Amazon Adventures

Argentina

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / Discovery Tours
Buenos Aires / More Patagonia / Iguazu Falls / Lake District / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Mountain Bike Tours / Winter Trips

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

The history of this Argentine city dates back to 1869, when Mr. Stirling, an Anglican pastor, landed on its coasts with the mission to convert the natives to Christianity. The place was called "Ooshooia" or "Ouchouaya" by the natives, which means "The bay that penetrates towards the west" in Yamana tongue. Eventually it became the southernmost city of the world. Ushuaia was officially founded on October 12, 1884, and is now the capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego and South Atlantic Islands.

In 1902, as a solution to the confinement of criminals in those days, and in order to populate the area and establish the possession of these remote lands, the Southern Jail of the Republic (Argentina) was transferred from San Juan de Salvamento to Ushuaia. Thanks to the work done by the prisoners the city quickly grew. Electric power was incorporated very early, the post arrived soon, and roads were built with their labor. But, additionally they provided the first basic services to the community such as first aid, carpentry, shoemaking. The jail, which was shut down in 1942, is a Maritime Museum today and is one of the main attractions of the city. But, of course, Ushuaia is much more than that. It is a large and modern city on the border of the Beagle Channel, surrounded by forests made up of Lenga, Ñires, and other species, and has a mountain chain with everlasting ice and snow as a backdrop.

Sample Itinerary

DAY 01: USHUAIA. Arrival in Ushuaia, the Southernmost city in the world. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Afternoon (3pm) navigation on the waters of the legendary Beagle Channel where the Andes plunge into the sea to reappear in the Antarctic Peninsula. The Beagle Channel is located south of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. It overlooks the islands that extend all the way to Cape Horn. It was first discovered by Fitz Roy expedition in 1830 and later again with Darwin in 1833. It was first settled by Anglican missionaries in 1860.

DAY 02: TIERRA DEL FUEGO NP. Full day visit to the Tierra del Fuego NP. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest you will be able to look for the Magaellanic woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Embarkation on a 18 people zodiac boat and head towards Isla Redonda for lunch (pasta specialties) and afternoon short walk on the island. On the way back to Lapataia Bay, we will be able to watch cormorants and sea lions, albatross and petrels. Upon arrival we will hike an old trail to Laguna Verde, where we will board our vehicle back to Ushuaia.
OPTIONAL: For those passengers wishing to try kayaking (inflatable, in fact): After an instructive view in Lago Roca, kayak Ovando River, which flows, into the Green Lake, one of the most beautiful views of the Park. Landing in Lapataia you will be able to spot all sorts of local birds. (this optional activity is included in the cost of the excursion).

DAY 03: USHUAIA- HARBERTON RANCH.
This excursion is the perfect introduction to Tierra del Fuego, its history, its magnificent natural history and traditions.

Departing early in the morning from Ushuaia, you will drive along National Route 3 and then take the "J" route towards Harberton Ranch, the oldest of the region. The 90 km till the ranch will offer interesting views of the famous "Flag Trees" (exposed to the strong winds), till the coast of the Lasifashaj River.
Arrival at Harberton Ranch, short time to explore the place. From the ranch you will board a small boat to navigate the Beagle Channel until Martillo Island, a penguin rookery. The unique location of this island makes it an ideal place for an incredible variety of rich sub aquatic life; therefore, an amazing spot for bird watching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross). Navigation continues to Gable Island, the largest in the Beagle Channel, which belongs to Harberton ranch. Formerly, this was the place where they used to take their sheep during the summer. Today, only a large shearing shed is left. After a short walk, you will reach a refuge. The views over the Beagle Channel from here are breathtaking. After lunch, you will enjoy a 2/3 hours hike, which will lead you into a beech forest with white orchids, wild berries, strawberries and ferns. Return to the refuge and navigate back to return to Ushuaia.

or, how about a similar trip, but with some canoeing?

Departing early in the morning from Ushuaia, you will drive along National Route 3 and then take the "J" route towards Harberton Ranch, the oldest of the region. The 90 km till the ranch will offer interesting views of the famous "Flag Trees" (exposed to the strong winds), till the coast of the Lasifashaj River. In Brown Bay guides will give you the basic rowing and security instructions, you will prepare the duckies and start paddling down the meandrous Lashifashaj River, a smooth and relaxing stream, towards the Beagle Channel. The duckies are inflatable canoes, very safe and stable for this waters. While rowing, you will see the forests on the shores of the river and hundreds of birds will be flying along the way. The arrival to the Beagle Channel is impressive and the open sea seems endless. You will get close to an island inhabited by rock cormorants and sometimes seals and continue paddling up to Estancia Harberton.
Short time to visit the ranch and then resume the rowing to Martillo Island, a penguin rookery. The unique location of this island makes it an ideal place for an incredible variety of rich sub aquatic life; therefore, an amazing spot for bird watching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross). The rowing continues to Gable Island, the largest in the Beagle Channel, which belongs to Harberton ranch. Formerly, this was the place where they used to take their sheep during the summer. Today, only a large shearing shed is left. After a short walk, you will reach a refuge. The views over the Beagle Channel from here are breathtaking. After lunch, you will enjoy a 2/3 hours hike, which will lead into a beech forest with white orchids, wild berries, strawberries and ferns. Return to the refuge and row back to firm land to return to Ushuaia.

DAY 04: USHUAIA. Morning at leisure in Ushuaia to enjoy the city or visit the very interesting End of the World Museum. Transfer to the airport to fly out. (october to march, there is also a 9am Beagle Navigation possible, for those who arrive too late on day 1. It lasts 3 hours.)

2008 rates per person in US$: $311 for 1 person, $285 for 2

The rates include:
* Accommodation with breakfast and taxes included throughout the itinerary
* Transfers and tours in seat in basis (to be shared with other passengers - maximum 15 people) except for the BEAGLE CHANNEL navigation, which can be done in a big Catamaran
Assistance of bilingual mountain guides
* 2 lunches as described on the itinerary without beverages

The rates do not include:
*hotel - we can add any level of hotel you want
* Airline tickets, airport taxes and local taxes
* Personal expenses and extras
* Tips for baggage handling and optional tips for guides/ drivers
* Meals (except the ones mentioned) and beverages

Season: Oct to April
Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 16 pax
Departures: Daily (we also have winter options such as dog sledging and snow shoe expeditions)

Other Adventure Options

Trekking the Southern Summits - 3days/2 nights, Demanding -

Day one starts with a transfer to the beginning of the trail, at the mouth of the Cañadón de la Oveja (Sheep ravine). We hike along a trail in the woods and climb to the vegetation limit to continue along a guanaco trail. This trail will let us appreciate the high altitude ecosystems. We then arrive at the campsite on the shore of Laguna del Caminante (Hiker's lake) at about 5 p.m. Our equipment will already be at this camp, where we spend the night.

Day two will challenge us with a hike to Cerro Falso Tonelli (False Tonelli Mountain). Starting after breakfast, we cross Laguna Superior (Superior Lake) and then the Falso Tonelli glacier. We climb steep, stony ground to the summit which we will reach at about 1 p.m. Spare time for lunch and relax while enjoying an incredible view of the Beagle channel and the Darwin range, always covered by snow. After an hour rest we start back down and spend the night at the campsite.

On day three we start the return to Ushuaia right after breakfast, walking through the immense, millenary forests of Andorra valley. We'll arrive back in Ushuaia in the late afternoon.

Price: US$

Cerro Alvear Climb - 2 days/1 night - demanding

Early morning start from the hotel to head to Tierra Mayor valley, where the trail begins. We hike along a path in the forest, which will take us to the base camp at the foot of the glacier. At midday we set our camp and enjoy lunch. After some rest we will start the instruction of ice climbing techniques which will be very useful the following day. The afternoon is spent practicing to master these techniques. Evening return to base camp to enjoy a rewarding and healthy dinner.

On the second day, we start hiking to the summit right after breakfast, where we will be arriving by midday just on time for lunch! From the summit we will enjoy a splendid view of Tierra del Fuego, lake Fagnano, the Andean range, the Darwin range and, if it is a clear day, Cape Horn itself! After lunch and a short rest we start the descent to pick up the camp, then to Tierra Mayor Valley and Ushuaia.

Price: US$