At the ends of the earth, where the Americas become condensed into a volcanic wedge of moist Antarctic rainforest and cold, beautiful lakes, caught between toothy ridges of sheer granite and rivers of glittering ice, is Tierra del Fuego National Park. This is the very edge of human habitation.
This archipelago of wetlands is threaded by several great hikes, with basic spots (and one developed campsite) where you can overnight outdoors with a permit. Or take to the saltwater channels in kayaks, and appreciate the undisturbed wildlife up close.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is located 11 km (7 mi) west of Ushuaia, arguably the southernmost city in the world, thus the "Gateway to the Antarctica." Visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, however, is a much easier and less expensive adventure.
Most people fly into Ushuaia–Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), with flights from around Argentina and Chile. There are also bus/ferry connections to Buenos Aires (36 hours) and smaller cities around the region.
Once you're here, however, getting to the park is half the fun. You can rent a car or take regular buses, but why not take the the iconic 1902 "Train at the End of the World" railway, steaming from Ushuaia into the park throughout the day.
