Peninsula Mitre – trekking expedition in Tierra del Fuego

Today we visit the southernmost point of Argentina! Our day starts at Casa Vieja, continuing through the reeds towards a path that guides us to a view of the San Pio Cape and its lighthouse. Depending on the weather conditions, we will have the chance to get there!

We leave the Cape behind and descend to Las Vacas River. We will have to wade it through and go down the Matacaballos (horse-killer), a famous descent. This challenging ground will not impede us to enjoy the great views of the coasts and other beautiful landscapes!

Our day finishes by camping next to the Ibarra outpost. If it is possible, the care keeper of this place, a gaucho named Luis Andrade will be there to welcome us. 

Approx. 9 km.

We continue to the beach again -unless there is hide tide – and we border the forest. After walking along the side of Cerro Carpa we rest at El Orero outpost, a place which was occupied by Ramón Orellana, who used to look for precious metal for many years. Also, from this place we can see the sailboat Nashachata which was shipwrecked in 2010.

A big gold dredger is located at Slogget Bay Beach, next to the López River. We spend some time there, learning how it was used in 1907 and after that we walk for one more hour to spend the night at Julián outpost. 

Approx. 15 km.

In the morning we get to the wildest region of the Mitre Peninsula by crossing the Lopez River. 

We go back to the coast and along our way we will see remains of petrified forests. As our day goes by between the coast and the forest, the dense vegetation and the gorges we have to go through may force us to slow our steps.

We finish our day at one of the most beautiful beaches of the southern coast of the peninsula, named Playa Dorada (Golden Beach). 

Approx. 13,5 km.

Today our 10 km way next to the Atlantic coast leads us through forests and peat bogs. We arrive at Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach), where the geography of the bay will protect us from the common windy weather.

9,5 km.

The western limit of Aguirre Bay is marked by Punta Kinnaird, where the San Gonzalo Lighthouse was located. Mr. Pedro Ostoich and his wife lived in this remote place, so there are some plaques commemorating their presence. We walk to get to this place and then we ascend to a nearby hill avoiding steep cliffs in order to descend again and visit the Gardiner Caves, where the English missionary Allen Gardiner and six partners died of starvation in 1851. There are also ancient structures from an old sawmill and a police detachment. 

We move past the Bondpland River and walk to the Puerto Español (Spaniard Harbour) shelter and spend the next two days there.

15 km.

Time to recharge energy at the most unique and comfortable shelter on the peninsula! This place has been restored and inhabited by Sergio Anselmino and for more than three years he has been the only person with permanent residence in the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego.

Walking nearby or along the cost of the bay, visiting the monument El Alma del Mundo (Soul of the World) are great activities to spend these days here. This beautiful refuge has a library too if you prefer to stay inside. And of course, a hot shower with a view of the sea will be fantastic!

A new adventure is waiting for us! We departure from the shelter of Puerto Español to Ushuaia by sailboat. Our departure and arrival time (on day 9 or 10) depends on the weather conditions. However, all along the way, we will be able to observe the coasts and landscapes that we have known and enjoyed in our expedition by foot. This experience, unique as it is, will not let us forget the amount of wonderful happy moments we have shared.

Other adventures:

• To learn about other trekking tours in Patagonia, please visit our Patagonia Hiking trips section.
• To see more tours apart from hiking, please visit our Patagonia Tours and Argentina Tours sections.
• If you’re planning your honeymoon:  Honeymoon in Argentina, Patagonia Honeymoon, Buenos Aires Honeymoon.
• Other topics:  Wildlife holidays Argentina and Chile,   Punta Arenas and/or Ushuaia to Antarctica,  Flights to Antarctica,  Ushuaia tours and Cruises to Cape Horn, self drive Argentina and road trips.