Tierra Del Fuego: Nature and History

Tierra del Fuego National Park protects more than 68,000 hectares of the Patagonian Forests ecoregion and has 40 kilometers of marked trails. From Ushuaia, you can reach the park by taking Ruta Nacional 3 for 10 kilometers. Road conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Landscapes and Trails

Valle de Tierra Mayor is a glacial valley surrounded by mountains in the Andes. Guided snowmobile rides are offered there on circular routes. For a coastal contrast, visit Paseo Reserva Costa Atlántica in Río Grande: its route is about three kilometers long. In the center of the province of Tierra del Fuego lies Reserva Corazón de la Isla, which protects an area of great natural and scenic value. Land-based tourism, sport fishing, birdwatching and walks are possible there.

You can reach Reserva Natural y Paisajística Valle de Tierra Mayor from Ushuaia by taking Ruta Nacional 3 north for 20 kilometers. There are clear differences between the types of excursions: the national park has marked trails, guided snowmobile rides are offered in Valle de Tierra Mayor, and you can watch birds on a boat trip near Ushuaia. This lets you compare trails, circular routes and nature watching from the water.

Railway, Water and History

The Tren del Fin del Mundo travels along a seven-kilometer route through valleys, peat bogs and Patagonian forests, stopping at the Macarena waterfall. Its route follows the former track along which inmates from the local prison collected wood in the forest. Ushuaia’s tourist offerings also include the route to Laguna Esmeralda. You can watch birds on a boat trip along the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia.

Estancia Harberton was the first estancia of its kind on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Its historical context adds another regional connection to the history of wood collection along the railway route.

Regional Orientation for Your Trip

In the wider region around Tierra del Fuego lies Reserva Provincial Isla de los Estados. It is accessible only by ship: from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel or from Río Grande across the Argentine Sea. On Isla de los Estados, historic remains of prison facilities, a lighthouse, cemeteries and shipwrecks are part of the historical heritage. Check the current conditions for traveling by ship before making plans.

If you are looking for a hotel, first compare which excursions you want to shape your stay: the access roads to the national park and Reserva Natural y Paisajística Valle de Tierra Mayor lead from Ushuaia, while Paseo Reserva Costa Atlántica is in Río Grande. Choose your location based on the experiences that are a priority for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Río Grande, Ushuaia, Río Grande, Santa Cruz, La Pampa, Misiones, Río Negro, Corrientes.

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