End of Route 3
A famous route for long distance cyclists is the Pan American Highway which ends in the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Also known as route 3, cyclists from all over the world begin at it’s starting point in Alaska and cycle 17,848 km through Canada, USA and South America to reach it’s end point in Tierra del Fuego which is known as the end of the world. Cyclists arrive here having completing the distance in a cloud of dust and triumph. Of course, some of us begin at the end!
Post Office at the End of the World
Head down to Zaratiegul Bay and send a postcard to your loved ones from the post office at the end of the world! It costs 30 pesos to have your passport stamped as shown below. Postcards cost 20 pesos each and postage to Scotland is, for example, 50 pesos per postcard.
Be an illegal
The walk around Lago Rocco (Hito XXIV Trail on map) takes you to the unmanned border between Chile and Argentina. Of course, it’s irresistible not to jump over to the other side of the sign into Chile!
There are 4 main walks in the Tierra del Fuego National Park and also 6 secondary walks. The thing I love about this park is it’s inclusiveness, allowing more people to enjoy the Patagonian wilderness. Some walks have been created for those with mobility issues which is amazing. This park is a great tool for families introducing their children to the wilder aspect of being outdoors without being too wild to be dangerous.
Such an abundance of magnificent air displays courtesy of the birds as you walk.
But hold onto your crackers …
Wander through the Patagonian forests.
Wonder at the trees and flora.
Lots of wild horse and fox.
Entry to the Tierra del Fuego National Park costs 170 pesos which covers 2 nights and 3 days of exploration including use of the 3 free camp sites. You receive a free map on entry. Please note the water inside the park needs boiled or treated before drinking. The nearest airport is Ushuia, Argentina, 12 km away.
The 4 main walks in the park are:
1) Pampa Alta Trail
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 3 miles (4.9km)
Estimated time: 1 hour to look out
Trail description: a bird’s eye view of Beagle Channel and Pipo River Valley. The trail starts at Ensenada Bay campsite and goes along up along Piloto Creek. The trail is shorter – 2.3 miles (3.7 km) if started at National route No. 3. The trail goes down and connects with the unpaved road leading to Pipo River.
2) Costera Trail
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Estimated time: 4 hours
Trail description: the trail follows the shoreline and travels through evergreen beech and winter’s bark forests. It can be done from Ensenada Bay or from the crossing of National Route No. 3 and the road that leads to Roca Lake.
3) HITO XXIV Trail
Level of difficulty: moderate
Round trip distance: 4.3 miles (7km)
Estimated time: 3 hours
Trail description: a walk along the northwest bank of Lago Roca Lake up to Argentina’s international border with Chile.
4) Cerro Guanaco Trail
Level of difficulty: strenuous
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) one way
Estimated time: 4 hours (to the summit)
Trail description: the summit of Cerro Guanaco offers an outstanding view of the Fuegian mountain range and it’s peatbogs. The trail starts at Roca Lake parking lot. On the way to Hito XXIV trail and after crossing Guanaco Creek, there is a detour properly marked on the right. The whole trail goes quite steeply up deep slopes. Please note this route can be closed at times due to snow.
The secondary routes are all marked on the free map and on route also and range for a few hundred metres in distance to a few km. These are very good trails for people with mobility issues or those with concerns of their fitness for the longer trails.
Further information
Parque Nacional Tierra Del Fuego
Av. San Martin 1395
Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego
Argentina
Tel/Fax: (02901) 421315
Email: tierradelfuego@apn.gov.ar