Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia Explorer

Argentine Patagonia
Trip Length: 4 Days
Group Size: 1-12
Difficulty
From: 735 USD
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Once the ultimate goal for generations, the luscious beauty and fascinating culture of Tierra del Fuego is now yours to discover.

Head to the mystical and gorgeous wilds of Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America, exploring the town of Ushuaia, boating on the Beagle Channel, and hiking through the deep forests of Tierra del Fuego National Park on this not-to-be-missed adventure!

Pat092_Gable Island_Penguins

 

Highlights

Highlights

  • Exquisite flora and fauna.
  • Beautiful Lapatia Bay.
  • King Penguin colony.
  • Boat ride on Beagle Channel.
  • Tierra del Fuego National Park.
  • Ushuaia city.

Itinerary

Day 1: To the end of the World

Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Today we start our adventure at the very end of the world, in Ushuaia! The world’s southernmost city is located in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego on the shores of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon. The small port city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century and today is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. The name Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) was given to the region by the Portuguese sailor Hernando de Magallanes, who saw the indigenous group Ona making fires on the coast while he was sailing through the Magellan Strait in 1520.

Our welcome guide will be waiting for us at the airport to take us to our hotel. Once check-in is complete, we will receive a short briefing about the trip itinerary.

Overnight Hotel Alto Andino, Ushuaia/Argentina.

Day 2: Gable Island and Penguin Colony

Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

After breakfast, we’re off to Gable Island, a must-see for those seeking magic at the world’s end. This full-day excursion whisks passengers out into the very middle of the Beagle Channel. Once we arrive at the Lasiphashaj River, decked out in the rubber boots and life-jackets provided, we will start our adventure in canoes, paddling down the river that leads to the sea. Along our way we are likely to encounter a wide variety of seabirds and often sea lions, who enjoy sunbathing on the little islands which we will come across on our way down to the Harberton Ranch. After a short stop on terra firma, we take a motorboat out into the Channel towards Martillo Island, where we will have the opportunity to see breeding penguins. The boat will then transport us to Gable Island, where there will be snacks, good wine and a delicious meal waiting. This beautiful island is home to pristine wildlife and rich history, which we will discover as we walk, sail and explore. Following a nice, hot cup of coffee, we will start a hike across the island, crossing over beaver dams and plunging into the forest to reach the shore of the Beagle Channel, and it is from here that we will catch a boat and start our return to Ushuaia.

Throughout the day, our guide will talk us through all the different bird and plant species, as well as the history of the first civilization on this mystical island. With vast, open landscapes and buffeting winds, there’s a real end-of-the-world sensation!

This excursion is available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from October 1st to March 30th.

In case this excursion is not available, a similar alternative will be offered.

Overnight Hotel Alto Andino, Ushuaia/Argentina.

Day 3: Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

We start our day by driving to the nearby western end of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, one of the most frequently visited places around Ushuaia. Whilst there is no particular way that the Park should be approached, there is no doubt that it will only reveal its secrets to those willing to pay enough attention to its many wonders! Once we have arrived, we will trek several hours along either the Pampa Alta Path or the Coastal Path, passing by one of the Park’s most beautiful stretches of shore, which is simply blooming with native vegetation. Our guide will explain and point out the typical flora of the region, including the lenga beech, ñire trees, cohiue flowers, orchids, canelo and notro trees. At about 12.30, we will arrive at Lake Roca and board a zodiac boat, sailing along the famous Beagle Channel to Redonda Island, a national reserve. Here we will eat a tasty lunch in an island hut, complemented by a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. There will be free time to explore the Island and observe the Magellan Cormorants too, which nest in the rocky walls. After a briefing on paddling technique, we will then canoe down rivers and cross lagoons to reach the famously serene Lapataia Bay, before arriving back in Ushuaia for a relaxing evening at about 16.30.

Overnight Hotel Alto Andino, Ushuaia/Argentina.

Day 4: Leaving the end of the World

Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

This morning we sail through the Beagle Channel, reaching the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and Isla de Lobos before we drive to the airport to take our onward flight (departing after 3 PM)... Adios Tierra del Fuego!

Accommodation

Alto Andino Hotel (nights 1-3)

Located in the touristic heart of Ushuaia, with views to the Beagle Channel, Alto Andino Hotel is designed with guests' comfort in mind.

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (nights 1-3)

Optional: Premium accommodation upgrade.

Boasting impressive panoramic views and two swimming pools, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa offers luxurious rooms with free WiFi access. The property is located in Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve.

Included

Included

  • Reception at Ushuaia Airport.
  • Private transfer in and out.
  • English speaking guide.
  • 3 hotel nights at a 3-star hotel.
  • Entrance fees and port tax.
  • Boat ride on Beagle Channel.
  • Meals:
    • Day 1: None.
    • Day 2: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
    • Day 3: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
    • Day 4: Breakfast.

Not included

  • Flight tickets.
  • Insurance. (it’s mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)
  • Voluntary tipping of guides and staff.
  • Items of personal nature.
  • Accommodation in a 4-star hotel - optional upgrade offered.

Facts

Departures

Regular departures at 3-star hotel

Supplements upgrades

Christmas / New Year's supplement: please request.

(mandatory dinner on the 24th/ 31st not included)

Ask for an upgrade to 4-star hotel.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts on day 1 at Ushuaia Airport and finishes on day 4 at the same point.

Transport

In Ushuaia, the transport is normally in minivans that seat from 8 to 14 people.

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).

Physical demands

This trip doesn’t demand physical activity other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over rather a flat terrain with as many stops as necessary to fit with the rhythm of the group.

What you need to bring

Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter altogether and consider at least two changes of clothes. Some essential equipment is a one day backpack (10 liters, to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc), trekking or hiking boots, extra shoes for evenings or in case the others get wet, waterproof jacket, two pairs of wool socks, fleece jacket or sweater, shorts or comfortable loose pants, sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen) and optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.

Itinerary modifications

The weather in Tierra del Fuego can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

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We are a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago de Chile, operating adventure tours in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Our base prices are in Chilean Pesos (CLP), but we charge prices in USD based on the exchange rate valid on the day of payment.

Destinations | Chile

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