Ushuaia National Park Excursion — Canoe Lapataia Bay & Coastal Trek
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to walk 3+ hours on uneven ground and perform basic paddling movements
Overview
A half-day expedition from Ushuaia that pairs a coastal trek through lenga forest with coached canoeing across rivers, a lagoon and Lapataia Bay. Expect coastal views, glacially formed lakes and a hearty country lunch.
Ushuaia National Park Excursion — Canoe Lapataia Bay & Coastal Trek
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You step out of the transfer van into a wind that has learned how to shape a coastline. The Beagle Channel flashes cold and wide; sea spray stings and gulls wheel like punctuation marks against a sky that can change by the minute. Guides check straps and hand out PFDs, and the group walks toward a scrubby shore where the trail dives into subantarctic beech forest.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for sudden weather
Temperatures and wind shift quickly—pack a waterproof shell and warm mid-layer you can add or remove on the trail.
Waterproof footwear with traction
Trails are often muddy and rocky; shoes with good grip protect ankles and keep you comfortable during the coastal walk.
Protect camera gear
Bring a small dry bag or case—sea spray and river crossings can soak loose equipment fast.
Listen to the safety briefing
Guides include a canoeing technical talk; pay attention if you’re new to paddling or recovering from motion sensitivity.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Cormorants and other seabirds
History
The area bears traces of the Yámana (Yaghan) people and later 19th-century maritime exploration; the park protects the southern forest and coastal systems that supported these cultures.
Conservation
Guides follow low-impact practices—limited group sizes and leave-no-trace protocols—to protect fragile peatlands and shoreline habitats; avoid stepping off marked trails where vegetation recovers slowly.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Blocks wind and rain during coastal sections and while launching from the shore.
Trail shoes with good traction
Provide grip on muddy, rocky coastal paths and stable footing during river entries.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, camera, and extra layers dry while canoeing and during boat shuttles.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or wool)
Adds warmth during cold winds and overcast paddles—easy to stow when the sun comes out.