At a Glance
Make Tierra del Fuego yours on a 4-day cruise and walk adventure to the end of the world. Immerse in a series of fascinating undertakings; tame the mystical wilds of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, boat on the Beagle Channel, and revel in the unbridled glory of this South American hidden gem.
The adventure begins in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Next day, proceed to Gable Island via the middle of the Beagle Channel, passing through Harberton Ranch, Terra Firma, and Martillo Islands to spot breeding penguins. Hike across Gable Island, spotting wildlife and various plant and animal species. Drive to Tierra Del Fuego National Park, and explore through paths along the shore that reveals the park's most striking natural wonders. Board a ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Three night 4 star accommodation on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified
- Airport reception and transfer in and out. In Ushuaia, the transport is normally in minivans that seat from 8 to 14 people
- English speaking guide
- Boat ride on Beagle Channel
- Entrance fees and port tax
Itinerary
Today, begin your unforgettable expedition at the end of the world in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city by the shores of the Beagle Channel, in Argentina's Tierra Del Fuego region. Ushuaia is a small resort town, port city, and the capital of Tierra Del Fuego Archipelago, nestled at the foothills of the martial mountains by its North. One of the five gateways to Antarctica, the city was first occupied by the Ona tribe 10,000 years. Once a prison colony until the mid-20th century, it was named Tierra Del Fuego (Land of Fire) by a Portuguese sailor Hernando de Magallanes. On arrival at the airport, a warm reception by a tour guide awaits you, followed by a transfer to the hotel, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, in Ushuaia. After check-in, there will be a briefing about the tour by our guide, and you can relax at the hotel in preparation for the next day's experience or explore the touristy town for sights and sounds while tasting some of its delectables. Set on a magnificent outcrop high above the city, boasting impressive panoramic views and two swimming pools, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is designed according to the standards of sustainable architecture. Each of the splendid rooms and suites is decorated using indigenous Argentine materials, such as copper, marble, stone, woods, and leather. The relaxing and comfortable atmosphere is augmented with state-of-the-art comfort technology including geothermal air conditioning, humidity control and acoustic insulation systems. |
Enjoy a luscious, hearty breakfast, and we hit the gas on the day's adventure, moving to Gable Island via the centre of the Beagle Channel. We start with a short transfer to Lasiphashaj River to gear up with the rubber boots and lifejackets already provided. Then we board our canoes and paddle down the river leading us to the sea. The paddling comes with scenic sights of the surrounding landscapes, and there's a high chance that we'll spot a variety of seabirds, especially sea lions, as we progress. The sea lions are mainly by the shores of small islands as they soak in the sun. We'll see some as we sail past Harberton Ranch, the oldest ranch in Argentina. We make a brief stop at Terra Firma and board a motorboat that takes us to Martillo Islands, where we will see breeding penguins in their habitat. The boat takes us to our destination - Gable Island, where snacks, exotic wines, and palatable meals await to welcome us and serve as our Patagonian lunch. This charming island is part of the Estancia Harberton and features a mind-blowing diversity of wildlife, not challenged by poaching or extinction. We'll traverse this island after a hot cup of coffee by walking and sailing to see some of its indigenous fauna and wildlife in their dens and freely roaming. We'll cross the beaver dams and storm the forest, to meet the marine shore of Beagle Channel, where we'll embark on a boat ride to Puerto Harberton and drive back to Ushuaia. During the day and as the excursions last, our guide will teach us about all the various species of plants and birds in this region, including the history of the first civilization on this strange island. After an astonishing day of exploring an unusual island that gives us actual end-of-the-world goosebumps, we retire to our beds for a blissful night's rest, anticipating the next day's adventure. |
This morning, we open the day with a nourishing breakfast and drive to the western end of Tierra Fuego National Park, one of the most visited places in Ushuaia. The park has no unique way to access it. However, only those willing to pay attention to its numerous natural endowments will spot some of its hidden gems and put the icing on the cake of their experiences. On arrival, we trek for hours along its coastal path, a region of the park close to the shore, lavish with beautiful sights and sounds, including a prospering diversity of indigenous vegetation. To ensure beautiful sights aren't the only perks, we delve into the details of this flora and foliage, thanks to a botany education from our guide that enlightens us on the uniqueness of these plants. Some of them include ñire trees, lenga beech, cohiue flowers, Canelo, and orchids. At noon, we will arrive at Lake Roca and board a Zodiac boat which will take us on a pleasurable sail along the Beagle Channel to Redonda Island, a nature preserve. We feast on delicious lunch in a hut on the island while savouring breathtaking landscape views. There will be time to roam the island and observe the Magellan Cormorants, also known as Rock Shags, as they nest in the rocky walls. We'll take a short lesson on paddling techniques and dash into the river, navigating our canoes through streams and lagoons to arrive at the famed pristine Lapataia Bay, where beauty and calmness pervade the entire atmosphere. We retreat to Ushuaia to relax for the rest of the evening and prepare for the last day of the tour. |
This morning, we savor the taste of our last breakfast for the expedition and sail through the Beagle Channel. We will arrive at the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Isla de Lobos before a drive to Ushuaia Airport for a departing flight ends the trip. While on the drive, swap stories with new acquaintances, exchange contacts if you wish, and pack up memories to share. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Max. 12 people per group. Daily departure on request. Please contact us for private departures or group bookings. Christmas and New Year's festival season supplement applies.
More Info
- The starting and finishing point is Ushuaia airport
- Major commercial flight provide convenient access to Ushuaia.
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter altogether and consider at least two changes of clothes. Some essential equipment:
- a one day backpack (10 litres, to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc)
- trekking or hiking boots
- extra shoes for evenings or in case the others get wet
- waterproof jacket
- two pairs of wool socks
- fleece jacket or sweater
- shorts or comfortable loose pants
- sun protection (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen)
- optional Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.