We’ll commence our excursion by journeying along part of National Route No. 3, traversing the Rio Pipo valley and the slopes of Monte Susana until we reach the Austral Fueguino Railway station, an area where former inmates of the Ushuaia prison once toiled gathering firewood.
Upon exploring the facilities, those interested can opt for a train tour (ticket not included). Meanwhile, others will continue with our guide into the National Park, meeting up again at the “Park Station” to proceed with our exploration of the park’s most captivating points and stunning landscapes. Highlights include visits to Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay, where National Route 3, a segment of the Pan-American Route, culminates.
At each stop, we’ll embark on brief walks to admire the diverse species of native forest and wildlife that thrive within Argentina’s southernmost National Park.
After some time free for lunch, we will embark in a new activity. Live the unforgettable experience of navigating the Beagle Channel towards the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, an icon of the city of Ushuaia.
On the way, we will cross the Bridges archipelago where we will observe colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants. Eventually observing other species of birds such as gulls, petrels, albatrosses, and geese.
If the weather conditions allow it, we will make a descent on one of the islands with the possibility of taking a short walk to appreciate the typical flora of the area and obtain beautiful panoramic views of the city and the mountain range behind it.
After visiting the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, we will begin our return approaching the north coast of the Beagle Channel, passing in front of Estancia Tunel, the Playa Larga Natural and Cultural Reserve, and the eastern sector of the city. Disembarkation at Ushuaia pier and free time for you to enjoy the city on your own.
On the second day, we will leave the city of Ushuaia traveling along National Route No. 3 (Pan-American Route) towards the north of the island of Tierra del Fuego in the south portion of Patagonia, to access the Fuegian Andes (that goes from west to east in this area of Patagonia, instead north to south as in the rest of the continent) through valleys covered by peat bogs. During the tour, we will be able to observe the Carbajal, Tierra Mayor and Las Cotorras valleys and then reach the Garibaldi Pass (450 meters above sea level), crossing the Andes Mountains, with the beautiful view of the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. Be ready to take photos from the incredible view point in Garibaldi Pass and the surrounding mountains. At the head of Lake Fagnano, we will make a brief stop to discover a unique scenery. It´s a perfect place to take photos of this special remote area in Patagonia and in the world. Close your eyes and enjoy this Patagonian landscape, one of the bests in the region. From there we will begin the return to the city, stopping before to taste the typical Asado de Cordero Fueguino, one of the musts of the local gastronomy for anyone who travel to Ushuaia and Patagonia in general. Anyway, a menu is available if you want to taste pasta or other international dish. Add a cup of Malbec wine, a typical Argentinian wine product from Mendoza. You must try the local “Café Montañes” too, one of the typical coffee in the area.
It´s one of the best activities available from Ushuaia. It´s a half-day trip, and a great experience to know the heart of Tierra del Fuego Island. It´s important to wear comfortable clothing as the weather can change suddenly. During the winter season, the excursions only go to Escondido Lakes. The area is very nice to practice winter sports as a nordic ski for example, in Tierra Mayor and Carbajal Valleys. For winter activities, check available information for Ushuaia.
Please note that between May 1 and October 1, we will exclusively visit Escondido Lake. During this period, winter conditions and heavy snowfall make it inaccessible to reach Fagnano Lake.