4-Day Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking Trip - Argentina

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.

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.

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.

Your Tierra del Fuego trip ends today after breakfast, so you’ll grab your bags and continue with your Argentina adventure.