Upon arrival in the port city of Ushuaia, I went to go check out Tierra del Fuego National Park on a trekking and paddling excursion! I visited Ushuaia a few years ago, but did not get a chance to visit this particular national park, and I was excited to check it out. In the morning, I met up with the small group of other travelers and our local guide who told us all about the flora and fauna of the area as we walked through the forest and along the shoreline. The day was slightly overcast, but we didn't experience much rain other than a light sprinkling. I was surprised to see some wild horses hanging out by the water!
The history of Tierra del Fuego was also discussed and I learned a lot about the local tribes and history of colonization in the area. Did you know how Tierra del Fuego got its name? In the 1500's, the explorer Ferdinand Magellan spotted the native Yaghan tribe's fires along the coast, so he called it Land of Fire (Tierra del Fuego!). Apparently, the Yaghan people wore no clothing, even in the winter, and used fires and seal blubber spread over their body to keep warm!
After our hike and a hearty home-cooked lunch, we went to paddle near Lapatia Bay. We put on life jackets and boots and then fitted with paddles before climbing into the inflatable canoes. It was very calm on the blue and green water with beautiful surrounding views of the mountains and hillsides. It was a beautiful day overall and I was glad to have got some movement in before my Antarctic cruise. I would certainly recommend this excursion for anyone who wants to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.