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Tierra del Fuego: gateway to the South PolePatagonia trip Route: Ushuaia - Beagle Channel - Martillo Island - UshuaiaUshuaia is the most southern town in the world, which is reason enough to choose a Tierra del Fuego tour in itself. However, the region’s main draws are hiking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, sailing down the legendary Beagle Channel and the most fantastic crab and fresh fish. On arrival in Ushuaia, we’ll arrange a transfer to your small, friendly hotel for the start of your Patagonia trip. The following morning, you can go trekking into Tierra del Fuego. On Day 3 you’ll be going on an afternoon boat trip along the Beagle Channel. The sea, the mountains, ancient forests and rare flowers, everything here is so unblemished. Ushuaia has a special charm where, even though you’re at the end of the world, makes you feel right at home. |
| Duration | 4 days - 3 nights |
Accommodation |
Double room at a cosy hotel on the outskirts of Ushuaia, see our photos, category traditional hosteria |
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Price |
£180 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes |
Transport, accommodation with breakfast, afternoon boat trip on Beagle Channel |
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Transport |
Transfer on arrival |
Excludes |
Other meals, entrance fee (US$18 per person) |
Day 1 - UshuaiaUshuaia and the surrounding area of Tierra del Fuego, conjure up images of the end of the earth. This Tierra del Fuego tour is about as close as you can get to the South Pole without leaving the shore. The town lies on a quiet bay overlooking the Beagle Channel, named after HMS Beagle, the ship that took Charles Darwin on his epic voyage around the coast of South America to the Galapagos Islands.Ushuaia is in fact a friendly tourist town where you'll find brightly coloured houses, modern hotels, restaurants, bars and even a couple of museums. The base for your Patagonia trip is a cosy guesthouse at the edge of the town. The rooms have a radio, phone and central heating, with views either across the Channel, the mountains or the town. The hotel is just a short taxi ride from the centre and the tourist office. We’ll arrange an airport transfer for you on arrival. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. |
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Day 2 - Ushuaia, hikingOn Day Two of your Patagonia trip, you’ll be going on an independent trek in the famous Tierra del Fuego National Park. To get to the park take the bus from Ushuaia. There are several buses a day and you can buy a bus ticket in town. In the park you can follow one of the several trails. You’ll pass jagged mountains, lakes, ancient forests and trees all leaning to one side in the wind.Keep your eyes peeled for foxes and condors. This area is also home to many beavers that build their dams in the shallow riverbeds. Depending on the season you might find some rare types of flower in bloom. We’ve included some information on what plants and animals you might expect to see. You’ll arrive back in Ushuaia early afternoon or evening, depending on which trail you choose. |
Day 3 - Ushuaia, Beagle Channel boat tripFollow in the footsteps of Darwin today with a boat trip along the Beagle Channel, the second part of your Patagonia trip. Dress up warm and, if you’re prone to sea sickness you might want to take some medication as it can get pretty choppy out on the Channel. On the way, you’ll pass the lighthouse and Puerto Williams. This military post is officially the southernmost settlement in the world. It’s also the departure point for crossings to the South Pole. Take a couple of deep breaths and breathe in the clean, crispy sea air.A few hours later, you’ll pass a narrow strait to Martillo Island, home to a large colony of penguins. You can see them jumping out the water and waddling their way onto shore. On your Patagonia trip, the boat will make a short stop here so you can go ashore and take a closer look. In Spring and Autumn the sun will already be setting as you sail back to Ushuaia. If you’re here between December and March the sun will still be high in the sky and it'll be a lot warmer. You’ll be back in Ushuaia around 5.30pm. |
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Day 4 - Ushuaia departureYour Tierra del Fuego tour ends today after breakfast. If you’re continuing your trip across Argentina, you can fly north to Buenos Aires or see more of Patagonia in El Calafate or Trelew.You can also take the bus from Ushuaia to our Punta Arenas adventure tour in Chile. It’s a long, 12 hour journey which also includes a ferry crossing across the Strait of Magellan into Chile. There are no crossings on Mondays so keep this in mind when you’re planning your itinerary. If you're interested in adding an Antarctica cruise to your itinerary, please send us your travel dates and we will request possible cruises and prices. Click here for a map of Argentina and Chile . |
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Further information If you want to join our Patagonia trip but don’t really want to spend an entire day trekking, we can also arrange a half-day excursion. You’ll be picked up at the hotel and, together with other travellers that booked the excursion, you’ll head into the park. We’ll plan this half-day excursion and the Beagle Channel boat trip on the same day so you can still do the Tierra del Fuego tour in 3 days.Many tour operators will tell you the best time to travel to Ushuaia is November – March, the Patagonia summer months. It's true that during summer the average temperatures are a comfortable 15c, but it’s also the most expensive and busiest season. Late December and January are peak season and the most popular months for both the Argentineans and foreign visitors. |
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In the autumn months from March – June, the forests around Ushuaia turn red, gold and brown. The weather’s still good and, at this time of year, your Patagonia trip will be a lot quieter. Ski season here runs from mid-June to October. Cerro Castor has several fantastic runs. Temperatures are around freezing during the day, there’s little wind but a lot of snow, even in town. In the winter, there are plenty of outdoor activities like dog-sledding and snowshoeing with huge racket-like snowshoes strapped to your feet. For some of the best food in Ushuaia try Kaupe, a little way uphill from the San Martin shopping street on the Roca. The restaurant has a great view across across the Beagle Channel and the Tastings of the Sea or Tastings of the Earth menu include wine and champagne. It’s a tad pricy but the food and service are excellent and are sure to be a highlight of your Patagonia trip. The local specialty in Ushuaia is ‘centolla’ or king crab. |
Patagonia trip accommodation (Click to enlarge)
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