In the extreme south of Argentina, where the majestic Andes Mountains meet the ocean, lies Tierra del Fuego, a unique place that offers an unparalleled tourist experience. Here, among fjords and snow-capped mountains, Latitud Ushuaia invites visitors to explore the Beagle Channel with local fishermen, revealing the secrets of artisanal fishing and local cuisine.

One of the outstanding destinations is Puerto Pirata, led by Sergio Carrera, a fisherman who left behind the hustle and bustle of Avellaneda city in the surroundings of Buenos Aires to find serenity in the southern seas. “In Buenos Aires I worked in naval repairs. Once I had to come to repair the Centurión del Atlántico and I met my son’s mother. I stayed here to live,” shares Sergio, reflecting his satisfaction at having found his place in the world.

If this is your first visit to UshuaiaOnly 80 kilometers from Ushuaia, in Punta Paraná, Puerto Pirata has become an essential destination for those looking for authentic experiences and good food. The proposal is simple but captivating: catch your own king crab and enjoy it instantly, prepared with the ancestral knowledge of Patagonian fishermen. In addition, the Ushuaia Spider Crab Fishing Experience is one of the premium activities not to be missed, offering a total immersion in the local culture.

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The adventure begins at a small dock, where Sergio and his seven-meter boat are waiting to navigate the Beagle Channel. During the trip, visitors can experience artisanal fishing by setting crab traps and, if they are lucky, spot a whale. “We embark here at the gate and sail about 500 meters. We lift the cage, explain what can be fished, what can’t be fished. Sometimes we see a whale passing by,” Sergio explains.

The Patagonian king crab is a crustacean that lives in the cold waters of the extreme south of Argentina and Chile. This impressive animal can weigh around two kilos, with approximately 400 grams of edible meat. Its capture is an important economic activity in Tierra del Fuego, and its delicate and mild flavor makes it a highly appreciated delicacy in the local gastronomy. At Puerto Pirata, visitors have the opportunity to catch their own king crab and enjoy it freshly cooked, which adds a special touch to the culinary experience.

In addition to the fact that this crustacean is a value of Ushuaia’s gastronomy in UshuaiaThe king crab has an interesting history in the region. In 1967, a fishing incident involving this crustacean contributed to a tense Beagle conflict between Chile and Argentina. Today, the crab fishery is conducted sustainably in Puerto Pirata, ensuring that only specimens of adequate size are caught and returning any bycatch to the sea. This practice not only protects the marine ecosystem, but also allows visitors to enjoy the experience with a clear conscience.

Back on land, the cozy “house-restaurant offers the perfect setting for tasting the “crab”. king crab freshly caught, cooked in seawater from the canal. “There is nothing better than eating it like this. The crab is so soft that anything you add to it invades it,” Sergio assures.

Puerto Pirata’s menu, prepared by Lucas Carrera, Sergio’s son, includes delicacies such as grouper, octopus and sea urchins, always fresh and with a special touch. While the king crab is cooking, visitors can enjoy a walk through the Duendes waterfall, try the canopy or relax in a hammock made from a king crab trap.

The experience at Puerto Pirata goes beyond gastronomy, offering a deep connection with nature and local culture. In addition, fishing is done in a sustainable manner, ensuring the conservation of the resource. “People have to book in advance if they feel like coming to eat something tasty at Puerto Pirata, because we have limited capacity,” advises Sergio, highlighting the exclusivity of the experience.

Latitud Ushuaia and Puerto Pirata represent the best of tourism in Tierra del Fuego: authenticity, gastronomic quality and respect for the natural environment. An adventure that combines the thrill of fishing with the pleasure of good food, framed in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. An unmissable experience for those who wish to discover the essence of the end of the world.

To complement your visit, don’t forget to explore other unmissable activities in Ushuaia, such as trekking in the Esmeralda Lagoon or sailing the Beagle Channel on a catamaran. These experiences, along with a visit to Puerto Pirata, guarantee an unforgettable trip to the end of the world.