Active Adventures on Tierra del Fuego

Day 1: Drive across the Andes by all-terrain vehicle

Today’s first full-day experience will take you out of Ushuaia, and introduce you to the wonders of the Andes mountain range as you explore the forest and hills by 4x4 vehicle. With an enjoyable, small-group dynamic of no more than 6 passengers per guide and vehicle, today will be the perfect way to learn about the history, nature and traditions of Tierra del Fuego. 

Driving east and north into the mountains, we begin on asphalt and then it's through the mountainous forests, on trails that only these tough vehicles can handle. Stopping at different viewpoints, your vehicle will take you to lake-side locations, as your guide shows you what makes this area so special. Keep your eye out for local birdlife, such as the mighty Andean condor or maybe the enigmatic Magellanic woodpecker. 

Having crossed the Andes during the morning, you’ll pause for lunch in our secluded refuge where your guide will cook and serve up a traditional Argentine BBQ meal for you and your fellow travellers to savour, along with some local wine of course. You will have an opportunity to get to know your travelling companions in this beautiful, relaxed spot. 

In the afternoon, you can take a 40 minute canoe ride along the coast of the lake, or if you prefer, stretch your legs through the forest in this magical, remote part of the world, locally known as El Fin del Mundo - The End of the World.

We will return to Ushuaia early evening and reflect on a great day’s adventure.    

Accommodation: not included, can be added if required

Meal: BBQ lunch (vegetarian/vegan options available) 

Day 2: Explore the Beagle Channel by canoe, hiking and motor-boat  

Today is all about adventure and getting active! Departing Ushuaia this morning by vehicle you will travel east, through the coastal forest of Tierra del Fuego, for approximately 1.5hrs with your guide and fellow travellers. This group excursion usually has between 10-15 people, and a maximum of 20, with whom to share the great camaraderie of this rewarding day. 

First, you will take to the water by paddling down-river in inflatable canoes for approximately 1.5hrs, during which there will be chance to see the nesting sites of several coastal birds, and if you are lucky enough, maybe a sighting of otters, seals or penguins playing in the water. After disembarking, at the mouth of the Beagle Channel, a motorboat awaits to speed you to the nearby Magellanic and gentoo penguin colony. 

Being able to closely observe these wonderful feathered creatures at their natural nesting site, will no doubt be a highlight of today. On some occasions, king penguins and leopard seals have also been spotted in this area.

Please note: given the rookery is protected we cannot disembark, and the colony is sometimes visited in the afternoon - your guide will let you know.  

Lunch awaits on the windswept island of Gable, where either grilled fish or steak is served in rustic charm at our tiny wooden refuge, again accompanied with a drop of local wine, of course. The backdrop for your lunch will be a completely different country, Chile!

This afternoon is enjoyed on foot, with short or longer options for hiking the undulating trails of the island, as your guide shows you the endemic plants that enabled indigenous people to survive for thousands of years in such an extreme climate. Expect to hike between 2-4 miles for approximately 2 hours, whilst stopping to admire the immensity of your surroundings.

We return you to Ushuaia via motorboat and your vehicle, no doubt tired but with happy memories of your authentic outdoor adventure at the End of the World.

Length of hike: 2-4 miles / 3-6km

Accommodation: not included, can be added if required

Meal: BBQ lunch of fish or steak (vegetarian/vegan options available) 

Day 3: Ushuaia & Embarkation

This morning is for you to take at your own pace, perhaps getting to know the city, visiting its museums or doing some last-minute shopping before boarding your Antarctic vessel. After your adventures, not many of your fellow Antarctic travellers will have as much to say about Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego as you will. Swoop will inform you of the logistics for boarding your ship in the afternoon. Fair Winds!