in groups in shoulder season.
Is Ushuaia safe at night?
Centro is quiet and safe; streets near the port and bars are lively on weekends. Taxis are cheap, and winter nights are very cold.
What is the crime rate in Ushuaia?
Petty theft from hostels and cars, occasional pickpocketing near the port in cruise season, and rare bar fights. Nationally, Argentina records 4.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Ushuaia?
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
More about Ushuaia
Going to Ushuaia solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tierra del Fuego Tourism
- Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego
- Aeropuertos Argentina
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.