TOLHUIN

Half way between Río Grande and Ushuaia, when the plateau that is born in the Atlantic coast and rises to the Andes Cordillera slowly becomes a mountain, Tolhuin comes to sight. It is the third most important city in the province of Tierra del Fuego, and it is placed at the bottom of Michi Mt, near Turbio River, slightly farther than 100 km from Ushuaia.

Its name, in the native tongue Ona, is translated as "heart" and, that is why it is taken to be the Heart of the Island. It has a small population of 500 residents. It was founded in the year 1972 as a settlement of the sawmill families and as a supply point between Grande and Ushuaia.

This small and neat town gives the possibility of staying at hostels, cottages or camping sites, and practicing fishing, trekking, horse-ridding, kayak and boat sailing and safaris.

Tolhuin may also be the starting point of a visit to the numerous farms in the center of Tierra del Fuego. You can go on fishing tours, walk through the forest, or visit the impressive Lake Fagnano.

The natural charm of Tolhuin is comes from different geographical factors.

Because of its location in the limit between the mountain range and the plateau of Tierra del Fuego, it forms a mild micro-weather, very different from the one in the other cities of the province.

Enclosed by forests and the huge Lake Fagnano, whose crystal clear waters are poured by several rivers, it is an attractive place to rest.

Currently, its infrastructure is being enlarged to face the great demand of services, which results from the migration of new families, weekend cottages and private investors.

It is also a much visited place on weekends and holidays by the residents of the province. It has a diverse number of cafes, restaurants, "asadores criollos" (steak houses), camping sites, tearooms, jam factories and handcraft shops.

Any tourist that visits Tolhuin will be able to carry out many activities in the open air such as, fishing -not only in the river, but also on a boat in the lake-, horse-riding, trekking, cycling tours, dog-sledding and whatever leisure activity. It undoubtedly invites joy.

Those who appreciate harmony, cordiality and a perfect combination of the man-made and the nature-made, will find their place in Tolhuin. This city continuously offers the possibility of getting in touch with the origins of this land that is definitely "the heart of the end of the world".

LAKE FAGNANO
Lake Fagnano can be accessed along National Route Nº 3, south of Ushuaia, and 65 km from Tolhuin. It is the sixth biggest lake in South America, with a longitudinal axis of 100 km. Although permanently lashed by west winds, it is possible to navigate it.

Lake Fagnano empties into the Strait of Magellan through the Azopardo River.

It offers exceptional fishing conditions, and the possibility of observing with joy the flights of albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and cauquenes.

Its coasts are varied: there are mostly low flooded shores; others have high cliffs or small beaches made of rolling stones. The natives called it Kami. Today it is called after one of the first ten Salesian priests sent by Juan Bosco to Argentina.

In the eastern region, Kaikén Hostel is sited. From there you can start short walks that take you only one hour from Tolhuin. You can go round the small farms nearby and the dams built by beavers, which cause the embalming and, consequently, the flooding of extensive areas with loss of vegetation and a negative environmental modification.

A few km away, some bungalows are placed. Its southern coast can also be seen, at least partially, from the road to Ushuaia.

LAKE ESCONDIDO
60 km to the north of Ushuaia city, along National Route Nº 3, between the mountains in Garibaldi Pass, a charming lake is found; a dream place with a hostel on its shore. It is Escondido Lake.

It is possible to take some trekking tours from there, and enjoy the peaceful lake while engaging in some activities, such as fishing.

On its shore we will find the "Hostería Petrel", offering a restaurant and a café.

Waking up in a bedroom with a view to the lake is a most advisable as well as astonishing experience.

HOW DO I GET TO TOLHUIN?

By car:
From Ushuaia, 100 km along National Route Nº 3 to the north.
From Grande River, 130 km along National Route Nº 3 to the south.

Distances from Tolhuin to:
Comandante Piedra Buena: 713 km
El Calafate: 823 km
Gobernador Gregores: 1043 km
Puerto Natales: 696 km
Punta Arenas: 660 km
Porvenir: 373 km
Río Gallegos: 498 km
Río Grande: 133 km
San Julián: 851 km
Ushuaia: 103 km