Tierra del Fuego, located at the southernmost tip of South America, is a land of stark beauty, rugged landscapes, and rich history. Whether you’re seeking adventure in Ushuaia, tor hoping to witness the majestic King Penguins in Porvenir, getting to Tierra del Fuego is part of the experience. Let’s explore the different ways to reach this remote region.
1. Reaching Tierra del Fuego by Car: The Primera Angostura Crossing (Punta Delgada)
For travelers who prefer the freedom of driving, reaching Tierra del Fuego by car is a remarkable journey that allows you to explore the Patagonian landscapes at your own pace. The most popular and efficient way to cross into Tierra del Fuego is via the Primera Angostura crossing of the Strait of Magellan. This is the narrowest point of the Strait (about 5 km).
Something very important to know: the Strait of Magellan is entirely in Chilean Territory, and the Island of Tierra del Fuego is divided between Argentina and Chile. In Argentina you can find destinations such as Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park, whereas in the Chilean side, the King Penguin Park and Karukinka are some of the attractions. From the continent, you reach the Strait of Magellan either from Punta Arenas (Chile) or from Rio Gallegos (Argentina). Then, already in the island, you decide if going to Argentina again (for example to reach Ushuaia) or stay in the Chilean side, or both.
Primera Angostura Crossing (Punta Delgada to Bahía Azul):
- Route: The crossing connects Punta Delgada on the mainland to Bahía Azul on the island of Tierra del Fuego.
- Ferry Company: The ferry is operated by Tabsa (Transbordadora Austral Broom S.A.), which runs regular services between the two points.
- Schedule: The ferry operates daily, with departures every hour, from the morning (approx 08.30 am) to the evening (approx 10 pm). Make sure to check and confirm all the information with Tabsa!
- Duration: The ferry takes approximately 30 minutes to cross the strait.
- Cost: The cost is affordable, with rates depending on the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers. In 2024, a traditional car is paying approx. USD 20 (in total including the people).
The Primera Angostura crossing is the most widely used route because of its frequent service, short crossing time, and accessibility. Once on the island, you can continue your journey towards key destinations like Rio Grande, Tolhuin, and Ushuaia.
2. Alternative Crossing to Tierra del Fuego: El Porvenir
For those interested in another route, there is an alternative crossing at the El Porvenir ferry, which operates between Punta Arenas and Porvenir, a small town on the northern coast of Tierra del Fuego. While this crossing is less frequented than Primera Angostura, it offers a unique experience.
El Porvenir Crossing:
- Route: Punta Arenas (Chile) to Porvenir (Chile).
- Ferry Company: The ferry is operated by Tabsa.
- Schedule: The service typically runs twice daily, though the schedule and operative days may vary by season.
- Duration & Cost: The crossing takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Regarding the cost, even thoug is affordable, it’s higher than Primera Angostura: approx. USD 60 for a traditional car on 2024 season.
- Attractions: Once you arrive in Porvenir, you’re close to the King Penguin Park in Bahía Inútil, a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is one of the few places where you can see a colony of King Penguins. However, nowadays you can see them from a prudent distance to keep this particular colony undisturbed.
The El Porvenir route is ideal for travelers looking to explore the less-traveled parts of Tierra del Fuego and experience its wildlife up close. The disadvantage is, if the weather is too bad, this crossing might be cancelled.
3. Flying to Tierra del Fuego
If you’re short on time or prefer air travel, flying is the most straightforward way to reach Tierra del Fuego. The region is served by two main airports: Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) and Río Grande Airport (RGA).
Flights to Ushuaia:
- From Buenos Aires: Direct flights operate from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Ushuaia, with a flight time of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas offer regular flights.
- From El Calafate: A popular route for those visiting Patagonia, flights from El Calafate (FTE) to Ushuaia take about 1.5 hours.
- From Trelew: There are also direct flights from Trelew (REL), typically used by travelers exploring the Atlantic coast of Patagonia.
Flights to Río Grande:
- From Buenos Aires: Direct flights from Buenos Aires to Río Grande are also available, with a flight time similar to that of Ushuaia.
Flying into Ushuaia is the most popular choice, as the city serves as a gateway to various outdoor activities, including trips to the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and cruises to Antarctica.
4. Cruising to Tierra del Fuego
For a more luxurious and scenic experience, consider taking a cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (or viceversa: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Cruise). These cruises are often combined with excursions to some of the region’s most stunning landscapes, including Cape Horn (it’s the same cruise mentioned before, from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia to Cape Horn), the Beagle Channel, and various fjords.
5. Buses to Tierra del Fuego
You can reach Tierra del Fuego by bus from Punta Arenas (Chile) and Rio Gallegos (Argentina), among other places. The ride to Ushuaia (either from Rio Gallegos or Punta Arenas) takes about 12 hours, including the time for the ferry crossing and the border control. Buses are during the day (the distance is approx. 600 km depending which place you depart from).
Custom tours in Patagonia
We’re a local travel company that offers custom tours in Argentina and Chile, and we’d love to help you plan your next trip to Patagonia & South America! As a kick off, we invite you to explore our following tours:
El Calafate to Ushuaia road trip
Ruta 40 Argentina Road Trip with extension to Ushuaia
Note: the information on this article is a reference, please ask us for advice (or to the competent authorities) before traveling.
0
