A trip to Tierra del Fuego is like entering a forgotten and mysterious paradise. Located in Patagonia on the southernmost border of the American continent, shared with Argentina it has untouched natural landscapes with forests, mountains, rivers and lakes due to the remoteness of the archipelago.
Some corners have never been entered by a man and are waiting to be discovered.
Its first inhabitants, the Selknam, called it Karukinka “our land”. Today’s name Tierra del Fuego comes from the bonfires that the original inhabitants used to protect themselves from the southern cold and that were sighted by the first seafarers.
Today, this area is an attractive destination for tourists who want to feel connected with nature, hiking or marvelling at the flora and fauna rich in species. Wild horses galloping through the landscapes or a group of guanacos (a kind of llama) on the side of the road are part of the typical picture of Tierra del Fuego. There is also a unique colony of king penguins in Inútil Bay.
The archipelago has a harsh climate that adds an extra flair to the adventurous journey. The spectacular sunrises and sunsets that can be observed there provide romantic moments.
NEW TOUR - TIERRA DEL FUEGO – DISCOVER WILD PATAGONIA
6-DAY SELF-DRIVE PROGRAM
Those who want to discover wild Patagonia should let themselves be enchanted by the southernmost destination in the world, the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the extreme south of Chile.
travelArt has put together a program that will take you from Punta Arenas to Tierra del Fuego and back. After the ferry crossing, the adventure journey begins in a rental car, passing partially untouched natural landscapes of unique beauty.
Forests, mountains, rivers and lakes dominate the landscape and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, ideal for lovers of wildlife observation. A visit to the “Parque Pingüino Rey” park with the only king penguin colony in South America is of course a must. travelArt`s 6-day self-drive program “Tierra del Fuego – Discover Wild Patagonia” costs from USD 1,095 per person incl. accommodation (double room), FD SIB tour whale watching and rental car (Nissan X-Trail Sense 4×4 AT or similar vehicle). International and domestic flights are not included in the price.
NOTE: Ferry fare and entrance fee to Parque Pingüino Rey are not included. Whale sightings are possible on the way to Tierra del Fuego from December, as an alternative we can offer a SIB tour to visit Magdalena Island Penguin Colony.
KARUKINKA PARK
Karukinka Park is like a paradise on earth and ideal for ecotourism at the end of the world.
300,000 hectares of sub-Antarctic forests, wetlands, steppes, coastal landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lakes and rivers full of life make up this park in the Chilean province of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia.
The park offers many recreational opportunities where you can hike, kayak, fish or cycle and at the same time enjoy being surrounded by pure nature.
Karukinka is the largest protected area on Tierra del Fuego and has been managed since 2004 by WCS Chile, an international scientific organisation with almost 125 years of experience in conserving the most valuable wildlife and ecosystems on earth. The park was named Karukinka by its founders, meaning “our land”, the name was given by the ancient settlers of Tierra del Fuego to their present home.
The park contains the largest sub-Antarctic forests and wetlands in the south of the world and is home to the largest populations of guanacos, condors and fueguino foxes in Chile. A visit to the park is therefore ideal for those who like to observe animals in the wild and explore the diverse landscapes on a trekking tour. There are hiking trails with different levels of difficulty, but they have one thing in common: pure wilderness.
KING PENGUINS IN THE BAY BAHÍA INÚTIL
The King Penguin Nature Reserve “Parque Pingüino Rey” is located in Bahía Inútil, an oceanic bay in the Strait of Magellan in southern Chile on the west coast of Tierra del Fuego.
Since around 2010, the bay has been home to a colony of king penguins. It is the only colony in South America and a popular tourist destination to observe the penguins in their natural habitat. At the same time, the Parque Pingüino Rey also takes care of the conservation of this charismatic species.
After the emperor penguin, king penguins are the second-largest penguin species in the world and the best divers at great depths. Watching them is a unique experience. During the summer season, it is also possible to see some chicks.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheers.
Daniel