Tierra del Fuego National Park is Argentina's most southerly national park and one of the few places on Earth where the Andes plunge directly into the sea. Located just 12 km west of Ushuaia, this 68,909-hectare park protects a unique ecosystem of sub-Antarctic forests of lenga, nire and guindo, millennial peat bogs, Beagle Channel coastline and crystal-clear glacial lakes. It is here that Ruta Nacional 3 ends at Lapataia Bay, the most southerly point accessible by road in Argentina.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
Tierra del Fuego National Park at a glance
- Area: 68,909 hectares
- Distance from Ushuaia: 12 km (20 minutes by car)
- Entry (foreigners): ~USD 20 (2026)
- Summer hours: 9:00 to 18:00
- Winter hours: 10:00 to 17:00
- Highlight: Lapataia Bay (end of Ruta Nacional 3)
- Ecosystems: Sub-Antarctic forest, peat bog, marine coast, glacial lake
- Wildlife: Condor, Magellanic woodpecker, upland goose, Fuegian red fox, beavers
Lapataia Bay: the end of Ruta 3
The park's most emblematic point is Lapataia Bay, where an iconic sign marks kilometre 3,063 of Ruta Nacional 3, the highway from Buenos Aires to this extreme point. The name "Lapataia" comes from the Yagan language (of the Yamana people) and means "wooded bay".
Main trails
Coastal Trail (6.5 km, 3 hours)
The park's star trail, connecting Ensenada Zaratiegui with Lapataia Bay along the Beagle Channel coast. Alternates pebble beaches, lakeside lenga forests, low cliffs and seabird observation points. Relatively flat and accessible, ideal for families.
Hito XXIV Trail (10 km return, 4 hours)
Follows the north shore of Lake Roca (officially Lake Acigami) to a border marker with Chile. Moderate, without major elevation changes.
Cerro Guanaco Trail (8 km return, 6-7 hours)
The park's most demanding trail, ascending from sea level to 970 metres. The reward is one of the most impressive panoramas in Tierra del Fuego: the Beagle Channel, Isla Navarino, Lakes Roca and Fagnano. Experienced hikers only.
The End of the World Train
The End of the World Train (Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino) follows the last 7 km of the original route built by Ushuaia prison convicts between 1904 and 1947. The journey passes through the Pipo River valley, crossing bridges and passing waterfalls and lenga forests. Three classes: Tourist (from USD 50), First (from USD 65) and Premium (from USD 80). The combined train + park entry is one of the most popular options (from USD 90).
Laguna Esmeralda: Ushuaia's most popular trek
Though technically outside the park, Laguna Esmeralda is Ushuaia's most popular trek. The 9 km trail (return, 4-5 hours) crosses peat bogs, lenga forests and streams to reach an emerald-coloured lagoon fed by the Ojo del Albino Glacier. Free, no guide required. Waterproof boots essential.
Best time to visit
- Summer (December-February): Long days (up to 17 hours of light), 5-15C, all trails accessible.
- Autumn (March-May): Most photogenic. Lenga forests turn red, orange and gold. Fewer tourists.
- Winter (June-August): Snow, ice and white landscape. -5 to 3C. Some trails may close. Spectacular photography.
- Spring (September-November): Thaw, rushing streams, wildflowers. Unstable weather. Good for birdwatching.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entry fee for Tierra del Fuego National Park?
Entry costs approximately USD 20 for foreigners (2026). Children under 6 are free.
How many hours do I need in the park?
A basic visit (Lapataia Bay + Coastal Trail + Lake Roca viewpoint) takes half a day (4-5 hours). For longer trails like Cerro Guanaco or Hito XXIV, plan a full day. Combined with the End of the World Train, allow 6-7 hours.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, the park has free and organised camping areas. The Lago Roca (Acatushun) campground is the most popular with basic facilities, grills and lake access.
How do I get to the park from Ushuaia without a car?
The cheapest option is the urban bus line L from central Ushuaia, reaching the park entrance in about 30 minutes. You can also book a transfer or organised tour (from USD 40) with transport and guide.
Are there beavers in the park and why?
Yes, Canadian beavers (Castor canadensis) were introduced in 1946 to foster the fur industry. Without natural predators, they multiplied and today number over 100,000 in Tierra del Fuego. Their dams flood forest areas, killing native trees that take centuries to recover.
