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From Río Grande to Ushuaia

San Pablo Cape and Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve. Distance: 365 kilometres

Following the iconic National Route 3, you will connect the city of Ushuaia, capital city of the province of Tierra del Fuego, with Tolhuin, a town in the middle of the island. You will go through mountains, ancient lenga beech forests and peatlands offering breathtaking panoramic views. If you continue along the different provincial routes, you will reach two little known must-see attractions from the End of the World: the Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve in the steppe, and the San Pablo Cape towards the sea.

Route Sheet

  • Distance: 365 kilometres
  • Road type: 70% asphalt. Access roads to the Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve (60 km round trip) and to San Pablo Cape (94 km round trip) are of gravel, and you can circulate with any type of vehicle.
  • Recommended months: October through April
  • Suggested duration: 4 to 7 days

Itinerary

KM 0

Río Grande

The trip begins in this city in the northeast of the island, with little-explored natural places such as the Laguna de los Patos Urban Nature Reserve and the Punta Popper Nature Reserve, a bird conservation site of great environmental interest. To the north, following RN 3, you can also visit the Atlantic Coast Provincial Reserve that protects the wintering areas of migratory shorebirds (declared a RAMSAR site), and Cabo Domingo, a cliff approximately 100 meters above sea level. from where you can enjoy the landscape, the birds and the waves.

In the city, there are several historical and cultural circuits with important monuments and museums. Due to its proximity to the Malvinas Islands, Río Grande is the National Capital of the Vigil: the days prior to April 2 (Veteran's Day and the Fallen in the Malvinas War) commemorative ceremonies are held, many of them at the Monument to the Heroes of Malvinas. 17 kilometers away is the Estancia María Behety with the largest shearing shed in the world and typical Fuegian houses from the early 1900s.

More information at https://turismo.riogrande.gob.ar

The trip begins in this city in the northeast of the island, with little-explored natural places such as the Laguna de los Patos Urban Nature Reserve and the Punta Popper Nature Reserve, a bird conservation site of great environmental interest. To the north, following RN 3, you can also visit the Atlantic Coast Provincial Reserve that protects the wintering areas of migratory shorebirds (declared a RAMSAR site), and Cabo Domingo, a cliff approximately 100 meters above sea level. from where you can enjoy the landscape, the birds and the waves.

In the city, there are several historical and cultural circuits with important monuments and museums. Due to its proximity to the Malvinas Islands, Río Grande is the National Capital of the Vigil: the days prior to April 2 (Veteran's Day and the Fallen in the Malvinas War) commemorative ceremonies are held, many of them at the Monument to the Heroes of Malvinas. 17 kilometers away is the Estancia María Behety with the largest shearing shed in the world and typical Fuegian houses from the early 1900s.

More information at https://turismo.riogrande.gob.ar

KM 121

San Pablo Cape

From Río Grande, it is 75 km to the south along RN 3, and 40 km to the east along the complementary route "A" of gravel. The road winds through picturesque ranches and crosses landscapes of hills, steppes, forests, rivers and cliffs by the sea. Already in Cabo San Pablo, there is a path that climbs to the top of the cape and reaches an old lighthouse. In front of the coast you can see the hull of the “Desdémona” ship, which has run aground since 1985. It has campsites with services.

From Río Grande, it is 75 km to the south along RN 3, and 40 km to the east along the complementary route "A" of gravel. The road winds through picturesque ranches and crosses landscapes of hills, steppes, forests, rivers and cliffs by the sea. Already in Cabo San Pablo, there is a path that climbs to the top of the cape and reaches an old lighthouse. In front of the coast you can see the hull of the “Desdémona” ship, which has run aground since 1985. It has campsites with services.

KM 210

Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve

Continuing south along RN 3, you reach the intersection with RP 18 (former "h", gravel). From this point, it is 30 km to the entrance portal to the reserve.

Heart of the Island has 100 thousand hectares and protects forests and peat bogs. You can visit the Chepelmuth, Yehuin and Yakush lakes, go hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and sport fishing. You can camp.

Continuing south along RN 3, you reach the intersection with RP 18 (former "h", gravel). From this point, it is 30 km to the entrance portal to the reserve.

Heart of the Island has 100 thousand hectares and protects forests and peat bogs. You can visit the Chepelmuth, Yehuin and Yakush lakes, go hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and sport fishing. You can camp.

KM 258

Tolhuin

Tolhuin is located on the headwaters of Fagnano Lake. This town offers accommodation and all kinds of services, and it is the perfect place for sport fishing and farm tourism. In order to visit the Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve and San Pablo Cape, it is recommended to stay in this town for at least 3 days.

Tolhuin is located on the headwaters of Fagnano Lake. This town offers accommodation and all kinds of services, and it is the perfect place for sport fishing and farm tourism. In order to visit the Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve and San Pablo Cape, it is recommended to stay in this town for at least 3 days.

KM 262

Fagnano Lake

One of the longest lakes in the world. Following the coastline, you will reach Tolhuin via an alternative road.

One of the longest lakes in the world. Following the coastline, you will reach Tolhuin via an alternative road.

KM 269

Jeujepen Mountain Viewpoint

This mountain is considered sacred by the Selk'nam people. It offers one of the most amazing views of Fagnano Lake.

This mountain is considered sacred by the Selk'nam people. It offers one of the most amazing views of Fagnano Lake.

KM 275

Río Valdez Natural Reserve

A Protected Nature Area on the south bank of the Fagnano River. Some activities you can enjoy here are hiking, canoeing, biking, wildlife photography, birdwatching and sport fishing. There is a camping site with services.

KM 304

Andes Fueguinos Scenic Route

At this point begins a scenic stretch of 50 km to immerse yourself in the magic of the Fuegian forest, among lengas, coihues and viewpoints.

KM 310,5

Access to the Escondido Lake

This glacial lake is located in the middle of a deep valley surrounded by mountains and forests. The access road is made of gravel and it is in good condition. It stretches 1.4 km up to the coastline of the lake, where you will find a free camping area.

KM 316

Garibaldi Pass

At 450 MSL, this is the highest point of National Route 3 and the southernmost mountain pass in the world. From its viewpoint, you can see the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes.

At 450 MSL, this is the highest point of National Route 3 and the southernmost mountain pass in the world. From its viewpoint, you can see the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes.

KM 324

Route J Diversion to Puerto Almanza and Estancia Harberton

From National Route 3, drive 34.5 km down Route J to visit Puerto Almanza, a small fishing village located on the eastern coast of the Beagle Channel. The main activity here is spider crab, mollusc and sea bass fishing. Estancia Harberton is located 19 km away from Puerto Almanza. It is the oldest farm in Tierra del Fuego, and it was declared a National Historic Heritage site in 1999. It offers guided tours, lodging and cuisine. In total, this diversion covers around 100 km (round trip) of gravel road, and it can take around 4 hours.

KM 344

Trail to the Submarino Waterfall and Lake

​​Medium-difficulty hike through forests, peatlands and rivers. You can hike just to the waterfall, or continue all the way to the lake. Distance: 12 km (round trip). Time: 7 hours.

KM 345

Valle de Tierra Mayor Natural and Landscape Reserve

In winter, this reserve, located 20 km away from Ushuaia, becomes one of the best destinations to practice winter sports; and in summer, it is the best place to go hiking through valleys and mountains.

In winter, this reserve, located 20 km away from Ushuaia, becomes one of the best destinations to practice winter sports; and in summer, it is the best place to go hiking through valleys and mountains.

KM 347

Trail to Esmeralda Lake

Medium-difficulty hike. You will go through lenga beech forests and peatlands until reaching Esmeralda Lake at the foot of the Ojo del Albino Glacier. Distance: 9 km (round trip). Time: 5 hours.

Medium-difficulty hike. You will go through lenga beech forests and peatlands until reaching Esmeralda Lake at the foot of the Ojo del Albino Glacier. Distance: 9 km (round trip). Time: 5 hours.

KM 348,5

Trail to Turquesa Lake

Medium-difficulty hike with steep slopes following an old lumberjack path. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to admire the Alvear Mountain and the Esmeralda Lake. Distance: 3 km (round trip). Time: 3 hours.

KM 351,5

Carbajal Valley Viewpoint

Panoramic view of the Andes Mountain Range, and one of the biggest peatlands in the island.

KM 355

Olivia River

Located a few minutes away from Ushuaia, next to National Route 3. It is one of the most fast-flowing and important rivers in the island. Camping is allowed.

KM 356

Trail to the Velo de la Novia Waterfall

Low-difficulty hike at the foot of Olivia Hill. Distance: 1.65 km (round trip). Time: 1 hour.

KM 362

Ushuaia

It is one of the southernmost cities in the world. You can navigate the Beagle Channel and discover its islands and fjords, get to Puerto Almanza and live a gourmet experience, get to know Tierra del Fuego National Park and take the End of the World Train tour, go up to the Martial Glacier and walk along the trails of the Andorran valley.

If you want to discover the history of the region, you can visit the Ushuaia Maritime and Presidio Museum, the End of the World Museum and the Pensar Malvinas Museum. In addition, Ushuaia is home to important festivals and biennials to enjoy music and art,

More information at www.turismoushuaia.com

It is one of the southernmost cities in the world. You can navigate the Beagle Channel and discover its islands and fjords, get to Puerto Almanza and live a gourmet experience, get to know Tierra del Fuego National Park and take the End of the World Train tour, go up to the Martial Glacier and walk along the trails of the Andorran valley.

If you want to discover the history of the region, you can visit the Ushuaia Maritime and Presidio Museum, the End of the World Museum and the Pensar Malvinas Museum. In addition, Ushuaia is home to important festivals and biennials to enjoy music and art,

More information at www.turismoushuaia.com

Useful information

- There is an airport in Ushuaia as well as several accommodation options, such as camping sites, hostels, aparthotels, bed & breakfast, cottages and hotels of all categories. In Tolhuin, there are mostly cottages and farms. If you want to sleep over at Estancia Harberton, you need to book your stay well in advance.

 

- If you enjoy hiking, it is best to stay at Ushuaia and from there, choose the trails recommended in the itinerary (according to your physical capacity and experience). If you want to hike at least once on your way to Tolhuin, the trail you cannot miss is the Esmeralda Lake because it is easy to access, it is not difficult and it has great views.

 

- Generally, camping sites in the wild do not have services. Only camp in areas where this is allowed, and remember to take food and a camping stove to avoid building a campfire. If you are building a campfire, only do it in areas where this is explicitly allowed, and remember to extinguish the fire with plenty of water making sure there is no ember left. Put your trash in bags and always take them with you.

 

- In the summer, the sun rises at 4 am and sets after 10:30 pm. You will have plenty of time to visit all the places you want.

 

- Always take with you a coat and a raincoat. The day may start clear and sunny, but it may suddenly get cloudy or rainy in the afternoon, or the other way around.