Gateway to the South Pole – Ushuaia

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Ushuaia - Beagle Channel - Martillo Island - Ushuaia
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £365 per person (excluding flights)

Stay in the southernmost town on the planet, trek into the desolate Tierra del Fuego and sail through the icy, storm-swirled Beagle Channel. Ushuaia, the gateway to the South Pole, tumbles down a hill between mountains into the wild, thrashing sea. You’ll feel on the very edge of the world. During this trip, you’ll trek into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, crossing jagged mountains topped with ancient forests and lonely trees doubled-over by the wind. You’ll also take a boat trip along the isolated Beagle Channel, passing colonies of penguins and following in Darwin’s footsteps.

Day 1 – Ushuaia

Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego conjure up images of the end of the earth. It’s about as close as you can get to the South Pole without leaving the shore. Ushuaia lies on a quiet bay sandwiched between mountains, overlooking the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that took Charles Darwin on his epic voyage around the coast of South America.

Ushuaia is a friendly tourist hub with brightly coloured houses, modern hotels, restaurants, bars and a couple of museums. When you arrive, you’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your cosy guesthouse on the edge of the town, with all important central heating and views across the Channel. The hotel is just a short taxi ride from the centre and the tourist office. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Day 2 – Ushuaia – Hiking

Today, you can set off on an independent trek in the Tierra del Fuego National Park. You’ll take a bus to the entrance of the park and follow one of the beautiful scenic trails through an empty landscape. You’ll pass jagged mountains, lakes, ancient forests and trees doubled over by the wind. While you’re walking, keep your eyes peeled for foxes, condors and beavers in the shallow riverbeds.

Day 3 – Ushuaia – Beagle Channel boat trip

Today, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Darwin and take a boat trip along the Beagle Channel. Dress warmly and be prepared for choppy waters. On the way, you’ll pass the lighthouse and Puerto Williams, officially the southernmost settlement in the world and the departure point for crossings to the South Pole. A few hours later, you’ll pass a narrow strait to Martillo Island, home to a large colony of penguins. The boat will make a short stop here so you can go ashore and take a closer look at the comedy antics of the waddling penguins.