Day hiking in Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego is a land of mountains, lakes and glaciers that are perfect for day hikes, from a base in Ushuaia or Navarino Island.
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Deep roots in Patagonia: We are ex-guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, & adventurers.
We’ve got our feet on the ground: Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost.
For the ends of the Earth: Sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).
As you reach the end of the continent, the rugged landscape becomes wilder and wilder, finally crumbling into thousands of rocky islands. Tierra del Fuego is a region of moss-covered forests, craggy mountains and winding fjords, to be explored on a wilderness trek, cruise, or by 4x4. There is adventure enough on any Tierra del Fuego national park tour to set an explorer's soul alight.
Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego
Finish in Ushuaia - the Southern most city in the world
Wulaia Bay, Tierra del Fuego
Dientes de Navarino Trail, Tierra del Fuego
Keeping a close eye for calving ice, Pia Glacier
Magellanic Penguins, Isla Magdalena
Shipwreck at Cabo San Pablo
Street art in Ushuaia
Argentinian Tierra del Fuego: Nestled between the mountains and the Beagle Channel lies the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Spend a few days enjoying the scenery, museums and day trips out to see penguins and sea-lions, or base yourself here to explore the huge Tierra del Fuego National Park, where you can explore the wilderness on foot or by taxi.
Chilean Tierra del Fuego: Visit the iconic Cape Horn, or see the most remote glaciers and mountains on a cruise through the Chilean Fjords. If you're looking to get out into unexplored territory, the hiking on Isla Navarino and Chile's national parks is some of the most remote and challenging in the region. Those who dare are rewarded with spectacular views and a solitude not easily found on the tourist trails.
Most of Tierra del Fuego is rugged and remote, and best explored either on foot or by boat. There's no better way to feel immersed in the scenery than by forging your own trails on day hikes, or sliding over scree and boulders on a more challenging multi-day trek.
If you're looking to return to a comfortable bed each night but be out exploring by day, the adventure cruises that wind through the Chilean fjords can take you to some of the most spectacular scenic bays and glaciers, without scrimping on the quality of food or your night's rest. Take in the wilderness as you sail from Punta Arenas through waterways adorned with stunning spots such as Navarino Island, Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, Tuckers Islets and Glacier Alley – to name just a few.
The emphasis really is on adventure; expect to be off the boat and immersed in the scenery as much as possible.
Pia Glacier, Chilean Fjords
There's lots to do around Ushuaia, but Tierra del Fuego is vast and it's well worth getting off-the-beaten-track to discover some of the stunning landscapes around the island. Adventure cruises can take you where cars can't venture, and the multi-day hiking into the wilderness is some of the best in the region.
Humans have been living in Tierra del Fuego for 10,000 years, in indigenous tribes highly skilled at fishing and hunting. The most famous are the Yaghan, who lived along the coast of the Beagle Channel and fished from canoes, carrying small fires with them on the water.
The name Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) was given by famous Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan, who explored the island in 1520 and noticed the small fires all along the shore. For the next 400 years sailors hunted whales and seals here, but it wasn't until 1826 that in-depth documentation of the area began. Then, the Beagle set out on its exploratory expedition carrying a young Charles Darwin, and naval captain and explorer Captain Robert FitzRoy. The ship was the first to sail all the way through the Beagle Channel from east to west, giving the stretch of water its name, and Darwin's many observations on geology, flora and fauna would later inform his theories on the origin of species.
Throughout the 1800s, missionaries and settlers colonised the island, with disastrous effects for the indigenous people. Through conflict and disease, numbers decreased significantly, and the Yag'han and Selk'nam peoples all but died out. Later, a short-lived gold rush drew adventurers from all over the world, who congregated in small settlements that would become Ushuaia, Porvenir and Rio Grande.
Sheep farming has long been an integral part of life in Tierra del Fuego. Not much has changed since early ranchers capitalised on this windy grass-covered region, and sheep farming remains part of the solitary lives of the gauchos – South American cowboys – in the ranches that dot the island. Chile and Argentina produce millions of pounds of wool annually, and Tierra del Fuego's hand in that is undeniably dominant.
Tierra del Fuego is a land of mountains, lakes and glaciers that are perfect for day hikes, from a base in Ushuaia or Navarino Island.
Discover MoreTierra del Fuego is home to some of Patagonia’s most remote and rewarding multi-day hikes, trekking in the Cordillera Darwin and Dientes de Navarino mountain ranges.
Discover MoreUshuaia is the southernmost city in the world, squeezed between the mountains and sea, and a perfect base for hiking and glacier cruising.
Discover MoreNavarino Island in the Beagle Channel is Chile’s own end of the world, full of wild mountains and bays waiting to be explored from the town of Puerto Williams.
Discover MoreCape Horn is South America’s final lonely outpost in the ocean. Shrouded in the myth and romance of the sea, it’s accessible only by adventure cruise ship.
Discover MoreAdventure cruises around Tierra del Fuego can take you to remote and beautiful glaciers, penguin islands and Cape Horn on the tip of South America.
Discover MoreTierra del Fuego trips scored 4.4/5 from 441 reviews
The hike in TdF was an amazing experience. The guides, organisation and scenery were fantastic. The tour exceeded our expectations. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Marc Jansen - UK
Fantastic - the variation in the topography was incredible from snow, to desert like, to lush green - an amazing amount of wildlife diversity as well. Absolutely beautiful which was probably helped by great weather Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Catherine Drury - USA
The whole region is wild and beautiful, full of the memories of incredibly brave early explorers. We were privileged to be able to follow the different straits and see mountains, glaciers, penguins, a whale, dolphins, seals...and walk in beautiful woodlands...and enjoy the adventure of all the landings in small rubber zodiac boats. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Peter Heywood - UK
The remoteness of Tierra del Fuego was incredible, we didn't see another boat for 3 days. We saw a lot of wildlife - penguins, dolphins, seals, albatross, condors.
Travelled: January 2017
Peter -
The catamaran trip east down the Beagle Channel was a spellbinding introduction to the region; dramatically beautiful with wind-whipped blue sea flanked by snow-capped rugged mountains; island hopping to view sea birds, penguins, seals etc very rewarding.
Travelled: November 2016
Michael - UK
We flew down to Isla Navarino which was fabulous. Lakutaia Lodge was a great base with an amazing location overlooking the Beagle channel. We took a boat trip around to Wulaia Bay which was fascinating.
Travelled: February 2016
Neil -
Many thanks for making my unforgettable experience in Tierra del Fuego possible. The land is one of a kind; the only regret I have that I was not able to go for more days!
Travelled: December 2015
Christian -
Review:
In the hubs of Ushuaia and Punta Arenas you'll find hotels to suit all different types of traveller, from mountainside spas to backpacker hostels. The smaller towns of Porvenir and Puerto Williams are only at the beginnings of their tourism journey, and although you'll be able to find a place to sleep, accommodation is still basic.
To immerse yourself in Fuegian culture, consider a lodge or estancia, often situated next to lakes or on huge ranches, where you'll really feel like you're off-the-beaten-track.
This region is split between Chile and Argentina, and roads between them are few. There are a few airports that serve the region well, but again, flight routes tend not to cross between the countries. The numerous waterways make cruising or sailing one of the best ways to make the most of your travel time down to the end of the world.
Summer is between December and February, and brings warmer temperatures, longer days and slightly better chances of clear skies. Even in the height of summer though, the weather down here is highly unpredictable. Be prepared with raincoats, layers, and to be buffeted by the famous Patagonian wind as it swirls around the island.
As high seasons dies down from March to April, the crowds disperse and you'll have the sights almost to yourself. The autumn colours come out, and the forests are covered in reds, golds and oranges.
In winter, when a thick layer of snow covers the rugged landscape, ski resorts open and winter sports become the main attraction.
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