Background

Estancia Túnel: A Coastal Hike into History

Hike through history and stunning landscapes at Estancia Túnel, a former ranch and sawmill on the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia.

4.8

Estancia Túnel, near Ushuaia, is a historical landmark offering a scenic coastal hike with panoramic views of the Beagle Channel. Once a thriving cattle ranch and sawmill, it now invites visitors to explore its remnants and the surrounding natural beauty.

A brief summary to Estancia Túnel

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear for the hike, as the terrain can be uneven with roots and gentle slopes.
  • Plan your visit during daylight hours, especially in autumn and winter, due to shorter days and potential for ice or snow.
  • Bring extra clothes, as the weather in Tierra del Fuego can be unpredictable.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Ushuaia, take a taxi or bus (A, B, COMBI, or D) towards Playa Larga. The bus will drop you off near Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina Y Calle 12 De Octubre, from where you'll need to walk for approximately 3 minutes to reach Baliza Escarpados, the starting point of the Estancia Túnel trail. Follow the well-marked path for 2.2 kilometers to reach the Estancia Túnel. Taxi fare from Ushuaia to the trailhead is approximately ARS 1200.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus line A or B from Ushuaia towards Playa Larga. Get off at the Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina Y Calle 12 De Octubre stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the start of the Estancia Túnel trail. Follow the trail for 2.2 kilometers to reach the Estancia. A monthly public transport ticket in Ushuaia costs approximately ARS 32,000.

Unlock the Best of Estancia Túnel

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Estancia Túnel

Estancia Túnel, located 12 kilometers east of Ushuaia, is a captivating destination blending history and natural beauty along the Beagle Channel. The site, accessible via a well-marked trail from the Playa Larga Natural and Cultural Reserve, offers a glimpse into the region's past as a former cattle ranch and sawmill. The journey to Estancia Túnel begins at the "Escarpados" beacon, where a 2.2-kilometer trail winds through Fuegian forests of cherry trees, cinnamon trees and notros. The path offers stunning views of the Beagle Channel and the chance to observe the unique ecosystem. Along the way, hikers may encounter a stream called "Lancha Packewaia," named after a naval boat that wrecked nearby in 1975, now an archaeological study site. Upon reaching Estancia Túnel, visitors can explore the historical site, which operated as a sawmill from 1917 until its closure. Remnants of the Yaghan people, with archaeological sites dating back 6,000 years, can also be discovered. The site provides a window into the lives of the area's first settlers and the Patagonian ranching history. The trail continues to the Encajonado River for those seeking a longer hike. Travelers should plan their visit during daylight hours, especially in autumn and winter, due to shorter days and potential for ice or snow. Appropriate footwear is recommended for the winding forest terrain.

Popular Experiences near Estancia Túnel

Popular Hotels near Estancia Túnel

Select Currency