Ushuaia National Park Tour Review: Canoes & Trekking in 2025

Honestly, standing at what feels like the planet’s edge is a pretty unique sensation. Down here in Ushuaia, you know, the air just seems to have a different kind of crispness. Basically, there’s a quietness here you sort of don’t find in many other spots. I was looking for a way to get properly into Tierra del Fuego National Park, not just, like, see it from a bus window. So, the excursion that mixed up canoeing with some trekking seemed like just the thing. Actually, it promised a ground-level view of this pretty spectacular place. As a matter of fact, it’s one thing to see pictures of Patagonia, but it’s a completely different story to actually paddle its waters and walk its forests. Seriously, this review is all about what that day felt like, sharing the real experience of the park in a very hands-on way.

The Morning Pickup and Drive into the Park

So, the day started out pretty early with a pickup right from our lodging in town. The minivan was, like, comfortable enough and the group was a fairly small size, which was really nice. Actually, our guide for the day introduced himself right away, and he had this incredibly warm, welcoming energy. By the way, on the drive out of Ushuaia and towards the park, he was sort of pointing out different spots and telling stories. He literally explained how the town has grown over the years, which was more or less quite interesting to hear about. The road to the park itself is pretty scenic, running alongside the Beagle Channel for a bit. You know, you can see the mountains that just sort of rise up out of the water. Clearly, the anticipation starts building during that short drive; you feel like you are actually heading into a different world, you know? It’s not a long trip, but frankly, it’s a perfect introduction to the wild scenery you’re about to spend the day in.

Paddling the Lapataia River in an Inflatable Canoe

Okay, so once we arrived at the river’s edge, the team was incredibly efficient at getting everyone sorted with their gear. They gave us these, like, waterproof pants and jackets to pull on over our clothes, and a life vest too, obviously. Honestly, getting into the inflatable canoes felt very stable, even for people who sort of had never paddled before. We got a quick but clear lesson on how to paddle effectively, and then we were off. The water in the Lapataia River is just so calm and incredibly clear. Basically, you are paddling through this completely silent world, and the only sounds are, like, your paddles dipping in the water and the calls of distant birds. The guides sort of stay nearby, pointing out different plants on the riverbank and telling you about the area’s history. To be honest, floating along and looking up at the snow-dusted peaks all around is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. It’s pretty much you, your paddle, and this gigantic, beautiful scenery. Seriously, it’s a really peaceful, almost reflective part of the day.

You know, what really stood out was the silence on the water. It was just so incredibly peaceful. You could literally hear the wind moving through the trees on the shore. It was a completely different way to experience the park.

Trekking Through a Patagonian Forest

After the canoeing portion, you know, we pulled ashore for the second part of our adventure: the trek. We sort of left the canoes behind and headed straight into the forest. As a matter of fact, the change in atmosphere is almost immediate. You go from the wide-open space of the river to this, like, enclosed world under a canopy of southern beech trees, mostly lengas and coihues. The trail was, like, a bit muddy in spots but very manageable, definitely. The guide was fantastic, often stopping to show us things we would have completely walked past otherwise. For example, he pointed out these strange, golf-ball-like growths on the trees, which he called “Indian Bread,” and actually explained how the native Yámana people used to eat them. You know, learning these little details really makes the whole walk come alive. At the end of the day, you’re not just walking through some woods; you’re walking through a forest with a deep history. The air smells so fresh and earthy, a little damp, and the light filtering through the leaves creates this kind of magical feeling. It’s a very grounding experience, to be honest.

Wildlife Spotting and Reaching Lapataia Bay

By the way, throughout both the canoeing and the trek, you’re always sort of scanning for wildlife. The guides have these incredibly sharp eyes and are quick to point out different birds. For instance, we saw several Upland Geese and a few majestic Black-browed Albatrosses soaring overhead, which was just amazing. The park is also famous for the damage caused by the non-native North American beaver, and you can really see their work. You will almost certainly see dams and lodges they’ve built along the waterways. While we didn’t see a beaver in person, which is pretty common since they are nocturnal, just seeing the impact they have on the environment is really something. The trek eventually leads you to Lapataia Bay, which is basically the main event. This is literally the end of the Pan-American Highway, Route 3. Standing at the famous sign, looking out over the calm bay, feels like a real achievement. It’s the “End of the World,” right there, and you’ve arrived in a pretty spectacular fashion. It is a really great spot for photos and just to sort of take it all in before heading back.

Is This Ushuaia Tour a Good Fit for You?

So, at the end of the day, who is this trip really for? Honestly, I think it’s perfect for anyone who wants a more active and up-close look at Tierra del Fuego National Park. You don’t have to be, like, an expert paddler or a super-experienced hiker. The canoeing is on very calm water, and the trek is a moderate walk on a fairly clear path, anyway. I mean, it is a full day with physical activity, so you should be comfortable with a few hours of walking and paddling. It’s probably not ideal for folks with serious mobility issues or for very young children, to be honest. But for most people with an average level of fitness who are looking for an adventure, it’s absolutely fantastic. The small group size and the knowledgeable guides really make it feel personal and special. You actually learn a lot, see incredible things, and get to say you canoed and hiked at the bottom of the world. What’s not to love about that?

• Activity Level: You should be comfortable with moderate physical activity, including about 1.5 hours of paddling and a 3-hour walk.
• What to Bring: You definitely need warm layers, a hat, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. The weather can change very quickly.
• Best For: Basically, it’s great for active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to do more than just see the park from a distance.
• Photography: Absolutely bring your camera, but a waterproof bag or case is a really good idea for the canoeing part.

Read our full review: [Ushuaia National Park Excursion with Canoes and Trekking Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Ushuaia National Park Tour 2025])