Visiting the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Train of the End of the World in Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park: Introduction

Located at the southern edge of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego National Park offers a stunning blend of natural elements—glacial valleys, serene lakes, vast peatlands, and unique coastal forests where the Andes descend into the sea. Highlights within the park include Lapataia Bay, Argentina’s only fjord within the Beagle Channel, and the scenic Ensenada Zaratiegui.

The forests are dominated by lenga beech trees, which glow red and orange in autumn. In wetter parts of the park, you’ll find cinnamon and cherry trees alongside the evergreen Magellanic coihue. Ñire trees thrive around the edges of moss-covered bogs. Among the park’s most iconic wildlife are guanacos, the elusive huillín (a river otter), and the native Fuegian red fox. Birdwatchers will find plenty to admire—ranging from oystercatchers and kelp gulls to black-browed albatrosses and steamer ducks. In wooded areas, visitors may spot giant woodpeckers, rayaditos, and cachañas (a type of parrot).

Quick Facts

• Location: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

• Ecoregion: Patagonian Forest

• Area: 68,909 hectares

• Established: 1960 (Law 15,554)

Flora and Fauna of Tierra del Fuego National Park

As Argentina’s southernmost national park, this protected area is part of the Patagonian Forest ecoregion. It features an exceptional ecosystem where Andean landscapes blend with coastal terrain. Lapataia Bay and Ensenada Zaratiegui are standout natural features.

The climate is chilly and humid year-round. Average annual temperatures hover around 5.6°C with minimal seasonal variation, while light rain is common throughout the year. From May to September, snow can accumulate in higher altitudes. The ideal time to visit is between late October and April.

The Train of the End of the World: Historical Journey

Once used to transport inmates from the Ushuaia prison to labor camps at the foot of Mount Susana, this historic train route was revived in 1994. Today, travelers can ride the last 7 km of the original path aboard a beautifully restored steam train.

Train Station & Experience

Located just 8 km from downtown Ushuaia, the End of the World Station serves as the starting point. Onboard narration brings the region’s penal past to life, recounting the stories of prisoners who harvested timber here nearly a century ago. Scenic highlights include the Pipo River, La Macarena waterfall, and the expansive lenga forest. The train features wide panoramic windows and audio guides in multiple languages.

Notable Stops on the Route

• Puente Quemado: Spanning the Río Pipo, this bridge passes over the remains of the original wooden structure.

• La Macarena Station: Once a water stop for the “La Coqueta” locomotive, visitors can climb to a viewpoint overlooking the river valley, or continue to the base of the La Macarena waterfall.

• Cemetery of Trees: Along the Pipo River sits this haunting site, where the stumps of logged trees remain as evidence of inmate labor. This area also contains remains of the old Lombardich sawmill and the rich, spongy peat bogs typical of Tierra del Fuego.

• National Park Station: This final stop welcomes guided groups and independent travelers alike, offering access to further exploration of Tierra del Fuego National Park.

History of the Train

The first prisoner railway, made of wooden rails, began operations in 1902 with engineer Catello Muratgia overseeing construction. By 1910, a narrow-gauge metal track replaced it, known as a “decauville.” The train became a vital link between the prison and the forests, carrying inmates and raw materials. Although the penitentiary closed in 1947, the train continued operating for local industry until an earthquake in 1949 forced its shutdown.

In 1994, Tranex Turismo S.A. resurrected the historic route, converting it into a heritage train experience. Today, passengers can journey into Patagonia’s wild landscapes while learning about Ushuaia’s penal history aboard one of the world’s southernmost railways.