Tierra del Fuego is a mystical, inspiring and humbling region featuring glacial landscapes, soaring mountains and turquoise lakes. Visit historic homesteads and try outdoor adventures such as skiing and dogsledding. Situated across the Magellan Strait from Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego is South America’s southernmost point. The province is part of an isolated archipelago shared between Argentina and Chile.
You’ll find major towns and attractions spread around Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, the archipelago’s largest island. Visit Ushuaia, a port city under the shadow of the Martial Glacier. Hike or ride a chairlift to the glacier’s summit. Discover 1,606 acres (650 hectares) of skiable terrain at Cerro Castor, the world’s most southerly ski resort. Go dogsledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Valle de Lobos.
Explore the Beagle Channel on a boat cruise or kayaking excursion. Get up-close to sea lions and penguins or spot waterfowl at Isla de los Pajaros. Take a guided tour of Estancia Harberton, one of Argentina’s oldest homesteads. Ride the Tren del Fin del Mundo to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, where walking trails weave through dense forests to placid lakes.
About a 90-minute drive northeast from Ushuaia is the sleepy town of Tolhuin. It’s worth visiting for horseback riding, hiking, mountain-biking and fishing on and around Lago Fagnano. Go to Río Grande, in the region’s north, for superb trout fishing opportunities.
Venturesome travelers might want to brave the extreme weather conditions of the Drake Passage and visit the wilderness of Antarctica. Cruise past towering icebergs and take short hikes into the harsh southern land.
Tierra del Fuego is a year-round destination, although expect icy winds and low temperatures in winter. The ski season is from June to September, and Antarctica-bound cruises depart from late October to late March. Get here by flying to Ushuaia’s international airport or catch a bus from Río Gallegos. Tierra del Fuego presents a great mix of adventure, natural beauty and the chance to retrace the footsteps of famous explorers.