Tierra del Fuego National Park: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting from Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park is the only national park in Argentina where the sea, mountains, and forests come together in one breathtaking landscape. Just 12 km (7.5 miles) from Ushuaia, it protects nearly 70,000 hectares (173,000 acres) of lenga and guindo forests, peat bogs, the shores of the Beagle Channel, and the point where Argentina’s National Route 3 literally comes to an end at Lapataia Bay.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: how to get there, entrance fees, the best hiking trails based on the time you have available, and how to combine your visit with the famous End of the World Train.
How to Get to Tierra del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia
The park entrance is located along National Route 3 (RN3), about a 20-minute drive from downtown Ushuaia.
By car: Drive your own or a rental car and explore the park at your own pace, visiting its three main areas: Ensenada Zaratiegui, Lake Acigami (formerly Lake Roca), and Lapataia Bay.
By shuttle: During the tourist season, regular minibuses depart from downtown Ushuaia and provide transportation to the park.
Guided tour: The best way to experience the park is with a guided excursion that includes transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and stops at the most scenic viewpoints. It’s the ideal option for understanding the park’s history, wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Check out our Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour for more details.
Entrance Fees: Prices and Where to Buy Tickets
Park admission can be purchased either at the entrance gate or online through Argentina’s official National Parks ticketing system.
There are different rates for Tierra del Fuego residents, Argentine residents, and international visitors. Discounts are available for students and seniors, while children under six enter free of charge.
If you plan to visit the park on two consecutive days, keep your ticket—the second day’s admission is offered at a discounted rate.
Important: Park admission is not included in our excursions and must be purchased separately through the official National Parks website.
The Best Hiking Trails in the Park
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Trail (Senda Costera) | 8 km (5 mi) – 3 to 4 hours | Moderate | The park’s classic hike, following the Beagle Channel through forests and secluded bays. |
| Hito XXIV Trail | 7 km (4.3 mi) round trip | Easy | Walk along Lake Acigami to the Argentine-Chilean border. |
| Cerro Guanaco Trail | 8 km (5 mi) round trip | Challenging | The park’s best panoramic viewpoint at 975 m (3,199 ft) above sea level. |
| Island Walk (Paseo de la Isla) | 900 m | Very easy | Perfect for families with children, between the Lapataia and Ovando Rivers. |
| Beaver Dam & Black Lagoon Trails | 400–800 m | Very easy | Boardwalks across peat bogs with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. |
If you only have half a day, the perfect combination is the Coastal Trail followed by Lapataia Bay.
If you have a full day, consider adding the Hito XXIV Trail or, if you’re an experienced hiker, Cerro Guanaco.
The End of the World Train: Is It Worth It?
The historic End of the World Train follows the final section of the railway once used by Ushuaia’s prison inmates. Its station is located just before the entrance to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
This experience complements the park rather than replacing it, focusing on the history of the old prison and the beautiful Pipo River Valley. Most visitors combine the train ride with their visit to the national park in the same morning.
You can book your tickets on our End of the World Train page.
How Much Time Do You Need? Should You Visit on Your Own or Join a Tour?
With half a day, you’ll have enough time to drive through the park and stop at its main viewpoints.
With a full day, you can also enjoy one of the longer hiking trails.
A guided tour is usually the best choice if you don’t have a car, you’re visiting during the snowy winter season, or you’d like to better understand the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. Local guides point out beaver dams, native bird species, and traces of the Yámana people that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Simply driving through Tierra del Fuego National Park without learning its fascinating history and ecological importance means missing an essential part of the experience.
The park remains open during winter, when it’s transformed into a snowy wonderland. Short trails can still be enjoyed with caution, while guided tours are generally the safest option. Before planning your trip, be sure to read our guide to Ushuaia’s weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside Tierra del Fuego National Park?
Yes. The park offers both free and organized campgrounds.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes. Tierra del Fuego National Park is open every day of the year. During winter, some hiking trails may be temporarily closed or restricted due to snow conditions.
Is the End of the World Train included with the park entrance ticket?
No. The train and the national park require separate tickets. The train departs from the End of the World Station, located outside the park entrance, and its fare does not include park admission.
How long does it take to get there from Ushuaia?
The drive from downtown Ushuaia to the park entrance takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes via National Route 3.
Experience Tierra del Fuego National Park Stress-Free
Want to discover Tierra del Fuego National Park without worrying about transportation or planning?
Book our Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour with a local guide, and if you’d like to make the experience even more memorable, add a ride on the End of the World Train.
Comment (0)