Tierra del Fuego - The Southernmost Point In The World

"Ushuaia - Argentina"

Isla Grande De Tierra Del Fuego, or simply Tierra Del Fuego, is a territory where it is hard to distinguish myth from reality, pure legend from objective truth. It is possibly this uncertainty, this almost magical atmosphere of mystery that covers the island, that draws so many.
Tierra del Fuego is an island separated from the continent by a strait that joins the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It was discovered in 1520 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese at the service of the Spanish crown, who undertook the first voyage around the world. The southern limit of the Tierra del Fuego Island that separates it from the Fuegian channels and later from the Antarctic, is established by the Beagle Channel, named after the ship Darwin Charles Darwin used to study this region, and to sail around the planet between 1831 and 1836. It was Magellan himself, who sighting a great number of fires burning day and night along the coast, baptised the island "Tierra del Fuego". These fires were actually large bonfires lit by the Yamana indian who lived in the southern part of the island, to ward off the low temperatures in the area.

The adventure and the unforgettable first contact with the extraordinary Fuegian scenery starts when the plane flies over the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia airport. Visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, is one of the best ways of appreciating the area´s outstanding beauty; situated just 20 kms from Ushuaia, this reserve is a treasure of magnificent virgin places, lakes, brooks, woods, and coasts that can be visited following established pathways. You can view the coasts of the national park in Bahia Lapataia. Another attraction that captures the preference of the tourists is navigation in ocean-going sailboats, in catamarans for excursions, or in luxury cruisers. Leaving Ushuaia harbour in any of these vessels, one can reach the picturesque island of Los Lobos, sail the Beagle Channel to the Harberton Estancia, and even enter the Fuegian channels, the name given to the labyrinth of isles, floes, and narrow sea water channels, much like the Norwegian Fjords, that extend south, to the Beagle Channel. There are even excursions in larger vessels bound for the Antarctic, that leave Ushuaia, the harbour closest to the White Continent of Antarctica.

The Itinerary

The following itinerary is just a sample. Longer itineraries with more sightseeing or treks are upon request.

DAY 1:
Transfer from Ushuaia´s airport to the hotel with Spanish/English speaking guide. Half day private excursion in Tierra del Fuego with Spanish/English speaking guide. Entrance fee to the National Park is included. The National Park is situated 12 km west of Ushuaia, this unique park with maritime coast occupies 63,000 hectares where trees such as lengas, cheery trees, ñires, calafates, and notros – all native of Tierra del Fuego – live together with flora such as orchids, violets and senecios. Continuing on the last stretch of National Route 3 where the road draws to a thin path as it climbs the skirt of the mountain; passing native vegetation arriving at the River Lapataia. At the cross of the route, the road becomes winding and splashed with brush vegetation and panoramic views, for example, the Laguna Verde. As the visitors start the final part of the trip towards Lapataia Bay, they can see where indigenous people of the area left their testimony – “los concheros” – incredible archeological sites. Before returning to Ushuaia, there is one last stop at Lago Roca, whose varying colors change with the seasons. Offered year round. Overnight at Albatros hotel or similar.

DAY 2:
Full day regular navigation to Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, Penguin Island (Gable Island) and Estancia Haberton (8 hours and a half tour) with Spanish/English speaking guide. Regular transfers to the pier are included. Cruise the legendary waterways of the Beagle Channel in a classic vessel and admire the spectacular setting of Ushuaia harbor set against the spectacular mountain backdrop. Cruise past Isla de los Pajaros (Birds Island) and observe multiple species of birds including a large colony of cormorants. Get close to seals and sea lions as you cruise around Isla de los Lobos (Sea Wolves Island) and penguins (Penguin Island) until Estancia Harberton, the first established European farm on the island. It starts from the touristic pier of Ushuaia, and consists on a sailing through Bridges Islands & Les Eclaireus lighthouse, includes mammal & birdwathing during the navigation until Gable, a small island famous due to its penguins. The excursion continues to Harberton Bay, to disembark in front of the Estancia. There you will be able to enjoy a wonderful landscape. Finally they return to the pier. Operates from November until March: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun.(Please note that passengers will have to pay a pier tax of U$S 2.- approx before they embark). Overnight at Albatros hotel.

DAY 3:
Private transfer from the hotel to the airport (no guide)

General Information

Rated: Easy

Tierra del Fuego
	Price per person in Double Room
	Regular Departure	Private Departure
USD	$ 220	$ 452
EUR	€ 182	€ 375
GBP	£ 123	£ 253

(*) Price last updated on 26 October 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
Single room supplement on request

Important Note for Regular Departure
The itinerary for the regular departure is with Sloggett Hostelry or similar and only a half day navigation (you do not continue to Estancia Haberton) on day 2 and all services are regular or group services and not private services

Included: 02 nights in Albatros hotel, STD room with breakfast or similar hotel in Ushuaia, excursions and transfers as detailed in the program

Not included: meals other than breakfast, beverages, flights, tips