Description
This extraordinary excursion will transport you to the most beautiful, rustic and picturesque areas of Tierra del Fuego. You will leave Ushuaia for the National Route No. 3 and continue through the complementary route J. During this 75km trip you will see the “Árbol Bandera”, trees contorted and twisted into incredible shapes due to the Patagonian wind. Depending on the weather and on the navigation conditions, the track can be done on canoes through the Lasifashaj river which is full of curves, or through the Beagle Channel. Rowing can be done either before or after the navigation to Gable Island. It is important to bear in mind that this part of the excursion can vary since the conditions to undertake it are unforeseeable.
The following is most typical form: You will leave Ushuaia for the National Route No. 3 and continue through the complementary route J until reaching the shores of the Lasifashaj river, where inflatable canoes will be prepared for the trip. You will start to go downwards through relaxing and calm waters accompanied by hundreds of birds on the shores, on the forest and on the surroundings… to then arrive at the Beagle Channel shortly after: huge sky, infinite sea. You will row a little more up to an islet where many cormorants and seals live and later you will continue through the Beagle Channel until reaching the Harberton estancia. The total amount of time rowing will be two hours.
Once in the Estancia, from here on, the trip continues aboard a motor boat with a 15 person capacity, along the Beagle Channel until reaching Gable Island, the largest and most beautiful uninhabited island in the Channel. There, you will enjoy a simple but comforting lunch consisting in French style sandwiches, drinks are also included (wine, water, soda).
Then there is a hike of two and a half hours around the island before boarding the boat again to head to one of the most beautiful places in Tierra del Fuego the Martillo Island, the only penguin habitat in the Beagle Channel. The boat will remain on the beach and it will be surrounded by hundreds of Magellan penguins and various other specimens of larger species known as Gentoo Penguins. Finally, again at the Estancia Harberton the minibus awaits in order to return to Ushuaia by late afternoon.
Note:
This is an excursion oriented for those who like walking, even though it does not require special training.
The excursion lasts about 10 hours and it can be done from November to April.
Lunch (French sandwiches), beverages (water, soda and wine) and the snacks (coffee, cookies, etc.) are included. Please give notice in advance in case any of the passengers are vegetarian.
The necessary equipment for canoeing will be provided: waterproof clothes and rubber boots. You need to wear trekking footwear also. It is recommended to take a change of dry clothes just in case.
