Tierra del Fuego: Trekking at the 'End of the World'

3 days, as part of a tailor-made itinerary in Argentina

Tierra del Fuego hosts the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. This wild and stunningly beautiful island, home to snow-capped mountain ranges, lakes, ancient temerate forests and abundant birdlife is ideal trekking country.

But so far few have ventured to explore, although the wilderness is a stone's throw from Ushuaia. We've trekked there and we'll help you too to  be among the first.

The dense forests, high mountains and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego are a surprise to those arriving from the bleak Patagonian steppes further north and this hike explores the beautiful landscape of the National Park which surrounds the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia.

There are about 6 hours or 10km of walking on each of the 3 trekking days. Both nights are spent camping, forsaking conventional comforts in favour of the experience of living in the wilderness (bathrooms/showers are not available on the trek). Here, at the tip of the continent, Spring and Summer days are long and it's not normally very cold, but it can be windy and wet and you should expect four seasons in one day, every day, and in no particular order...

The first day's activity - an ascent through forests revealing spectacular panoramas of the Beagle Channel - is an all-day hike through the Oveja Valley towards Laguna del Caminante, our base for two nights in the heart of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The following day, climb Mount Falso Tonelli, crossing an alpine glacier in order to reach the summit. This is an area rewarding for bird-watching.

The final day's hike, a gradual descent to Ushuaia, routes through clusters of typical 'lenga' trees, arriving back in town during the evening.

Fitness levels

This trek requires a moderate degree of fitness. Please note you will need to carry your own belongings, so a backpack is essential, and you must be comfortable carrying approximately 10-12 kgs. You will be walking for approximately 6 hours a day.

Weather watch

The region is at its most accessible from Oct to Apr, when you can expect up to four seasons in one day - temperatures range from 5-30°C, and stormy periods can be interspersed with calm days of hot sunshine.