SOUTH

This is a mountainous region, scored by deep valleys, covered by dense forests, and possessing a very characteristic coastline. There are a countless number of places worth visiting here, and the most important is, undoubtly, the Martial Glacier.

"Estancia Túnel" and Encajonado River
On the shore of the Beagle Channel, 18.5 km east of Ushuaia, the traveler will find "Estancia Túnel" and Encajonado River. This spot has been used as a wooden barrel factory and as a sawmill. Although the buildings and surrounding land appear to be forgotten, they are privately owned, and for this reason they are protected by wardens. To start this foot-trek, one must leave Ushuaia 3 km to the east, along the low-lying section of National Route Nº3, up to the bridge that crosses the Olivia River.

Lake Victoria
This Lake may be reached by going all along National Route Nº 3, beyond Mt Olivia and the "Tierra Mayor" inn, some 40 km from Ushuaia. Taking a right at the crossing with Route "J" or RP 33, some 15 km further on, the charming lake reveals to view. This is an ideal camping site for the joy of being included in its beautiful natural surroundings.

Gable Island
Going on along Route "J" or RP 33, for some 15 km, the traveler will be able to make out Gable and other less important islands on the Argentine side of the Beagle Channel. From this point a fascinating view reveals, including the renowned jagged peaks of Ambarino Island, in Chile. On a clear day, Puerto Williams, a small and picturesque town on Navarino Island (Chile) is noticeable. After a distance, along the highway, the famous "lengas banderas" ("flag-trees") may be seen. They are so called because of their leaning, windblown appearance.

Puerto Almanza Penguin Rookery
Puerto Almanza and Martillo Island or Yecapsela are special for the colonies of Magellan Penguins that choose to come here for nesting purposes. Some times huge sea lions may be seen sunning themselves on the beaches. Although Puerto Almanza may be reached at all times by land or sea, the sea excursion to Martillo Island can only be undertaken in summer.

"Estancia Harberton" and "Akatushún Museum"
The national government gave this ranch ass a gift to Revd. Thomas Bridges, founder of the Anglican Mission in 1869; the reverend was one of Ushuaia's first white settlers. It is a farm covering 20,000 hs boasting collection of bones which is virtually a private museum. Among its exhibits there are whole skeletons of dolphins, killer whales and the Eubalaena Australis, as well as Bridges' whaleboat.

Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park is Argentina's southernmost natural reserve. Its area is 63,000 hs. It may be accessed by National Route Nº 3, 12 km west of Ushuaia. It forms part of the Andean--Patagonian Natural Protected Areas System, which borders to the west with Chile. It is the country's only park that can boast of an ocean shoreline, as it is washed by the waters of the Beagle Channel.

Walking Circuits

Island Walk Difficulty level: Low
Length: 3 km round trip.
The track starts on the far side of the Lapataia River bridge, across from the National Coastguard building, and goes through part of the Cormorant Archipelago up to Green Lagoon. It runs along the banks of the Lapataia and Ovando Rivers. This walking excursion is the ideal way of delighting in its attractive scenery with the minimal effort. It is an excellent opportunity to spot and watch coastal and forest wildfowl.

Black Lagoon Track
Difficulty level: Low
Length: 1 km for the whole circuit.
This is a lovely round circuit, starting on the far side of the Ovando River bridge with a right turn. It affords an excellent sample of the process by which peat bogs are formed.

Lapataia Vantage Point Walk
Difficulty level: Low
Length: 1 km (one way)
Across the Ovando bridge, on the left, a scenic pathway offers a striking view of Lapataia Bay, and winds down to its shore. From this point, the track links up with the Peat Bog Walkway, and gives the traveler an alternative access to Lapataia Bay through the lenga forest.

Peat Bog Walkway
Difficulty level: Low
Length: 2 km (one way)
This is the another option after crossing the Ovando River bridge. Also works as an alternative (to National Route Nº 3) circuit for accessing Lapataia Bay. Along the way the traveler may observe abandoned beaver dams.

Beaver Walk
Difficulty level: Low
Length: 800 m (round trip)
This is a track that branches off before the end of National Route Nº 3 and, plunging into the forest, skirts active beaver colonies. There are some striking views of the dams built by this species introduced by man. This track can take to the Peat Bog Walkway.