Ushuaia, Argentina

Earn yourself a few new bragging rights by taking a trip on the world’s southernmost railway through the Tierra del Fuego National Park. First, a short coach transfer will see you reach the station, which sits in the Pipo Valley, to board the heritage train, which is pulled by a replica locomotive in the style of the early 20th century. Soak up the gorgeous views of the park while you travel. At the end of the 1-hour trip, you’ll find a coach waiting to transfer you to Ensenada Bay on the coast of the park. You’ll have some time at this scenic spot to take a break before the coach journey brings the outing to a close.

Please note: Guides in languages other than Spanish-English are limited. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be in Spanish or English only. On 2-day calls, this tour is available on the first and on the second day but please select code USH02 if you wish to take part in this tour on the first day of call and code USH21 if you wish to take part in this tour on the second day of call. Guests are recommended to wear sturdy non-slip walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a jacket or windbreaker since sudden shifts in the weather are common. This excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions (rain). <-p>

In a nutshell An adventurous excursion by jeep in the "Tierra del Fuego" (the Land of Fire) on abandoned roads. We set off into the sub Antarctic forest, to see the final stretch of the Andes and explore two beautiful glacial lakes. A day of wild adventure whose memory will remain with us when we return home.

Main stops

• Jeep excursion, Ruta Nacional 3
• Tierra del Fuego, peat bogs, Andes
• Garibaldi Pass, Lake Fagnano, Lake Escondido
• Sailing on zodiac in Lago Escondido

The programme

• We leave the port of Ushuaia and take the Ruta Nacional 3, the 3000 km motorway that links Tierra del Fuego with Buenos Aires. The road leads us to the centre of the island through valleys covered with peat bogs which is the typical landscape of the Tierra del Fuego. In this area, we see the last stretch of the Andes which in this area do not exceed an altitude of 1,500 m and which we cross over the Garibaldi Pass, at 450 metres above sea level. The uniqueness of this place, which is at quite a low altitude with respect to the mountain passes we are used to, is the position: indeed, it is the southernmost mountain pass in the world. From this unique position, we can observe the splendid view of Lake Fagnano and Lake Escondido.
• We take old now abandoned roads that were used decades ago to transport wood. Here you can only travel by jeep. A unique opportunity to venture into the sub Antarctic forest and appreciate it from a new perspective. The road leads to the beautiful Lake Fagnano. The indigenous Selknam called this lake "the rest of the horizon" because the horizon defined by the Andes skyline is interrupted by the lake and continues at the other end.
• We proceed towards the smaller but very beautiful Lake Escondido which is surrounded by woods and the Andes. The colour of its waters varies according to the time of day and the light of the sun. We make a short visit by the coast and we start our return journey, crossing back over the Garibaldi Pass. An Argentinian typical lunch will be waiting for us in Nunatak, a winter sport refuge, placed by Tierra Mayor valley before heading back to the pier.

Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• Only the guides are allowed to drive the jeeps.

In a nutshell A short excursion to admire the Andes up close and to descend to the banks of Lake Escondido, whose waters change colours depending on the light. A natural itinerary that stirs strong emotions with its unforgettable views.

Main stops

• Garibaldi Pass,
• The Andes
• Lake Escondido, descent towards its bank

The programme We set off by coach towards the Garibaldi Pass located 450 metres above sea level. The peculiarity of this place, which is much lower compared to other passes we are used to, is its position, as it is the southernmost pass in the world. It enables us to cross the Andes which run across the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego from east to west (unlike the rest of the mountain range) from the border with Chile to the Atlantic Ocean and that, in this area, reach a height of around 1,500 metres. Lake Escondido is located nearby, surrounded by woods and mountains. The colour of its waters varies according to the time of day and the light of the sun. We start out descent towards the banks of the lake, where we stop to take in the enchanting views. After our excursion, we head back to the coach which will take us to Ushuaia. Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket. 
• The narration of this experience will be conducted in either English or Spanish.

In a nutshell Green valleys and snow-capped peaks: the panorama of the Tierra Mayor Valley Natural Reserve is stunning. The best way to explore this corner of paradise at the extreme south of the world is with a rucksack and hiking boots. A unique trekking experience.

Main stops

• Tierra Mayor Valley Natural Reserve
• Lenga Forest

The programme

• We leave Ushuaia by coach for the Tierra Mayor Valley Natural Reserve, a protected area of almost 30,000 hectares that was created in 1994 with the objective of protecting the biodiversity and the countryside of the area. In the heart of the reserve, we stop at the refuge. After a brief stop, we set off on our hike.
• The excursion takes us to see wonderful views, such as the forests of lengas, trees that are typical of the region, similar to beech, on which many species of birds nest. The indigenous Selknam population used the wood from these trees to make their bows.
• We cross the ancient bogs which are very common in the valleys of this park and proceed until we see the spectacular landscape surrounding the Monte Alvear.

Good to know

• The tour includes a walk of aprox. 2 hours across a route of approximately 6 km of uneven ground, so this excursion demands a certain degree of physical fitness.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• We recommend to bring waterproof jacket, extra pair of socks, hat, sunglasses, rucksack, bottle of water, and gloves if possible.

In a nutshell

Breathtaking views and close encounters with the local fauna in a thrilling day spent in the Tierra del Fuego park, the southernmost national park in Argentina, with a catamaran ride through the Beagle channel as far as the Lighthouse at the end of the world.

Main stops

• Catamaran ride
• Beagle channel, Sea Lions Island, Bird Island, Lighthouse at the end of the world
• Lapataia Bay, Tierra del Fuego National Park
  

The programme

• We board a covered and uncovered catamaran and set off to discover the Beagle channel, the strait dividing the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and separating Isla Grande from the minor islands. We sail towards the centre of the canal, passing by various islets as far as Wolf Island (Isla Lobos) with its numerous sea lions. 
  
• Our ride continues along the channel towards Bird Island, home to many species of birds as well as a big cormorant colony. On one of the channel’s islet, we also have the chance to admire the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, also known as the Lighthouse at the end of the world, whose red and white stripes are immortalised in all the photos of those who are lucky enough to visit this place. 
  
• We then disembark at Lapataia bay, a fjord in the northern part of the channel, on the south-western part of the Argentinian sector of Isla Grande. From there, we continue by coach through the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Created in 1960 with the objective of safeguarding and preserving the nature, flora and fauna of this subantarctic territory, the park covers 63,000 hectares, of which only 2,000 are accessible to the public. The Park embraces thick forests with dense undergrowth and is inhabited by many species of birds, including the Andean condor, upland goose and the great cormorant and mammals such as the Southern river otter, the Magellan red fox and species that were introduced here such as the North American beaver, aeuropean rabbit and the mink.
  

Good to know

We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket.

In a nutshell A relaxing afternoon todiscover the lovely city of Ushuaia with a panoramic tour of the Carbajalvalley and a typical Patagonian asado dinner in Las Cotorras.

Main stops

• Sightseeing tour of Ushuaia
• Panoramic view, Andes, Carbajal valley
• Las Cotorras, Patagonian asado dinner

The programme

• Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, is the southernmost city in the world. It is near the 55th parallel which means that, in the days before and after the southern hemisphere summer solstice, the sun only reaches 12 degrees below the horizon, so it is never completely dark at night. During our sightseeing tour, we can admire the most important elements in the city such as interesting colonial buildings, the remains of the old prison and the surrounding scenery.
• Along Ruta Nacional 3, the 3,000 km highway connecting Tierra del Fuego to Buenos Aires, we pass along the southernmost part of the Andes before reaching the Carbajal valley, a glacial depression covered mainly in peatland, where we can enjoy lovely panoramic views.
• We then continue towards the Las Cotorras ski resort, where a delicious *Patagonian asado, the region's traditional lamb grill, awaits us. At the end of the dinner, we return to Ushuaia and to the ship.

Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• The narration of this experience will be conducted in either English or Spanish.

In a nutshell An original excursion aboard the historic train once used to transport wood and Ushuaia prisoners. Nowadays restored to take tourists on a journey towards the end of the world.

Main stops • Train of the end of the world, panoramic views, ancient Yàmana settlement• Coach transfer to Bahia Ensenada

The programme • A penitentiary was open in Ushuaia between 1902 and 1947 for the most dangerous criminals and political detainees. The railway line used to transport wood was built straight after its inauguration. After the prison was closed, the train continued to run to supply a sawmill until its destruction by an earthquake in 1949. The new train was restored in 1994 to recount the history of the journey of detainees, albeit with an entirely new structure. The locomotives are faithful reconstructions of those used in the old times.• The train of the end of the world departs from a station 8 km from Ushuaia and covers 7 of the original 25 km in the Pipo river valley. Once at the Macarena waterfall station, the train stops to enable passengers to take in the marvellous panoramic views as well as the reconstruction of a settlement of one of the native peoples in the area, the Yàmanas. Along the way, our guide will provide information about the history of the train.• The train stops at the National Park station, where a coach awaits us to take us to Bahia Ensenada, on the northern coast of the Beagle channel inside Tierra del Fuego national park, where we can admire the area's natural beauties. Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket.* The narration of this experience will be conducted in either English or Spanish.

In a nutshell

A long excursion in the Beagle channel to discover its islets and animals. A catamaran takes us to the best observation spots to admire lovely penguins, colonies of imperial shags and lazy sea lions as far as the Lighthouse at the end of the world.

Main stops

• Catamaran ride, Beagle channel
• Bird Island, Imperial shags
• Wolf Island, sea lions, Les Eclaireurs islets, Lighthouse at the end of the world
• Martillo Island, Magellanic penguins

The programme

• We leave the port of Ushuaia behind aboard a catamaran and sail along the Beagle channel, a strait with many islands, landscapes, birds and marine animals dividing the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and separating Isla Grande from the minor islands.
• During our ride, we pass by Bird Island, home to many species of birds as well as a big imperial shag colony, and by Wolf Island, with its numerous sea lions. At the centre of the channel, we reach the two Les Eclaireurs islets, where we can admire the famous Lighthouse also known as Lighthouse at the end of the world. Inaugurated in 1920, the lighthouse is still used and its red and white stripes are immortalised in all the photos of those who are lucky enough to visit this place.
• Our excursion continues through the Mackinlay pass, the section that separates the Argentinian archipelago of Gable island from the Chilean Navarino island, and reach the hammer-shaped Martillo island. The catamaran stops here to let us to observe the large Magellanic penguin colony that lives here. Over 2,000 couples of penguins lay their nests here. The island is also important because it is the only reproductive colony in South America of another species of penguin, the Gentoo penguin**.

Good to know

• We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and long trousers and bring a jacket with you.
• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• During the visit it is essential to respect the animals and their habitat. Feeding the animals, noise and sudden movements are therefore not allowed.

In a nutshell

The Tierra del Fuego National Park is the southernmost national park in Argentina, a unique and magical setting where nature has been able to express itself without restrictions combining different environments. An unmissable and thrilling excursion.

Main stops

• Río Pipo Valley• Tierra del Fuego National Park• Roca Lake, Lapataia bay

The programme

• We leave the port of Ushuaia by coach and we cross the Rìo Pipo Valley on our way to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a unique landscape full of lakes, rivers, mountains. It extends following the Chilean border by the west, from the Beagle Channel at the south, up to the northern areas on Lake Fagnano. The Park was founded in 1960 in order to protect and preserve the fauna and flora of this sub-Antarctic territory which covers a total area of 63,000 hectares of which only 2,000 hectares is accessible to the public. The Park embraces thick forests with dense undergrowth and is inhabited by many species of birds, including the Andean condor, the upland goose and the great cormorant and mammals such as the Southern river otter, the Magellan red fox and species that were introduced here such as the North American beaver, and the european rabbit and the mink. Sections of the forest were destroyed by fire a long time ago and the remaining grey tree trunks stand out like ghosts in contrast to the surrounding lush vegetation.• The coach takes us to various panoramic spots, where we can observe the Park's endless landscapes. We reach the beautiful glacial Roca Lake, where we stop for a break and take some photographs. We then proceed to Lapataia Bay, a fjord in the northern part of the Beagle Channel, at the south-western extremity of the Argentinian part of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, where the famous panamerican road ends, after crossing the whole continent with its starting point in Alaska.

Good to know

• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket.

In a nutshell

A short excursion to admire the Andes up close and to descend to the banks of Lake Escondido, whose waters change colours depending on the light. A natural itinerary that stirs strong emotions with its unforgettable views.

Main stops

• Garibaldi Pass,
• The Andes
• Lake Escondido, descent towards its bank

The programme

We set off by coach towards the Garibaldi Pass located 450 metres above sea level. The peculiarity of this place, which is much lower compared to other passes we are used to, is its position, as it is the southernmost pass in the world. It enables us to cross the Andes which run across the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego from east to west (unlike the rest of the mountain range) from the border with Chile to the Atlantic Ocean and that, in this area, reach a height of around 1,500 metres. Lake Escondido is located nearby, surrounded by woods and mountains. The colour of its waters varies according to the time of day and the light of the sun. We start out descent towards the banks of the lake, where we stop to take in the enchanting views. After our excursion, we head back to the coach which will take us to Ushuaia.

Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket. 
• The narration of this experience will be conducted in either English or Spanish.

In a nutshell Breathtaking views and close encounters with the local fauna in a thrilling day spent in the Tierra del Fuego park, the southernmost national park in Argentina, with a catamaran ride through the Beagle channel as far as the Lighthouse at the end of the world.

Main stops

• Catamaran ride
• Beagle channel, Sea Lions Island, Bird Island, Lighthouse at the end of the world
• Lapataia Bay, Tierra del Fuego National Park

The programme

• We board a covered and uncovered catamaran and set off to discover the Beagle channel, the strait dividing the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and separating Isla Grande from the minor islands. We sail towards the centre of the canal, passing by various islets as far as Wolf Island (Isla Lobos) with its numerous sea lions.

• Our ride continues along the channel towards Bird Island, home to many species of birds as well as a big cormorant colony. On one of the channel’s islet, we also have the chance to admire the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, also known as the Lighthouse at the end of the world, whose red and white stripes are immortalised in all the photos of those who are lucky enough to visit this place.

• We then disembark at Lapataia bay, a fjord in the northern part of the channel, on the south-western part of the Argentinian sector of Isla Grande. From there, we continue by coach through the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Created in 1960 with the objective of safeguarding and preserving the nature, flora and fauna of this subantarctic territory, the park covers 63,000 hectares, of which only 2,000 are accessible to the public. The Park embraces thick forests with dense undergrowth and is inhabited by many species of birds, including the Andean condor, upland goose and the great cormorant and mammals such as the Southern river otter, the Magellan red fox and species that were introduced here such as the North American beaver, aeuropean rabbit and the mink.

Good to know

We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket.* The narration of this experience will be conducted in either English or Spanish.

In a nutshell

Get ready: This isn’t just any trip; it’s THE expedition you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Leave Ushuaia, fly to El Calafate, head into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park and let yourself be swept up in the power of Perito Moreno, one of the few glaciers in the world that… is still advancing. Walk, explore and sail amongst enormous icebergs, and admire giants Upsala and Spegazzini up close. Finish up in Puerto Madryn with a wander amongst thousands of penguins at Estancia San Lorenzo.
Patagonia in its purest form, no filters required. Experience it and be amazed, it’s inevitable.

Main stops

Day 1

• Flight to El Calafate
• Enter Los Glaciares National Park
• Walk along the walkways of Perito Moreno
• Sail through the ice
• Lunch at a restaurant
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2

• Sail on Lake Argentino
• Admire the icebergs and the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers
• Have lunch at Refugio Spegazzini
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 3

• Flight to Puerto Madryn
• Transfer and relaxation at the hotel
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 4

• Visit the Magellanic penguin colony at Estancia San Lorenzo
• Wander among the penguins
• Lunch with a traditional Patagonian barbecue

The programme

Day 1 – Step into the kingdom of ice: the Perito Moreno dominates
Get off the ship in Ushuaia, board the plane and land in El Calafate. No time to stop: make your way straight to Los Glaciares National Park and get ready to meet THE star of the day - the legendary Perito Moreno glacier.
Wander along the walkways with their amazing panoramas, as your perspective shifts at every level, and, if you’re lucky, listen to the roar of the great chunks of ice crashing into Lake Argentino and feel the power of a living giant, with walls 70 meters high. Doesn't it make you feel small?
Recharge your batteries with lunch at a restaurant inside the park, then head back into the city.
The day ends on a high: dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – A day on Lake Argentino: set sail for the glaciers

Enjoy breakfast and then set sail on Lake Argentino. Sail past icebergs that look like sculptures, heading for giants such as Upsala and Spegazzini, where the walls of ice stretch right up into the sky. And lunch? There are two ways to play it:
on board the catamaran, if the weather is on your side, or in an exclusive mountain retreat, surrounded by the most intense silence you have ever experienced: that of Patagonia. Head back, savor dinner and get some rest at the hotel.

Day 3 – A change of scenery, heading for Puerto Madryn

After breakfast, fly to Puerto Madryn: the gateway to the kingdom of wildlife on the Valdés Peninsula.
Arrive at the hotel, settle in and breathe in the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town. The evening ends with dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4 – The true kings of Patagonia: meet the Magellanic penguins

After breakfast, set off for a place that's like something from a fantasy: Estancia San Lorenzo, home to one of the largest mainland colonies of Magellanic penguins.

Walk amongst thousands of penguins, observe their behavior, listen to their calls, and enter their world without disturbing them. Here, the cuteness is off the scale.
Then get comfortable and enjoy a BBQ: the way they do it here is unbeatable.

Finally, head back towards the port to continue your adventure, safe in the knowledge that you’ll never forget it.

Good to know

• We recommend wearing plenty of layers and bringing sun cream and a light waterproof jacket in case of sudden showers (which are common, as this is a rainy and windy area).
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility issues.
• It is advisable to book in advance as places are limited.
• You must bring your passport with you to take part in the excursion.
• Sightings of local fauna in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.
• The presence of a Costa Tour Expert cannot be guaranteed.
• You can cancel or book this experience up to 90 days before your arrival in Ushuaia.

In a nutshell

Get ready: This isn’t just any trip; it’s THE expedition you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Leave Ushuaia, fly to El Calafate, head into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park and let yourself be swept up in the power of Perito Moreno, one of the few glaciers in the world that… is still advancing. Walk, explore and sail amongst enormous icebergs, and admire giants Upsala and Spegazzini up close. Finish up in Puerto Madryn with a wander amongst thousands of penguins at Estancia San Lorenzo.
Patagonia in its purest form, no filters required. Experience it and be amazed, it’s inevitable.

Main stops

Day 1

• Flight to El Calafate
• Enter Los Glaciares National Park
• Walk along the walkways of Perito Moreno
• Sail through the ice
• Lunch at a restaurant
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2

• Sail on Lake Argentino
• Admire the icebergs and the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers
• Have lunch at Refugio Spegazzini
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 3

• Flight to Puerto Madryn
• Transfer and relaxation at the hotel
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 4

• Visit the Magellanic penguin colony at Estancia San Lorenzo
• Wander among the penguins
• Lunch with a traditional Patagonian barbecue

The programme

Day 1 – Step into the kingdom of ice: the Perito Moreno dominates
Get off the ship in Ushuaia, board the plane and land in El Calafate. No time to stop: make your way straight to Los Glaciares National Park and get ready to meet THE star of the day - the legendary Perito Moreno glacier.
Wander along the walkways with their amazing panoramas, as your perspective shifts at every level, and, if you’re lucky, listen to the roar of the great chunks of ice crashing into Lake Argentino and feel the power of a living giant, with walls 70 meters high. Doesn't it make you feel small?
Recharge your batteries with lunch at a restaurant inside the park, then head back into the city.
The day ends on a high: dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – A day on Lake Argentino: set sail for the glaciers

Enjoy breakfast and then set sail on Lake Argentino. Sail past icebergs that look like sculptures, heading for giants such as Upsala and Spegazzini, where the walls of ice stretch right up into the sky. And lunch? There are two ways to play it:
on board the catamaran, if the weather is on your side, or in an exclusive mountain retreat, surrounded by the most intense silence you have ever experienced: that of Patagonia. Head back, savor dinner and get some rest at the hotel.

Day 3 – A change of scenery, heading for Puerto Madryn

After breakfast, fly to Puerto Madryn: the gateway to the kingdom of wildlife on the Valdés Peninsula.
Arrive at the hotel, settle in and breathe in the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town. The evening ends with dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4 – The true kings of Patagonia: meet the Magellanic penguins

After breakfast, set off for a place that's like something from a fantasy: Estancia San Lorenzo, home to one of the largest mainland colonies of Magellanic penguins.

Walk amongst thousands of penguins, observe their behavior, listen to their calls, and enter their world without disturbing them. Here, the cuteness is off the scale.
Then get comfortable and enjoy a BBQ: the way they do it here is unbeatable.

Finally, head back towards the port to continue your adventure, safe in the knowledge that you’ll never forget it.

Good to know

• We recommend wearing plenty of layers and bringing sun cream and a light waterproof jacket in case of sudden showers (which are common, as this is a rainy and windy area).
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility issues.
• It is advisable to book in advance as places are limited.
• You must bring your passport with you to take part in the excursion.
• Sightings of local fauna in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.
• The presence of a Costa Tour Expert cannot be guaranteed.
• You can cancel or book this experience up to 90 days before your arrival in Ushuaia.