Tierra del Fuego at first glance
Tierra del Fuego is a place of extremes: the world's southernmost National Park accessible from the world's southernmost city (Ushuaia).
Dispersed fires and columns of smoke seemed to float upon the waters, in the mist of dawn: this mystical setting gave the island its name, Land of Fire. What once was a remote and inhospitable place, today attracts thousands of people from all over the world.
What's There
Tierra del Fuego is surrounded on three sides by two oceans. The winds blow this way from the Pacific, and that way from the Atlantic, constantly bringing clouds and rain storms.
The coastal wildlife is rich and diverse, with many sea birds, and seals and walruses.
When to Go
The sunniest, warmest time of year is from mid-November to the end of March. But be forewarned, the weather is always unpredictable. Even during high season, it sometimes will rain for a week at a time.
What to Do
Tierra del Fuego is Argentina's only coastal national park, and water is a prime attraction: fishing, kayaking, maritime wildlife, stunning fjords, transcendent seascapes.
The parks 240 square miles are completely contained in the Argentine portion of Tierra del Fuego island, but the eastern edge of the park is the Chilean border, and with the right papers, it's possible to cross over into Chile by either land or water.
Tierra del Fuego offers a full range of hiking and trekking options. There are several short trails that are long on fascination in short distances. A good example is the quarter mile Sendero Laguna Negra, or black lagoon trail, that takes you to a small lake rapidly becoming a spaghum peat bog. Longer treks include the Lapatai Trail, on which, with proper documentation, you can walk Bahm Yendegaia on the Chilean Pacific coast.
Trout fishers will have a blast along the many interior streams and lakes. Expert kayakers who have done their bureaucratic legwork can explore the storm-prone, but dramatic waters of Lago Fagnano, bounded by high fjords and glaciers.
Adventure, emotion, history and legend: find out everything the island has to offer.
Sleeping & Eating
Tierra del Fuego, the surrounding towns have a full range of hotels. Camping is the way to go if you want cheapness and/or flexibility.
