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Tierra del Fuego

Overview

Tierra del Fuego (translated as Land of Fire) is located at the southernmost tip of South America. The archipelago consists of the main island - Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and a group of smaller islands, including Cape Horn. The island is divided between Chile and Argentina, with Argentina occ…

Highlights

  • Discover yourself and leave civilisation behind
  • Remote, unspoilt landscapes with no other tourists
  • Pack horses carry all belongings to your campsites
  • Stunning beach canters on the return route
  • Look out for penguins, sealions, dolphins, condors etc

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 10 riders per group
  • Average of 5 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 100kg / 220 lbs / 15 stone 10 lbs

Description

Tierra del Fuego (translated as Land of Fire) is located at the southernmost tip of South America. The archipelago consists of the main island - Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and a group of smaller islands, including Cape Horn. The island is divided between Chile and Argentina, with Argentina occupying the eastern half and Chile the western half together with the islands south of the Beagle Channel. This adventurous ride is situated on the Mitre Peninsula which is the most eastern point of the main island. This is the End of the World, with only Antarctica further south.

Leaving civilisation behind, horses are the most traditional mode of transport and allow you to share the same experiences as the heroic explorers of Patagonia. Follow in their footsteps and marvel at landscapes which are largely unchanged and still wild and natural. Your journey is dictated by the tides of the Atlantic Ocean and you may be picking your way around jagged coasts or cantering down endless deserted beaches.

The wildlife is diverse - numerous sea birds and impressive condors, penguins, seals and sea lions, herds of guanacos and wild horses. You may discover the skeletons of whales washed ashore alongside shipwrecks of those who dared to challenge the dangerous waters. There are the remains of shelters abandoned long ago, and traces of native Indians which once lived in the area.

Due to the remoteness of this fascinating and rarely visited corner of the globe, the only accommodation option is camping, and all your belongings are carried on pack horses. The weather can also pose a challenge and so this is a ride for adventurous souls who wish to experience the harsh beauty of this region.

Your guides are all certified as SAN-WFR (Socorrismo para Ambientes Naturales - Wilderness First Responder). They have been running rides in this area for more than 26 years and are passionate about their horses as well as preservation of their landscapes and wildlife. They carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies as there is no phone signal at all on the ride. This trail is well and truly off the beaten track and a glorious journey for adventurous souls.

Cathy from Far and Ride rode this trail in December 2019 and will happily tell you all about it.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Typical Argentine "cangalla" saddles which comprise a basic frame covered with a sheepskin for comfort. Bridles are shanked for neck-reining, so require a light hand and you hold the reins in only one hand. One or two horses have hackamores. Saddle bags are provided.

Horses

Argentine Criollo or Criollo cross breeds.
Your Criollo horses are extremely sure-footed and adapted to the terrain - they can pick their way safely through peat fields and then quicken along the sandy beaches. Whilst small of stature, they are certainly large of heart.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Mitre Peninsula Expedition is a trail ride

Ages

No specific age limit, but children would have to be capable of riding for 6-7 hours per day and used to camping, with a spirit of adventure.

Health

This is a very remote area and so general good health and fitness is imperative.

Weight

100kg / 220 lbs / 15 stone 10 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All meals are included whilst on the ride and your guides try to give you an insight into gaucho culture, so traditional Argentine food will be served. All food has to be carried on the pack horses and there are no options to stock up along the route, and so there is no choice - but there is always plenty of food and you will not go hungry.

Breakfast could include tortas fritas (traditional estancia breads) with cheese, dulce de leche or jams. There is always coffee, tea and yerba mate on offer too.

Lunch could be empanadas or some picnic snacks carried in your saddlebags. Tea, coffee and yerba mate are offered too.

Dinner is often pasta with freshly made vegetable sauces and meatballs or sliced chorizo, or perhaps guiso, which is a traditional meal with beef and vegetables. Soups may also be served. Pasta and rice are staple foods which travel well on the pack horses. On one or two nights it may be possible to eat beef but this depends on meeting gauchos. Red wine is available with dinner - approximately two glasses per person per dinner. Apples and oranges are often available too.

Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice, but other special diets would be challenging on this trail.

Accommodation

For the first and last night in Ushuaia you stay in a hostel which has apartments of varying sizes - generally the whole groups stays in one apartment with single or bunk beds.

Once on the ride you will most likely camp, sleeping in tents which are set up near to remote shelters. The tents are provided but you need to bring your own sleeping bags.

Sometimes it is possible to sleep inside these gaucho huts (particularly at La Chaira) - they are very basic with no electricity or running water and simple wooden bunks, but they can provide shelter if the weather is not great. Some of the shelters are smaller and sleeping inside is dependent on group size.

Your belongings are carried by pack horses and appropriate saddle packs are provided. In bad weather you can dry clothes in the shelters and dine in there too, but in good weather there will be a fire outside to sit around.

Itineraries

Mitre Peninsula Expedition Basic / Tented accommodation.

Other Activities

This is a riding tour and not suitable for non-riders - even your belongings and camping equipment are carried on horseback.

There are many interesting sights along the way, however. Shipwrecks from many ages lie on the shores and there are artefacts from ancient Indian colonies to discover. In the middle of the trail there is an optional 7 hour hike to a remote lighthouse as well as a rest day with some shorter hikes and a chance to observe the numerous wildlife and birds.

Travel

There are no direct flights to Ushuaia from the UK and so you will have to change at least once. Most flights will route through Buenos Aires, although it is also possible to arrive from Chile.

Transfers are included from the airport to your hotel in Ushuaia, which is only c. 5 mins from the airport.

We strongly recommend arriving the day before the trail to recover from the long flight and adjust to the time difference. If this isn't possible then you must arrive into Ushuaia in the early afternoon so that you can attend the ride welcome briefing - this is where you are given your saddle bags to pack for the pack horses. On departure day, we recommend leaving midday or later if possible as you could be late arriving back into Ushuaia the night before.

Testimonials

Nienke V., March 6, 2024

It was one big, wild, amazing, breathtaking and fun adventure. I loved every minute of it! It was wild, remote and off grid but so well organised. A big compliment for Adolfo and the team. If you like adventure, nature and remote places, this is the trip for you! The feeling that you ride at the uttermost end of the world is hard to describe in words.


Noelle, March 19, 2020

I wanted to let you know the ride was a dream come true. I’d never wake up from it if I could. The scenery, wildlife, food, accommodations, all awesome. It was totally wild but I was able to rock the ride, even without too much experience. Had my first real gallop on the beach. I was partnered with the handsomest, swiftest, most sure-footed, brave-hearted, hungriest, sleepiest, snuggliest, white-socked, black cutie and all around best pony ever, Zoquete!! I can’t say enough good things about the experience. I would blindly work my way through every trip on Far and Ride.


Martin L., Jan. 13, 2020

A thrilling adventure through a beautiful wilderness unlike anywhere else I've ever been, in which we encountered many more condors, guanacos, sea lions and penguins than people. Favourite memory? Difficult to highlight as there were so many. Countless condors, some flying quite low, hovering overhead for long periods. The horses looked very healthy and happy and were great to ride. Long, joyous canters over sandy beaches so wide you could sometimes barely see the ocean. The adventurous riding involving crossing rivers and steep ascents and descents. The lovely dogs we met at La Chaira. The impromptu cattle herding with the gauchos on the beach. Walk through the still forest on the return from hiking to the lighthouse. Over-riding sense of being in such an isolated wilderness.


Maria K, Jan. 8, 2020

What an amazing experience! I had high hopes when booking this trip and I was not disappointed. This holiday is a true adventure and must do for everyone who loves the wilderness. I don’t think that there is another trip in the world quite like this one. I am very happy that I chose to do this trip and got to experience the remoteness of the end of the world.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: No riding.

On arrival at Ushuaia airport you will be collected and transferred to a hotel in Ushuaia. In the late afternoon/evening there will be a ride briefing with the guide where you will be given your saddle bags for your belongings during the ride. This will be an opportunity to ask any final questions you may have. Overnight in an apart hotel

Day 2 - Ushuaia - Estancia Maria Luisa - La Chaira

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

After breakfast you are transferred by car 230km to the starting point of the ride - Estancia Maria Luisa - a typical Patagonia cattle breeding farm. Your route takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego including the Garibaldi Pass and past Lake Fagnano. At the estancia you are introduced to your horses and after loading the pack horses you set off on your adventure. 

The first day of riding is an easy one to allow you to get to know your horse and the equipment. You ride through some grassy hills to the first river crossing, where you take advantage of a low tide. River Irigoyen is world famous for being home to large trout. You then ride along a long beach to reach Puesto La Chaira which is part of Estancia Policarpo. This place is the last spot where you may meet other gauchos - for the rest of the ride you will only meet wildlife!
Overnight in shelter

Day 3 - La Chaira - Rio Bueno

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

After breakfast you leave all traces of civilisation behind to discover the wilder side of Tierra del Fuego. You will pass several shipwrecks such as the "Barca" - an old wooden boat which has been buried in the sand for centuries. There are also many abandoned shelters - some having been built from the remains of shipwrecks. You may spot curious foxes, herds of guanaco, majestic condors, beavers and many birds - or if you're very lucky, marine mammals or penguins. Traces of the native Haush Indians can also be found. 

After passing the Leticia river you follow a trail which will mainly be along the beach if tides allow. Your destination is Puesto Rio Bueno where you spend the evening beside a fire whilst listening to the sounds of the ocean.
Overnight in shelter/tents

Day 4 - Rio Bueno - Estancia Policarpo

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

Today you will cross two rivers - Rio Bueno and Rio Policarpo - en-route to the remains of Estancia Policarpo which has been declared a National Historical Monument. The terrain is similar to yesterday with the addition of peatlands where your horses will amaze you with their skills in finding their way through safely. You may meet herds of wild horses, colonies of sea lions or possibly some solitary king penguins. You will also visit the most famous shipwreck on the Mitre Peninsula - the British Clipper "Duchess of Albany".

Upon reaching a wide hill you will be able to see Caleta Falsa bay - your destination. The centre of the bay used to be the heart of Estancia Policarpo which was established at the beginning of the 20th century and abandoned in the 1960's. Traces of history can be found around every corner - sprockets, saws and various tools. Nature is taking back the landscape, creating nostalgic views for your sunset.
Overnight in shelter

Day 5 - Estancia Policarpo - Thetis Bay

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Depart Caleta Falsa bay passing several beaches. At Laguna Centenario you will see an incredibly varied collection of birds including cormorants, southern crested caracaras and the two emperors of the skies - black browed albatrosses and Andean condors. You'll pass a sea lion colony, and depending on the season, you may see them with their pups. 

Leave the beaches behind and ride inland through the Fueguino peatlands. In good weather you can see the mythical and inaccessible State Island with the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse - famously described in Jules Verne's book "The Lighthouse at the End of the World". The peatland (turba) is more boggy here and you have to dismount on several occasions and cross sections on foot. Finally you reach Bahia Thetis where an abandoned factory (loberia) remains where once sea lions were hunted for their skins and fat. There is also another interesting historical feature here - the former Argentina Subprefectura (1889-1896) - a military detachment and rescue shelter for shipwreck survivors. 
Overnight in shelter

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Thetis Bay - Cape San Diego (optional hike)

Due to the impressive landscape and historical significance of this area, you remain for three nights. Today, an optional hike is offered to the Cape San Diego Lighthouse, on the furthest east end of Tierra del Fuego. The hike takes c. 7 hours (round trip) and is mostly on flat paths, but you would need good trekking shoes. 

You follow the coast and then cross the channel leading to the inner bay - this area is mostly peatlands where you may see guanacos close-up. At Cape San Diego you can enjoy an exceptional 360 degree view of the South Atlantic Ocean, Strait of Le Maire, Staten Island and entrance to the Beagle Channel. You can explore the old lighthouse and have lunch in these spectacular surroundings - there is a seal colony nearby too. In the afternoon you return through this iconic Patagonian landscape, with the typical trees shaped by the wind. 
Overnight in shelter

Day 7 - Thetis Bahia (rest day)

Riding: No riding.

After yesterday's tiring hike, today you can enjoy short walks in the area to observe the wildlife or look for traces of the ancient Indian tribes. Alternatively you can simply relax at the campsite with a glass of wine. Today is a rest day to regenerate before your journey back.
Overnight in shelter

Day 8 - Thetis Bay - Estancia Policarpo

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

Follow your tracks back from Bahia Thetis to Estancia Policarpo, once again marvelling at your Criollo horses strength and skill through the peatlands. The views from the cliffs offer extraordinary light and colour across the landscape of sub-Antarctic forest, Andes mountains and South Atlantic oceans. Stop halfway for lunch before continuing to the Policarpo shelter.
Overnight in shelter

Day 9 - Estancia Policarpo - Rio Bueno

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

Leave Caleta Falsa bay and cross peatland to reach the coast alongside Rio Policarpo - this is the widest and most challenging river you will cross. On the furthest bank lies the longest beach of your journey, across Donata and Policarpo Bay. Here you can enjoy long canters and the incredible freedom of being part of this wild natural environment. You may encounter large herds of wild horses here too. Stop for lunch by the wreck of the Duchess of Albany before riding up and over grassy cliffs with herds of wild cows and dropping back down onto the beaches. As your luggage is much lighter now you can enjoy a faster pace with plenty of trots and canters. Eventually you rest by the camp fire at Puesto Rio Bueno.
Overnight in shelter/tents

Day 10 - Rio Bueno - La Chaira

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

In the morning there is time to walk around Rio Bueno and listen to stories about the legendary "puesteros" who used to live and work here with the cattle. Then you mount your horses to cross the Leticia river and climb to the top of the grassy hill from where you can view the entire region and the route you have taken. Before your arrival at La Chaira there is the chance for one more long gallop along the magnificent beaches. A farewell dinner is taken beside the shimmering bonfire whilst you recount stories of your adventure.
Overnight in shelter

Day 11 - La Chaira - Estancia Maria Luisa - Ushuaia

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Say goodbye to this remote and wild region of Tierra del Fuego. After crossing Rio Irigoyen you return to civilisation. Upon reaching Estancia Maria Luisa you unsaddle your horses and leave them to rest before climbing into your transfer vehicle back to Ushuaia.
  Overnight in an apart hotel.

Day 12 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

First and last nights are spent in a simple tourist hotel in Ushuaia. The rest of the nights are spent in basic shelters or tents (depending on group numbers) along the trail route.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You need to be at least a confident, intermediate rider who is capable in all paces across varied terrain. There are some steep ascents and descents as well as sections where you have to dismount and lead your horse. There are also opportunities to canter, particularly along the long, empty beaches.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 10
Departure windows

Nov. 16, 2024 - Nov. 27, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024 - Dec. 21, 2024

Jan. 15, 2025 - Jan. 26, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025 - Feb. 25, 2025

March 15, 2025 - March 26, 2025

Pricing

2024/2025
Shared Occupancy		 £2860 $3600 €3450
* One single room may be available in the hostel on the first and last nights of the tour; at an additional cost.
Included 11 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, all meals and drinks on the ride, saddlebags for luggage, pack horses, return Ushuaia airport transfers & 8 days of riding.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, sleeping bags, meals in Ushuaia, tips & other personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.