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Sarah Scott

Gastro Tour: Where to Eat in Ushuaia

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After traveling thousands of kilometers to get to Tierra del Fuego, you must be ready to eat! Fear not, Ushuaia has a great variety of delicious offerings.

From empanadas and pizza, to delicious seafood, tender steaks and Patagonian lamb, you’ll find a varied menu in the capital city. Take a look at this list of cuisines & recommendations to try a few of the delicious options Ushuaia has to offer.

EMPANADAS & PIZZA

These are one of the most popular Argentinian options an easy night in with friends, or out on the town. Sometimes you can’t make up your mind as what to choose due to the great variety of options!

For empanadas you can choose from: “de verdura”(veggies), “cordero” (lamb), “carne” (meat), “pollo” (chicken),  “choclo”  (sweet corn), “cebolla y queso” (onions and cheese), “matambre” and many other creative options depending on the place you choose! Pizza is also offered with many different toppings: you can have the classics Mozzarella or the Napolitana, or try the Fugazzeta (lots of onions), Alemana (with sausages), Ananá (pineapple) and even pizza with smoked salmon!

  • TO GO: Doña Lupita (Don Bosco 341) & Pizza Bely (Gob Paz 747)
  • SIT DOWN: Bar de Pizzas (San Martin 753) and Dublin Pub (9 de julio 168)

MILANESAS

The favorite food of many kids and adults alike, you may know milanesas as ‘breaded cutlets.” Meat, chicken, fish or veggie, these are delicious and usually moderately priced.  Milanesas can be ordered to go from most rotisserie shops, with a side of potatoes or salad. If you prefer to sit down, the classic El Turco (San Martin 1410) is a great place to try these. Also the new El Mercado (San Martin 1488) offers gargantuan size milanesas with various toppings – one milanesa is perfect for 2 people!

SEAFOOD

Tierra del Fuego is an excellent place to enjoy fresh, local seafood dishes. Try local river trout or the famous “centolla” (king crab). Check out the iconic Cantina de Freddy, a small joint with an aquarium in the window. You can pick out which king crab you want to eat! We also recommend Chikos (a Chilean restaurant), as well as Tia Elvira, both known for excellent and fresh seafood varieties.

Off the Beaten Track: If you are out to discover Ruta J and Estancia Haberton on your own, you do not want to miss “La Mesita de Almanza” in Puerto Almanza, which is about 70 km away from the capital city of Ushuaia. As this is a small restaurant and they do not open daily, it is advisable that you make a reservation before going! Check their Facebook page for details.

MEAT

You have probably heard a lot about Argentinian meat, Patagonian lamb and asados (barbeques). As you can imagine, there are also great places in Ushuaia where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, Argentinian style. In many restaurants you are offered “buffet style” where you can eat all you want, and in others you can order different cuts of meat. We love Maria Lola Resto for beef & lamb, and La Estancia for the “All you can eat” option.

 

Off the Beaten Track: Most Winter Centers on Route 3 have their own restaurants, and these are the favorite places to eat lamb during the winter or summer months. About 20 minutes outside of town you can find Llanos del Castor, a family-run center with sled dogs, miles of cross country ski trails, and an amazing lunch menu of lamb and “pollo al disco.” Set in a rustic cabin at the foot of the mountains, you get a real taste of the Andes! Check out their Facebook page to reserve before going.

 

SPLURGE MEAL

If you are celebrating an important occasion or want to go out for a nice dinner, Ushuaia has some wonderful options. Kaupe, which means “to be at home” is a family-run restaurant with incredible meat and seafood. Desserts are also homemade, including gelato, and you will be welcomed with warm hospitality of the Vivian family.

QUICK BITES: SANDWICHES

If you are out for a trekking day, sandwiches are a great option to go. You can choose from the traditional chicken or ham sandwiches or try “sandwiches de miga” with “huevo y queso” (eggs and cheese), “atún” (tuna), “primavera” (ham, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes), or “remolacha” (beet). Miga is a very thin bread with different fillings. You can find these sandwiches in any bakery, but the variety will vary depending on where you go.

We recommend Tante Sara or Panadería Eureka. Don’t forget to grab something sweet. You’ll be tempted to have an Argentinian merienda (afternoon tea)!

SNACKS & MERIENDAS

If what you are looking for is something to grab and continue your adventure day, you may be able to find a few options at the supermarket, but here in Argentina the “Dietéticas” are the places where you can find your favorite nuts and cereals, as well as other options of tea or juices.

If you plan to blend in and enjoy the merienda at 6pm, then you should try “facturas” (pastries) while you try a sip of mate! In the city center you can find the dietética “Madre Tierra” on San Martin Street and grab some delicacies at Tante Sara or Café Expresso on San Martin Street.

Do you need a visa to travel to Antarctica?

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If you are planning to embark in an amazing polar expedition, one of the most important things to have ready for the adventure is the necessary documentation to travel. When you are traveling internationally, a passport is essential! Make sure your passport is valid not only for the duration of your trip, but for at least six (6) months following your intended travel dates.

Although a visa is not required to set foot on the White Continent, most expeditions depart either from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. Hence, you might need a visa while you are in transit, or if you want to spend a couple of days in any of these countries before or after your voyage. Depending on your citizenship you might need a visa, so it is strongly recommended that you check with the local embassy to make any necessary arrangements ahead of time.

Note: The information below is valid at time of writing (July 2018), but these visas & fees change frequently. We recommend you re-check before traveling!

 For stays of three months or less in Chile or Argentina: US, UK, Australian, Canadian and Chinese citizens do not need a visa. Since regulations change frequently we recommend you double check they prevail when you intend to travel.

Some countries may not require a visa to enter, but they may charge tourists a reciprocity fee. Make sure you have checked if you need to pay a reciprocity fee, because some countries such as Argentina require you to pay it online before arriving to the country.

US, UK and Canadian citizens are exempt from paying this reciprocity fee when entering either Chile or Argentina. Nevertheless, Australian citizens have to pay a USD $117 reciprocity fee at the airport when they arrive in Chile by air (notice that when traveling by land this payment is not required). In Chile, this fee can be paid either by credit card or in US dollars.

As we’ve said a few times, these regulations change frequently, so this is just a guide! Our team is here to help you make sure you have the correct documentation before you come south.

Sheep Pass: Laguna del Caminante – What to pack?

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For those looking for longer hikes around Ushuaia, Laguna del Caminante is the perfect option to combine hiking and camping during the austral summer.

It is highly recommended that you start early in the morning to guarantee you’ll arrive at Laguna del Caminante before the sun sets, and get your tent ready to enjoy the night in the mountains.

You’ll find the trailhead at the end of the main road that leads you to Barrio Andorra (a taxi can drop you off here). From there, all trails are well marked: you will find the trailhead to Laguna del Caminante to your left, while you’ll find the trailheads to go to Glaciar Vinciguerra-Laguna de los Témpanos and Laguna Encantada to the right of the main path.

You have several options if you want to do this hike. Some visitors do the whole trek on the same day, starting in Andorra early in the morning and returning by the same path (a very long day). Others choose to start early from Andorra, arrive at Laguna del Caminante, camp there and return to the city the next day following an alternative trail to Cañadón de la Oveja which ends in front of Centro Hípico Ushuaia, on the other side of town. We recommend this option! If you do choose to camp and try this adventurous trekking, bear in mind that getting from the trailhead in Andorra to Laguna del Caminante will take you about 6 hours.

The next day, the return to Ushuaia from Laguna del Caminante to Centro Hípico de Ushuaia will also take you about 6 to 7 hours depending on your pace. We suggest you do not forget to bring your trekking poles as they are extremely helpful in these long treks! Remember that this trekking trail is located inside Tierra del Fuego National Park where it is forbidden to make a campfire or bring any pets with you. Below you’ll find a list of essentials you must not forget to better enjoy this experience:

  • Food and Enough Water
  • Tent, Sleeping Bags
  • Warm Layers, Extra underwear or liners
  • Wind-Rain Jacket with hood
  • One or two extra pairs of socks
  • Headlamp or flashlights
  • Fire starter, Burner & Lightweight camping cookset
  • Trekking poles
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Sunglasses & Sunblock

Remember that as this is a longer trekking it is crucial that you pack as light as possible without forgetting the important stuff. Carrying unessential items on your backpack adds on weight and inevitably adds on your tiredness and fatigue. We recommend you always go to the mountains with friends and companions and you are sure to have a great time while also guaranteeing weight is properly distributed!

 

 

 

What to do at Tierra del Fuego National Park

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If you have come this far, you don’t want to miss visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, just about 20 km away from the city center of Ushuaia. Although the most common way to get there is by taking a half-day guided tour, you have the possibility of visiting it on your own by taking a shuttle bus or renting a car. This will give you more time to explore the beauty of this park as well as to enjoy some of its trails.

When you enter the park you will be given a map of the different trails. All trails have signposts and it is not necessary to hire a guide as they can be done independently. If you want to spend some days exploring the trails, you have the option to camp inside the national park.

Here is a list of the most popular trekking trails. Notice that depending on the season, some of them might be closed.

  • Pampa Alta Trail

You can start this trek from Bahia Ensenada camping or directly through route #3. When you enter the national park you will find a crossroad where you can either go to Bahia Ensenada, Cañadón del Toro or continue Route 3 to reach Lago Acigami or Bahia Lapatahia. Once you pass that crossroad you have another___ kms until you see the Pampa Alta Trail Sign on your right. This trail ends in on the way to Río Pipo. You’ll get a nice panoramic view of Río Pipo Valley.

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 3.7- 4.9km depending on where you start!

Approximate Time: 2 hours

  • Senda Costera

If you are in Bahia Ensenada Zaratiegui, you will find the trailhead on your right side. This trail borders the coastline and is has no significant slope. Beware of the trees’ roots and wet rocks!

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 8 kms

Approximate Time: 2 hours

 

  • Cerro Guanaco Trail

This is an intense trek as it has a significant and continuous slope during most of the trail. You will enjoy a fantastic view of the Fuegian Mountain Range from the top of Cerro Guanaco.

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 8 kms

Approximate Time: 4 hours from the trailhead to the summit

  • Hito XXIV

This is an easy coastal trek with no significant slope. Once you arrive to Lago Acigami (or Roca) you will find the trailhead on the right side of it. During the first meters this trail is the same you will take to go to Cerro Guanaco. You will find a sign that indicates Hito XXIV trail continues to your left.

Difficulty: easy

Distance: 3.5kms

Approximate Time: 1.5 hours

Notice that the approximate time expressed is for the one-way trek.

Inside the national park you can find Centro de Visitantes Alakush (Visitors Center) which has a restaurant, restrooms and a museum where you can find out more information about the history and culture of the ancestors who once inhabited this land.

Alternative Activities

  • Rent a bike

There are no rent-a-bike inside the park, so you will have to rent in at the city centre. Bear in mind that the entrance is about 20 km away from the center and from there you have about 20 more, so if you are not an eager cyclist or are not used to it, take into consideration the amount of kilometres and the time you start you journey so you are back in the city with sunlight.

  • Canoeing/ Kayak

Some agencies offer travelers the opportunity to kayak or canoe in Lago Acigami (or Lago Roca). If you like adventure activities, this is a great option for you. Bear in mind that you should contact the agency in advance and reserve your spot.

  • Camping

Once you pay the entrance fee you are allowed to camp inside the permitted camping areas up to 48 hours. Remember to bring your camping stove/burner and food, as there are no kiosks or minimarkets inside the park.

Entrance Fees [updated May 2018]:

From May 1st until September 30th, 2018 – Free of charge for ALL visitors

From October 1st, 2018

General Entrance AR$420

National Residents AR$140

Children

  • 6 -12 years old AR$70
  • 0 -5 years old AR $0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three hikes to Enjoy the Fall Colors in Ushuaia

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Three hikes to Enjoy the Fall Colors in Ushuaia

In March, here in Ushuaia, we welcome the colorful season of autumn. As leaves start to turn golden and temperatures lower, nature marvels both visitors and locals alike. Autumn is a perfect time to go outdoors and enjoy the many half-day or full day-hikes that Ushuaia has to offer.

Here we list three you should not miss (see the wikiloc links for specific details and coordinates):

Cascada & Laguna Submarino  (Wikiloc link) 

This trek starts in front of the entrance of Tierra Mayor Ski Centre. During most of the trek you will border the stream, and after about an hour and a half you will arrive to Cascada Submarino. This is an easy trek with no significant slope. From this point you can continue the trek for approximately another hour to arrive at Laguna Submarino. Arriving to the Laguna is a bit more strenuous, as you will have to climb!

Cerro Cortez (Wikiloc link)

About 200 meters before arriving to the parking lot of Hotel Arakur, you will find the Cerro Cortez trailhead. Trekking to the top takes about two hours (with stops included), and you will sweat! This hike is climbing and steep the whole way. Once you are above the treeline, you will enjoy an amazing view of the city of Ushuaia and of the surrounding mountains.

 Lagunas Gemelas (Wikiloc link)

The trailhead to get to Lagunas Gemelas is located about 800 meters before arriving to Paso Garibaldi viewpoint (*departing from Ushuaia). There is a small “waterfall” on the right side of the route* where most people park. From there you have to walk about 100m (in direction to Ushuaia) to find a small sign that introduces you to this trek.

This is a short hike of approximately one hour (or less) depending on your pace. It is important to wear waterproof/ water resistant shoes as the soil is saturated and chances are that your feet get wet the during the first part of the trek if you do not wear proper gear. The slope is gradual and as the trek already starts in a high point, the forest is no longer dense. When you get to the highest point you will enjoy an incredible view of Lago Escondido & Paso Garibaldi, and of course you will also enjoy the landscape that accompanies Lagunas Gemelas.

All three of these treks are free & can be done in half a day or less. When hiking in Ushuaia, we always recommend to be prepared for all 4 seasons, as weather changes quickly. Make sure you bring rain gear, a warmer layer and water/ snacks.

By investing nothing but your time you will undoubtedly enjoy from the unlimited richness nature offers.

Freestyle gives “1% for the Planet.” What does that mean?

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Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness. The white continent’s unique geography and fauna are novel for even the most experienced traveler, which is why the remote region attracts over 30,000 visitors a year. Such a singular ecosystem requires careful preservation in order to be sustained.

Although melting Arctic ice receives much attention in the media, climate change also directly affects the wildlife and terrain of Antarctica. These changes will have great repercussions throughout the planet. As a business founded based on our passion for Antarctica and the great outdoors, we feel compelled to protect the environment.

Therefore, we have committed to contributing 1 percent of our earnings to environmental causes. In April 2014, we joined “1% for the Planet,” an alliance of businesses around the world who pledge 1% of their sales to approved environmentally-focused organizations. Started in 2002 by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews, Blue Ribbon Flies founder, the network comprises over 1,200 businesses and thousands of nonprofit partners in over 60 countries. To date, 1% for the Planet business partners have collectively given over $175 million. We are proud to be a part of this movement to build a healthy planet.

For the past three seasons, we have split our 1% contribution between two organizations: Yadkin Riverkeeper (Winston-Salem, NC) and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC). These selections reflect our organization’s values as an American business promoting exploration of the Antarctic.

Yadkin Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization with the mission to protect and preserve the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin through education, advocacy, and action. We recognize the importance of local action to make a difference, and we have seen first-hand the impactful work of the Yadkin Riverkeeper. Sarah’s brother Will has worked for this nonprofit as a lawyer and riverkeeper for the past years, and we remain impressed by the results of their projects.

The second recipient, ASOC, is a coalition of over 30 NGOs interested in Antarctic environmental protection. As the only non-governmental organization working full-time to preserve Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, this organization achieved early victories in protecting the region from exploitation by mineral and gas companies. Today, the ASOC is concerned with issues of tourism, shipping, and climate change in the Antarctic.

As a tour agency, we hope to bring people to the furthest corners of the world on journeys that are sustainable and respectful to the environment. Therefore, we only work with ships that are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a regulatory body which ensures that trips to the Antarctic are safe and environmentally responsible.

We love sending people to the magical, white landscape of Antarctica, where they can witness a topography unlike any other. This is why we are aligned with organizations like 1% for the Planet and IAATO: to ensure that this incredible region retains its vibrancy for years to come.