TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

Created by the Argentine government in 1960 to protect the southernmost sub-Antarctic forests, Tierra del Fuego National Park is the country's only park that has an ocean shoreline. If offers historical and wild attractions: borders with Chile to the West and with the Beagle Channel to the South.

With an area of 63,000 hectares, this Park is positioned in the southwestern area of Tierra del Fuego, along the border with Chile. It boasts a typical glacial landscape, with a mountainous area and deep valleys washed by rivers and lakes, and mountains that go from the North West to the South East.

On the coastal area, Lapataia and Ensenada bays intercalate cliffs and small beaches which offer the ideal habitat to the coastal bird fauna. Lenga and coihue forests mostly cover the humid regions and the coast of the Beagle Channel.

In spring, one can find the Magellan orchid, the michay, opening its yellow flowers, and the "hongos en polvera" (a variety of fungi).

WILD LIFE

There are two types of forests in this area: the lenga and coihue woods which grow in the most humid regions and mainly on the coast area of the Beagle Channel. The thick forest is open, with abundant mosses and ferns.

Among the forests, there are large peat mosses, flooded areas where Sphagnum genus moss grows almost solely. On the peat moss limits you can find rushes, a small insectivorous plant, and small thick woods with ñire, canelo, leñador and notro trees.

In spring one may also find the Magellan orchid, or michay opening its yellow flowers, and the "hongos en polvera" (a variety of fungi). There are also yellow violets; white, green and yellow orchids, everlasting flowers, white and yellow daisies and many more.

The bird fauna is diverse and simple to watch. The Magellanic Oystercatcher, the Upland Goose, the Black-browed Albatross - over 2 m high, the Steamer Duck, the Magellanic Woodpecker and the Thorn-tailed Rayadito are some of the species belonging to this area.

Among the mammals, the guanaco and the silver fox are unique to this area. There are some species introduced by men such as the rabbit, the muskrat and the Canadian beaver whose permanent wood cutting activity in order to build dams, causes floods in the forest thus killing many trees.

As to the river's fishes, we find the puyén and the peladilla. There are also exotic salmons such as the rainbow trout and the brown trout which are ideal for sport-fishing. At sea we find the sea bass, the codfish, the tail hake and the sardines.

Among the sea rocks, there are plenty mussels, cholgas (small mussels) and snails.

EXCURSIONS

From the harbor, taking Maipú Av to the southwest, and then National Route Nº 3, you leave the city until arriving at the skirts of Susana Mt, where convicts from the old prison used to work. Also, you will find the "Fueguian South Railway Station". From there, you can start a different tour.

You may continue along the Pipo River valley up to the detour to enter Ensenada Bay, from where you can see Redonda Island and Estorbo Island and on the other coast of the Beagle Channel, Nevados Mt in the Sampaio Range, Chile.

On returning to Route Nº 3, along a narrow road that has different Fueguian flora species by its side; you will arrive at Roca Lake. There you will start a walk along the border of the lake and the Lapataia River from where the landscape observed is dominated by the impressive Condor Mt whose peak is beyond the boundary with Chile.

Towards the other end of the park, where Route Nº 3 finishes, in Lapataia Bay are the Green Lagoon and the Black Lagoon, an overwhelming peat moss is under formation.

Finally, you will walk along the beaver dam that will take you back to Lapataia Bay.

Furthermore, there are frequent pedestrian crosswalks in this National Park, starting at many points along Route Nº 3 and reaching wonderful places:

Island Walk
The 800 m track crosses the Cormorant Archipelago up to Green Lagoon. It runs along the banks of the Lapataia and Ovando Rivers.

Negra Lagoon Track
400 m away from the Park, its dark colored waters is due to the existence of big peat mosses.

Lapataia Vantage Point Walk
An alternative access option to Lapataia Bay, after a 500 m walk, through the lenga forest, a scenic pathway affords a striking view of the bay, and winds down to its shore.

Peat Bog Walkway
400 m away from Lapataia Bay, along the way through lenga forests abandoned beaver dams may be seen.

There are also many other alternatives for longer trips:

Pampa Alta Track
Connecting Ensenada and Pipo River camping grounds, this 8 km long track, takes you through lenga and coihue woods. The panoramic view of the Beagle Channel is quite fascinating.

XXIV Border Marker Post Track
A 10 km track, it runs along the Northern coast of Lake Roca, which has glacial origin.

Mt Guanaco Track
An 8 km walk up a steep slope. The mountain is only 970 m high.

CAMPING

Within the National Park, there is a developed camping area in Roca Lake and several other gratis camping areas in Lapataia Bay, Ensenada Bay, Pipo River, etc.

CULTURAL ASPECTS

Some "concheros" (circles with accumulation of molluscs in their top), in Lapataia Bay, show the location of old huts (IV century) which belonged to seafood canoeist groups, historically known as "Yámanas". Research carried out on Salmón Island determined that one of these huts was as much as 1700 years old.

RECOMMENDATIONS

(Intendencia del Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego - Calle San Martín 1395, Ushuaia)

• Driving any type of vehicle away from National Route Nº 3 and clearly sign-posted secondary roads is absolutely forbidden.
• Maximum speed within the Park is only 40 km/h.
• If you wish to fish, you must bear in mind the opening and closing dates of the fishing season, and that a license is absolutely necessary to carry out this activity. Legislation differs from the rest of the province, considering this is a National Park.
• Removal of seafood and other sea species is forbidden because of the red tide. It is also forbidden to take away any elements from the ecosystem.
• Do not write on rocks or trees. Take care of the ecosystem at all times. Do not litter. Place your rubbish in a bag and take it with you to the city where you will be able to cleanly dispose of it in the corresponding garbage containers.
• In the area of Lake Roca it is advisable to boil water for as much as 5 minutes before drinking it.