Tierra del Fuego National Park: Ultimate Visit Guide from Ushuaia (2025)

I’ll never forget the first time I walked through Tierra del Fuego National Park. Just 20 minutes earlier, I was in Ushuaia sipping coffee by the harbor; suddenly, I was surrounded by lenga forests, the smell of moss, and the icy wind of the Beagle Channel. This is the southernmost national park in Argentina, where the Pan-American Highway ends and wild Patagonia begins.

If you love Ushuaia hiking, this is the place to start. The park is accessible, beautifully marked, and offers everything from 20-minute scenic walks to full-day summit treks. It’s also perfect if you want a taste of trekking in Ushuaia without committing to the more remote expeditions of Patagonia.

Why Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park?

Unlike many Argentine national parks that require long transfers, Tierra del Fuego is right next to Ushuaia. You get forests, lakes, bogs, and the Beagle Channel all in one compact area.

Highlights include:

• Diverse landscapes — coastal bays, subantarctic forests, glacial valleys
• Wildlife encounters — Fuegian foxes, black-necked swans, Magellanic woodpeckers
• Cultural history — home of the Yámana people, and the famous End of the World Train in Ushuaia
• Accessibility — just 20 minutes from downtown Ushuaia

Standing at Lapataia Bay, next to the “End of Route 3” sign, is one of those surreal “end of the world” travel moments I’ll never forget.

Short on time? Here’s how I spent 2 days in Ushuaia

Best Time to Visit Tierra del Fuego

I’ve been in both summer and autumn, and they’re very different experiences.

• Summer (Dec–Mar): Long days (up to 17 hours of daylight), 10–20°C temps, all trails open.
• Autumn (Apr–May): Brilliant red/orange forests, quieter trails, colder evenings.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Magical snow scenes, but most hikes are closed. Cross-country skiing possible.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Less crowded, but trails muddy and weather unpredictable.

👉 Travel tip: Always dress in layers. Patagonia is famous for giving you sun, rain, and wind all in the same hour.

How to Get to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia

The park is only 12 km west of Ushuaia, so it’s an easy day trip.

• Shuttle buses: Leave daily from Maipú Street (near the port). ~USD 33-37 round trip.
• Taxi or private transfer: Quick and flexible, but pricier.
• Rental car: Best if you want to stop at viewpoints along Route 3. Check rental car deals here.

At the gate, you’ll pay the fee. Entrance Fee (Foreign Visitors / International Public): ~ ARS 30,000 as of 6 January 2025. Resident / Argentine citizens get reduced rates (~ARS 9,000), and local residents even more reduced (~ARS 5,000).
Note: prices may increase; check the official Parques Nacionales Argentina site or the Tierra del Fuego tourism board for current rates and seasonal updates. Cards are usually accepted, but I recommend carrying pesos — see my guide on how money works in Argentina.

Best Hikes in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Here’s a quick comparison of the main trails:

My Experience on the Trails

• Laguna Negra & Mirador Lapataia: Both start right off the main road — super easy to access. Laguna Negra has a boardwalk over wetlands, while Mirador Lapataia gives you that postcard shot over the bay.
• Senda Costera: I started at Ensenada Zaratiegui, right by the little southernmost post office. The trail follows the shoreline most of the way, and I had to stop every 10 minutes for photos — lenga forests, pebble beaches, and the Beagle Channel opening wide in front of me.
• Pampa Alta: Trailhead is around km 3 of the park road. It’s a steady climb, nothing too steep, and the viewpoint at the top gave me one of my favorite panoramas of Ushuaia and the surrounding mountains.
• Hito XXIV: Beginning at Alakush Visitor Center, the trail runs along Lago Roca before leading into quiet forest and finally reaching the Chilean border marker. Standing at that international boundary in such a remote spot was surreal.
• Cerro Guanaco: The most demanding hike in the park, also starting at Alakush. It climbs relentlessly for almost 1,000 meters, and above the treeline, the wind hit me full force. The views from the summit — Lago Roca on one side, Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel on the other — were worth every step.

👉 If you’d rather not hike alone, you can book a guided trekking tour in Ushuaia (affiliate). Most include transport, gear, and a local guide.

Other Things to Do Besides Hiking

Not everyone comes for trekking — here are other activities:

• Ride the historic End of the World Train in Ushuaia — short, scenic, family-friendly.
• Canoeing/Kayaking in Lapataia Bay — 👉 tours available.
• Birdwatching: Tierra del Fuego is a paradise for bird lovers. I spotted black-necked swans, Magellanic woodpeckers, and even a striking Southern Crested Caracara, a bold bird of prey often seen strutting along the shoreline.
• Visit Ensenada Zaratiegui Post Office: Send a postcard from the southernmost post office in the world.

If you want to combine activities, check my Beagle Channel boat tour review — pairing the park and a cruise over two days is a great Ushuaia plan.

Suggested Itineraries

One Day in the Park

• Shuttle from Ushuaia
• Mirador Lapataia for views
• Senda Costera for coastal beauty
• Back to Ushuaia by evening

Two Days

• Day 1: Laguna Negra + Coastal Trail
• Day 2: Cerro Guanaco summit + Pampa Alta

Extended Stay

• Add a Beagle Channel cruise or Lake Fagnano day trip

For more ways to plan your days, here are my Things to Do in Ushuaia

Where to Stay in Ushuaia

Stay in town, since the park closes at night. My recommendations:

• Luxury: Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa — stunning views, infinity pool (affiliate).
• Mid-range: Hotel Albatros — reliable and central.
• Budget: Antarctica Hostel — affordable and social.

See my detailed best hotels in Ushuaia review for more choices.

Costs & Budget Breakdown

• Entrance Fee: ARS 30,000 (~USD 30)
• Transport: USD 33-37 for shuttle, taxis more
• Tours: USD 160-260 (hikes, canoeing, train combos)
• Food: Bring snacks — the Alakush Visitor Center has only limited options
• Gear rentals: Available in Ushuaia (boots, poles, jackets)

If you’re planning multiple stops, my Argentina domestic flights guide will help you save time — the country is vast.

Safety & Trekking Tips

• Weather changes fast — always carry waterproofs.
• Trails can be muddy; trekking poles help.
• Don’t feed wildlife — foxes and beavers can get aggressive.
• Ask park rangers about trail conditions before you start.

Photography Highlights

Where I got my best shots:

• Senda Costera: Golden hour light hitting the Beagle Channel.
• Cerro Guanaco summit: Unbeatable 360° panorama.
• Lapataia Bay sign: The iconic “End of the Road” photo spot.

📸 Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens and extra batteries — Patagonia’s cold drains them fast.

Tierra del Fuego National Park FAQs

Conclusion

For me, visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park was Patagonia in a nutshell: dramatic landscapes, coastal trails, and that unforgettable “end of the world” feeling. Whether you go for an easy stroll or push yourself on Cerro Guanaco, this is the ultimate introduction to trekking in Ushuaia.

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