Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia

Today, spend a full day visiting the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Lake Roca. You arrive in the National Park by private car and hike 5 miles (about 3 1/2 hours) to reach the Ovando River. Hiking through the beech forest you will be able to look for the Magaellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles, and Andean condors. After receiving instruction, begin canoeing on the Ovando River, which flows into the Green Lake, one of the most beautiful views of the park. [The canoeing requires a moderate physical condition. For security reasons, this trip is done in inflatable canoes (the same as the ones used in the Zambesi River and Victoria Falls) and, although the rafting is not dangerous, the temperature is very low.] The experience will take you from the river waters of Lake Roca to the salty waters of the open sea at the Beagle Channel and Lapataia Bay. Upon landing in Lapataia Bay, you will have the chance to spot all sorts of local wildlife, such as cormorants, sea lions, albatross, and petrels. Then, you will return to Ushuaia. (Included: inflatable canoes [or kayaks on request], expert guide, safety equipment, life vest, waterproof pants, boots, and mittens).

Enjoy a morning navigation on the stormy waters of the Beagle Channel, where the Andes plunge into the sea to reappear in the Antarctic Peninsula. The comfortable boat takes you on a 3-hour cruise south of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. Here you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Andes dropping off into the sea and view the wonderful wildlife of the area, including sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and many different kinds of sea birds.

Afterwards, embark on an easy trek in the city of Ushuaia, starting at the El Mirador del Beagle area (a neighborhood located in the highest area of the city). From here, you start a hike that follows an old logging path to get into the interesting Southern Beech Forest. The trail will allow you to enjoy amazing vistas that show the history of the city’s development through the years: the Presidium, the naval base, the industrial district, and the newly built neighborhoods. All of these vistas have the magnificent Beagle Channel as a backdrop, and the transition between the city and nature is very smooth.

Enjoy the morning at leisure. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.