Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Buenos Aires
Season: October – March
The Land of Fire in southern Argentina is a lovely archipelago, a tranquil place of snow-capped mountains, dense forests and deep blue lakes located at the ends of the earth, a virtual paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This extension features a half-day walking and driving visit of Tierra del Fuego National Park and a cruise along the shores of the Beagle Channel. There will be opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife such as marine birds, sea lions, steamer ducks, and possibly condors.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
DAY 01: BUENOS AIRES / USHUAIA
Pick-up at your hotel in Buenos Aires, and drive to the airport for the 4-hour flight to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Reception by your local guide and transfer to the Arakur Resort & Spa, located within Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve, just minutes from downtown Ushuaia. The hotel extends along a spectacular natural balcony situated 820 feet above sea level, surrounded by stunning panoramic views, native forests, natural terraces and green areas harmonically integrated into the environment. Depending on the arrival time, we may have the chance this afternoon to join your guide for a private hike in the Tierra Mayor Valley towards the Laguna Esmeralda following a scenic 3-mile trail through lenga forest and open peat moss meadows. Laguna Esmeralda is a beautiful glacier lake located adjacent to Tierra del Fuego National Park. We retrace our path back to the vehicle and return to the hotel to unwind and enjoy dinner.
DAY 02: TIERRA DEL FUEGO
This morning we drive 8 miles west to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a lovely region of clear blue lakes and snow-capped mountains overlooking the Beagle Channel. Our excursion is a combination of driving and walking that includes a stop at the Southern Railway Station and short hikes through beautiful ñire and lenga forests. The road skirts the Pipo River to reach Ensenada Zaratiegui Bay where we walk for 30 minutes following a nice gentle trail with lovely views of Redonda Island and the Chilean coast across the Beagle Channel. Afterwards we drive to Lago Roca Lake, where we will follow an easy trail looking for some of the 90 species of birds found at the park such as kelp goose, torrent duck and austral parakeet. See the Lapataia River and Cerro Condor on the border with Chile. Then, we stop at the Alakush Visitor Center to learn about the natural history and original inhabitants of the region. The road continues touring the Laguna Verde lookout point and by Laguna Negra, areas of peat bogs and beaver dams, to reach the trailhead of Mirador Trail. This 20-minute hike through a lovely forest is quite scenic and ends at the western side of the park at Lapataia Bay. We enjoy a break in this area and decide about an optional hike towards a small secluded beach just a mile away. We return to the Arakur Hotel by late afternoon. Dinner is on your own this evening to try the hotel’s La Cravia restaurant and its regional flavors from Tierra del Fuego. Driving distance: 34 miles or about 1.5 hours. (B,L)
DAY 03: USHUAIA / BUENOS AIRES
A short drive brings us to the city docks to board a yacht with other travelers for a half-day cruise along the Beagle Channel. We leave in the direction of Alice Island to see the colony of sea lions. We continue to the Birds Island where the king and imperial cormorants inhabit. Nearby, we enjoy the view of the Rock Cormorants on the cliffs. Then, we navigate towards the Sea Lions Island to see them and also fur seals. Finally, we find Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, which was made in 1919 and stands as an icon of the city. Going back, we disembark on Bridges Island for a short scenic hike. During the walk, we discover the flora and fauna and enjoy panoramic views. On this island we can see archeological remains of the Yamanas, the aborigines who were still following their traditional lives in Tierra del Fuego until just 200 years ago. During the cruise we will have snacks, tea, hot chocolate, coffee and, of course, the typical Argentinian mate. Back in Ushuaia, lunch is included at a traditional restaurant before transferring to the airport for the afternoon flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital. Taxi on your own to the Ezeiza International Airport for your return flight home. (B)
Prices from:
$2,300 p.p.d. for 2 participants.
p.p.d.= per person based on double or triple occupancy. Price does not include local flights.
HOTEL UPGRADE:
-Los Cauquenes. This exclusive 54-room mountain resort lodge just 4.5 miles outside of town overlooks the water and pampers its guests with gorgeous views and refinement in every detail.
ESTIMATED AIRFARE: LATAM and Aerolineas Argentinas both offer service to Ushuaia (USH). Fares from Buenos Aires are approx $400-600. Lower fares may apply when flying LATAM internationally or if adding this extension from Calafate to Ushuaia.
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