Destination Comparison
Ushuaia vs Punta Arenas for Southern Lights
The two southernmost cities in the world, both gateway towns to Antarctica and the aurora australis. Ushuaia is Argentina's dramatic Patagonian port, while Punta Arenas is Chile's Strait of Magellan gateway — rival cities with much in common but distinct national characters.
✦7/10
Aurora Score
✦7/10
$120/day
Daily Budget
✓$100/day
Moderate 🛤️
Accessibility
Moderate 🛤️
Jun, Jul, Aug
Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
✓17h
Dark Hours (Winter)
16h
Antarctic
Region
Antarctic
✓15 types
Activities
14 types
Our Verdict
Ushuaia edges ahead on southern lights tourism infrastructure and its dramatic location at the End of the World; Punta Arenas wins on wider Patagonia connections and slightly better transport links.
Choose Ushuaia if:
Better established aurora australis scene, End of the World atmosphere, most Antarctica expeditions depart here, Tierra del Fuego access
Choose Punta Arenas if:
Gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Torres del Paine, more flight routes including to Santiago, slightly larger city with broader services
Argentina
Ushuaia
Antarctic expedition travellers who want to combine a Patagonia adventure with Southern Lights viewing
Chile
Punta Arenas
Patagonia explorers wanting Southern Lights alongside Torres del Paine and penguin colonies