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.
Characterized by a nostalgic, old-world beauty, the city that is referred to as the “Paris of the South” boasts marvelous architectural jewels. We shall explore the elegant Recoleta and Retiro quarters with treed sidewalks, turn-of-the-century palaces and handsome apartment buildings. We shall visit the masterpieces that surround the sprawling Plaza San Martín, a Beaux Arts Palace built as residence for the Anchorena family; an imposing mansion inspired by the Louvre Palace, and a ground-breaking Art Deco skyscraper, a landmark that was at the time of construction, 1936, the highest concrete building in the world. The Museum of Decorative Arts decorated in eclectic style including neo-Classical; Circulo Militar, designed in Paris and built in Buenos Aires for the Paz family; the French Embassy and the Brazilian Embassy; San Martin palace —today the Foreign Affairs Ministry— among other beautiful buildings.
Cape Froward - the southernmost point of the continental world - glaciers, humpback whales, Sei whales, southern dolphins, toninas overas, Magellanic penguins... are part of the natural wonders of this southern area of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. In one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet, this full-day trip will make us feel nature in its most natural state. Leaving very early from the offices, we will travel 50 km south of Punta Arenas by bus, and then embark and sail for around 10 hours. We will enjoy a unique landscape surrounded by mountains, glaciers and lenga and coihue forests. The marine life present in the area will never cease to surprise us with its proximity and abundance: sea lions, petrels, cormorants, southern dolphins, etc. They will make us feel that nature is felt and lived here!