USHUAIA – EL CALAFATE (GLACIER MORENO) & IGUAZU WATERFALL

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Calafate is the true gateway to experience the sparkling lakes, snow-capped mountains, and towering glaciers of Patagonia. It is the perfect entry point from which to explore the Los Glaciares National Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares). Set with a mountain range to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, the city is nestled amongst some of the wildest and most unforgiving landscapes in Patagonia. Those that reach it are rewarded with stunning views, some excellent museums, and an endless supply of 'world's southernmost' curios.

December 2023-January 2024

SECOND PART FIN DEL MUNDO

USHUAIA – EL CALAFATE (GLACIER MORENO)

USHUAIA

Ushuaia is in a large bay with a rocky coast, surrounded by the snowcapped Martial Range. The city has a charming downtown area and a lovely port.

Ushuaia was developed as a penal colony in the late 19th century, with prisoners arriving in the 1880s. In a few years, the prisoners built a proper prison for themselves under the supervision of the Argentinian government. While working, the prisoners created a railway to assist the transport of materials. They originally used oxen to carry the materials from the mountain down to the town. In 1909, the government upgraded the line since the railway was bringing wood for heating, cooking, and building, and it had to continually get longer since the forest would be depleted. The prison closed in 1947 and is now a naval base.

Ride the Train at the End of the World in Ushuaia

While you’re waiting for the train, there are pictures and artifacts around the station.

The rail line was blocked by an earthquake in 1949 and was closed until 1994. It was rebuilt in luxury with champagne and dinner services available. Even if you’re not indulging in the luxurious aspects, enjoying the views of the Pico Valley. When you take a ride on the train at the end of the world, it’s a bit different than a traditional train ride.

Fun Fact: The train at the end of the world is only 7 km (4 miles) long!

The train departs from “The End of the World Station” and crosses the Cañadón del Toro over the Pipo River. The original bridge was burned and created the nickname “Burnt Bridge.” The remains of the original track are under the new track. The Pipo River runs from the mountains down to the Beagle Channel.

The stop at Cascada La Macarena Station is typically about 20 minutes long. It gives passengers time to ascend to a viewing point and waterfall in the mountains. You also get amazing views of the Valley of Pipo River, Cerro Guanaco, Cerro la Portada, and Monte Susana. Listen for the whistle of the guards which signals a return to the train and continues its journey.

Continuing on the journey through the National Park with great views of mountains and even wild horses! Eventually, you’ll pass the Cemetery of Trees where tree stumps remain from the early 1900s. This is where you can really appreciate the daily work of the prisoners. Nearby is the former sawmill, Lombardich, which is no longer in use since the area is protected. The National Park Station is the last stop. We did an excursion to continue to explore the national park with a guide. You can do this or return on the same train back to the Main station.

The Train at the End of the World is a mixture of history and nature, making it a great destination to visit in Argentina.

EL CALAFATE

The Moreno Glacier is 1hour trip from EL Calafate.

Los Glaciares National Park: as you enter the park you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Perito Moreno. This expansive ice mass flows down from the Andes out over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall of ice that curves around the lake. You’ll witness “calving,” the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the glacier and crashing into the tranquil waters below. Every time ice hits the water a thundering crash echoes on the lake.

While it’s not the only glacier in the area, Perito Moreno is definitely the star of the park. It’s also one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, which is what causes the calving mentioned above. You’ll be able to admire Perito Moreno from a number of different vantage points thanks to the network of wooden walkways that zigzag strategically in front of the glacier. You’ll also be able to see the massive ice wall up close on a boat tour.

LAST PART IGUAZU WATERFALL

The Iguazu (also called Iguassu) Falls are composed of multiple separate cascades, which make it the largest broken waterfall in the world. Made up of a chain of waterfalls that are fed by the Iguazu River, this powerful phenomenon sits on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

Stretching almost 3km along the border of Argentina and Brazil, the falls are made up of roughly 275 different vertical drops, with heights varying from 60 meters - 82 meters. This makes the Iguazu Falls taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide.

Nearly 80 percent of the falls are on the Argentinean side and about 20 percent on the Brazilian side.

CHILE

Torres del Paine National Park (Parco nazionale Torres del Paine)

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Torres del Paine National Park

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