[Travel](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Guides](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/) › [Tierra del Fuego](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/) # Guide to Tierra del Fuego To visit Tierra del Fuego, check entry requirements, connectivity and this guide’s local references. Tierra del Fuego combines forests, peatlands and cold coasts on both sides of the Argentina–Chile border. Use Ushuaia or another town as a base and choose a few outings to leave room for weather and landscape. [Places in Tierra del Fuego · 4 catalog places →](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/tierra-del-fuego/) ## Visa for your trip Your passport countrySelect countryAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBhutanBoliviaBosnia & HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCongo - BrazzavilleCongo - KinshasaCosta RicaCôte d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFijiFinlandFranceGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGrenadaGuatemalaGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHondurasHong Kong SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacao SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMauritaniaMauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (Burma)NamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé & PríncipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSt. Kitts & NevisSt. LuciaSt. Vincent & GrenadinesSudanSurinameSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTongaTrinidad & TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuelaVietnamYemenZambiaZimbabweChoose the passport you travel with. The lookup adapts automatically. Conditions and other situationsShort tourist stays with an ordinary passport. Residence, other visas, stay length and transit can change the requirement. Check with the authority before booking or travelling. [Destination source](https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm) · [Check itinerary with IATA](https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm) Enable JavaScript to adapt this lookup to your passport. You can also check the destination source. ## eSIM and connectivity Compare Saily and Airalo plans. Check destination coverage and phone compatibility on the provider’s website. [Saily ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim?source=guide&lang=en)[Airalo ↗](https://tripguroo.com/api/affiliate/go/esim-airalo?source=guide&lang=en) Affiliate links: we may earn a commission on purchases. ## Highlights ### [Ushuaia](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-ushuaia/) A city in Tierra del Fuego between mountains and the waters of the Beagle Channel. ### [Puerto Williams](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-puerto-williams/) Town on Navarino Island, on the southern shore of the Beagle Channel. ### [Porvenir](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-porvenir/) Town in the Chilean sector of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, facing the Strait of Magellan. ## Complete guide · chapter reading [Introduction](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-0) · [Islands](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-1) · [Cities](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-2) · [Other destinations](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-3) · [Understand](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-4) · [Get in](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-5) · [Get around](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-6) · [See](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-7) · [Do](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-8) · [Eat](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-9) · [Drink](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-10) · [Stay safe](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-11) · [Go next](https://tripguroo.com/en/guides/tierra-del-fuego/#full-chapter-12) ## Introduction Tierra del Fuego is a large archipelago off the south of , divided between and by the 1881 Treaty. The archipelago is a panoply of pristine, mostly uninhabited and innaccesible islands, and includes the famed Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the archipelago. ## Islands Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego — the main island, with an area around 48,000 km² whereby 38.6% belong to Argentina, is commonly referred to as Tierra del Fuego or as Isla Grande. The Argentine fraction is shaped like a triangle with its base at the Beagle Channel. Over 90% of the island's population live in and Rio Grande, both on the eastern, Argentine side. Isla de los Estados — 530 km², unpopulated, 30 km off the south-eastern edge of Isla Grande. Small, unpopulated islands facing Ushuaia — Les Eclaireurs, Bridges, Hache and others Other islands on the Beagle Channel — Gable Island (20 km²) and other small islets, all uninhabited ## Cities Argentina — the economic capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, its industries include oil, electronics and cattle breeding. It's traditional estancias and trout fishing are touristically notable. — tourist centre of Tierra del Fuego, and base for most excursions, treks and trips to . Arguably the southernmost city in the world. Chile Porvenir, capital of the Chilean Tierra del Fuego, a town of 6,800 people (2017), has museums, hotels, restaurants and other services of tourist interest. Cerro Sombrero, a town of 700 people (2017) that is a residential and service center for the Bational Petroleum Company. ## Other destinations Argentina — a rugged, mountainous national park with great views of Lapataia Bay. – the world's southernmost ski resort, about 30 km from Ushuaia Chile – the world's southernmost national park, just to the south of Tierra del Fuego. Yendegaia National Park protects a representative sample of the ecosystems of the south-central sector of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego. Its main attractions lie in the pristine characteristics that the area still maintains, which leads to the survival of the characteristic species of the Fuegian fauna. ## Understand History Tierra del Fuego (translation: "Land of Fire") got its name from Ferdinand Magellan who, on passing the archipelago in 1520, spotted a number of fires burning along the coastline. These fires may have been made by the archipelago's aboriginal inhabitants: the Ona, Alakaluf and Yahgan (commonly called Yámana). Four aboriginals were taken from Tierra del Fuego in 1830 by Robert Fitzroy, and were sailed to Britain to meet the King. The three survivors later returned to Tierra del Fuego on the Beagle, with Charles Darwin, who believed the native Fuegans to be "the missing link". The arrival of missionaries, introduction of sheep farming and the discovery of gold in the 1880s led to European, Argentine, and Chilean immigrants, which gradually killed off the native Fuegans. An excellent book on the history of the Yámana and their demise is The Uttermost Part of the Earth by E. Lucas Bridges, the son of one of the early missionaries. His father, Thomas Bridges, documented what he could of the Yámana language and found that it had a larger vocabulary than the English language. Today, the economy is based on petroleum, tourism, textiles, electronics and, to a decreasing degree, sheep-farming. Climate The western parts of the archipelago form the southernmost tip of the Andes range. The eastern parts are an extension of the Patagonian plateau. Based in the south of , the climate is cold but warmer than many assume; in winter, the average temperature is -2°C (28°F). In summer, it can climb to 30°C (86°F), although in reality it rarely rises far beyond 10°C (50°F). There are frequent high winds and much rainfall, especially in the coastal areas. ## Get in By plane There are regular Aerolineas Argentinas flights from to (USH) and Rio Grande. Air services also link major settlements to in Chile. By bus Buses from all over Argentina enter Tierra del Fuego via . Note that buses running from Rio Gallegos to all pass through Chile, and thus trips include two border crossings. By car Argentine National Route 3 connects Buenos Aires to the Chilean border near Tierra del Fuego. There is no road from main cities of Chile to Tierra del Fuego, so the Argentine road must be used. To reach Tierra del Fuego by car the ferry service must be used. By ferry Ferry service on the Melinka regularly links Porvenir and , and naval vessels supply and Isla Navarino, Chile. There is also a ferry at the narrowest part of the Strait of Magellan that connects Tierra del Fuego to mainland Chile at Primera Angostura (between Punta Delgada and Cerro Sombrero), with many departures from 8:30AM (mainland) to 11:00PM (island) every day. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. ## Get around Roads are poor in Tierra del Fuego, and apart from the tourist tour train to , there are no railways. There is little public transport. However, tours and transport can be booked through the Tourist Office (on San Martin, ) or through many of the hostels. ## See Estancia Haberton — open only in the summer months, Estancia Haberton is a worthwhile trip for those interested in the Bridges family and their role in local history Museo Marítimo — located in 's old prison, this excellent museum displays a collection of the history of Tierra del Fuego Fernando Cordero Rusque Provincial MuseumIt exhibits a photographic and archaeological sample of the Selk'nam (extinct Aborigines of the island), information on the discovery and exploitation of gold from 1881, a remarkable collection of altarpieces of the most notable houses in Tierra del Fuego, and a section on natural history, archeology and ethnography. AddressPorvenir ## Do Catamaran trips — catamaran trips will take you around the Beagle Channel and give you nice views of the mountains, cormorants, sea lions and penguins Cerro Castor — this centre for winter sports offers skiing and snowboarding. Nearby, you can also ride snowmobiles or husky sleighs during the winter Fin del Mundo Train — a steam train running from Ushuaia to the national park Hike the Glacier Martial — provided that you wear comfortable shoes and have the patience, a hike up the Glacier Martial will provide a very beautiful view of and the Beagle Channel Hike around Lakes Escondido and Fagnano — beautiful spots to walk, relax, fish, or ride a horse Kayak the Beagle Channel — Kayaks can be hired near Ushuaia's Aeroparque, on the promontory See king penguins — at Parque Pingüino Rey, on the eastern shore of the Bahia Inutile Take a cruise — several cruises operate from Ushuaia, taking in the Beagle Channel and some islands, such as Los Lobos Island Take a trip to Cabo San Pablo (south of ), Ojo del Albino or Laguna Esmeralda (both near ) — these sites offer more stunning and rugged scenery — this national park provide some nice day hikes on well-marked trails ## Eat A regional specialty is king crab, called centolla in Spanish, and seafood is usually excellent. Otherwise, local cuisine follows the general Chilean and Argentine traditions. Fruit and vegetables have to be transported from thousands of miles away and, as such, are rarely tasty and rather expensive. ## Drink has several bars and one nightclub. ## Stay safe Crime rates in Tierra del Fuego are very low. If hiking or trekking, it is important to take warm, waterproof gear. ## Go next Flights can be booked from the Aerolineas office in . Buses to and other destinations (apart from ) all stop at . It can be cheaper to just buy a ticket to Rio Gallegos and purchase an onward ticket from there. Most Antarctic cruises either start in Tierra del Fuego, or go through it, so is another destination accessible from Tierra del Fuego. Text by Wikivoyage contributors. Article edition: 2026-07-10T11:14:53Z · [Source and revision](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5307437) · [Authors and history](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Tierra%20del%20Fuego&action=history) · [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) ## Local food ### Centolla A cold-water crab served in straightforward preparations. ### Merluza negra A fish featured in Fuegian cuisine. ### Mejillones Shellfish from southern waters, subject to availability. ### Chocolate artesanal Contemporary local production in shops and chocolatiers. ## Local drinks ### Cerveza artesanal fueguina Local brewing with varied recipes and styles. Contains alcohol ### Chocolate caliente A chocolatier's drink shared with other Patagonian regions. Alcohol-free Plan your itinerary ### Getting around If crossing the border, confirm documents, vehicle rental and transport in advance. ### Plan ahead Bring waterproof layers and check conditions before boating or hiking. ### Travel respectfully Stay on trails to protect peatlands and slow-growing vegetation. ### Ushuaia Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego — the main island, with an area around 48,000 km² whereby 38.6% belong to Argentina, is commonly referred to as Tierra del Fuego or as Isla Grande. The Argentine fraction is shaped like a triangle with its base at the Beagle Channel. Over 90% of the island's population live in and Rio Grande, both on the eastern, Argentine side. Local reading and routes ### [Casa de Gobierno](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) The local government building is a strange mixture of functionalism with Alpine elements and is hard to miss. ### [Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) Reached by a short boat tour from Ushuaia, it is known locally as the Lighthouse at the End of the World, though the lighthouse made famous by Jules Verne in the novel of the same name is the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse further east on Isla de los Estados. ### [Petrified Whale](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) A "spooky" whale statue inside the city park. ### [Plaza Malvinas](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) Monument to the Falkland Islands War of 1982. These islands are called the Islas Malvinas in Argentina. ### [Mastil de General Belgrano](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) A remote area west of the city of Ushuaia on Isla Redonda, paying tribute to one of the founders of Argentina, and to the navy cruiser named after him which was sunk by the UK in the Falklands War. It was a stop on one of the televised Amazing Race contests, and features a one-person post office for sending letters from the end of the world. ### [Museo Marítimo](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) Located in an old prison, this is four museums in one. The maritime museum displays a collection of the history of Tierra del Fuego. One wing has been converted to an art gallery named Museo de Arte Marino featuring the work of local artists. There is also an Antarctic museum and, of course, a museum of the prison. ### [Museo del Fin del Mundo](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ushuaia#See) The museum exists in two separate buildings on Av. Maipu a few blocks apart. Highlights include the largest exhibited collection of birds from Tierra del Fuego, the figurehead of the Duchess of Albany (a sunken vessel), and a library dedicated to the history and nature of Tierra del Fuego. ### [Río Grande](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/R%C3%ADo_Grande_(Argentina)) the economic capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, its industries include oil, electronics and cattle breeding. It's traditional estancias and trout fishing are touristically notable. ### [Ushuaia](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-ushuaia/) tourist centre of Tierra del Fuego, and base for most excursions, treks and trips to Antarctica. Arguably the southernmost city in the world. ### [Porvenir](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/ciudad-porvenir/) capital of the Chilean Tierra del Fuego, a town of 6,800 people (2017), has museums, hotels, restaurants and other services of tourist interest. ### [Cerro Sombrero](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tierra_del_Fuego#Other_destinations) a town of 700 people (2017) that is a residential and service center for the Bational Petroleum Company. ### [Tierra del Fuego National Park](https://tripguroo.com/en/places/parque-nacional-tierra-del-fuego/) a rugged, mountainous national park with great views of Lapataia Bay. ### [Cerro Castor](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cerro_Castor) the world's southernmost ski resort, about 30 km from Ushuaia ### [Cabo de Hornos National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Cabo_de_Hornos_National_Park) the world's southernmost national park, just to the south of Tierra del Fuego. ### [Yendegaia National Park](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tierra_del_Fuego#Other_destinations) protects a representative sample of the ecosystems of the south-central sector of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego. Its main attractions lie in the pristine characteristics that the area still maintains, which leads to the survival of the characteristic species of the Fuegian fauna. ### [Fernando Cordero Rusque Provincial Museum](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tierra_del_Fuego#See) It exhibits a photographic and archaeological sample of the Selk'nam (extinct Aborigines of the island), information on the discovery and exploitation of gold from 1881, a remarkable collection of altarpieces of the most notable houses in Tierra del Fuego, and a section on natural history, archeology and ethnography. ## Sources [Turismo Ushuaia, gastronomía](https://turismoushuaia.com/contenidos/gastronomia/?lang=es) · [Turismo Tierra del Fuego, productos](https://tierradelfuego.tur.ar/es/gastronomia/productos) · [Turismo Tierra del Fuego, cerveza artesanal](https://findelmundo.tur.ar/es/gastronomia/productos/cerveza-artesanal/5825)Wikivoyage contributors; selection, abridgement, translation and regional planning by TRIPGUROO · CC BY-SA 4.0 [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) · [Wikivoyage · Tierra del Fuego](https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5307437) [Guides by topic](https://tripguroo.com/en/travel/?view=topics)