The Tren del Fin del Mundo runs for seven kilometers through valleys, peat bogs and Patagonian forests, stopping at the Macarena waterfall. The route follows a former track along which inmates from the local prison collected wood in the forest. On the same railway line, the landscape and a part of the region’s history come together.

Forests, Trails and Protected Areas

Tierra del Fuego National Park preserves more than 68,000 hectares of the Patagonian Forests ecoregion. Visitors can also explore 40 kilometers of marked trails. From Ushuaia, reach the park via Ruta Nacional 3, 10 kilometers away. Road conditions can vary, so check them before setting out.

Another natural area is the Reserva Corazón de la Isla in the center of Tierra del Fuego Province. It protects an area of great natural and scenic value. Activities there include land-based tourism, sport fishing, birdwatching and walks. While the marked trails in the national park provide clear guidance, the Reserva’s range of activities extends from walks to sport fishing.

Around Ushuaia: Road and Waterway

The route to Laguna Esmeralda is part of Ushuaia’s tourist offerings. Another way to experience the surrounding area from a different perspective is to take a boat trip on the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia, where you can observe birds. The route and the boat trip appeal to different interests; there is no need to assume that both involve the same kind of excursion.

History, Coast and Centolla

Estancia Harberton was the first estancia of its kind on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. This historical landmark reveals another facet of the region alongside its landscapes and activities.

In Río Grande, the Paseo Reserva Costa Atlántica follows a coastal route of about three kilometers. Its roughly three kilometers can be compared with the seven-kilometer railway line of the Tren del Fin del Mundo: the distances differ, as does the way you experience the landscape.

Artisanal centolla fishing also connects an experience with regional cuisine. On an excursion, visitors can take part in the process and then enjoy the freshly cooked centolla they catch. The culinary experience is directly linked to the fishing process.

Valle de Tierra Mayor and a Destination Further Afield

Valle de Tierra Mayor is a glacial valley surrounded by mountains of the Andes. Guided snowmobile rides are offered on circuits there. From Ushuaia, reach the Reserva Natural y Paisajística Valle de Tierra Mayor by following Ruta Nacional 3 north for 20 kilometers. This access route and the one to the national park lead to different destinations: the national park is 10 kilometers from Ushuaia, while the Reserva Valle de Tierra Mayor is 20 kilometers to the north.

Distinct from these places is Isla de los Estados, located 230 kilometers from Tierra del Fuego in the wider region. The Reserva Provincial Isla de los Estados is accessible only by ship: from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, or from Río Grande via the Argentine Sea. Permits for visits may vary; check the requirements before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Ushuaia, Río Grande, Río Grande, Tucumán, Córdoba, Salta, Misiones, Formosa.

For the main travel overview: Argentina.