Penguins in the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking
A great 2-night program to see penguins in Ushuaia and enjoy a trekking in the national park
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Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available
A wonderful 2-night program to see penguins and enjoy the national park
Visit the incredible Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the amazing Beagle Channel and the penguins in Martillo Island
A wonderful 2-night program in Ushuaia, to enjoy two great activities:
Tierra del Fuego National Park:
Located near Ushuaia, this stunning national park offers breathtaking views of forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Visitors can explore walking trails through lenga and coihue woods, see native wildlife like foxes and birds, and enjoy scenic spots like Lapataia Bay (the end of the Pan-American Highway), Ensenada Bay, and Roca Lake. The park also showcases the region’s unique sub-Antarctic ecosystem and rich indigenous heritage. We will enjoy a wonderful trekking in the park.
Walk with Penguins:
This unique excursion takes you to Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel, where you can walk among a colony of Magellanic penguins and sometimes gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. After a scenic boat ride through the channel, a small group is allowed to disembark and walk alongside the penguins, observing their behavior up close in a respectful and non-intrusive way. The experience is guided by experts who provide insights into the penguins’ life cycle and the local ecosystem. It’s one of the few places in the world where walking with wild penguins is allowed.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
I can’t recommend this experience enough — it truly encapsulates the magic of Patagonia.
On this unforgettable journey, I began with a captivating trek through Tierra del Fuego National Park, where I wandered along hidden trails through dense sub-Antarctic forests, moss-laden peat bogs, and alongside shimmering rivers and lakes. The scenery spilled with dramatic contrasts — lush greenery, tranquil waterways, and the raw beauty of Argentina’s southernmost landscapes. Guided by local experts, I got to immerse myself in the park’s rich biodiversity while exploring off-the-beaten paths—and even reached Lapataia Bay, where the legendary Pan‑American Highway ends
But that was just the beginning. Next up was a boat excursion across the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, where I disembarked and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Magellanic—and occasionally Gentoo—penguins in their natural habitat. It was a rare and humbling experience to observe their charming behaviors up close while remaining respectful and low-impact. The knowledgeable guides shared fascinating insights into the penguins’ life cycle and local ecosystem, making the encounter even more meaningful
What Makes This Tour So Amazing:
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Dual Adventure, One Day – You blend land and sea in a single immersive package. First, you trek through pristine wilderness; then, you glide across the iconic Beagle Channel to walk among wild penguins.
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Up-Close Wildlife Encounters – There are very few places in the world where you can safely and respectfully walk among wild penguins—and this tour makes it possible
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Expert Guidance – The local guides not only lead you through remote terrain but also bring the wildlife and natural history to life through their knowledge.
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Unforgettable Natural Beauty – From dense forests and sparkling lakes to the awe-inspiring Beagle Channel and penguin colonies, every moment feels like stepping into a nature documentary.
If you’re planning a trip to Ushuaia and want to experience both the wild land and wondrous wildlife of Tierra del Fuego (without compromising comfort or authenticity), this excursion is an absolute must. It offers a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and heartfelt memories that you’ll carry long after you return home.
RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ
Sales & Marketing Manager at MiniTrekking.com & RipioTurismo
ITINERARY
PENGUINS IN THE BEAGLE CHANNEL AND TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK TREKKING
DAY 1 - USHUAIA
Arrive to Ushuaia
Welcome to Ushuaia International Airport
Arrive at Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, famously known as the “End of the World.” Nestled between the Martial mountain range and the Beagle Channel, this enchanting destination serves as the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands Province. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and dense forests, Ushuaia is a gateway to incredible natural beauty.
Today is free, but you can add some great optional activities. Check the list below
Optional Excursions & Tours:
DAY 2 - USHUAIA
Penguins and National Park!
Today, you will enjoy two amazing activities from Ushuaia, the southermost city in the world:
Tierra del Fuego National Park + Trekking
This full-day adventure combines scenic exploration and active hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, located just outside Ushuaia. Led by expert local guides from our company, the experience includes off-the-beaten-path trekking through pristine forests, peat bogs, and along lakes and rivers, with opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife. The trail typically reaches Lapataia Bay, at the southern end of the Pan-American Highway. A highlight is enjoying a picnic-style lunch in the wilderness. This is a perfect option for nature lovers looking for an immersive, active experience in Patagonia’s southernmost national park.
Walk with Penguins in the Beagle Channel:
This unique excursion takes you to Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel, where you can walk among a colony of Magellanic penguins and sometimes gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. After a scenic boat ride through the channel, a small group is allowed to disembark and walk alongside the penguins, observing their behavior up close in a respectful and non-intrusive way. The experience is guided by experts who provide insights into the penguins’ life cycle and the local ecosystem. It’s one of the few places in the world where walking with wild penguins is allowed.
Return to your hotel and overnight.
DAY 3 - Ushuaia
Good bye Ushuaia!
After breakfast, free time. you can add some good activities. Check the list below. Then, transfer to airport
Optional Excursions & Tours:
About Us
VisitUshuaia.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.
GALLERY
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfers in/out airport to hotel
- 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in selected hotel
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Tips
- Meals not detailed in the itinerary
- Internal flights (can be quoted separately)
FAQs
What´s the best season to do this tour?
Well, all the year is a nice time for that. During during spring and summer you will find more lightday, so it´s ideal for outdoors activities. It´s, October to April period. But also during winter season if you´re looking for snow and winter activities. It´s June, July, August and even September as the winter season is long in Ushuaia
Can I add or delete days?
Yes aboslutely. You can add extra nights and enjoy different activities available like trekkings and any other activity in Ushuaia. And of course we can personalize and offer a 1-night program if it´s better for you. Just contact us.
Can I see penguins during my trip to Ushuaia?
Yes, but check the penguin calendar first.
Penguin Season in Ushuaia:
Main Season: Penguins are present from October to April (spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere). This is when Magellanic and Gentoo penguins come to Isla Martillo to nest and raise their chicks. During these months you can do either a walking tour on the island or a boat tour to see them.
Off-Season (May to September):
The Magellanic and Gentoo penguins migrate north once the cold, dark winter sets in. Tours to Isla Martillo do not operate because there are no large colonies to observe.
When can I enjoy snow in Ushuaia?
Well, check the following information:
Main snow season:
Runs from late June to early October
The peak is usually July and August, coinciding with Argentine winter school holidays. Snow can still be found in May/early June and sometimes in late October, but it’s less reliable.
Where you’ll find snow:
Cerro Castor – the southernmost ski resort in the world, about 26 km from Ushuaia. Open typically mid-June to early October depending on snowfall.
Valle de Tierra Mayor & Valle de Lobos – great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobiles.
Martial Glacier – accessible from the city, often with snow early and late in the season.
We have some tours and packages specially prepared for winter season. Check our vacation packages area
Can I add internal flights to my trip?
Yes, we can quote it for you. The price for internal flights are not included in our quotation, but can be added on request. Just check with your travel designer what´s the price for flights to Ushuaia.
Can I combine this tour with another destination in Patagonia?
Yes absolutely. You can combine Ushuaia with El Calafate, or Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine. Check with your travel designer, to quote a special program with Ushuaia and any other destination in Patagonia.
Are the entrance fee to national parks included in the package?
Yes, the entrance to National Parks are included in your program. Anyway, check with your travel designer if you prefer to pay the entrance fee on the spot on your own. It´s also possible.
Request Tour
What Happens After I Send the Request?
Prepare to receive a tailored quote and valuable email suggestions from our travel agent shortly. We emphasize grasping your distinct travel preferences and crafting a personalized itinerary for your upcoming journey.
Irrespective of your chosen destination, our commitment lies in guaranteeing an exceptionally memorable experience for you.
How Do I Book?
Once our travel agent designs your ideal tour, making the payment is convenient through PayPal. If you choose, you can use PayPal without needing to create an account. Additionally, we offer the option of bank transfers as an alternative payment method.
