USHUAIA: THE END OF THE WORLD

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.



ALTOS DEL VALLE

THE DOGS
The refuge counts with a Siberian Husky and Alaskan kennel that produces our racing and draught dogs. Along with them, Eco, the great Alaskan white wolf majestically keeps guards of the movements around the refuge.

THE RACING AND PACK SLEDS
The hand made sled manufacture has a millenary tradition that comes from the countries around the North Pole. In Akeaata this task has been maintained for sixteen years. In a small workshop, the noble patagonian lenga is prepared, curved, and pressed to craft the sleds. These are sold along with different accessories all around the Patagonia and they have reached France and Spain.

THE ACTIVITIES
During the winter several activities can be practiced: cross-country skiing, dog sled tours, trekking in the woods wearing snow rackets. The children have small sleds available to sled through the snowy ladders. The firesides during the night gather the bravest people.
During the summer, the sled skies are replace by wheels, horse rides, and mountain bikes, for tours during the day and night. We always come back to the refuge where a friendly talk is held by the chimneyís fire along with a comforting drink.

SNOW CATS
Modern snow cats, where we tie a sled when needed, are used in the island, making thirty minutes rides (2,6 miles) and 4 hours rides (13 miles) allowing unsuspected sites to be discovered.

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.

More about Winter in Ushuaia...

TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

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 the natural conformation of Tierra del Fuego National Park 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 Tierra del Fuego National Park keeps archaeological remains of the Yamana natives. Another attraction inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park is finding the end of N° 3 National Road and Pan-American Road, in the famous and beautiful Lapataia Bay.
Tierra del Fuego National Park 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. Tierra del Fuego National Park 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 Tierra del Fuego National Park, 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.

TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK - 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).

SPECIAL EXCURSIONS IN USHUAIA

FROM USHUAIA: TEMPANOS LAGOON
The track, in its first part, goes through the Andorra valley that spreads between Martial and Vinciguerra chain. Then it turns northwards so as to climb by the side of the highest hill of the last mountain range (Vinciguerra).
In the first place you must leave from Ushuaia, going along N° 3 National Road (high layout) northwards, until a neighbourhood also called "Andorra" is found on the left side and before crossing the bridge over the Grande stream. This is an unpaved road, but good enough for cars and leads you to different places: If you follow it all along you will find a series of waterfalls belonging to the above mentioned stream (De los Amigos Waterfall). If you previously take a turn to the left a green gate will be found where the car must be left behind. As you go on walking a series of buildings will be seen belonging to a peat-bog company and, finally you get to the stream.
As you go northeast beside it you will find a hanging bridge. Once you have crossed it, you must continue westwards, always near the water and going through an area with humid pastures until a wood gangplank is to be seen which clearly points out the track. Then it goes into the wood and starts climbing up the mountain in a direct way therefore being quite difficult. It is not easy to go on as you are near the end of the wood, but it can be followed watching the end of the same at the beginning of the high pasture. It is very important to remember and signal the place where the track and the forest are left behind so as not to get lost on the way back. Once out of the forest, you must go on climbing diagonally westwards along a path that can be clearly identified which also has stone walls every now and then. This footpath runs along the west side of the mountain northwards and stars slowly going down onto the valley that was formed by the "Témpanos" Lagoon. You go through it, across the above mentioned stream (better do it before going any further upwards) until you start climbing on bare rock and finally arrive to the lagoon.
Once there you will be able to see the water and the glacier tongue that ends at the Vinciguerra glacier, which is about 7 m. high. It takes about two or three hours to get there.
To get back you can go down walking along the same place where you came from or else along the valley formed by the stream whose source is the lagoon. In this latter case it might be more difficult due to many fallen trees, beaver dams and humid areas. Degree of difficulty: demanding.

FROM USHUAIA: ESMERALDA LAGOON
This is one of the easiest trekking can be done near the city but it is really worth doing and highly satisfactory. The lagoon is located in a deep valley of glacial origin, between the Bonete hill on the West and Toribio chain, on the East.
To get there easily you have to take N° 3 National Road up to a winter sports resort called "Altos del Valle", 18 km north of Ushuaia. Once in the parking lot of the resort you must go through the house section and the place where they breed dogs leaving them behind, and then you will see a very obvious track to the left, which is very easy to follow.
It is important to keep the following items in mind:
· First of all you are going to cover a small wooded area.
· Afterwards you are going to walk through a peat-bog. At the end of it, to the right there lies a wooden bridge to get you across "Esmeralda" stream.
· That is how you get into the forest again and there the track forks. Take the one that stays near the river and turn left (West).
· After the forest, a peat-bog is to be found again.
Once more you go into the forest until you get out of it almost in the final area which has no trees and is crossed out by the stream that comes from the lagoon. It is important to remember this place and leave some sort of signal so as not get lost on the way back. Always keep walking towards the end of the valley until you find a small hill which has to be climbed This is the last obstacle before finally getting to the lagoon. All this expedition does not take more than two hours, and as the name itself indicates, the water is really emerald green and is framed by fabulous mountains. You can also go around it walking on the East shore. This track was well market in older days but not any more because the wind knocked down many trees. It is much better to walk along the lake shore and follow the stream that feeds it. Degree of difficulty: medium.

FROM USHUAIA: ALBINO GLACIER
Walking further along the already described track, you get to the end of the forest and find an area full of huge crumbled rocks. From here on you will have a beautiful view of the Martial Mountain Range and the Vinciguerra chain as you start climbing up towards Albino glacier and its upper lagoon (Ojo del Albino).
Once you get to the glacier tongue, you must abruptly turn left and start climbing a series of rocky walls that are not too difficult, therefore no special equipment is needed.
At last you get to the upper part of the glacier from where you can watch the lagoon. It takes about three hours to walk from Esmeralda lagoon. To come back, take the same track that you took all the way up. Degree of difficulty: demanding.

More Special Excursions in Ushuaia Area...

SPECIAL EXCURSIONS IN USHUAIA

Tierra del Fuego offers many possibilities as regards special excursions: trekking, mountaineering, horse riding, sailing, circuits on mountain bikes and 4x4 cars, fishing and diving, among others.
Lasting of the different itineraries and the circuits vary according to the responsible operator. In all cases, groups are small, using transportation of less than 12 seats and/or little boats or sailing boats.

FROM USHUAIA: FULL DAY TREKKING:
Going with a guide, you will have the possibility of discovering a different Tierra del Fuego: walks that combine peat-bogs, dense forests and climbing to interesting panoramic views. There are different alternatives that include: transfer, guide, lunch-box and eventually equipment (raining cloak, rucksack, etc.)
Several Days Camping: the more venturesome ones can take different options inside Tierra del Fuego National Park or go through the valleys beyond the Martial Mountains, scattered with lagoons and surrounded by big mountains and glaciers.

FROM USHUAIA: MOUNTAINEERING:
Experienced guides will lead you along these crossings, whose difficulty degrees vary according to the tour and they last one or two days. The mountains of this are show a combination of rock, alluvium, ice or snow. As a contrast you can find yourself in the forest and over peat-bogs. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to discover the most incredible scenery.

FROM USHUAIA: HORSE RIDING:
There are several circuits lasting different periods of time. You can either do it on your own following a predetermined path or take a guided tour (in charge of an expert) that can lead you, to inaccessible places.

FROM USHUAIA: MOUNTAIN BIKES:
This sport can be fully performed inside the national park. Being accompanied by a guide, you can ride along many paths which enables you to see the rich fuegian landscape. The price of this tour includes: transfer to the park, the bicycle, rucksack, rain suit, helmet and lunch-box.

FROM USHUAIA: 4X4:
Tthese tours are meant to take you cross-country along roads that are practically non existent, thus being a good way to make you feel in close contact with nature. The fare includes, not only transportation and food, but also a guide who will provide interesting and useful information.
Overflights: for those who love panoramic views, but do not want to clim a mountain, small planes that leave from the local airport, will give you the oppotunity to get a wonderful view of the end of the world.

FROM USHUAIA: FISHING TOURS:
Tierra del Fuego trout are among the biggest ones in the world. Between December and March you will be able to enjoy fishing tours that last one or more days. The price for same include transportation, guide services, meals, equipment and in certain cases, even the fishing licences.

More Special Excursions from Ushuaia...

USHUAIA PRISON MUSEUM

On January 1896 the first group of 14 convicts arrived on board the naval ship "1° de Mayo". In this way the "reincidents jail" got under way housed temporarily in wooden and tin hunts.
The idea was to colonize with convicts and they immediately sent 11 more men and 9 women volunteers. All were ex-convicts who had fallen again.

MILITARY PRISON
The Military Prison on The Isla de los Estados, First functioned in San Juan de Salvamento an later in Puerto Cook. In December 1902 was moved for humanitarian reason to Ushuaia. The place chosen was Puerto Golondrina to the west of the city. There was notion to build a penal colony also this not prosper.
In 1911 the president of the Nation signed a decree that fused the Military Prison and the jail of Ushuaia.

THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
I In 1902 construction started in the National Prison. The site selected was the same where temporary constructions were, east of the little town of Ushuaia which consisted of little more than 40 houses. Until 1920 the constructions continued on the jail which was done by the convicts.
The originated idea was to build a Penal Colony for 580 convicts at Lapataia, for which 2500 acres of land were reserved on the border with Chile.
In 1920 the jail had 5 pavilions with 79 exterior facing cells each. The 380 cells were single but the jail housed more than 600 convicts at one time.
Between the N° 1 and 5 a bakery. To the front of the bay an administration building was erected. The workshops were housed in separate buildings. Only in 1943 a modern hospital was inaugurated which later became the hospital for the Naval Base and for a long time the only hospital in the zone.
The Main Hall was used as a conference hall, cinema and auditorium for any occasion.

WORK AND DISCIPLINE
As time went by, convicts guilty of serious crimes, many for lifetime or long sentences were sent there.
The system used was based on work for lifetime with a little salary. They also had primary school education and sever discipline.
The jail had 30 different work areas, some being outside the limits of the jail.
The workshops tended the jails needs and rendered services to all the town of Ushuaia. These were the first press, telephone, electricity, fire station, etc.
Outside the jail the convicts were used for building streets, bridges, buildings and also all the timberland.
In this way thanks to the convicts a railway was built in the year 1910. This became the southernmost railway in the world. Was 25 km long and ran alongside Maipu street to Monte Susana and split in two sections towards what is today the National Park.
The jail had various ships among which the "Godoy" was the most known. In 1947 the President of the Nation disposed the closure of the jail and installations were transferred to the Navy and Naval Base was installed there in 1950.

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.

USHUAIA: HISTORY & NATIVES

THE ORIGINS OF NAME USHUAIA
Then the first white men arrived to this area, they found out that the natives referred to this beautiful bay well protected against the winds and surrounded by mountains as "Ooshooia" or "Ouchouaya". The first persons who got in touch with the natives were English speaking sailors and missionaries; therefore the right pronunciation was "Ushuuaia".
Finally the name become "Ushuaia" both for the bay and for the town that started growing around it, until it become the southernmost city in the world.
What is the meaning of this word for the Yamana natives? It simply meant "bay penetrating Westwards" or "bay towards the end " . This description turned out very accurate.

HISTORY OF USHUAIA
During the sixteenth century and after living in the area for 6000 years, the southernmost inhabitants in the earth got in touch for the very first time with European expeditions.
At the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth, the outer coasts of the Magellan-fuegian archipelago were visited by sea lion hunters and members of different expeditions, for example Captain Fitz Roy, commanding the Beagle brigantine, who discovered the channel named after him.

The history of Ushuaia begins about 1869 when the Anglican missionary Stirling arrived on board the Allen Gardiner schooner, in order to evangelize the natives. This task was followed afterwards by reverend Thomas Bridges.
In 1882 president Roca put forward the bill of "Penal colony for South of Republic", so as to solve the penitentiary problem, start the population and thus assure the sovereignty in these (for them) remote sites.

On September 1884 the South Atlantic Expeditionary Division commanded by Colonel Augusto Lasserre, arrived at Ushuaia bay so as to set a coast guard and it is then when the national flag was officially hoisted for the first time in this area. The date October 12th, same year, was officially declared the birthday of Ushuaia, today the capital of the province.

A military prison was set up in San Juan de Salvamento (in The Staten Island, to the East), which was them transferred to Golondrina bay in 1911 merged with the jail in Ushuaia, by a presidential decree-law.

It is impossible to imagine Ushuaia without the prison. Thanks to prisoners' labour the town had electricity very early, the same as the pier, the post office and the road building. The workshops, such as the printing house, photography, the tailoring, the shoe shop, carpenter's shop, medical service and drugstore, filled the population's demands which by that time was far from the main supply centre (Buenos Aires), from where the ships came once a month.

The national government decided to close the prison in 1947 and the Navy Department took control of the building. By that time the population of Ushuaia had already increased to 2182 inhabitants.

The quiet life in the town was changed when the immigrants began coming from different countries of the world, such as Croatia, Italy, Spain, Lebanon, etc., most of them decided to stay here for ever after finishing the job they came to do (settling a factory of sardine canning or house building). The 70´s marked another stage in the history of Ushuaia with the promulgation of the industrial law, which provided customs benefits in order to encourage the regional economy. Many Argentinean coming from other provinces were attracted by the possibilities of finding a job and save money.
Little by little the city was growing...

NATIVES OF USHUAIA AREA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO ISLAND
30.000 years ago, according to a wide spread theory, during one of the big glaciations that covered the planet, man crossed the Bering Strait (from Asia to North America), when the level of the sea was below the present one. These groups started moving along the American continent during the following centuries, until they arrived at its southern extreme, 12.600 years ago.

When the first Europeans arrived, they found an archipelago inhabited by about 10.000 natives who belonged to different groups: selk'nam and manek'enk (pedestrian nomad) and yamana and alakaluf (canoeist nomad). Fifty years later there were just 350 of them.
Among the reasons of their disappearance, we find:

· the overexploitation of marine mammals, that deprived them of their main source of feeding.
· the contagion of plagues and diseases brought by white man.
· their confinement in closed communities.
· the expropriation of their lands due to the introduction of sheep.

YAMANA: they named themselves: YAMANA that means "alive or man" Bridges named them YAGHAN, because of the Murray Channel (Yahga - Shaga) placed in the middle of their territory. They occupied both sides of the Beagle Channel and adjacent channels as far as Cape Horn.
They used to eat sea lions because of its high fat content, penguins, whales, fish and shellfish, also trapped birds and used to pick up mushrooms, fruits and roots. Strong and short, they had a wide and long thorax (in comparison to lower extremities), robust arms and thin bent legs. They wore just a sea lion's or otter's fur coat, that covered their back; women also wore a sex cover. Families stayed most of the time on canoes (made out of bark of tall deciduous and evergreen beeches) hunting and fishing, seldom coming inland. Fire used to burn in the centre of the boat, placed on rocks, clay and soil.

SELK'NAM: this tribe lived in the central and northern area of the Island, they are known as ONAS, yamana word that means "people or northern wind". The mountain range was a natural frontier for their territories towards south. They depended, basically on the guanaco hunting, they caught rodents as a complement, and occasionally birds. When reaching the coast, they picked up mollusks and beached marine mammals. In summer they ate a big variety of plants. Men had a harmonious body and big muscular development. On the contrary, women were shorter and fatter. They wore one or two guanacos's leathers to wrap themselves. When camping, they used a tent built with guanaco's fur supported with sticks, then it was folded and carried on their backs (this task was in charge of women).

HASSH: they called themselves MANEK'ENK and lived in the Mitre peninsula area. Their habits were similar to the selk'man's: they hunted guanacos, foxes and birds, but also obtained resources from the coasts like the Yamanas. Their weapons were: the gaff, the bow and the arrow.

ALAKALUF: they settled on Brecknock Peninsula (Chile) northwards, which included most of the Chilean island and part of the Main Island. Their main activity was fishing, moving constantly from one place to the other, looking for sea lions, fish and penguins. The southern area of their territory, being very windy, cold, rainy, with high mountains and huge glaciers, arose no interest as far as white man was concerned. Therefore, the extinction of these natives was slower than the rest.

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.

FAUNA OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO
WHAT YOU CAN SEE FROM USHUAIA, TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Tierra del Fuego has a rich and diversified fauna but we have few species of land mammals that were originated here. These are: guanaco (lama guanicoe), red fox, tucu-tucu (ctenomys magellanicus fueginus), rats, mice and bats. On the other side about 190 species of birds can be found as well as wide marine fauna. Other animals were brought to the island in the past, such as: rabbits, beavers, Patagonian fox, and the musky rat, but these became a problem as far as ecosystem is concerned.

LAND ANIMALS
As you walk along the forest the following animals can be seen:

FUEGIAN RED FOX
Their hair is long and noticeably reddish at their belly, legs and head, greyish at the back and the end of the tail. It can easily be seen, because it is a very curious animal, and screams loudly when he feels in danger. It is carnivorous, eats rabbits, rats, birds, and also eggs and fruit. They mate between August and September. Females provide shelter for the young ones by digging a cave, gestation lasts about two months and they give birth from three to six babies. The male feeds the mother and the young ones.

GREY PATAGONIAN FOX
It is smaller than the red one, having greyish back and tail, tawny legs with slightly red sides. The chin and end of the tail are dark.

CASTILLA RABBIT
Was brought from abroad and did adapt itself very well. It is about 45 cm long, being most of them reddish or grey, but some of them black or white. They live in communities, mostly on the South of the Island. Their presence is very notorious in the National Park as they prevent the regular growth of the pastures, natural shelter of many birds. Among their enemies are red foxes and some prey birds such as eagles.

CANADIAN BEAVERS
They were brought from Canada in 1946 so as to encourage the fur industry. It is a big aquatic rodent, with thick double hair. Its tail is hairless, scaly and flattened, with the shape of an oar or shovel. Their front legs are short and the back ones have well developed membranes. Their favourite places are peat-bogs, lake and lastly rivers. They built big dams to live in and store their food, therefore damaging its surroundings.

MUSKRAT
Also brought from Canada, well adjusted here and with an ever increasing numbers of animals. It is a semi aquatic rodent (swims and dives very well), has short, thick and smooth hair, the colour is dark brown and shiny, with a scaly and bore tail. These animals lived originally in swamps, but can also live on the coast of rivers, lakes and sometimes by the seashore. They build their holes with whatever vegetation grows near the water or else dig them. They eat vegetables, aquatic plants, barks and those bushes that grow near the water .

GUANACO
They have small head, long neck and long pointed ears. At the end of their feet they have two nails covered by small cushions that prevent the erosion of the soil. Their hair is short, woolly and cinnamon colored. The muzzle is black while the throat, neck and belly are whitish. Is able to live in different climates and lands, but always looks for dry, fresh and wide opened places. They only eat herbs such as graminaceous, leaves of high and low deciduous beech trees, lichens and mushrooms. They gather in family, formed by one male adult and several females with their offspring.

WATER ANIMALS
Beagle Channel is full of mollusks, fish and crustaceans (worth pointing out the spider crab). Whales and dolphins. Sea lions can be seen while sailing or else resting at the seashore.

SINGLE HAIRED SEA LION
It is a permanent inhabitant of Tierra del Fuego, having a turned up, short and wide muzzle and external ear. the male is bigger than the female and has abundant hair. their extremities are flippers. The colour of the hair differs depending on the age and sex. The young ones come to life in October and their hair is black and shiny until they become one month old, then it turns brownish. The family life is like a harem, there is one leading male and from twelve to fifteen females. They swim to open sea to find their food, that is to say fish, mollusks and crustaceans.

AIR ANIMALS
There are about two hundred species of birds in Tierra del Fuego of which a hundred and thirty five are residents or visit the island regularly. Depending on the place and time of the year different birds can be found. Tierra del Fuego National Park is an excellent place for birdwatching due to its protected ecosystem.
Up in the mountains and along the sea shore, it is easy to see the Andean Condor. It usually flies and glides at great altitude with its wings spread horizontally. Looking at it upwards it is black, and males have a red crest.
Sailing along the Beagle Channel the following birds can be seen: The cooking seagull that has yellowish legs, grey or southern seagull with reddish legs and beak, the small South American seagull, a fast and tiny bird with a sharp beak and a long and white tail.

USHUAIA AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
TREN DEL FIN DEL MUNDO - TRAIN OF THE END OF THE WORLD

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.

EXCURSIONS IN USHUAIA

FROM USHUAIA, IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK:
TRAIN OF THE END OF THE WORLD:
t his 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. More about Train of the End of the World

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. More about Tierra del Fuego National Park

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).

USHUAIA PRISON MUSEUM
On January 1896 the first group of 14 convicts arrived on board the naval ship "1° de Mayo". In this way the "reincidents jail" got under way housed temporarily in wooden and tin hunts.
The idea was to colonize with convicts and they immediately sent 11 more men and 9 women volunteers. All were ex-convicts who had fallen again. More about Ushuaia Prison Museum ...

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.

ANTARCTICA

Antarctica is a continent that spreads around the South pole. Most of it, is circumscribed by the polar Antarctic circle (66°33´south) and none of its points reach the 60° south parallel.
From Ushuaia's harbour, between November and March, several ships, with capacity for carrying between 38 and 1400 passengers, leave towards the fascinating and mysterious white continent.

Due to the distance that separates Ushuaia from Antarctica (1200 km) and the crossing of Drake Passage that takes, at least, two days, these trips last about 8 days. When the voyage includes Cape Horn, Shetlands, Georgias or Malvinas Islands, lasting increases to two weeks or more. The circumnavigation of the white continent needs two months, approximately.

Along the circuit, different places are visited, chosen for the beauty of their landscapes or their rich fauna, in which passengers can disembark on board dingy boats.
In order to get off the boat, it is necessary to have impermeable clothes: coat, trousers and boots, as well as cap and gloves, woolen clothes, sun glasses and sun protector. All ships have a very good heating system, so it is possible to wear light clothes while on board.
Fares of these voyages vary not just according to the circuit and characteristics of the ship, but also for the king and location of the cabin. In all cases you have full board and they include excursions, informative material and lectures by naturalist and other scientists. The official language on board is English. Fares do not include: personal insurance, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone calls or tips.

It is possible to visit Antarctica by vessel. A classical circuit, depending on then weather conditions, includes a visit to Puerto Williams, (where customer steps are done) and to Cape Horn, from where we leave towards the peninsula.

Once on it, different scientific bases are visited, old whaler anchorage, Shetland and Deception Islands (in the last one there is a crater in which is it possible to have a thermal bath). Returning to Tierra del Fuego starts going through Drake Passage again, this navigation lasts about four days. These vessels can room between 2 and 8 passengers, the voyage last 4 weeks, approximately.

TO BEAR IN MIND:
While Continent is one of the most important natural resources in the world. Therefore, protection and preservation are necessary, that means to protect fauna and avoid any kind of contamination, chemical as well as residual one. We do not have to forget that there are scientific bases that make investigations about changeable trends, such as: pollution and global weather change, that seriously endanger the evolution of the whole world.

More about Antarctica and Cruises to Antarctica...

DAY 1 - Arrival to Ushuaia Airport and transfer to hotel. 03 nts of accommodation with breakfast

DAY 2 - Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Return to the city and take a Beagle Channel Navigation to see Isla de los Pàjaros, Isla de los Lobos and Faro Les Eclareirs.

DAY 3 - Excursion to Fagnano and Escondido Lakes

DAY 4 - Transfer to airport

This is a basic program to visit Ushuaia Area. Please visit our tour list to see more tours combining this area and others place in Argentina and Chile

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See our Ushuaia´s Interactive Map	Ushuaia Area: Tierra del Fuego i-Map	Add Mare Australis Cruises to your trip
Ushuaia Area: Train of The End of The World	Ushuaia Area: Beagle Channel Navigation	Ushuaia Area: Cerro Castor Information´s map
Ushuaia Area: Bahía Lapataia (Tierra del Fuego NP)	Ushuaia Area: Glaciar Martial location map	Ushuaia Area: Estancia Tunel location map
Islas Malvinas (Argentina)	Ushuaia Area: Laguna Esmeralda location map	Antartida Interactive Map
General Information about Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego Province	Ushuaia Photo Gallery

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