Journey to the End of the Earth

Day 1: Cross to Tierra del Fuego by ferry; walking city tour; scenic drive to Caleta Josefina

Early in the morning you will be collected from your Punta Arenas hotel and travel by ferry across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. After arriving in Bahia Chilota, where the first gold prospectors disembarked in 1883, we will take a comfortable walking tour of the city of Porvenir.

Later in the day, we will take a scenic drive to Estancia Caleta Josefina. The 18th century ranch is found in the scrubby pampas of Caleta Josefina, a region formerly extremely important for Patagonia’s sheep-farming industry and the gold rush era. After settling in, we will enjoy a tasty dinner with views out to the shores of this grand island.

Private transfer: 15mins 

Ferry crossing: 2.5hrs

Walking tour: 3hrs

Private transfer to Caleta Josefina: 1.5hrs

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Caleta Josefina

Day 2: Sheep shearing demonstration; visit to king penguin colony; scenic drive to Puerto Yartou

After a delicious breakfast, there is a chance to enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and a visit to the king penguin reserve to observe king penguins in their natural habitat. We will then follow a road along the coast, facing the Strait of Magellan. On the way we will stop to observe fish pools created by indigenous Selknam people (Tierra del Fuego’s first inhabitants), to trap fish during high tide. We cross the Caleta River along a bridge during low tide and enjoy a picnic enroute.

Finally for today, we will arrive at Puerto Yartou where we will stay for two nights at Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl, a living museum. Rather than being just a hotel, this property blends the concepts of museum and home; the main house of the region’s first timber factory and retaining its authentic 1920s decor. Shared bathrooms and multiple common areas and dining room. 

Private transfer to Puerto Yartou: 3hrs

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl

Day 3: Hiking or horse riding at Puerto Yartou

Today you have a number of options to choose between, exploring the landscapes around Estancia Yartou and the neighbouring ranch and dairy farm of Estancia Miguelito. You might choose a day’s horseback riding or a simple morning walk along the coastline to search for dolphins and other marine life followed by a short afternoon scenic ride in vehicle. There is also the option to take a mountain bike ride today if you wish.

Horseback riding: 4-5hrs

Mountain biking: 3-4hrs (optional activitiy, not included)

Coastal walk: 3hrs

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl

Day 4: Drive to Deseado lodge; hike Cerro Pietro Grande

An early start (approx 7am) takes us back over Rio Caleta during low tide and then we take a long drive to the central and southern areas of Tierra del Fuego. There will be moments along the way to stop and take in historical and natural sites of the island. The first of these is at Russfin, where a gold dredge is located, a reminder of the early 20th Century gold rush here, attracting prospectors from around the world to try their luck. Along the way we’ll also observe a wide variety of native wildlife  including birds such as bandurias (buff-necked ibis), caiquén (upland goose), and if we are lucky, Chilean flamingos.

In the afternoon we will take a hike to the summit of Cerro Pietro Grande (495m), from where we will see a dramatic change in the landscape between the pampas to the north of Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic forest to the south. After descending from the summit, we’ll drive to the beautiful Deseado Lodge located in a tranquil spot on the shore of the lake with the same name.

Private transfer: 5hrs 

Length of hike: 4hrs

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Deseado Lodge

Day 5: Zodiac trip; optional waterfall hike, scenic drive to Caleta Maria including boat trip to seal lion colonies or kayaking in the Parry Fjord

After breakfast, we will cross Lago Deseado by zodiac to see the border between Argentina and Chile, found in the lake itself. Afterwards there are a number of options to choose from. A short steep hike will take you to waterfalls for a picnic lunch surrounded by ancient lenga forests. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy a scenic drive to Caleta Maria via Lago Fagnano. From here you can take a short boat trip to view the nearby sea lion colonies, other marine life and glaciers for an extra cost. Those feeling more adventurous, might choose to kayak between floating icebergs in front of the Parry Glacier (this excursion is optional and costs extra). 

Whatever you choose we will return to the lodge in the early evening, giving ample time to soak in the area’s wonderful surroundings and beautiful cosy cabins.

Zodiac transfer: 0.5hrs 

Length of hike: 1hr

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Deseado Lodge

Day 6: Scenic drive to Estancia Caleta Josefina

After breakfast we depart Deseado Lodge and will drive through the vast terrain of pampas and forest covering the middle section of Tierra del Fuego. We return to Estancia Caleta Josefina for our final night on this adventure.

Private transfer: 4.5hrs

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Estancia Caleta Josefina

Day 7: Return to Punta Arenas

We once again cross the Strait of Magellan by ferry, although this time we return to Punta Arenas via a different route taking the chance to see yet more memorable Tierra del Fuego landscapes. After sharing a final meal together enroute, we will drop you back at your Punta Arenas hotel for you to continue your onward journey.

Private transfer: 2hrs

Ferry crossing: 20mins

Private transfer: 2hrs

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch