Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego Day Trip with Local Picnic

Walk Ushuaia’s wild trails, taste alfajores, reach the end of the world

You’ll start right at Ushuaia’s port and travel with a local guide through city streets most tourists miss before entering Tierra del Fuego’s wild corners. Expect mossy forests, Lapataia Bay’s legendary signpost, glassy Acigami Lake, and a peaceful picnic with local pastries and mate cocido — plus stories you won’t find in any brochure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right at Ushuaia harbor, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle through both city streets and wild park roads, plus a picnic stop with alfajores de maicena filled with dulce de leche alongside your choice of coffee, tea, mate cocido or chocolate milk — all finished off with glacier water bottled locally before heading back to your ship or exploring town on your own.

Traveler reviews

4.81★★★★★★★★★★

89 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park

• Travel from port to National Park
• Visit Ensenada Zaratiegui and Post Office
• See Isla Redonda and Sampaio Mountains
• Visit Lapataia Bay and archaeological sites
• Walk around Lake Acigami
• Picnic at Cañadon del Toro with local pastries
• Return to Ushuaia via alternate city route

The Experience

I never thought I’d stand at the literal end of the road — but there we were, Lapataia Bay in Tierra del Fuego. Our guide, Martín, grinned and pointed to the battered sign marking the end of the Pan-American Highway. The wind was sharp enough to sting my cheeks and I could smell wet earth and woodsmoke drifting from somewhere behind us. It felt like a place where stories begin or maybe finish. Hard to say.

We’d started right from the harbor in Ushuaia — you just walk off your ship and there’s Martín waving his thermos of mate. The drive through town was quick but weirdly intimate; we passed painted houses with laundry flapping and kids playing soccer in muddy fields. He told us about his grandmother coming here decades ago for work — “nobody plans to stay forever,” he laughed, “but somehow we all do.” I liked that.

The park itself is quieter than I expected. At Ensenada Zaratiegui, Martín tried (and failed) to get us into the End of the World Post Office — apparently it depends if the postman feels like opening up that day. Instead, we watched cormorants swoop over Isla Redonda and tried to pronounce “Acigami” without sounding ridiculous (I didn’t succeed). The lake was glassy and cold-looking, half in Argentina, half in Chile. We took a short walk along mossy trails where everything smelled green and damp — like rain on leaves.

Cañadon del Toro was my favorite part. No crowds, just our small group on a patch of grass with steaming mate cocido and these crumbly dulce de leche alfajores that stuck to my fingers. Someone asked about the Yámana people who once lived here; Martín told us how they used canoes made from bark and hunted sea lions. There was this moment when nobody spoke for a bit — just wind in the lenga trees and distant water lapping. I still think about that quiet.

Top questions

How long does the Tierra del Fuego day trip from Ushuaia take?

The tour lasts around half a day, including pickup from Ushuaia port and return or drop-off in town center.

Is entry to Tierra del Fuego included?

No, you must pay the National Park Fee directly upon entering (about $30 by credit card).

What food is included during the tour?

You get a picnic with local pastries (alfajores with dulce de leche), plus your choice of coffee, tea, mate cocido or chocolate milk.

Can I bring children or infants on this tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or use specialized seats; prams or strollers are allowed too.

Will I see Ushuaia city as well as Tierra del Fuego?

Yes, you’ll drive through both touristy and non-touristy areas of Ushuaia during transfers between port and park.

What happens if the End of the World Post Office is closed?

If it’s closed (it depends on the postman), you’ll still visit Ensenada Zaratiegui for views over Isla Redonda.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; walks are short and easygoing.