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Placed at the Beagle Channel side and surrounded by the Martial Chain, this town offers a unique landscape in Argentina: acombination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forest. It is possible to go through the old part of the city, watching the typical fuegian
architecture, as well as, the End of the World Museum and the Maritime Museum. Local painters, photographers and artisans, gather at the Culture House and the old Family Beban's Residence to show their works.
There is an interesting footpath to get to the base of the Martial Glacier for nature's lovers, from where you will have a wonderful view of the city, Beagle Channel and the glacier itself.
It belongs to the protected Andean Patagonian natural areas system, Tierra del Fuego National Park, is the southernmost (in Argentina) and limits in his occidental side with Republic of Chile. It was planned so as to give c ontinuity to the protection given to the subantarctic forest.
FROM USHUAIA, IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK:
TRAIN OF THE END OF THE WORLD:
It´s a reproduction of the "prisoner ´s little train", leaves from the station of the End of the World, placed 8 km away from Ushuaia. It goes through one of the rails used by the prisoners years ago, so as to provide wood to the community. Apart from going through centennial forests and beautiful rivers, valleys and peat-bogs, you can also learn more about the history of jail.
Travel the same route as the old Convict Train did 80 years ago.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable journey, learning the history, experiencing the natural wonders of the Tierra del Fuego National Park while traveling aboard elegant rail carriages recreating the "Golden Age" of steam.
The Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino (Southern Fueguean Railway) is impressive not only for its style but also for its association with the history of Ushuaia, "Prison for Relapsed Felons" and the old Convict Train built to transport wood from the nearby forest for heating and building purposes.
Today the railway is an environmentally friendly means of permitting tourists to visit and view an otherwise inaccessible part of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The trains leave from Estación del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Station), located 8 km West of Ushuaia. The line owns 2 steam engines, a diesel locomotive, and 15 comfortable carriages fitted with heating and large windows. The round trip is a 1 hour and 40 minutes journey and the single journey lasts 50 minutes.
The line runs alongside the Rio Pipo. After crossing the river on Puente Quemado bridge, a right-hand bend round a rocky outcrop reveals the steepest part of the line. At the first stop, La Macarena platform, passengers are encouraged to alight to admire the view. A stepped pathway rises 25 meters to a viewing gallery where a glacier fed waterfall cascades down the mountainside. Another pathway descends 20 meters from the platform to a riverside area from where a reconstructed Aboriginal settlement can be studied. Soon after leaving this station the line enters the National Park. A second stop alongside the river reveals the remains of an old sawmill. The line now leaves the main valley and loops around a "Turbal", or raised peat bog, of which there are many examples in Tierra del Fuego. Finally a sharp right-hand curve brings the line to the start of woods where we reach the terminal station of Estación Parque Nacional.
· Full commentary in English and Spanish.
· Comfortable coffee shop and bar at the Estación del Fin del Mundo, where visitors can enjoy local cakes and hot chocolate.
· Attractive souvenirs are available from the station shop.
· Exhibition of historical photographs and workshops visit available on request.
TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK: placed 12 km. west of Ushuaia, it is the only national park in our country that has got maritime coasts (Beagle Channel). Its forest includes: high and low deciduous beech and evergreen beech trees, its rivers, lakes and peat-bogs frame beautiful views onto the channel. Footpaths allow you to enjoy nature at full.
Harberton Ranch: as it the first ranch founded in the province, it is the evidence of the rich past of Tierra del Fuego. Located 90 km east from Ushuaia, it is possible to get there by land (N° 3 national road and secondary road "J") or by sea. Its owners are descendants of Anglican missionary Thomas Bridges.
It belongs to the protected Andean Patagonian natural areas system, Tierra del Fuego National Park, is the southernmost (in Argentina) and limits in his occidental side with Republic of Chile. It was planned so as to give continuity to the protection given to the subantarctic forest. Although its natural conformation is not so different from the rest of the parks, what makes it special, is the fact that it is the only one that has got maritime coasts (a total of 6 km.) because its meridian border is watered by the Beagle Channel waters. Besides being representative of the local flora and fauna, the national park keeps archaeological remains of the Yamana natives. Another attraction inside the park is finding the end of N° 3 National Road and Pan-American Road, in the famous and beautiful Lapataia Bay.
It was created on October 15th 1960, by law N° 15.554 and is placed 11km away from Ushuaia city, in the south-west extreme of Argentina side of the Main Island of Tierra del Fuego. It has got 63.000 ha and just the south area (2000 ha approximately) is destined for recreational and educational use of the local population and tourism.
Besides organized tours, different activities can be done inside it, such us: trekking, camping, sport fishing, bird watching and yachting with no engine boats, during winter it is an ideal place for cross country skiing.
RECOMENDATIONS:
· It is absolutely forbidden to drive any kind of car out of N° 3 National Road and secondary roads.
· Maximum speed, once in the park, is 40 km/h.
· If you want fish, it is necessary to bear in mind, that beginning and ending of the fishing season, as well as the license, are different to the rest of the province.
· The extraction of mussels and bivalve molluses is forbidden because of Red Tide (Death Risk). It is not allowed to cut or take off elements of the ecosystem.
· Do not make any kind of inscription on rocks, trees, etc.
· Hunting and carrying weapons deserve severe punishment.
· Do not drop trashes, put them in a bag and bring them to the city with you.
· Attention: In Lago Roca area it is recommendable to boil water for 5 minutes before drinking it.
· The Park´s Intendance office is located on 1395 San Martín St.
FOOTPATHS INSIDE TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
PAMPA ALTA:
The climbing path to Pampa Alta hill begins in N°3 National road, about 3 km away from the park's entrance gate. Half way of the track an active beavers 'dam can be seen as you get to the top. You enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the western part of the Beagle channel including Redonda Island and Chilean Island Navarino and Hoste. To the northwest you will see the outstanding Guanaco Hill. Afterwards you can walk down towards Cañadon del Toro or return by previous path. This hill is about 300 high and it takes about one hour to get the top.
The other possibility is finding this track as of the path that leads you towards Cañadon del Toro. Degree of difficulty: Medium - Length: 5 km (going down Cañadon del Toro).
SALTOS DEL RIO PIPO:
At the end of the road that goes into Cañadon del Toro you will find a track that runs beside Río Pipo and takes you to its waterfalls. Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 300 m.
SENDA COSTERA:
At the end of the road that leads cars to bahía Ensenada you will find a footpath that goes westwards along the shore of the Beagle channel allowing you to see a combination of forest and sea coasts. Unique place to watch marine and coastal avifauna, also different kinds of trees and bushes, most of them bloom in summertime. These shores were the home of Yamana natives which become obvious for the profuse remains of shells and ash monticules which are covered now by herbal vegetation (Indian middens).
At last the track goes back towards where it ends. This walk takes about three hours. It can also be done the other way round. Degree of difficulty: Medium - Length: 8 km.
PASEO DE LA ISLA:
This path begins after crossing over the bridge on Lapataia river, opposite the National Park Gendarmery Station and takes you to a section of the Cormoranes archipelago. You can enjoy a beautiful view with little effort. There is also the possibility of watching forests and coastal birds. Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 1,5 km.
LAGUNA NEGRA:
This is the round footpath that begins after crossing over the Ovando river bridge, on the right hand side. It is the best way to observe a peat-bog formation.
Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 1 km. (the whole circuit).
LAS LENGAS:
It is located after crossing the bridge over the Ovando river on the left-hand side. This path includes two different tours: Lookout track presenting a panoramic view of Lapataia bay and the possibility of later going down towards it and peat-bog track climbing fuegian forest, peat-bogs and abandoned beavers'dams.
Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 2 km (low)
CASTORERA:
Starts at the end the N° 3 national road and as it goes into the forest many beavers'dams can be seen. It can be done in combination with peat-bog track (Circuito Las Lengas). Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 200 m (low)
XXIV BOUNDARY :
8 km way from the park entrance and after going through the Lago Roca parking lot this footpath starts. Going along the coast on the northern side of the lake it goes as far as Hito XXIV, which is the actual boundary between Argentina and Chile. It takes three hours forth and back, in the meantime you can enjoy ravishing view of Piramide chain and lake Roca while walking among high deciduous beech forests that cover the Guanaco chain, which can be seen on the right-hand side. Degree of difficulty: Soft - Length: 5 km (low).
CERRO GUANACO:
This track starts in the same place as the one that takes you to Hito XXIV, but goes fast upwards to the right after crossing the first stream. It takes about four hours to get to the top of the mountain, which is 970 m high above sea level, from up there you have a wonderful view of the Beagle channel, Cañadon del Toro and Chilean Islands Navarino and Hoste. Another option, after only two and a half hours walking you can get to a lookout from which lago Roca is seen and also the southern area of the park. Degree of difficulty: Demanding - Length: 8 km (low).
NAVIGATIONS ALONG BEAGLE CHANNEL
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Beagle Channel, with its bays, islets and rich flora and fauna, deserves to be visited. So as to make this tour, you can choose between several boats: catamarans, motorboats and motor sailing boats, dingy boats and vessels. Lasting of these trips varies according to the kind of boat and circuit.
NAVIGATIONS DEPARTING FROM USHUAIA
An excursion that could be considered as classic, and it is available all year round, is the one called Sea Lions's Island. This voyage goes until the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, that shows the entrance to Ushuaia's bay to the navigators.
During the circuit several species of birds and colony of sea lions and Antarctic fur seals are seen. A variant of this excursion, available just in summer, leaves from Ushuaia towards Lapataia Bay in Tierra del Fuego National Park, from where you come back to make the classical excursion to the Sea Lions´ Island. Some options (in both excursions) include trekking.
From mid of October till beginning of April, the navigation to the Sea Lions´ Island-Penguins'Rookery-Harberton Ranch leaves regularly (this excursion could be considered as a three in one tour, you can choose if you want to take the entire tour or just the first circuits). After going through the Sea Lions's Island and Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, it continues to Martillo Island (settlement of Magellan penguins during summer).
If you take the entire excursion, the navigation continues to Harberton Ranch, first ranch established in the province, where a guided trekking takes place.
NAVIGATIONS DEPARTING FROM BAHÍA ENSENADA
From Bahía Ensenada, in Tierra del Fuego National Park, and if weather conditions allows it, you will be able to navigate on board dingy boats towards Redonda Island (where a footpath gives you the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the channel) Lapataia Bay or the XXVI Boundary.
NAVIGATIONS DEPARTING FROM HARBERTON RANCH
A dingy boat makes regular departures, in summer, leaving from the ranch to the penguins'rookery in Martillo island (another option for those who want to know the settlement of penguins making a short navigation). Between October and April, there is a bus service from Ushuaia city so as to get to Harberton Ranch.
OTHER NAVIGATION
There are several options available for sailing lovers, such as: the classical tour to the Sea Lions'Island, Penguins'Rookery and Harberton Ranch or those which last many days, so as to reach for away destinies like Staten Island, fuegian channel and Cape Horn.
FROM USHUAIA: ESCONDIDO AND FAGNANO LAKES: 60 km. north of Ushuaia (along N° 3 national road), located in between the mountains at the base of Garibaldi Path, we find this very picturesque lake, with a hostelry at its side. Besides walking along the footpaths around the mountains, it is possible to practice sport fishing here. Fagnano is an imposing international lake, placed 100 km. north of Ushuaia (N° 3 national road) and it is recognized for offering good fishing possibilities. A hostelry, campsites and cottages form part of the accommodation options by the lakeside.
FROM USHUAIA: MARTIAL GLACIAR
After going through a winding car road that climbs from Ushuaia to the Martial chain, you get to the base of the alpine skiing slope, where a chair lift operates. From this point, a track begins and takes you up to the glacier. It is necessary to climb for two and a half hours, approximately, and all along the circuit it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city, Beagle Channel and the Chilean islands: Navarino and Hoste.
An interesting option is to reach the mountain chain, following the valley that goes to the right after reaching the other end of the chair lift. This walk is not too difficult and gives the possibility to obtain an excellent view of the Andorra valley (that goes behind the Martial chain), as well as of Ushuaia city and Beagle Channel . Degree of difficulty: Medium - Length: 4 km (to the glacier).
TOLHUIN: At the eastern end of Fagnano Lake, more than 100 km. north from Ushuaia, the third town of the province is located, considered capital of the named "Heard of the Island". You will be able here to take fishing excursions, do some trekking and picture safaris, rent horses, boats and kayaks.
SAN PABLO CAPE: Ppicturesque spot 180 km. north-east from Ushuaia, placed at the coast of Argentinean Sea, at the mouth of Ladrillero and San Pablo rivers, where there are good fishing possibilities. First it is necessary to travel along N° 3 national road, and then go through "A" complementary road, one of the most attractive roads of the province.
YEHUIN LAKE: About 160 km. north of Ushuaia, going along N°3 national road, first, and then taking "H" complementary road, we find Yehuin, Chepemut and Yakush lakes, which are suitable for trout fishing, rowing boats and watching the local rich fauna. It is possible to stay in a hostelry placed at the lakeside.
The Shenolsh Hill placed in the area, is the natural habitat of the Andean Patagonian condor, from where it is possible to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view.
WINTER IN USHUAIA
During the winter tourist season, Ushuaia offers a large variety of activities so as to enjoy snow. The magnificent fuegian geography allows the ski practicing, alpine skiing (in descent) as well as, cross country skiing (flat land). Temperatures, in winter, are not too low as in the other places at the same latitude in the North Hemisphere, due to the insular characteristics of Tierra del Fuego. The average temperature in town is 1,6° C between May and August, being July the coldest month of the year with extreme minimum temperatures that reach -21° C in the valleys.
In order to practice cross country skiing, there are different Winter Sport Resort. The nearest one is "Francisco Jerman" ski slope, placed in the Martial Chain (that surrounds the city) and the rest are located in the north area of the city, along N° 3 National Road, from km 17 to km 36, in the following order: Altos del Valle, Solar del Bosque, Valle de los Huskies, Tierra Mayor, Las Cotorras and Haruwen. These resorts offer, not just the possibility of skiing, between mountains and glaciers, but they also organize trekking with snowshoes, crossing on sledge dogs, rides on snow cats or four-wheeled motor cycles, picture safaris, ice skating and tours on flex mobile, among other activities. All centres rent the equipment to practice the different sports, give group or individual classes, have got refuges, tea rooms and restaurants where typical food is served.
As regards alpine skiing, there are two ski slopes a few kilometres away from town "Wolfang Wallner" Ushuaia Andean Club Ski Slope and Martial Glacier Ski Slope with a skiing surface of 850 m. and 1150 m., respectively.
Recently opened, Cerro Castor, placed 26 km north-east from town, on N°3 National Road, is the most important, at the moment. It has got 15 ski slope, most of them for medium level skiers, and the most modern ski lifts.
On the other hand, tourist and residents participate of several sportive and cultural meetings that take place during winter. The most important are: Longest Night National Party, musical event that on June 20th opens the winter season, the traditional White March and the Valleys' March, crossings on cross country skies that join the winter resorts, congregating families and reaching national and international importance. It is important to mention the Snow Sculptors National Meeting, an imposing show of art in ice, Ushuaia Sledge Dog Race, a competitive adventure that lasts several days on sledge dogs and the End of the World Rally, national competition in which the best pilots of the country take place and it stands out for being one of the few races ran fully on ice and snow.
Ushuaia, year by year increases the infrastructure of Winter Resorts and organizes new events, offering more alternatives to receive the tourist of the new millennium.
TROUT FISHING IN USHUAIA, TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Tierra del Fuego National Park is an excellent attraction for sport fishing, not only for the quantity and variety of the trouts that live in its rivers, but also for their big size.
In Tierra del Fuego, we can find the following species:
Stream trout: Comes from the Eastern area of the United States, and prefers cold and transparent water. Her back is olive green with whitish and red spots and her belly is pinkish white. Their meat is pink that is why they are called "salmon trout".
Rainbow trout: Also comes from the United States, has very attractive colours and also a red sash at both sides. The tail is spotted. The back and sides can be either greyish, green or blue with darker spots, and the belly is silvery white. It is very much appreciated among sportsmen. It is a good fighter, strong and different sizes.
Brown trout: These come from Europe, It is a very common specie, very wild and aggressive. Their colour changes depending on the place where they live. Usually their back is dark, brown or green, lighter coloured at the sides with yellow belly. The rest of their body has black and red spots.
Lacked Salmon: It is silvery, with a back and head somewhat blue, black spots at the sides, dark fins and colour creamed jaw and belly. Generally, fishing season spreads from the end of October until beginning of April of following year (with some changes), although there are special fishing areas in which the beginning and ending of the season are set each time.
FISHING IN USHUAIA: PLACES IN WHICH FISHING IS FORBIDDEN: In the called "Chorrillo de los Salmones", Rio Grande Department.
Section of Olivia River that includes its mouth and 300 metres up from the dam, and at both sides of the river's mouth to the sea.
It is indispensable to have the fishing license, which is untransferable. The price varies according to its lasting and category (foreigners and residents in Argentina). Younger than 12, and retired people do not pay.
FISHING IN USHUAIA: FISHING LICENCES: One expended by the Natural Resources Direction: valid in the whole province, excepting Tierra del Fuego National Park. It can be acquired at Hunting and Fishing Club (Maipú St. and 9 de Julio St. - Ushuaia) and at different shops that are set up every year.
One given by the National Parks Administration: it is accepted in all national parks in Patagonia. This license can be bought at National Park Administration (1395 San Martin St. - Ushuaia) and at the entrance of Tierra del Fuego National Park.
It is absolutely forbidden to fish during night.
The only methods authorised for fishing: spinning and flying cast.
Fishing must be practised with rod, reel and artificial baits, with three arms hook. Nylon must be 0.35 mm thick as maximum.
The minimum size for salmons is 40 cm. and 35 cm. for the rest species. It is allowed only one fish per person.
