Peninsula Mitre - trekking expedition in Tierra del Fuego

Peninsula Mitre - trekking expedition in Tierra del Fuego

There are few places left on Earth that feel genuinely untouched, but Peninsula Mitre is one of them. Extending east from Ushuaia into the Atlantic Ocean, this remote tongue of land is the setting for an exclusive, true expedition. Your journey begins by navigating the legendary waters of the Beagle Channel, sharing the waves with dramatic mountain landscapes and fascinating marine life, including the occasional humpback whale. The true immersion begins when you lace up your boots for a memorable multi-day trek along the rugged shoreline of Peninsula Mitre. You will traverse deep peat bogs, pristine beaches, ancient forests, and historic sites, accompanied by the humbling sensation of standing literally at the end of the world.

If you want to see more tours like this one, check out our Patagonia Hiking Tours. You can also check all of our hiking tours in our page Argentina Hiking Tours!

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Valley with a winding stream and peat bog below sunlit mountains in Tierra del FuegoTrail through a shaded lenga beech forest in Tierra del FuegoStream cascading over rocks below a green mountain slope in Tierra del FuegoWooden boardwalk along a lake shore with forest and a mountain behind in Tierra del FuegoHouses of Ushuaia on the waterfront below a jagged snow-covered peakBlue double-decker Ushuaia bus along the bay, with houses and snow-capped mountains behindFive hikers in rain gear posing beside the red and white lighthouse at Cabo San PíoUshuaia

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Casa Vieja (Puerto Rancho)

Gear up for an early start! Your expedition begins with a morning departure from Ushuaia, heading toward the end of Route J. The 3.5-hour shuttle journey brings you to the Moat outpost, a remote station monitored by the Argentine Coast Guard.

Upon arrival, the true adventure begins as you set foot on the trail. The route follows the wild shoreline of the Beagle Channel, weaving through dense subantarctic forests and rustling reed beds. After about two hours of trekking, you will tackle your first challenge: fording the Chico River on foot.

Continuing along the coast, the landscape reveals its deep history as you pass an ancient archaeological site once inhabited by the nomadic Yaghan people, whose historic territory stretched all the way to Cape Horn.

To wrap up this incredible first day, you will arrive at Puerto Rancho, a historic outpost and former estancia, after hiking approximately 16 km. Here, you will settle in for an overnight wild camping experience in tents beside the Casa Vieja shelter, falling asleep to the raw sounds of the Fuegian wilderness.

Ibarra Outpost

This leg of the journey leads to the southernmost point of Argentina.

The trek starts from Casa Vieja, crossing the reed beds toward a trail that reveals stunning views of Cape San Pío and its iconic lighthouse. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to hike all the way to it.

Leaving the cape behind, the route descends toward the Las Vacas River, where you will wade through the water before tackling the infamous steep descent known as Matacaballos. While the terrain is demanding, the sweeping views of the dramatic coastline and untouched landscapes make every step worthwhile.

After hiking approximately 9 km, you will arrive at the campsite beside the remote Ibarra Outpost. If he is on-site, you will be welcomed by the local caretaker, traditional Fuegian gaucho Luis Andrade, adding a unique cultural dimension to this wild experience.

Julián Outpost

The journey continues back to the beach, tide permitting, skirting the edge of the subantarctic forest.

After trekking beneath the slopes of Cerro Carpa, a well-earned break awaits at El Orero Outpost. This remote shelter was once occupied by Ramón Orellana, a legendary local prospector who spent years searching for precious metals.

From here, you can look across the water to the haunting remains of the sailboat Nashachata, shipwrecked in 2010.

Further along Sloggett Bay Beach, beside the López River, you will encounter a massive rusted gold dredger left behind from the gold rush era. After learning about its fascinating history dating back to 1907, you will continue for one final hour.

After covering approximately 15 km, you will arrive at the remote Julián Outpost, where you will camp for the night surrounded by the raw history of Peninsula Mitre.

Playa Dorada

The morning begins by crossing the López River to enter the wildest and most untouched region of Peninsula Mitre.

Returning to the coastline, the trail reveals incredible natural history through ancient petrified forests scattered along the shore.

As the trek unfolds between the sea and the forest, the terrain becomes an adventure in itself. Dense subantarctic vegetation and steep ravines require careful footing while allowing you to fully appreciate the peninsula's extraordinary isolation.

After hiking approximately 13.5 km, you will reach one of the expedition's greatest rewards: Playa Dorada. Here, on one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches along the southern coast of Peninsula Mitre, you will camp beside the Atlantic Ocean.

Playa Paraíso

The journey continues deeper along the Atlantic coast, crossing coastal forests and extensive peat bogs.

After approximately 9.5 km, you will arrive at Playa Paraíso, a true natural sanctuary. The unique geography of this pristine bay provides excellent shelter from the strong and unpredictable Patagonian winds, making it one of the most peaceful campsites on Peninsula Mitre.

Refugio Puerto Español

The route leads to Punta Kinnaird, the western boundary of Aguirre Bay, and the historic site of the San Gonzalo Lighthouse.

This isolated outpost was once home to Pedro Ostoich and his wife, whose remarkable life at the end of the world is commemorated by memorial plaques.

The trail then climbs a nearby hill before descending toward the coast to visit the historic Gardiner Caves, where English missionary Allen Gardiner and six companions tragically died of starvation in 1851.

Nearby, the remains of an old sawmill and a former police outpost stand as silent reminders of early settlement.

After crossing the Bonpland River, the trek follows the coastline to Puerto Español. After approximately 15 km, you will arrive at the refuge that will serve as your base for the next two nights.

Time to recharge at the most comfortable shelter on Peninsula Mitre.

Lovingly restored by Sergio Anselmino, who spent more than three years as the only permanent resident of eastern Tierra del Fuego, this refuge offers a rare level of comfort in such a remote landscape.

Relax with a book from the library or enjoy a hot shower overlooking the sea before another night surrounded by the Fuegian wilderness.

With your energy restored, another day here allows you to further explore Aguirre Bay.

Walk along the untouched coastline, search for marine wildlife, or visit El Alma del Mundo, a powerful monument celebrating the artistic, geographic, and cultural significance of this isolated frontier.

Return to the refuge for your final evening beside the bay.

On Board

A new adventure begins as you leave the trail behind and board a sailboat for the return journey to Ushuaia.

Navigation through the legendary waters surrounding Peninsula Mitre depends entirely on wind and sea conditions, so departure times will be adjusted to the best weather window.

From the deck, you will enjoy a completely different perspective of the peninsula, watching the dramatic coastline, towering cliffs, and hidden bays slowly pass by.

Ushuaia

The final stage of the voyage takes you through the heart of the Beagle Channel.

Keep an eye out for marine mammals, seabirds, and the iconic mountain peaks surrounding Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

Depending on weather and tides, you will arrive at the Ushuaia pier before transferring to your hotel for a well-deserved night's rest after exploring one of the most remote regions on Earth.

Departure

The time has come to leave Ushuaia as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

Expert tip: If you are not quite ready to say goodbye to the end of the world, extend your stay and discover more incredible places across Tierra del Fuego. Just let us know!

Where to Stay

Some places where you could stay, from unique premium lodges to classic accommodations.

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Beyond BA Latam is a local travel agency based in Argentina that designs personalized tours in Argentina, Chile and Antarctica. We are very proud to work with a knowledgeable team capable to design trips based on your interests and traveling style. We are able to bring you a different and more enjoyable experience.

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