You arrive in Ushuaia, which serves as your entry point to the distinctive landscapes at the southern tip of South America. After landing, a transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation. The remainder of your day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You can stroll through the lively streets of Ushuaia, browse local shops, or take in the dramatic mountain scenery and the views over the Beagle Channel that give the city its reputation as the “end of the world.” This is your opportunity to rest and prepare for the upcoming days of adventure in Patagonia’s wild southern region.

Ushuaia holds the distinction of being the world’s southernmost city and is the main departure point for cruises to Antarctica.

After breakfast, you are picked up by your guide for a day in Tierra del Fuego National Park, located 10 kilometers from Ushuaia. You hike the 8-kilometer Coastal Path, passing notable sites and immersing yourself in Patagonian wilderness. If you prefer a gentler option, shorter and softer trails are available with advance notice. Upon reaching the Lapataia River border, you enjoy lunch inside a heated dome-tent, which provides panoramic views and shelter from wind or rain. After lunch, you prepare for an hour-long canoe ride by putting on rubber boots, coverpants, and lifejackets. You paddle down the Lapataia and Ovando rivers until you reach Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway, also known as Route 3, ends its journey south.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is unique in Argentina for combining sea, forest, and mountain landscapes within its boundaries.

After breakfast, you are picked up by your guide for a day in Tierra del Fuego National Park, located 10 kilometers from Ushuaia. You hike the 8-kilometer Coastal Path, passing notable sites and immersing yourself in Patagonian wilderness. If you prefer a gentler option, shorter and softer trails are available with advance notice. Upon reaching the Lapataia River border, you enjoy lunch inside a heated dome-tent, which provides panoramic views and shelter from wind or rain. After lunch, you prepare for an hour-long canoe ride by putting on rubber boots, coverpants, and lifejackets. You paddle down the Lapataia and Ovando rivers until you reach Lapataia Bay, where the Pan-American Highway, also known as Route 3, ends its journey south.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is unique in Argentina for combining sea, forest, and mountain landscapes within its boundaries.

You have free time in the morning to relax or explore Ushuaia independently. In the afternoon, between 2:30 and 3:30 PM, you set out for a guided hike to Esmeralda Lagoon. This medium-difficulty trek covers approximately 9 kilometers over three and a half hours, taking you through the often-wet terrain of Tierra Mayor Valley. You are surrounded by snow-capped mountains as you make your way to the striking emerald waters of the lagoon. After reaching Esmeralda Lagoon, you retreat to a cozy cottage as daylight fades. Here, you enjoy dinner and red wine, sharing stories with fellow travelers in a warm Patagonian setting.

The Tierra Mayor Valley is known for husky-drawn sled rides in the winter, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.

You depart from your hotel and travel east along National Route 3 and Route J to reach Harberton Ranch, the oldest estancia in Tierra del Fuego. Here, you visit the Marine Mammal Museum and explore the historic surroundings of this Patagonian settlement. Next, you board a motorboat for a scenic ride to Martillo Island, where you observe penguins in their breeding habitat. Afterward, you continue by boat to the wild landscapes of Gable Island, where a lunch featuring Patagonian wine, soft drinks, and mineral water is served. After lunch, you hike through forests inhabited by beavers and cross dams to reach the rugged coastline of the Beagle Channel. You then return by boat to Puerto Harberton and travel back to Ushuaia by bus.

Harberton Ranch, established in 1886 by Anglican missionary Thomas Bridges, is the oldest estancia in Tierra del Fuego.

After breakfast, you transfer from your hotel to the pier for a catamaran navigation of the Beagle Channel. Departing from Ushuaia’s tourist dock, you pass the city’s coastal profile set against the Andes Mountains before entering Paso Chico. The route takes you around Isla de los Pájaros, where you can observe a variety of birds such as Skuas, Black-browed Albatrosses, Steam Ducks, Cauquenes, Cook Seagulls, and Gray Seagulls. You continue to Isla de los Lobos to see sea lion colonies on the rocky shores. The journey circles the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, sometimes mistakenly called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” and you view colonies of Imperial and Rocky Cormorants. During the navigation, you hear the story of the SS Monte Cervantes shipwreck of 1930 while enjoying views of the mountains surrounding Ushuaia. This experience offers a new perspective on Patagonia’s southern frontier.

The real “Lighthouse at the End of the World” that inspired Jules Verne’s novel stands much farther east on Isla de los Estados.

After breakfast, you check out of your accommodation. At the designated time, a private transfer takes you to Ushuaia airport for your departure flight. You have a final opportunity to admire the striking landscapes and reflect on the memorable wilderness experiences and outdoor adventures from your journey at the end of the world.

Ushuaia’s location means the weather can change rapidly, and locals often say you might experience all four seasons in a single day.