Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province. Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the “Great White“ and the South Pole. Nicknamed “El fin del mondo” by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary. With its exceptional site, where the Andes plunge straight into the sea, Ushuaia is one of the most fascinating places on earth, its very name evocative of journeys to the unlikely and the inaccessible.
Before embarking on your ship this afternoon, you will have a choice of transferring to Arakur Hotel or a optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is an additional cost.
At Arakur Hotel, you will have some time at leisure and/ or will be invited to join a walk through the Natural Reserve of the Cerro Alarken. Arakur is a unique starting point for discovering a preserved area which covers 100 hectares (248 acres); this is a sheltered place for flora and fauna species typical to the Tierra del Fuego area (please note that the observation of fauna is not guaranteed). The unique location of the Arakur close to the Mount Alarken makes it as well the perfect setting to enjoy lovely panoramas over the bay. The walk is selected in order to suit most guests’ walking ability. You will be escorted by a guide to discover the Park.
When booking the cruise, guests willing to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park will be able to sign up for an optional group excursion, with extra cost. If you decide to do so, please note that immediately upon arrival in Ushuaia airport, you will leave towards the Park where you will have lunch before starting the tour. Created in 1960, the Park which covers 63 000 hectares (155 670 acres) is located in the south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia. Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub-Antarctic landscapes. If you get lucky, you may encounter beavers, dams, birds, wild orchids, etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers! Lunch will be served in a restaurant within the Park.
(Please note that the Tierra del Fuego excursion is subject to a minimum of participants: if this number is not reached, our operator will not be able to guarantee the departure – In this case, you will be given the option to join the Arakur program.)
At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.