Welcome to Tierra del Fuego
Tourism in Tierra del Fuego: What Can You Do in This Province?
The province at the End of the World. The southernmost spot, separated from the rest of the Argentinian territory by the mythical Strait of Magellan. The last one to be formed. The gate to the White Continent. Frozen, magical, and unforgettable… This is the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands. Discover this fantastic land, nestled by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, crystal-clear waters, and multicoloured forests.
Conquer the end of the world
There where the world ends, your adventure begins. Explore the territory which the Yámanas inhabited over 10,000 years ago and called Tierra del Fuego after the large bonfires they lit to face the cold weather. Learn about their historical and cultural heritage. Tour its capital city: Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world and the closest to Antarctica. Hop on the End of the World Train. Visit the Presidio Museum, where there used to be a no-escape prison one hundred years ago.
Mountains and valleys. Forests and rivers. Lakes and the sea. Extreme landscapes and unforgettable activities. Walking and camping. Horseback riding and sailing. Wildlife and vegetation watching. Enjoy it all. In the heart of the province, tour the city of Tolhuin. Visit the Corazón de la Isla, Laguna Negra and Río Valdez Provincial Reserves. And in Río Grande, discover a paradise for sport fishing. Tierra del Fuego is waiting for you.
About Tierra del Fuego
A Paradise of Extreme Natural Beauty
About the Province
Located a few kilometres from Antarctica and packed with the purest snow, the island of Tierra del Fuego is exceptional for its culture, its historical heritage, the traces of its native communities, and its lush nature. It’s special for its mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, and sea. It’s unique because it marks the end of Patagonia, of the South Pole, of Argentina, of the American continent, and… the end of the world.
Must-see Attractions
Ushuaia: the Capital of Tierra del Fuego
Among Ushuaia’s distinctive coloured houses at the foot of silver mountains and the emblematic red and white lighthouse, practice scuba diving along the coast, stroll around streets full of history, discover the port, and sail at the end of the world. Are you ready?
Skiing at Cerro Castor
With 35 amazing tracks, Cerro Castor has the best snow in the country, whether you want to ski, snowboard or go snowmobiling across Fuegian forests.
Trekking in Tolhuin
In the heart of the island, there are endless hiking or trekking trails. What is the level of difficulty of trekking in Tolhuin? There are adventures for all levels, ages and tastes, and you will always walk surrounded by amazing views.
Exploring Río Grande
Discover everything this city on the north of the island offers. Tour Cape San Pablo, walk on the sand in San Sebastián Bay, and go horse riding amid old estates.
The Purest Nature: Tierra del Fuego National Park
This massive natural area that protects more than 70,000 hectares of Patagonian forests includes the last part of the Andes Mountain chain and its link with the sea in the Beagle Channel, the strait that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Get on the End of the World Train
Stop at each iconic station, admire the varied natural views through the windows, and enjoy an experience you will never forget.
Excursion to Laguna Esmeralda
This lagoon is located in the Valle Tierra Mayor Nature and Landscape Reserve, and can only be accessed crossing lenga forests. The Laguna Esmeralda is a really worthwhile Fuegian spectacle.
Visiting the Museum of the Prison in Ushuaia
An iconic place that a century ago worked as a maximum-security prison for high-risk criminals.
What is the climate and temperature of Tierra del Fuego?
The climate of Tierra del Fuego is subpolar, and the temperature of the area varies considerably. Although it is mainly cold and windy, it can be sunny, it can hail, and it can rain, all on the same day. The average annual temperature is 6 ºC.
Why is it called ‘Tierra del Fuego’ (Land of Fire)?
The reason goes back to the time when the first Spanish people, led by Fernando de Magallanes, arrived in Argentina. As they approached the shore of the province, the sailors glimpsed huge smoking bonfires from their ships. These were the local people, who lighted bonfires to keep themselves warm in the characteristic Patagonian cold. At first, it was named Tierra de Humos (Smoke Land), but it was later renamed Tierra del Fuego by Carlos I, King of Spain.
How is the End of the World Train route?
The Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino (Southern Fuegian Railway) worked from 1909 to 1952, when a strong earthquake destroyed a large part of the tracks. In 1994, after 42 years without working, the End of the World Train was rebuilt, currently running through the last 8 kilometres of the original route.
The wonderful tour begins at the End of the World Station, a few kilometres from the capital. Then, it passes by the Puente Quemado bridge, the Cascada La Macarena Station, and the Tree Cemetery, ending at the immense Tierra del Fuego National Park. Without a doubt, it is worth getting on board, travelling back in time, and being amazed with the breathtaking landscapes.
When was the Ushuaia’s Prison Museum built?
The building worked as a prison from 1904 to 1947. The first foundation stone of this legendary prison in Ushuaia was laid on September 15th, 1902, and the construction was completed in 1920 with the hard work of the prisoners.
Due to the geographical isolation and the freezing weather, it was considered one of the highest-security prisons in the world. For that reason, some of the most dangerous inmates in the country were put in this prison, such as the famous serial killer Cayetano Santos Godino, better known as Petiso Orejudo. Today, it is a museum, where you can learn about its horrifying history.
Actividades