What to see inside Tierra del Fuego National Park?

What to see inside Tierra del Fuego National Park?

This National Park is the southernmost in Argentina. It is located 8 km west of Ushuaia and is accessed by National Route 3. It currently has 69,909 ha and the public area is composed of 4 main stops, it also has 4 camping areas and a dozen trails of varying difficulties to do with the family to more demanding walkers.

It was created in 1960 with the purpose of protecting the last part of the Andes mountain range, the the only natural forest in the country that reaches the sea coast., It also protects plant and animal species that live in the region, some of which are in danger of extinction. This protected area is also preserves a large number of archaeological sites belonging to the nomadic canoeists who lived on these shores.

Between the entrance of the National Park and the end of the National Route N 3, there are 12 km of gravel road. During our walk we will be able to observe diverse landscapes of incomparable beauty combining mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, glades, peat bogs and the sea coast..

The sub-Antarctic forest of Tierra del Fuego is composed mainly of three species of Nothofagus: lenga, sour cherry and ñire trees. In addition you can find smaller trees such as the canelo, leña dura, maitén and el notro which in December has striking fiery red flowers. In the open spaces you can find the black bush with leaves similar to rosemary but with white flowers like daisies. Among the fruit-bearing shrubs we find the calafate and michay of the family of Berberis, the sarsaparilla, that its fruits are like a tiny cluster and the chaura which is the only plant that produces fruit all year round.

Regarding the fauna in Tierra del Fuego There are not many large land animals. Guanacos are most commonly seen in the northern part of the island or very rarely on the mountain tops of the Park. There are no deer or pumas here as in mainland Patagonia. The largest terrestrial predator is the the red fox, which after the aguará guazú is the largest canid in Argentina.. In autumn and winter it is commonly seen in parking areas.

However, the Tierra del Fuego National Park hosts more than 200 bird species. If you look up near the mountains, you might find the Andean condor or black-chested eagle. In the centuries-old lenga forests, you may hear the tree trunks banging against the giant woodpeckers, The largest in South America, striped or picoleznas. However, in the grasslands you may spot pairs of cauquenes common and bandurrias. The most trusting ones are the chimangos, caranchos and caracaras that tend to approach the places where there are visitors. In the rivers you are likely to find great crested grebe, black-necked swan or ducks such as crested, corn buntings, barcoons or spectacled ducks. Also, if you walk along the coast of the Beagle Channel you will be able to see flightless and flying steamer ducks, cormorants, gulls, or whirlpools.

One of the species in danger of extinction in this region is the huillin., The river otter, which here there is evidence that they also live in the salt water of the Beagle Channel. For this reason there are monitored and restricted areas that are important to respect.

The National Park has 4 main points that can be reached by vehicle:

Ensenada Zaratiegui:

It stands out for being able to observe the forest of cherry and lenga trees that reaches the sea shore. The typical “flag trees” are so called because they grow crooked due to the strong winds that blow through the area. Besides appreciating the archaeological sites belonging to the canoeists who inhabited the region. During the winter due to snow, access to the site is closed.

Cañadón del Toro:

There you will be able to appreciate the narrow gauge tracks and hopefully see the picturesque Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train) passing by. The road ends at a wild campsite next to the Pipo River. If you walk upstream you will find the Pipo River Waterfall, a small waterfall hidden in the lenga forest. Access is not allowed during the winter.

Lake Acigami:

It is a bi-national lake, one third is Argentinean and the rest belongs to Chile. It is a magical setting surrounded by forest-covered mountains. It is also known as Lago Roca in the Argentinean sector and Errázuriz in the Chilean sector since they were the two presidents who signed the Treaty of Limits in 1881.

Before arriving at this freshwater body of water you can visit the Alakush Visitor Centre“ where you will find a cafeteria and restaurant with the best views of the Lapataia River. It also has public restrooms and an interpretation room that provides information about the National Park.

Lapataia Bay:

It is the most emblematic place The National Route No. 3, which starts in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and after travelling along the entire Atlantic coast, ends in this bay. You can't leave here without taking a picture at the traditional sign that warns of the end of the road and the distance from here to Buenos Aires and even Alaska! That is why it is a point that attracts travellers from all over the world who come to finish or start their journey through the American continent.

Tierra del Fuego National Park is waiting for you to show you these indescribable places that will take your breath away and many more. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to write to us and we will advise you so that you can have the best holidays at the End of the World.