Patagonia Winter Adventure: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego - 6 Days

Day 1: Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia & Explore the City

Your winter adventure starts with a flight down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Located on a bay in the Patagonian region of Tierra del Fuego, the city sits between the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains and the silver waters of the Beagle Channel, where Charles Darwin sailed over 200 years ago. Make sure to get out and walk along the waterfront for a better glimpse of the majestic mountains and scenic shoreline.

Some suggested activities in and around town include: 

• Stroll the streets of downtown. Walking around the colorful shops and buildings, you'll see an endearing jumble of architectural styles with everything from mock chalets to tumbledown wooden cottages.
  
  
• Stop in at the Prison Museum. The building that houses Ushuaia's Maritime Museum was actually once an old prison. Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, some 600 convicts occupied 380 cells until the prison's closing in 1947. The history harkens back to a time when the worst of Buenos Aires' populace was banished to the perceived "end of the world." Even today, much of the prison looks unchanged since its doors closed. 
  
  
• Visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo, or "End of the World" Museum. Located on the waterfront, this small museum features fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and indigenous history. You'll also find extensive bird and sailing displays. 
  
  
• Head to Laguna Esmeralda. A relaxed afternoon hike for all levels takes you to this beautiful turquoise lake a few miles outside of  Ushuaia.
  
  
• Sample the local cuisine. The region is famous for its seafood, particularly centolla (king crab). Try it au gratin—it'll likely be the most decadent meal of your trip.

Day 2: Winter Hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park

This morning you'll have some time to relax and explore the city. In the afternoon, your local guide will pick you up for an excursion into the famous Tierra del Fuego National Park. Heading south along Route 3, you'll drive through Fuegian forests to the start of the hike. Begin along a winding path up to the Verde Lagoon, ultimately walking to the Roca Errazuriz, where you'll be rewarded with fantastic views over the coast, ancient woodlands, and the Chilean border. 

Take a break halfway through at the Alakush Visitors Center, where you can warm up with a hot drink before embarking on the next stage of the trek. After heading back near the entrance of the park, you'll start hiking towards the beautiful Pipo River Waterfall. This trail takes you through a large peat bog and along the rails of the old "end of the world" train, following the river to reach the scenic falls. After about 5 hours of outdoor adventuring, you'll return to the city of Ushuaia for the evening.

Day 3: Off-Road Adventure to Lakes Escondido & Fagnano

Today's excursion takes you on a journey through Tierra del Fuego's most wild and breathtaking scenery.

After a morning pick-up at your hotel, you'll head out of Ushuaia on the picturesque Route 3. Your first stop takes you to the viewpoint of Carbajal Valley, where you can marvel at the remarkable influence of glacial movement on the landscape. After a quick technical stop at the Villa las Cotorras resort, you'll continue to the legendary Andean mountain pass of Paso Garibaldi, where a panoramic postcard of lakes and mountains awaits. Your 4x4 journey begins here, where you start a descent through Fuegian forest on simple logging roads carved by the region's first lumberjacks. After a stop at Escondido Lake for some traditional Argentinian mate and snacks, continue to Fagnano Lake, where you can see the Magallanes Fault, a continental tectonic fault line that helped to form prehistoric South America.

After the morning's exploration, you'll head to a small village on the shores of Escondido Lake, where you'll enjoy a homemade lunch at La Casona del Rio Milna before returning to Ushuaia in the afternoon.

Day 4: Winter Multi-Sport Excursion at Ushuaia Blanca

Today is devoted to some of the unforgettable winter activities available around Ushuaia. Your day begins early in the morning with a transfer to the nearby Ushuaia Blanca ski resort. Start with a quick lesson on the basics of cross country skiing, and you'll be gliding across the snow on your own in no time.

Next, strap on some snowshoes and head through the valley to explore some of the most beautiful corners of the region. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's rich history and stories of its first settlers. 

After an exciting morning, head to the mountain lodge and ski bar where a delicious hot lunch is served along with a delicious local wine. In the afternoon, continue your adventure by snowmobile as you follow the wintry trails and forests of the valley to reach an adrenaline-filled sledding hill.

At the end of an action-packed day, return to your hotel in Ushuaia and take the rest of the evening to relax or explore as you please.

Day 5: Half Day Trek to Laguna Esmeralda

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel by your guide and travel north on the beautiful National Route 3. Heading away from the Beagle Channel, you'll discover one of the most remarkable valleys on the island. From here, you'll start a snowshoeing adventure over a peat bog until reaching a forest full of native lenga trees. Cross beaver dams and follow a stream to reach the gorgeous Esmeralda Lagoon. Here you can relax and have lunch surrounding by some of the area's most stunning and accessible glaciers. Head back along the same trail where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the city.

Day 6: Fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires - Departure

This morning, head to the Ushuaia airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, then connect to your international trip back home. ¡Buen viaje!