Hiking and Canoeing Tierra del Fuego National Park: Lapataia Bay Day Trip from Ushuaia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level: able to hike 5–8 km with short climbs and paddle seated for 1.5 hours.
Overview
Spend a day moving from forest to coast in Tierra del Fuego National Park: a 2–3 hour guided hike, lakeside picnic, and 1.5-hour canoe down the Lapataia River to the Beagle Channel. Small groups and local guides make this a practical, intimate way to experience the southernmost stretches of Patagonia.
Hiking and Canoeing Tierra del Fuego National Park: Lapataia Bay Day Trip from Ushuaia
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A cold wind off the Beagle Channel bites as the minivan peels away from Ushuaia, and the city’s red-roofed houses shrink behind you. Within thirty minutes the road gives up asphalt to weathered peat and lenga forest; your guide points to the saw-toothed silhouette of the Andes and the wide blue sweep of Lapataia Bay. The day bends toward two distinct motions: rooted steps through subpolar woods and measured strokes across a river that wants to push you out to the open channel.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for fast-changing weather
Wind, sun and drizzle can arrive in the same hour — pack a waterproof shell, insulating midlayer and hat.
Bring a dry bag for electronics
Guides provide basic dry bags, but a small personal dry bag keeps phone and camera safe during the canoe leg.
Wear treaded, waterproof boots
Trails include muddy sections and rocky shorelines where ankle support and grip matter.
Start hydrated and carry snacks
Even with lunch included, extra snacks and water keep energy steady during the hike and paddle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Steamer duck
- Upland goose
History
The Yámana people navigated these coasts for millennia; Tierra del Fuego National Park was created in 1960 to protect the fragile subpolar environments.
Conservation
Stay on marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and pack out all trash — the park’s peat soils and low-stature forest are slow to recover from disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain common on the Beagle Channel.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Needed for muddy trails and rocky shoreline access.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps camera, phone and layers dry during the canoe portion.
Insulating midlayer (fleece or down)
Warmth for stops and paddle when wind chills rise quickly.