Ushuaia Crab Route: Tierra del Fuego 4x4, Waterfall & Beagle Channel Lunch

Summary

Fuegian crab lunch, forest trekking and Beagle Channel views in Ushuaia

You’ll travel from Ushuaia into Tierra del Fuego by 4x4, sharing coffee and homemade snacks beside Laguna Victoria before heading downriver to Puerto Almanza for a fisherman’s lunch of fresh Fuegian crab overlooking the Beagle Channel. Walk forest trails to Cascada del Duende waterfall and end your day feeling both small and strangely connected.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a chipped mug of coffee, I watched steam curl into the cold air at Laguna Victoria. Someone—our guide, Martín—passed around homemade chocolate and cookies, saying something about the Yámana people who once paddled these waters. The lenga trees creaked a little in the wind. It was one of those mornings where you can smell wet earth and woodsmoke at the same time. I didn’t expect the snack to feel so… grounding? Maybe it’s just being this far south; Ushuaia does that to you.

The drive out from town felt longer than it looked on the map—about 75km if you’re counting—but it’s all winding roads and glimpses of river. We bumped along in a 4x4 with Martín pointing out little fishing huts and calling out names I’d never heard before (Lasifashaj River? I still can’t say it right). When we finally rolled into Puerto Almanza, the whole place smelled like seaweed and salt. There were maybe five people outside, all bundled up tight. Someone waved as we walked past—maybe they knew Martín or maybe everyone just waves here.

Lunch was in this weathered fisherman’s restaurant perched right above the Beagle Channel. The windows were streaked from last night’s rain but you could see straight across to Chile if you squinted. They brought out Fuegian crab three ways—gratin, butter, natural—and a glass of local wine that tasted sharper than I expected. I tried to eat slowly but honestly, it was gone too fast. The waitress laughed when I asked for more bread to mop up the sauce (she said “pan extra” is always allowed here). That meal sticks with me.

Afterwards we hiked towards Cascada del Duende—just a short trail through mossy forest with water rushing somewhere ahead. Kids from another family ran ahead splashing each other; someone slipped on a root and everyone laughed except their dad (he just shook his head). The waterfall wasn’t huge but it sounded loud in that quiet way rivers do down here. Heading back to Ushuaia later, my boots muddy and my stomach full, I kept thinking about how far away everything feels at the end of the world—and how close you get to strangers over lunch by the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Crab Route tour from Ushuaia

• Start tour from Kaitek Viajes office
• Drive 35km on National Route 3
• Turn onto Provincial Route J for 40km
• Enjoy country breakfast at Laguna Victoria
• Visit fishing village Puerto Almanza
• Walk and take panoramic photos in Puerto Almanza
• Have lunch at Beagle Channel restaurant
• Hike to Cascada del Duende waterfall
• Return to Ushuaia city

Top questions

How long is the Crab Route tour from Ushuaia?

The tour covers about 75km each way from Ushuaia to Puerto Almanza with multiple stops; plan for a full day including pickup and return.

Is lunch included on the Crab Route Tierra del Fuego tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a classic fisherman’s restaurant in Puerto Almanza with options like Fuegian crab gratin or catch of the day.

What kind of vehicle is used for this Tierra del Fuego tour?

The tour uses comfortable air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles suitable for off-road travel through forests and along rivers.

Are there vegetarian or non-seafood options available for lunch?

The main focus is local seafood like crab or fish; check directly if you have dietary needs as menus are based on local catch.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages; there are easy trails and transportation is accessible for strollers or wheelchairs if needed.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Ushuaia?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from central Ushuaia hotels at the start of your Crab Route experience.

Can I try whole crab during lunch on this tour?

The menu includes various preparations of Fuegian crab; whole crab may be available for an extra charge at the restaurant.

What should I wear for trekking in Tierra del Fuego?

Dress warmly in layers with waterproof shoes or boots; weather can be cold or wet even in summer months near Ushuaia.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ushuaia, all transportation by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, coffee or tea with homemade snacks at Laguna Victoria, a glass of wine per person with your three-course seafood lunch overlooking the Beagle Channel in Puerto Almanza (with options like crab empanada starter and main course), plus an easy guided hike through lenga forest to Cascada del Duende waterfall before returning to town.