Full-Day Tierra del Fuego Explorer: Ushuaia to Martial Glacier & Lapataia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
You should have a moderate level of fitness—able to complete a 4 km hike with ~400 m elevation gain and walk short trails on uneven terrain.
Overview
Spend a full day exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia: optional End of the World train, lakeside trails, Correio do Fim do Mundo, Bahía Lapataia, and a moderate ascent to the Martial Glacier viewpoint. Expect dynamic weather, crisp panoramas, and a hands-on guide.
Full-Day Tierra del Fuego Explorer: Ushuaia to Martial Glacier & Lapataia
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You step off the shuttle into wind that tastes like the sea and iron—Ushuaia’s harbor is open to the Beagle Channel, and it announces itself immediately. The tour begins with the low, nostalgic whistle of the Tren del Fin del Mundo, a short, restored railway that curls through lenga forest as gulls wheel above. Over the next ten hours the landscape keeps changing: glassy lakes that mirror jagged peaks, peat-rich wetlands with reeds that tap like broom-bristles, and the sheer, pale flank of Martial Glacier watching over the city.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Weather can flip quickly—base layer, insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell will keep you comfortable across coastal winds and mountain breezes.
Bring your passport and small cash
Correio do Fim do Mundo can stamp passports and sell postcards (summer hours), so carry ID and a few Argentine pesos.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
Trails near Martial Glacier and Lake Roca are rocky and can be muddy after rain—ankle support helps on the 4 km round-trip climb.
Protect camera gear from spray and wind
Carry a rain cover or zip-top bag for your camera; lens flares and salt spray are common near the channel.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Fuegian (culpeo) fox
- Magellanic steamer duck
History
The narrow-gauge railway was built to service Ushuaia’s early 20th-century penal colony; many park stories trace from that era to the island’s European settlement.
Conservation
Tierra del Fuego faces invasive species pressures (notably American beavers) and active restoration projects; visitors are asked to stay on trails and minimise disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Shields against wind-driven rain and is useful in any season on the Beagle Channel.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction on rocky, muddy trails and support during the Martial ascent.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during breezy, exposed viewpoints and cooler inland stops.
Daypack with 1–2L water and snacks
Holds layers, camera, water and essentials for a long day of touring and short hikes.