How would you spend a perfect week in Tierra del Fuego? What attractions would you experience? What sights would you see? What activities would you do? Find out how to create the perfect week of your own by reading this guide on the perfect week in Tierra del Fuego.
The First Day (Landing)
Argentina- bound. I woke up to some ferocious airplane turbulence but thankfully landed on time with a pretty clear blue sky. I walk off the plane and my nose tells me this is Buenos Aires- humid, smoggy, bustling with energy. After navigating through one of the longest immigration lines I’ve ever seen in my life, it’s time to find an Uber (I was warned about Buenos Aires’ taxis before coming) and head to my hostel for my last day.
The Second Day (Hiking)
Enjoy a walk down Avenida Libertador General San Martín, one of two main avenues of Ushuaia. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse (or worse, a selfie) with a flock of wandering penguins across the street.
Mankind’s most unique bipedal animal is undoubtedly quirky and intriguing in every possible way–mostly because we can’t seem to figure out exactly what it’s all about.
If you’re looking for an adventure outside of town, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike and ski. Local tour operators are happy to help with any kind of trekking adventure, ranging from local sights like Caleta Olivia to international treks such as Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
Third-Day (Kayaking)
On day three, we kayaked down the Beagle Channel. The water was so clear and calm, perfect for all types of sea life to thrive. It was cloudy that day and there were some rain showers in our area, but this didn’t stop us from getting out on the water. The only thing you had to worry about was being alert for whales, dolphins, or condors that might be passing by – all of which we saw!
Fourth Day (Sailing)
In Chilean Patagonia, we were lucky enough to sail around the bay and explore some of the unique natural attractions it has to offer. There are two main things that make this part of Chile so beautiful – glaciers and mountains. We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with both during our sailing day in Ushuaia. The day starts off with a briefing about safety instructions, followed by an onboard breakfast.
After breakfast, it’s time to put on your life vest and hop into a dinghy for an hour-long ride across the bay. When we set sail around 11 am, our boat is positioned next to two giant glaciers that protect Ushuaia from cold Arctic winds. It’s breathtaking! After pulling up anchor, we make our way down the bay and enter a part of Chilean Patagonia called Puerto Deseado.
Fifth day (onward to Patagonia)
For those who are looking for a place to fly in and hike for a few days, don’t leave without first checking out Torres Del Paine National Park. Along with having some of the most iconic mountain views on Earth, the park offers pretty much everything you could ever want from an outdoor destination, including scenic hikes, excellent camping opportunities, great food, and plenty of wildlife.
If you’re planning on making it all the way to Puerto Natales and beyond, then Patagonia is your next stop. Many tours will help get you there but if you’re feeling adventurous then taking a boat from either Chiloe or Rio Gallegos should do just fine. Puerto Natales is filled with plenty of tour operators and hotels, so getting in shouldn’t be too difficult.
Sixth Day (Exploring)
Adventure seekers will love the many opportunities to explore this diverse landscape, whether trekking through the tundra, kayaking around a volcano, or climbing an inactive mountain. Within TDFNWR are striking glaciers and towering mountains, but there are also meadows with extraordinary wildflowers and lakes as well as rivers and waterfalls.
Outdoor recreation and adventure activities are essential to enjoying every minute of your stay. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or new to adventuring, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, diving, and snorkeling – even volcano-boarding!
The Seventh Day (at sea on the way home)
I wake up early and look around at my cabin. The sun is just starting to peek through the clouds that have been hanging around since our second day on the boat. The captain is back up on deck smoking the last cigarette of his shift, and my fellow sailors are chatting away, gearing up for one more day with us before they all go their separate ways.
The voyage back is quick, and we dock around 6 pm. I gather my bags and wait for everyone else to finish disembarking before making my way off. No one will share a taxi or shuttle with me, so I walk alone to the bus stop. The sky is dark, and it’s nearly pitch black between street lights—something that would have given me anxiety just a week earlier but now doesn’t even phase me.
Conclusion
I spent seven perfect days in Tierra del Fuego – a place where time is exper ienced on an entirely different scale. With beautiful sunsets and complete serenity, I was able to fully relax and enjoy life for what it’s worth. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this was a trip that will never be forgotten.
The city, Ushuaia, is an amazing gateway to all that Tierra del Fuego has to offer. So if you’re looking for a place to relax, be one with nature and get ready for your next adventure, I cannot recommend a trip here enough.
