Tierra del Fuego: the End of the World

Description

Day 1:
Reception at Ushuaia airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Free time.

Day 2:
In the morning, Tierra del Fuego National Park: This half-day excursion invites visitors to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only national protected area on the island. Located just 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) west of Ushuaia, near the border with Chile, this pristine reserve showcases the untamed beauty of Patagonia at the very edge of the continent.

Leaving the city along National Route 3, the journey offers a glimpse into Ushuaia’s past and present, with the guide sharing stories that weave together its indigenous heritage, pioneer history, and life in the southernmost city on Earth.

Inside the park, the landscape is dominated by dense beech forests — lenga, ñire, and coihue — interspersed with native shrubs and wildflowers that bring seasonal bursts of color. The region’s wildlife is just as remarkable: native Fuegian red foxes roam the undergrowth, while introduced species such as beavers and rabbits have left their mark on the environment. Bird enthusiasts will find no shortage of activity, with over 90 species recorded in the area.

Among the highlights are Ensenada Bay, home to the charming “End of the World” post office where travelers can send postcards from this remote location; the tranquil Roca Lake, whose glacial waters reflect the surrounding peaks; and Lapataia Bay, where the forest meets the sea in a dramatic embrace. Short, scenic walks near the lake reveal impressive beaver dams, a testament to the impact of this non-native species.

The visit culminates at Lapataia Bay, marking the southernmost terminus of National Route 3, part of the legendary Pan-American Highway. A signpost here records the distance to Buenos Aires: 1,903 miles (3,063 kilometers) away — a symbolic endpoint for the world’s longest land route.

After approximately four hours, the excursion returns to Ushuaia, leaving visitors with lasting memories of this wild and remote landscape.

. Includes a ride aboard the End of the World Train: The history of Ushuaia and its railway is deeply intertwined with the story of the Prison. Built in 1902 by the inmates themselves, a rudimentary train on wooden rails was used to transport materials, giving rise to the “Prisoners’ Train.”

Dismantled in 1952, the train was revived in 1994 as a tourist attraction. Today, it runs part of its historic route, offering a unique journey through the region’s natural and historical landscapes.

During the ride, the train offers sweeping views of lenga and ñire forests, peat bogs in earthy tones, and the winding Pipo River. Wooden bridges and open valleys reveal the rugged Patagonian landscape, with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Along the way, traces of old convict logging sites remain visible, and with some luck, native foxes or birds may appear among the trees.

The "Estación del Fin del Mundo" (End of the World Station) serves as the railway’s main terminal. Nestled in a valley between Mount Susana and the Le Martial mountain range, and adjacent to the Pipo River, this station marks the starting point of the historic journey. It features an ample facility that includes ticket offices, a boutique, a waiting area, restrooms, and administrative offices.. Later on, it is time to explore the Southern Atlantic Sea with the Beagle Channel Navigation: Unlike the more common excursions, this tour is carried out aboard a small vessel with a capacity of up to 26 passengers, offering a more personalized experience and a closer encounter with the islands, their flora, and native wildlife.

Departing from Ushuaia's port, the route first leads to Alicia Island, home to a thriving sea lion colony. From there, the boat heads towards Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros), where royal and imperial cormorants nest and gather in large numbers. The next stop is Sea Lion Island (Isla de los Lobos), inhabited by South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, easily distinguished by their size and fur texture.

At the farthest point of the navigation, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse appears on the horizon — a historic beacon built in 1919 that marks one of the most iconic sites of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia.

The return trip follows a slightly different route, allowing a stop at one of the Bridges Islands (Islas Bridges). Here, a guided walk offers insight into the region’s native flora and birdlife, while also sharing the history of the Yámana people. The island is home to ancient shell mounds, tangible traces of their ancestral way of life and among the largest in the area.

Back on board, as the boat makes its way back to Ushuaia, passengers are invited to enjoy tea, coffee, local liqueurs, or the traditional mate, accompanied by cookies. The excursion lasts approximately four hours.. Transfer from port to hotel afterwards.

Day 3:
A fun-packed adventure towards the heart of the Tierra del Fuego island crossing the Andes mountains in 4WD vehicles, known as Off road Lakes: The adventure begins around 9 a.m., departing from the hotel and heading north along National Route 3. As the Beagle Channel fades into the distance, the landscape opens up to reveal Mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos on the horizon, while the expansive Carbajal Valley, known for its peat bogs, dominates the foreground.

The journey continues toward the Tierra Mayor Valley, a stunning area framed by Mounts Bonete and Alvear, where glaciers and permanent snow drape down from the highest slopes, creating a breathtaking scene. Further along, the road passes through Cerro Castor, the region’s main winter sports center, where activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding are enjoyed during the snow season.

The ascent carries on until reaching an elevation of about 1,475 feet above sea level, crossing the Andes. From the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint, sweeping panoramic views unfold over Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano, a natural spectacle that captivates visitors year-round.

The route proceeds to the old Bronsovich sawmill, where Provincial Route 119 begins. After roughly 6 miles, the adventure takes to the Off Road circuit, following an old loggers' trail that winds through a centuries-old lenga forest, with occasional natural obstacles along the way.

The path leads to the shores of Lake Fagnano. In this deep, cinematic forest setting, a mid-morning break is taken to enjoy coffee, tea, and biscuits. The off-road journey continues for approximately one hour, tracing the lake's edge, alternating between shoreline, forest trails, and even sections where the vehicle crosses through shallow water.

After completing the Off Road segment, the excursion continues to a beautiful spot near the lake, ideal for savoring a traditional lunch while taking in the stunning surroundings. The return to Ushuaia marks the end of the day, with arrival expected around 5 p.m.

Day 4:
Breakfast and, at scheduled time, transfer to airport.
End of our services.