Classic Tierra Del Fuego

An unforgettable Patagonia tour, today you explore Tierra del Fuego, the southern portion of Patagonia with its magnificent vistas and a fascinating history. You will depart Ushuaia around 8 AM, cross Rio Lasifashaj by mid-morning, then finish the drive at Estancia Harberton (roughly 1.5 hours of driving). The estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British missionaries to reach the area, Rev. Thomas and Mary Bridges, and was managed for many years by Natalie Goodall, a well-respected naturalist in the area. After a tour of the estancia you’ll take a small boat to Martillo Island, the domain of the Magellanic penguin and even a few Gentoo penguins. The unique location of this island (close to where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge) attracts a rich variety of sub-aquatic life, making it an ideal spot for bird watching to see such species as petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross. Next you will stop at Gable Island (the largest in Patagonia’s Beagle Channel) for lunch at a picturesque 19th century cabin. After lunch you will hike to the opposite side of the Beagle Channel before returning to Estancia Harberton where you will be transported back to Ushuaia. (B,L)

Canoe Option:
Upon arrival at the Rio Lasifashaj you have the option of taking a two hour inflatable canoe excursion down river into the Beagle Channel to view its prolific wildlife. This is easy paddling in gentle water with a focus on wildlife and taking in the beautiful views in a unique and peaceful way. You’ll finish at the estancia and rejoin the group in time to visit the Martillo Island Penguin Colony and Gable Island.

*Canoe option must be requested and confirmed in advance. Please let your adventure travel planner know if you’re interested.
**Estancia Harberton is only available to visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for a day of Patagonia hiking and paddling in beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park. On arrival in the park, you’ll hike 3.5 hours through a beech forest to a scenic viewpoint overlooking some of the region’s top sights: Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Lapataia Bay. The forest is inhabited by Magellanic woodpeckers, the largest woodpecker in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. You’ll enjoy lunch in the camping area of Lake Roca before starting this afternoon’s Argentina paddling excursion. In an inflatable canoe, you’ll paddle the crystal clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River which flows into scenic Laguna Verde, containing some of the park’s most picturesque views. Today’s trip ends in Lapataia Bay, a destination that attracts many sea birds including sea petrels, albatross and steamer ducks, among others. Here at the end of the world, you’ll disembark and be driven back to your Ushuaia hotel for a free evening. (B,L)

Spend the morning at leisure in Ushuaia or visit the fascinating historical End of the World Museum on your own. Transfer to the airport to fly to your next destination. (B)