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| Lake Fagnano Image: educarchile |
On the Argentine side, the primary urban centers are RĂo Grande, with a population of around 68,000, and the popular tourist destination Ushuaia, home to 57,000 people and often promoted as the gateway to Antarctica. On the Chilean side, the town of Porvenir has about 7,500 residents, while Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island, is a small civilian settlement and naval base of 3,000 inhabitants. It is currently recognized as the southernmost city in the world.
Climate and Contrasting Landscapes of Tierra del Fuego
Due to its subpolar climate, the weather is generally cold and harsh from March to October, with winter temperatures rarely exceeding 10°C, frequent frost, and heavy snowfall. During spring and summer, daytime temperatures are milder, averaging between 10°C and 15°C, although highs above 20°C have occasionally been recorded.
How 'Land of Fire' Got Its Name
Tierra del Fuego, (Land of Fire), is a name that evokes a sense of mystery and adventure. The region, located at the southern tip of South America, was named by the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the early 1500s.
How to Get There
- The most common way to reach the Chilean part of Tierra del Fuego is by bus or other vehicles crossing the Strait of Magellan by ferry. There are also regular flights between Punta Arenas and Porvenir operated by Aerovias DAP.
The other crossing is located 170 km. north of Punta Arenas in a place known as Punta Delgada or Primera Angostura, this navigation takes only 15 minutes, then to reach the city of Porvenir the overland trip takes about 2 hours. To see itineraries click HERE.
- To get to Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, which is also part of the archipelago, there are regular flights with AerovĂas DAP as well as one weekly ferry service.
Location of Tierra del Fuego
Alberto De Agostini National Park
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| Darwin's Route - Australis Cruises - Cape Horn & Patagonia |
Created in 1965, Alberto de Agostini National Park is the third largest national park in Chile, covering over 14,600 km² (1,460,000 hectares). It was named after Alberto Maria de Agostini (1883–1960), an Italian missionary, geographer, documentarian, and explorer.
The park encompasses an insular area that spans three provinces: Magallanes (municipality of Punta Arenas), Tierra del Fuego (municipality of Timaukel), and Antártica Chilena (municipality of Navarino). Access is mainly by sea or air from Punta Arenas, followed by transportation with private companies to reach specific areas within the park.
Alberto de Agostini is home to remarkable but lesser-known natural attractions. Dominating the landscape is the 35-kilometer-long Darwin Mountain Range, which serves as the park’s backbone. Among its highlights are the majestic Marinelli Glacier, known for its towering ice walls nearly 40 meters high, and Mount Darwin, the park’s highest peak at 2,488 meters above sea level. Also noteworthy is Mount Sarmiento (2,187 m.a.s.l.), famously referenced by Jules Verne in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, where the Nautilus surfaces near Cape Horn and glimpses the imposing mountain in the distance.
One of the most memorable experiences in the park is a tourist cruise along the Glaciers Avenue in the Beagle Channel. This breathtaking route features a series of glaciers flowing from the Darwin Ice Field directly into the sea, making it one of the park’s most awe-inspiring sights. Routes with Australis Cruises.
King Penguin Natural Reserve
Location: Ruta Y-85 Km 14.5, BahĂa InĂştil, just over 100 km from Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego.
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| Image: Go Patagonia Chile Tours, Travel Agency & Rent a Car in Punta Arenas |
Karukinka Natural Park
Karukinka Natural Park is a private protected area managed by the international NGO Wildlife Conservation Society, dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation in one of the world's southernmost wilderness areas. The park is open to visitors from November to April.
The name Karukinka comes from the Ona or Selk'nam people, the original inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, who called their ancestral land by that name. Spanning nearly 300,000 hectares, Karukinka is the largest protected area on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego. It is located in the Timaukel commune, in the island's southern region, surrounded by untouched landscapes and pristine ecosystems.
This remarkable nature reserve is home to the largest populations of guanacos, Andean condors, and Fuegian foxes in Chile. Its diverse habitats, which include sub-Antarctic forests, peat bogs, and coastal wetlands, make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism, wildlife watching, and nature photography.
Fernando Cordero Rusque Municipal Museum, Porvenir
Address: 71 Jorge Schythe Street, Porvenir.
Founded in 1980, this museum features an engaging display of Fuegian fauna, as well as sections dedicated to archaeology and anthropology—including the preserved remains of a mummified native of the island.
In the history section, visitors can explore early milestones in Chilean cinema, which originated in this very city. Exhibits also highlight the discovery and exploitation of gold at the end of the 19th century, alongside a compelling photographic collection showcasing the Ona or Selk'nam people (indigenous to Tierra del Fuego) and images of the island’s colonization.
In May 2024, after being closed for six months for major renovations, the museum reopened with a new and modern look aimed at preserving the island’s cultural heritage.
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mirador Hain, Porvenir
Mirador Hain is a popular tourist attraction in Porvenir. This scenic viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy the landscape through informative panels and binoculars. Located across the bay from Porvenir, the site is easily accessible by car.
Plaza Selknam, Porvenir
Stromatolites Park, Porvenir
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| Image: El Magallanico - Online Newspaper |
Located in Laguna de los Cisnes, just 6 km from the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Chile, the stromatolites were recently discovered and studied by scientists from around the world. These mineral structures are formed by a type of bacteria over millions of years and are considered living fossils of immense scientific interest.
They also present a unique opportunity for the tourism industry. Stromatolites offer the possibility to study ecosystems similar to those that gave rise to life on Earth approximately 3.5 billion years ago. This is one of the few places in the world where these geo-biological systems can be found, right here in the Parque de Estromatolitos in Porvenir. Read more...
One of the must-do tours in the region is the Gold Tourist Circuit, a fascinating 115-kilometer route that begins with a visit to the Gold Room of the Museum. From there, the journey takes you through the Baquedano Mountain Range, reaching a maximum altitude of 500 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Magellan.
As you continue, you’ll encounter areas where precious metals are still extracted in a traditional, artisanal manner by local miners. These small-scale operations preserve methods that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. Along the way, you’ll also spot the remains of old gold dredges, including the historic RĂo del Oro, as well as abandoned machinery that was used between 1900 and 1910.
Sport Fishing in Tierra del Fuego: A World-Class Destination for Anglers
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| Image: aardvarkmcleod.com |
Fly fishing in Tierra del Fuego is one of the most sought-after tourist activities in the region. The tranquil, remote landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and impressive average fish sizes make the island a top-tier destination for this popular recreational pursuit.
Tierra del Fuego is renowned worldwide as one of the premier destinations for trout fishing. Anglers from across the globe flock to its numerous rivers and lakes to practice their craft while immersing themselves in the breathtaking surroundings. The fishing season typically runs from October through April, offering ample opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy their passion in this picturesque setting. Among the primary species found in the island’s freshwater bodies are brown trout, anadromous brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and Chinook salmon (king salmon).
Top Sport Fishing Spots in Tierra del Fuego:
Some of the best locations for sport fishing in Tierra del Fuego include:
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Rio Grande: Often hailed as the best river in the world for sea-run fishing, Rio Grande is a must-visit for anglers seeking a world-class fishing experience.
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Rio Chico: Despite its name, "Chico" (small), Rio Chico is abundant with fish. It’s ideal for beginners, as the catch sizes are smaller, but there’s no shortage of specimens.
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Lago Blanco: This pristine lake is teeming with both rainbow and brown trout, offering an exceptional fishing experience in a serene setting.
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Rio CĂłndor: Situated in the remote municipality of Timaukel, this river is less visited by anglers due to its difficult access, but its quality and abundance of fish make it a hidden gem for avid fishermen.
Another renowned spot for fishing is Lago Deseado, located in the municipality of Timaukel. The lake’s calm waters and abundant fish make it a peaceful fishing retreat. Visitors can stay at Deseado Lake Fishing Lodge, which offers excellent facilities and a range of programs, from three-night/four-day to six-night/seven-day packages. The lodge provides zodiacs, kayaks, and vehicles to help guests explore every corner of the region.
Also worth mentioning is Lago Despreciado, known for its tranquil waters and good fishing conditions. After a journey through the region's stunning mountain ranges, anglers can reach Lago Fagnano, shared with Argentina. The lake, mostly located in Argentina, is the largest in the area, and the Rio Azopardo flows from it into the Strait of Magellan, offering yet another excellent fishing destination.Yendegaia National Park
Yendegaia National Park, established in December 2013, was founded through the efforts of American businessman and environmentalist Douglas Tompkins and his wife, Kristine Tompkins. The park spans 150,612 hectares, with over 38,000 hectares donated by the Tompkins family and the remaining 111,000 hectares contributed by the Chilean government. The name Yendegaia comes from the language of the nearly extinct Yamana people, meaning "deep bay."
Main Islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and Their Historical Background
The archipelago includes, in addition to the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, a series of smaller islands distributed between Chilean and Argentine territories. Some of the main ones are:
Chilean Islands:
- Navarino: Known for hosting Puerto Williams, considered the southernmost city in the world, and for its trekking routes, such as the Dientes de Navarino Circuit.
- Hoste: One of the largest after the main island, located south of Navarino.
- Gordon: Close to the Beagle Channel and part of Alberto de Agostini National Park.
- Londonderry: Located west of Navarino Island.
- Picton, Lennox, and Nueva: Three significant islands located in the Beagle Channel, part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Each island has its own unique characteristics and history. These islands were disputed between Chile and Argentina but are now officially Chilean following the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
- Dawson: With an area of around 1,290 km², it lies north of Isla Grande. Currently, the island hosts a naval base of the Chilean Navy and serves as the headquarters of an engineer company from the Chilean Marine Corps, as it is considered a strategic point for controlling the southern part of the Strait of Magellan.
Argentine Islands:
- Isla de los Estados: Located east of the Isla Grande, famous for its isolation and rugged landscapes.
- Observatorio: A small island near Isla de los Estados.
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