Planning Your Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit

For the most up-to-date details, check Turismo Ushuaia before you go.

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Municipalidad de Ushuaia.

The park charges an entrance fee for foreign visitors. You can buy tickets at the main entrance gate using cash or credit cards. It is often wise to carry some Argentine Pesos just in case. Most visitors spend at least one full day exploring the main sights. If you love trekking, you might want to return for a second day.

Facilities inside the park include a visitor center and several small cafes. The Alakush Visitor Center offers a museum and clean restrooms. You will also find a restaurant with panoramic views of the lake. Cell phone service is very limited once you enter the park boundary. Download your maps offline before you leave your hotel in Ushuaia.

10 Best Things to Do in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Here are the top picks for your itinerary. This list includes the most iconic sights and some nearby day trips to complete your journey. Take your time to enjoy the fresh Antarctic air at every stop.

• Quick picks:
• Best Overall: Bahía Lapataia
• Best for Families: End of the World Train
• Best Rainy-Day: Alakush Visitor Center
• Best Free View: Ensenada Zaratiegui

1. Name: Bahía Lapataia
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the official end of National Route 3 and the Pan-American Highway. You can walk along wooden boardwalks to see the beautiful bay. It is a symbolic spot for travelers from across the globe.
   Best for: Everyone and photography enthusiasts.
   Where: The westernmost point of the park road.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Included in park entry.
   Tip: Take a photo with the famous wooden sign that marks the distance to Alaska.
2. Name: Ensenada Zaratiegui
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This bay offers some of the most stunning views of the Beagle Channel. It is also home to the "End of the World Post Office." You can send a postcard from the southernmost mailbox in the world.
   Best for: Sightseers and gift hunters.
   Where: Southern coast of the park.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Small fee for passport stamps or postcards.
   Tip: Bring your passport to get a unique commemorative stamp from the postmaster.
3. Name: Lago Acigami (Lago Roca)
   Type: nature
   Why go: This massive glacial lake is shared between Argentina and Chile. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by snowy peaks. It is a peaceful place for a picnic or a short stroll.
   Best for: Nature lovers and picnickers.
   Where: Near the Alakush Visitor Center.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Tip: Look for the boundary markers that separate the two countries near the shore.
4. Name: Senda Costera
   Type: activity
   Why go: This is one of the best hiking routes in Tierra del Fuego National Park for coastal views. The trail winds through the forest and along quiet pebble beaches. You might see sea birds or even a red fox.
   Best for: Active travelers.
   Where: Starts at Ensenada Zaratiegui.
   Time: 3-4 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Tip: The trail is 8 kilometers long and can be muddy, so wear sturdy boots.
5. Name: The End of the World Train
   Type: experience
   Why go: This heritage steam train follows the original route once used by prisoners. It offers a comfortable way to see the Pipo River valley. You will learn about the history of the Ushuaia penal colony.
   Best for: Families and history buffs.
   Where: The station is located just outside the park entrance.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: Approximately $40-$60 USD.
   Tip: Read these End of the World train tips to book the best seats in advance.
6. Name: Cascada del Río Pipo
   Type: sight
   Why go: A short walk leads you to this gentle waterfall on the Pipo River. It is a great spot to see the effects of old logging activities. The river is named after a prisoner who famously escaped into the woods.
   Best for: A quick nature break.
   Where: Near the Cañadón del Toro area.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Tip: This is a very easy walk, making it perfect for those with limited mobility.
7. Name: Senda Pampa Alta
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This climb offers a panoramic view of the Beagle Channel and the park's forests. It is one of the few spots where you can see the landscape from above. The forest here is thick and filled with moss.
   Best for: Photographers and hikers.
   Where: Accessible from the Pipo River area.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Tip: Visit during the golden hour to capture the best photo spots in Ushuaia and the park.
8. Name: Lake Escondido
   Type: day trip
   Why go: This "Hidden Lake" is located just outside the park but is a must-see. It lies tucked behind the Garibaldi Pass in the Andes. Many tours combine it with the national park.
   Best for: Day trippers.
   Where: 60 km north of Ushuaia.
   Time: Half-day.
   Cost: Tour prices vary.
   Tip: Stop at the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint for a bird's-eye view of both Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano.
9. Name: Lake Fagnano
   Type: day trip
   Why go: This is one of the largest lakes in South America. The wind often creates massive waves on its surface. It is located near the park and offers a rugged wilderness experience.
   Best for: Off-road adventurers.
   Where: 100 km north of Ushuaia.
   Time: Full-day.
   Cost: Moderate (tours/rental).
   Tip: Many 4x4 tours take you right to the shore for a traditional Argentine barbecue.
10. Name: Estancia Harberton
    Type: day trip
    Why go: This historic ranch is the oldest in the region. It is a fantastic attraction near Ushuaia that shows off local pioneer history. You can also visit a nearby penguin colony from here.
    Best for: Culture and wildlife lovers.
    Where: 85 km east of the park.
    Time: Full-day.
    Cost: Entry fee applies.
    Tip: Book a boat tour from the estancia to see the Magellanic penguins on Martillo Island.

How to Reach the Park from Ushuaia

Getting to the park is simple because it is so close to the city. Many travelers choose to take the regular shuttle buses. These buses depart from the corner of Maipú and Juana Genoveva Fadul every hour. You can buy a round-trip ticket at the terminal for a reasonable price.

If you prefer more freedom, renting a car is a great option. Having your own vehicle allows you to visit the bays before the tour buses arrive. The drive is easy and the roads are mostly gravel once you enter the park. Make sure you know how to get to Tierra del Fuego park from Ushuaia to avoid any navigation errors.

Taxis and private transfers are also available for a more personalized experience. This is a good choice for groups of four people. You can arrange a pickup time with the driver to return to the city. Alternatively, some visitors join a boat tour that includes a walk in the park. Check out the Beagle Channel boat tours for these combined landscape experiences.

Essential Wildlife and Nature Tips

Tierra del Fuego is home to fascinating animals. Keep your eyes open for the Fuegian red fox near the parking lots. They are curious but you should never feed them. Feeding wild animals harms their health and changes their natural behavior. Always keep a safe distance to ensure their safety and yours.

Birdwatchers will find plenty to love in the park. Look for the massive Andean Condor soaring above the mountains. On the water, you might see flightless steamer ducks and upland geese. The Magellanic woodpecker is another local favorite, often found in the old-growth forests. Listen for their rhythmic drumming on the trees.

Environmental protection is very important in this fragile ecosystem. Always stay on the marked trails to protect the local plants. Use the trash bins provided at the visitor centers or carry your waste back to town. By following these rules, you help preserve the park for future generations. Respecting the land is a key part of any visit to Patagonia.