Argentina . Ushuaia

Passports: anyone entering Argentina should have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry, and ideally past the date the passport holder leaves the country.

** VERY IMPORTANT: ALL PASSENGERS MUST TRAVEL WITH THE PASSPORT INFORMED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING **

Visas: nationals of Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Argentina. Upon arrival, most visitors get a 90-day stamp in their passport. Canadians must pay a ‘reciprocity fee’ before arriving. Ideally it will be reminded when buying the airplane ticket: this fee is equal to what Argentines are charged for visas to visit those countries. The fee is paid online and with a credit card.

Customs Regulations: electronic items (laptops, cameras and mobile phones) can be brought into the country duty free, provided they are not intended for resale. If you have a lot of equipment, it is recommended to take an item list with the serial numbers and preferably the purchase receipts.

Electricity: Argentina’s electric current operates on 220V; 50Hz; plugs are C/I type. Adapters are readily available from almost any ferretería (hardware store). Most electronic equipment (such as cameras, telephones and computers) are dual/multi-voltage, but some equipment may require a voltage converter or you might short out your device.

Internet Access: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafes, restaurants and airports, and it’s generally good and free. In remote spots like El Chaltén and other parts of Patagonia Wi-Fi service may be usually poor.

Mobile Phones: it’s best to bring your own unlocked tri- or quad-band GSM cell phone to Argentina, then buy an inexpensive SIM chip (you’ll get a local number) and credits (or carga virtual) as needed. All SIM Cards now must be registered to users before they can be activated. In theory, a foreigner can activate a SIM card with identification. Both SIM chips and credits can be bought at many kiosks or “locutorios”.

Money: ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. ATMs can also be used for cash advances on major credit cards (not all foreign cards work in ATMs). They’re the best way to get money, and nearly all have instructions in English. Limits on withdrawal can be very low, though the withdrawal fee can be relatively high. Banelco ATMs tend to allow larger withdrawals. In some spots in Patagonia (El Calafate and El Chaltén, e.g.) and most touristic destinations they quickly run out of cash in high season.

Cash: the Argentine unit of currency is the peso (AR$). Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1.000, 2.000 and 10.000 pesos. One peso equals 100 “centavos”; coins come in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 centavos, as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos. Currently, US dollars are accepted by many companies dedicated to tourism, but it is always recommended to carry some pesos.

Credit Cards: many (but not all!) tourist services, larger stores, hotels and restaurants – especially in the bigger cities – take credit cards. The most widely accepted are Visa and MasterCard, though American Express and a few others are valid in some establishments. Important: many places will give a small discount if you pay in cash rather than use a credit card.

Money Changers: US dollars are by far the preferred foreign currency, although Chilean and Uruguayan pesos can be readily exchanged at the borders. Cash dollars and Euros can be changed at banks and “casas de cambios” (exchange houses) in larger cities, but other currencies can be difficult to change outside Buenos Aires. Passport is needed to change money; we strongly suggest avoiding any sort of street-tout money changer.

Tipping: restaurants and cafes: it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Spa: 15% of the bill. Hotel staff, delivery people, hotel and bus porters and taxi drivers: give a few bills.

Opening Hours:
Banks 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday.
Bars 7 pm / 9 pm to 4 am / 6 am nightly.
Cafes 6 am to midnight or much later; open daily.
Clubs 1 am / 2 am to 6 am / 8 am Friday and Saturday.
Office business hours 9 am to 6 pm.
Restaurants Noon to 3:30 pm and 8 pm to midnight or 1am (later on weekends).
Shops 9 am / 10 am to 8 pm / 9 pm Monday to Saturday.


Mention Argentina, and people think about solitary gauchos or maybe tango dancers. It is country blessed with abundant natural resources and a highly educated population. The country boasts a wide variety of cultural attractions, but for many travelers, its natural wonders are the primary draw. From the northern deserts down to the southern Andean Cordillera, from the Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning. For cosmopolitan types, there's the elegant capital, Buenos Aires. This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication, although travelers expecting a more 'South American' experience are sometimes disappointed with its European touch.

It's a large country - the eighth largest in the world, and the second largest on the South American continent. It borders Chile to the west (separated by the Andean Cordilleras range) and Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia to the north and east (separated by rivers). It also shares the offshore island territory of Tierra del Fuego with Chile, and continues claiming the possession of the Malvinas Islands (Falkland Islands) and the Antarctic territory, where Argentina has installed several scientific bases, including the most famous: Marambio.

Argentina's topography is affected by both latitude and altitude, and is accordingly varied. The country can be divided into four major physiographic provinces: the Andes to the west (with arid basins, grape-filled foothills, glacial mountains and the Lake District), the fertile lowland north (with subtropical rainforests), the central Pampas (a flat mixture of humid and dry expanses) and Patagonia (a combination of pastoral steppes and glacial regions).


Population: 46 million (2022 CENSUS)
Capital city: Buenos Aires
People: 85% European descent, 15% mestizo, native and other minorities
Language: American Spanish, plus 17 native languages
Religion: 93% Roman Catholic, 2.5% protestant, 2% Jewish, 1.5% Ukrainian catholic, 1% Armenian orthodox


4X4 & CANOAS

We begin our excursion heading north of the island along National Route No. 3, we will pass in front of the most popular ski center in the area, Cerro Castor. We cross the Andes and start the real 4x4 adventure! We go through huge mud and water roads until we reach the imposing shore of Lake Fagnano. At this point, our guests take a moment to contemplate this extraordinary place and its unique energy. After this, we open roads giving more adrenaline to our trip. We enter the forest to walk through an exclusive area, reaching Lago Escondido where our refuge is located. At this point, our team prepares visitors an Argentine-style barbecue, accompanied with Malbec wine. Finally, we divide our group into pairs and take the canoes to explore the lake. INFO: The order of the activities may vary according to the guide's criteria. The canoes activity may, eventually, be suspended for safety reasons and we do not offer replacement activities. Lunch includes: salami and cheese, typical argentine barbecue with choripán and steak, accompanied with salad, dessert, wine and water. TIMING 08:30 Pick up by hotel 09:00 Departure from the city of Ushuaia by National Route 3 09:30 Valle Carbajal panoramic point stop 10:30 Stop at the panoramic point of Paso Garibaldi 11:00 We take a secondary road to reach the 4x4 circuit 11:30 Entrance 4x4 circuit 12:00 Stop at the high panoramic point of Lake Fagnano 12:30 Arrival at the shore of Lake Fagnano. Refreshment 13:00 Departure from Fagnano by secondary route 13:30 Start of trekking through the forest 14:00 Arrival at the TieRRa refuge on the shores of Lake Escondido 14:10 Lunch 15:30 Start of canoeing on Lake Escondido 16:00 Disembark at the pier and technical stop 17:00 Arrival to the city

EMERALD LAGOON TREKKING

Departure from a downtown office in Ushuaia (very close to the port), towards the glacial valleys near the city. A few kilometers from Ushuaia, the Tierra Mayor Valley and the primitive forest begin to open up to welcome us for a walk to reach one of the gems in Tierra del Fuego. We begin a walk through the primitive forest, which for at least 7000 years made life possible for the first inhabitants in these latitudes. Leaving the forest, surrounded by mountains, we find ourselves in a dreamlike landscape: an imposing valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The glacial water of the Esmeralda River encounters the engineering feats of the beavers, which found some sort of a paradise here: Surrounded by plenty of food, and despite of the absence of predators, they still apply themselves to their favorite entertainment: the construction of dams. Then we start the ascent towards the Esmeralda lagoon (due to the peat -spongy mass of wet organic material- we suggest the use of rubber boots or perhaps bring spare shoes). The walk to Emerald Lagoon does not present much of a challenge to exercise-loving travelers: with the appropriate clothing, this walk is quite easy and very panoramic. After crossing the valley, we leave behind the lenga forest and begin a sustained ascent along a slightly steep slope. Emerald Lagoon is located at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between Cerro Bonete and Cordón Toribio in an area of wonderful chromatic amplitude. This is one of the most impressive landscapes in this region! The way back becomes shorter, in a little steep descent, with new panoramic views. We reach the refuge to enjoy dinner (with drinks included, before returning Ushuaia. Attractives: Tierra Mayor Valley, Emerald Lagoon.

GABLE ISLAND & PENGUIN ROOKERY WITH CANOEING

This full-day excursion takes passengers for a ride, to navigate, to walk and to make discoveries in one of the roughest and most beautiful places in Beagle Channel. Once we arrive to Lasiphashaj river, and wearing rubber boots, overpants and life-jackets provided by us, the group starts a canoeing adventure down the river that leads into the sea. Once canoeing on the Beagle Channel, we set course to the ranch. Along the way we may encounter wildlife: lots of different sea birds. Also, it is not unusual to find sea lions sunbathing in little islands in our way to Harberton port. After 2 hours on the rafts and a short stop on mainland, we leave on a motor boat towards Martillo Island, where we will have the chance to see penguins in their breeding lair. Then the motor boat take us to our main atraccion at Gable Island, where we have some snacks, good wine and a delicious meal. After a nice cup of cofee were go for a hike to know more of this gorgeous island, crossing over beaver damms and through the forest to reach the Beagle Channel shore where we will take the boat to start our return to Ushuaia. 8:00/8:30 Pick up from the hotel. 10:15 Arrival to the Lashifashaj river, paddling technique and safety briefing & canoe prompting. 12:15 End of canoeing. Arrival to Harberton Ranch. 12:30 Navigation bound towards the penguin rookery at Martillo Island and Gable Island. 12:50 Penguin watching. 13:10 departure to Gable Island. 13:30 Arrival an disembark on Gable Island. 13:45 Lunch. 15:00 Hike around the Island. 17:00 Sailing back to Harberton Ranch and ride back to Ushuaia. 18:30 Arrival to Ushuaia.

GREAT ADVENTURE 4X4

Adventure, emotion and the best sights of one of the most beautiful places in Tierra del Fuego awaits North of Ushuaia. The Great 4x4 Adventure is the best way to know Fagnano Lake, the fifth in size in Argentina, while travelling challenging off road circuits with specially designed vehicles prepared to overcome almost any obstacle which might crop up while exploring alluring forests and the coast of the lake. Leaving Ushuaia and heading towards the Garibaldi Pass across the Andes, enjoy a great lookout of the Escondido Lake, a small marvel hidden at the end of a valley. Here starts a tour running old unused roads, passing by Fagnano and Escondido Lakes. On board powerful 4x4 vehicles, the guides drive the passengers to discover the forest by impossible mud roads, roads that become paths ending at the Lake coast. The landscape opens during the longest and more intense 4x4 tour in Tierra del Fuego. The skills of both vehicles and drivers can overcome all types of difficulties to get to an exclusive refuge in the centre of a natural environment, far away from the noise of modern life. Once in the forest close to Fagnano Lake there are free time to walk and explore while the guide prepares a typical Argentine barbecue, to be enjoyed with a Malbec wine from Patagonia to be shared with the group in a relaxed environment. Itinerary: 8:30/90 am Pick-Up from the hotel. 10:30 am Garibaldi Pass across the Andes. 11 am Escondido Lake. 11:30 am Off-Roading 12:30 pm Snack 1 pm More Off-Roading. 2 pm Fagnano Lake. Arrival to the refuge. Lunch 4 pm Return to Ushuaia. 6 pm Arrival. Meals: Choripan (grilled Argentine sausage sandwich, Argentine prime beefsteaks & salad, dessert. Drinks Included: Red Wine, soft-drinks, bottled water. Vegetarian menu available, please tell us in advance. Vehicle: Toyota SW4 (6 passengers + 1 guide per vehicle)

LAKES OFF ROAD & CANOEING

North from to city of Ushuaia, 100 km long Lake Fagnano divides the island in two. On our way there, we take you first to know Lake Escondido, to experience it, and to row in its waters during this tour that joins adventure, physical activity and fun. After crossing the Andes Range, and some big glacial valleys and peat bogs, at Garibaldi Pass, we’ll get the first view of Lake Escondido. We’ll drive by the coast of this lake to later go on its waters in very safe and stable canoes. As soon as we finish the canoeing activity, we will get into the forest. Through impossible paths, we’ll defy mud, water, fallen trees, and pot-holes… Our guides are experts in off-road driving, and they’ll take us on a roller-coaster like ride through the forest until we reach the endless shore of Lake Fagnano, one of the most pristine areas in Tierra del Fuego, where we will find shelter in our refuge. The guide’s company and the meal we serve will certainly be remembered as one of the highest points as surely will be the Malbec, the argentine wine that is already famous worldwide. The after-lunch conversation will be the prelude to our return to the city. North from Ushuaia, excitement, beauty, unexpected views, physical adventure and discovery are waiting for you. Itinerary: This schedule is for illustration purposes. The definitive timetable and tour plan are due to be agreed with the passenger(s). - 8:30/9:00 pick up from the hotel. - 10:30 Garibaldi Pass. Crossing over the Andes. - 11:00 Canoeing on Lake Escondido. - 12:15 Off-Road - 13:15 Arrival to Canal's refuge. - 13:45 Lunch. - 16:00 Return to Ushuaia. - 17:30 Arrival to Ushuaia Meals: choripan (Argentine sausage sandwich), Argentine prime beefsteaks & salad, dessert. Drinks included: Red wine, soft-drinks, bottled water. Vegetarian menu available, please tell us in advance.

TREKKING & CANOEING

This complete journey proposes a walk and a relaxed, easy activity in inflatable canoes, in an area where sea, rivers, mountains and forests create a unique place in Argentina. With specialized guides visitors can learn a lot about this unique paradise in the world in just one day. Once we took the Coastal Path (15 km from Ushuaia City) we will get carried away by the this place while exploring on foot, in touch with Nature, 7,5 km of medium-difficulty hike. This walk invites us to discover a real paradise, where the mountains can be reached from the shore of the sea, and the fresh water of rivers and lakes coexists with the marine coast. Near Lake Acigami (former Lake Roca) we will have lunch in our comfortable structural tents to be protected from the weather. After a short break -and after fitting the rubber boots, overpants and lifejackets- we will paddle easily in an inflatable canoe (duckie type, very safe and stable ) from Acigami Lake, down the very slowly flowing Lapataia and Ovando Rivers. Our journey begins in fresh water until we reach the sea, in Lapataia Bay. For about an hour, we will see the flora and fauna of inaccessible places, approaching the point of view enjoyed by the Yámana several centuries ago. We will finally return Ushuaia by bus. TIMING: 8:30 Departure from hotel (*) 9:15 Arrival to the National Park 9:30 Trekking along the Coastal path (**) Difficulty: medium. Distance 7.5 km. Slope: 170 meters 13:00 Arrival to Lago Acigami (former Roca) and lunch 14:00 Paddling technique briefing and canoeing activity. Dificulty level: Low 15:15 Lapataia Bay 16:00 Return to Ushuaia 17:30 Arrival in Ushuaia (*) (*) Approximate times. The timing and the order of the tour activities might change if necessary. Between October and May the hours vary according to the duration of the days. (**) If the Coastal path were not open to the public, the guide will propose an alternative walk, of approximate duration.

TREKKING WITH SNOW SHOES

This half-day tour is an invitation to enjoy winter in the Tierra del Fuego Glacier Valleys, forests and snow-covered mountains in a direct and pleasant contact with Nature. It has been designed for visitors not used to activities in slow temperature places. We intend to let you discover and admire beauty in a panoramic and quiet place, very close to Ushuaia. Early departure from hotels and short 20 Km drive to the Natural Reserve in Tierra Mayor Valley, alongside the Alvear Mount, where winter snow creates alluring sights. This hike of moderate duration and difficulty will allow visitors to get in close contact with an absolutely unbelievable landscape in a short period of time enjoying the sights and the deep silence of the place. Itinerary is adapted to the weather conditions of the day and the physical characteristics of the group: it will be enough to dress adequately for this type of weather and not to have mobility problems. Itinerary: 09:00/09:20 AM Hotel pick up 09:50 AM Path start 10:00 AM Refuge. Trekking equipment 10:15 AM Trekking start 11:30 PM Valley viewpoint 12:15 PM Refuge. Snacks and hot beverages 13:15 PM Returnig to vehicle 02:00 PM Ushuaia **All descriptions and itineraries are for illustration purposes: the timing of the activities and their order may vary, and this applies also to the attractions, as the actual development of the tour depends on the guide’s decisions based on the group’s specific conformation and the evaluation of the conditions for the tour.