Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego
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Overview:
The land of fire, Patagonia is the final frontier encompassing the beauty of the Tierra del fuego park and it’s snow-capped peaks, volcanoes, emerald lakes and lush forest as well as the ‘end of the world’ town of Ushuaia and the straits of both the Magellan and Atlantic coasts, making this stunning southernmost part of South America a spectacular, awe inspiring and at times untouched wonder of the world.
While the regions geographical location – it’s forty eight thousand land mass and islands are shared between Argentina and Chile – has led to conflict between the two countries over ownership, what is not contested are the beauty of the spectacular landscapes, which are home to many rare species of wildlife including penguin colonies, migrating whales and even Polar Bears.
Whilst also being the official end of the world’s greatest road trip, the Pan American highway, the easily accessible area of Patagonia and its highlight of Tierra Del Fuego offers not only a taste of the wild against the backdrop of Andes, but a chance to journey to the end of the world and trek, ski, kayak and cruise across one of the most rugged but beautiful destinations on the planet.
Where:
The Patagonia region is located at the southern most tip of the continent of South American mainland. With ‘the end of the world’ and the Tierra del Fuego encompassing many islands and split across Chile and Argentina, — the main access town including both the southernmost lighthouse and post office is found at the town of Ushuaia.
Getting there:
The main calling point for the Patagonia region is the town of Ushuaia, which is served by direct flights by a series of major airlines and also accessible by a series of bus town. Ushuaia serves not only as the place of call for a number of boat trips across the Patagonia region and the beagle channel (as well as Antarctica), but is also a grat place to walk and hike into the Tierra del Fuego region and the Martial Glacier and Laguna Esmeralda lake.
For those coming in down the Pan American Highway or journeying into the region from Chile, head to the towns of Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and from there you can cross over into the Tierra del Fuego to experience the true beauty of Patagonia.
Best time to Visit:
While the Patagonia area is accessible all year round, it’s advised to visit between the months of October and April – not least because this is when Antarctica cruises depart, but also because this will allow you to miss the strong southern winds that sweep over the region from the south and the harshness of the arctic winter as you trek through the region.
Explore:
Patagonia is a scenic and wild wonderland, with trekking, skiing, wildlife viewing and sailing opportunities on offer all season round and to all ages.
Regardless of whether you approach from the Argentinian side or the Chilean side, the following are the best sites to discover, experience and explore when journeying across the wonder:
Treks and trails: The W trek – the ultimate trek within the Tierra del Guego park which takes you the three main highlights of the Grey glacier, Valle Frances and the best of the lot the base of twoers – budget 2–3 days to complete the trek though.
The Circuit trek: – which takes in all of the W trek and a bit more of the national park, this trek can take a week, and while following the W route allows you to go further into the wild of the spectacular area and take in further mountains, peaks and lakes.
Isla Navarino: Doable in a long day trip, the spectacular Isla Navarino lies across the Beagle channel accessible by boat and features one circular trek accompanied by Sea Lions, Penguins and if you’re lucky whales.
Ushuaia: – when based in the town at the end of the world there are two key one day treks that you shouldn’t miss – the first is to the base of the Martial Glaciers and the Glacier Valley which is a spectacular route across the beauty of the glacier valley and the second is a short-day trip into Tierra del Fuego, where while not hitting the sights of the W trek, you can venture into the beauty of the national Park and the final frontier.
Tierra del Fuego National Park: – Unquestionably the highlight of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego National Park best explored along the W trek, crosses the divide between Argentina and Chile and is a spectacular into the wild journey across the beautiful landscapes of one of the worlds greatest national parks. With Glaciers, emerald lakes, volcanoes, the Andes mountains, and unique wildlife set across multiple multi day hikes, the Tierra del Fuego National Park is a not to be missed once in a lifetime hike and the stunning pinnacle of Patagonia.
Ushuaia: – The biggest and southernmost city of Patagonia, Ushuaia is unlike any city in the world, boasting the end of the world post office and train trek, the city also includes easy walkable access to the Martial Glacier and the lakes of Laguna Esmeralda, and serves as the port for cruises to both Antartica and across the beagle channel.
Beagle Channel & Cape Horn: - Accessed by a quick boat ride from Ushuaia the Beagle Channel is a wildlife seekers paradise, being the home of Penguins, sealions and a viewing spot for whales and polar bears, with most trips stopping at the small island of Cape horn – where you can stand on a viewing point to see the Atlantic meet the pacific, journey through the incredible Glacier Valley pathway and on a clear day spot the ice sheets of Antarctica.
How long to stay:
We’d recommend a week – this should give you enough time to complete the W trek, journey across the Beagle Channel and explore the best of Ushuaia and the beagle channel – of course more time is needed if combining a journey across Patagonia with a trip to Antarctica.
Top Tip:
Having come all this way you might as well indulge yourself in a trip to Antarctica and a road trip across the famous Pan–American Highway. For a more practical top tip make sure you come well prepared to trek across the W trek, which is best done without a guide – allowing you to go at your own pace, just be sure to book Cabin accommodation in advance.
Cost:
$100 a day — $500 for 3 day trip and up t0 $300 for a 3 day trip
Fun Fact:
Staying in Ushuaia make sure you take a trip on the rail road to the end of the world, pass the end of the world lighthouse and post a postcard from the end of the world post office (they’re big on the end of the world slogan!) – also having come all this way to the southernmost tip of south America you might as well indulge yourself in a trip to another fantastic wonder – Antarctica.
Best photo spot:
While there are numerous spots along the Torres del Paine National Park that are scenic highlights, a snap along the W trek at the base of towers is one to make sure you grab – as is the aptly named Glacier Alley.
