Ushuaia is the southernmost city of the world. It is the capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego and South Atlantic Islands. 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.
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Sample Basic Itinerary
DAY 01 Ushuaia Arrival , reception and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we suggest taking, optionally, a boat trip to the Beagle Channel, available according to your travel date. Choose between a traditional navigation by visiting Birds Island and Faro Les Eclaireurs, or some of the available combinations with Martillo Island penguin colony where it is possible to take a zodiac crossing to walk among Papuan penguins while observing their nests. The penguin season is from October to March, but there is a small colony from July to September, which allows us to know them. DAY 02 Ushuaia Departure from the city to Tierra del Fuego National Park, one of the few National Parks in Argentina which protects the coastline. During the tour, we make a series of stops such as Lapataia Bay, where National Route 3 ends, Ensenada Bay, where it is possible to observe Redonda Island, and Acigami Lake, characterized by the colour of its water, which varies according to weather conditions. DAY 03 Ushuaia
Morning at leisure to enjoy the city on own before the transfer to the airport to fly out. Meals: Breakfast Can quote with 3,4 or 5* hotel and with shared or private services Full Day Kayak Tour OptionAmong the destinations for sea kayaking in the Beagle Channel, the East offers a sense of freedom and distance from civilization that take us back to the time when the Yamana inhabited this remote part of the planet.
This is a full day experience, we will cross the forest along Route J, far from Ushuaia. Gable Island –among other neighboring isles- provides a dramatic backdrop for kayaking activity at sea. The area offers chances of finding different flocks of sea birds and the random, yet usual, sea lions. We will ride on board the kayak for about four hours, away from the noise of civilization, along a jagged coastline with deeps bays. This is an invitation to explore the East of the Beagle Channel, an area kept almost intact, near the end of the world. Itinerary: 08:00 Pick up at the hotel. 09:00 Brown bay – brief stop- 09:30 Arrival at Larshifashaj river. Technical and safety talk. 10:30 Beginning of paddling down the river. 11:00 Out to the Beagle Channel. Rowing up to Stork Island to see the cormorant rookery. Pescado port, Gable Island. 12:30 Arrival at Gable Island. Stop for lunch. Hiking possibilities. 13:30 Continuation with the kayaking along Guaraní pass, Waru Island, Apu Island, Harberton Ranch’s former landing strip. 15:30 End of kayaking. 17:30 Arrival to Ushuaia. |
Other Day Tour OptionsCity Trek
Operates: October to April Duration: 2 Hours Difficulty: Easy 9:00am : pick up at the hotel. Ride in a vehicle visiting different neighborhoods with nice views of the city. 10:00am : walk by the upper neighborhoods of the city 11:00am : arrive the hotel Note: since it is a private tour schedule can be adapted to clients request. A trek around the city of Ushuaia is an excellent way to gain an understanding of the region's history and development over the past couple of centuries. We start at El Mirador Del Beagle, located in the highest area of the city, which provides panoramic views of Ushuaia and the surrounding natural grandeur of mountains and the Beagle Channel. The route of this walk then leads through various districts which track the movement and evolution of incoming migration over the years. Much of the town’s construction in the second half of the 20th century, for example, was carried out by Italian immigrants who built, among other things, a large prison which has since become the Museo Del Presidio, and a naval base designed to bring more workers to live in the area. During the 1960's, a government initiative attracted much industry to the city, with the accompanying increase in population changing the landscape forever. There are many fine buildings to be seen as we wander the streets, including the historic Beban House, now a cultural centre reflecting the careful reconstruction of the old town. More than simply the southern-most city in the world; Ushuaia has a unique character and heritage, making it well worth exploring. Beagle Channel Navigation by Catamaran or Yacht
Duration: 3 Hours by catamaran, 4 by yacht Following the route of the great pioneers, Fitz Roy in 1830 and Darwin in 1833, we discover for ourselves the landscape and waters of the Beagle Channel on this tour. The location, south of Ushuaia, is where the majestic Andes mountain range plunge into the sea, to reappear at Antarctica. Heading out from the hotel, we will first transfer to the pier, where the voyage really begins, and on leaving Ushuaia, the landscape quickly changes into that of open ocean and mountains. Sailing south-west into the middle of the Beagle Channel, we will circumnavigate the Isla de Los Lobos to watch the antics of a local Seal colony, before sailing to Isla de Los Pajaros or 'Bird Island', home to thousands of seabirds including Magellanic and Imperial Cormorants, the Giant Albatross, Petrels and Skuas. Our voyage continues, we reach the Eclaireurs archipelago and lighthouse of the same name. In these clear waters, it is, at times, possible to see the eerie remains of the shipwrecked Monte Cervantes. Downed in 1930, the ship, carrying 350 crew and 1200 passengers, hit submerged rocks and sank, with everybody ultimately being rescued except the captain, who went down with his ship. On returning to Ushuaia, we are treated to a spectacular view of the city framed by Mount Martial and its glacier. Difficulty: Easy Departures : 9:30 am. / 3:00 pm. Includes: transfer to/from the hotel, shared navigation Half Day Tierra del Fuego National Park
The Tierra del Fuego National Park is a microcosm of the topography to be found in Patagonia. In just a few relaxing hours we will experience the stunning beauty of mountains, ocean and forest, from a variety of scenic lookout points. Upon arrival at the Park, we will embark on a short walk , enjoying stunning views along the way. The reward comes in the form of Panoramic vistas across Ensenada Bay, the Beagle Channel. Continue by car to Lake Acigami (formerly Lake Roca), Laguna Verde, Rio Ovando, Cormoranes Archipielago and Lapataia Bay. As we visit the area, native Magellanic woodpeckers, Austral parakeets, Black-chested Buzzards and the magnificent Andean condor will join us throughout the day. Sample lunch: Potato omelette, mediterranean pasta salad, lentils salad, cornmeal pie. Wok stir-fried chicken and vegetables. Mineral water, soft drinks and Patagonian red wine (Malbec) Notes: Hiking level: easy. Walking time: 2:30 - 3:00 hs Cumulative elevation gain: 50 mts. / 160 ft. Altitude gain: 30 mts. / 100 ft. Distance covered: 3,5 km. / 2 miles Small groups: around 15 persons for the shared tour Full Day Harberton Land and Sea Sailing on a beautiful modern catamaran, we leave from the pier at Ushuaia Bay, and head for the central waters of the Beagle Channel, enjoying spectacular coastal views as the vessel weaves through the islands of the Alicia archipelago. A photo stop will be made at Bird Island, home to the majestic Black-browed Albatross; Petrels, and the Steamer Duck. Next, it’s on to Martillo Island, where time is taken to observe a large colony of Magellanic Penguins at work and play, before reaching Isla de Los Lobos and its two species of native Sea Lions. The region has also been known to harbour whales, though sightings are rare, making this excursion is a must for anyone interested in the wildlife of the Patagonian waters. Leaving Isla de Los Lobos behind us, we head towards the 74ft Eclaireurs lighthouse, which stands guard at the entrance to Ushuaia Bay, during which our guide will regale us with tales of the fated Mt Cervantes; a passenger ship which hit submerged rocks and sank here. All 350 crew and 1200 passengers were ultimately saved, though the captain went down with the boat. The voyage continues to the beautifully situated Estancia Harberton, the oldest farm in the Argentine sector of Tierra Del Fuego. This agricultural mission was founded by the Rev. Thomas Bridges and his wife, Mary, in 1870. Their descendants still own the farm, and leave it accessible to the public, with a tour of the estancia, coffee and local pastries in the cosy café making for a fitting end to the day. The nearby Marine Mammals Museum at this southern-most tip of South America gives a fascinating insight into the discovery of unique sea mammal species and other ocean life found in the area. Return to the hotel in the afternoon Duration: 10 Hours - Full Day Lagos Off Road (Off Road Expedition to Lakes Fagnano & Escondido) Operates October to June – 8 Hours – Easy - Minimum age : 4 years old (also option to add canoeing) This exciting and adventurous off-road drive will snake through the Andes, following a route along the banks of Lake Fagnano, the fifth largest lakes in Argentina. The trail is rough, though great fun, with sections of the drive crossing the lake itself while navigating impossible mud tracks, flooded pathways, sweeping corners and steep, challenging climbs. We will take little used, secondary trails through a beautiful 1,000-year old forest, where a welcoming cabin awaits us. Here, it is time to stretch the legs, shake off the bumpy drive, and enjoy a delicious barbeque (with wine). Includes: bilingual guide, 4WD Land Rover Defender, lunch and beverages. Transportation: Land Rover Defender: up to 8 passengers + 1 guide per vehicle or Agrale Marrua: up to 7 passengers + 1 guide per vehicle. Full Day Laguna Turquesa and Monte Carbajal Trek In the Valley of Tierra Mayor, just 10 minutes from the city, we begin a journey of discovery to find one of the most beautiful natural treasures in Tierra del Fuego; the extraordinary glacial lake of Laguna Turquesa. Operates November 1st to March 15th - The trek starts with a demanding climb through the sub-Antarctic forest of Tierra Del Fuego which, after about an hour levels off, with the forest being left behind and in its place; incredible views of the valley, a suitable reward for our efforts! The scenic hike will eventually lead us down to the tiny, though stunning Laguna Turquesa, the ‘turquoise lagoon’, before gaining altitude, walking a rocky ridge to the top of Mount Carbajal, with its summit revealing the glorious Carbajal Valley. In this unspoilt environment, it is easy to imagine the vast mass of ice forcing its way down to meet the Beagle Channel 10,000 years ago during the last ice age, shaping this unique topography in the process. We lunch here before making our descent and return trek through this truly unforgettable landscape. Full Day Vinciguerra Glacier Trek Operates November 1st to March 15th - 8 Hours - Moderate/Demanding Includes: transfer to/from the hotel (minibus up to 20 persons), bilingual expert guides, box lunch Departing from the hotel this morning, we head first to the Valley of Andorra, for a scenic walk along meltwater streams which meander and twist their way through the ravine, and toward native forest. The forest trails are steep, and can be slippery, though gradually as the trees disperse at higher elevations, the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountain range begin to come into view. The route will lead past crystalline streams, high altitude lagoons, rocky outcrops and, ultimately, to the majestic Vinciguerra glacier. This harsh, unforgiving landscape is beautiful in its own right, with the ever-changing geology throughout the course of the day providing just reward for any effort used on the trek. Full Day Cerro Pelado Trek Operates November 1st to March 15th - 8 Hours - Moderate/Demanding Includes: transfer to/from the hotel (minibus up to 20 persons), bilingual expert guides, box lunch Minimum age: 12 years old (please check in case of a private tour) The hike begins near the Valley of Andorra, through native Lenga and Guindos trees during an early morning forest walk, before beginning the more severe, steeper pathways, looser terrain and changing geology as we make our way toward the summit. The trek will pass verdant plains and thick undergrowth, and as scenic as the trails are, this excursion is all about the views from the top. Having conquered Cerro Pelado, intrepid explorers are treated to 360 degree panoramic vistas of Mount Olivia, and the ‘Five Brothers’ peaks. From the summit, you will also see the narrows of the Murray Channel, and legendary Murray Pass, the gateway to Cape Horn, and in the distant valley; the southern city of Ushuaia. A lunch stop here will be like no other, before making the equally scenic, though slightly easier hike back down to the awaiting support vehicle. |