Overview
This wilderness island of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, sits at the end of the world and is separated from the southern Patagonia mainland by the Magellan Straits. It is carved through by icy streams, waterfalls and glaciers, mantled by evergreen forests and carpeted with boggy, flower-speckled grassland. Framed by needle-sharp icy peaks, it’s a tortured landscape of incredible natural beauty. Ushuaia, clinging to its shores on the Beagle Channel, is a busy little port from which cruises depart for Antarctica; it still has a frontier feel and has an interesting history in its own right.
The island’s history is equally fascinating. While Terra del Fuego’s first inhabitants lived over 10,000 years ago, famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan is credited with discovering it on his legendary expedition to the New World. Magellan gave the island its name, which directly translates to “Land of Fire,” because of the many campfires that lit the shoreline as his armada emerged from the sea.
The culture of Tierra del Fuego is a unique blend of indigenous heritage shaped by European sway, creating a national identity and way of life that is influenced by the island's remote location. Visitors are fortunate to see evidence of local culture and heritage carried on through the time-honoured crafts of fishing, hunting and storytelling. Seafood is popular on the island, for obvious reasons, and the cuisine, in general, creates a delicious fusion of Patagonian, Argentine and European.
Holidays Tierra del Fuego
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Argentina
Active Argentina: Walking in Patagonia
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Private Journeys
/ Antarctica
Basecamp Antarctica Expedition Cruise
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Classic
Chile / Patagonia / Argentina
Lapwing: Patagonian Odyssey
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Group - Discovery
Chile / Patagonia / Argentina
Nandu: Peaks and plains of Patagonia
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Where to go when - our guide to Tierra del Fuego
The Weather in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
The climate of Tierra del Fuego is directly impacted by its extreme location. This far south the weather conditions are highly unpredictable and dynamic, with wind whipping in from the seas bringing clouds and rainstorms. During summer (December - February) there are mild temperatures and days that remain light until 1am, while the winter months (June - August) usher in a thick carpet of sparkling white snow, ideal for skiing. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn there are fewer visitors and wildlife is more visible.
View our Tierra del Fuego weather guidePapagaio
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