Mitre Peninsula Expedition

The adventure begins with a 230-kilometer transfer by car from Ushuaia to Estancia Maria Luisa, a traditional Patagonian cattle ranch. The journey takes you through some of Tierra del Fuego's most iconic landscapes, including the Garibaldi Pass through the Andes and stunning views of Lake Fagnano. Upon reaching the end of the road, where civilization fades away, guests will meet their horses for the first time, with each person being assigned their own. After loading our luggage onto the horses, the real adventure begins. The first day is designed for acclimatization, with no significant challenges ahead. We’ll ride through gently rolling hills covered in lush green grass, eventually arriving at the Irigoyen River, which we can only cross during low tide. Known for its large trout, the Irigoyen River marks the start of a long beach ride that leads us to our first overnight stop, Puesta La Chaira, part of the historic Estancia Policarpo. This is the last shelter inhabited by gauchos along our route.

After breakfast, we will embark on a long ride to the shelter known as 'Puesto Rio Bueno.' As we travel, all signs of civilization will gradually fade, revealing the untamed wilderness of Tierra del Fuego. Along the way, we'll encounter several shipwrecks, such as the “Barca,” an ancient wooden boat that has been buried beneath sand for centuries. We'll also pass by abandoned shelters, many of which were constructed using remnants of old ships. The region's wildlife will be on full display, with sightings of curious foxes, guanacos, majestic condors, beavers, and various bird species. With some luck, we might even spot marine mammals. Traces of the native Haush Indians can also be found in this area. After crossing the Leticia River, we’ll arrive at our shelter for the night. Much of the trail follows the coastline, which we can only traverse during low tide.

On this day, we will cross two rivers, the 'Rio Bueno' and the 'Rio Policarpo,' and finish our ride at the historic remains of 'Estancia Policarpo,' a site that has been declared a National Historical Monument. The riding conditions will be similar to the previous day, but with the added challenge of navigating several peatlands, where our horses will showcase their impressive ability to find the safest paths. Along the way, we will once again encounter a variety of wildlife, including herds of wild horses, colonies of sea lions, and possibly even solitary penguins. We will also visit the most famous shipwreck on the Mitre Peninsula, the British clipper 'Duchess of Albany.' Afterward, we will arrive at our destination, Caleta Falsa bay, once the heart of Estancia Policarpo, founded by pioneer Francisco Bilbao in the early 20th century. Abandoned since the 1960s, this area offers a unique opportunity to explore and uncover the secrets of its past.

After departing from Caleta Falsa bay, we will travel along several beaches, heading towards the bird-rich Laguna Centenario. Here, we will witness the diverse bird species of Tierra del Fuego in full display, potentially spotting cormorants, southern crested caracaras, and the majestic black-browed albatrosses and Andean condors. We may also pass colonies of sea lions, and if the season allows, their adorable pups.

Leaving the coastline behind, we’ll venture inland through the Fueguino peatlands. If the weather is clear, we might catch a glimpse of the legendary and remote State Island, home to the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, which gained fame through Jules Verne’s novel *The Lighthouse at the End of the World.* As the peatlands become more boggy, we will likely need to dismount and cross some sections on foot.

Our journey will conclude at Bahia Thetis, where we will encounter the remains of an old factory once used for processing the skin and fat of sea lions hunted in the Atlantic. Nearby lies another point of historical significance, the former Argentina Subprefectura (1889-1896), a former military outpost and rescue shelter for survivors of the many shipwrecks scattered along the shores of the Mitre Peninsula.

We plan to spend extra time at this farthest point of our journey, and for those interested, we offer an optional hike to the Cape San Diego Lighthouse, located at the easternmost tip of Tierra del Fuego. This approximately seven-hour round-trip hike takes us primarily through peatlands, following the coastline and crossing the channel into the inner bay. Along the way, we may have the opportunity to see guanacos (relatives of llamas) up close.

As we approach Cape San Diego, we are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view of the South Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Le Maire, Staten Island, and the entrance to the Beagle Channel. At the cape, we can explore the historic lighthouse and enjoy lunch with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views imaginable. There is also a chance to spot a small sea lion colony in the area.

In the afternoon, we will hike back to our horses, taking in the iconic Patagonian landscape once more, with its wind-shaped trees and rugged beauty. Please note that this hike is long and can be physically demanding, so sturdy trekking shoes are highly recommended.

On this day, we can take a break and enjoy the tranquility of our surroundings with short walks and exploration. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the true magic of this beautiful land. We can observe local wildlife and search for traces of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area.

There’s also a campsite where we can unwind, relax, and savor the mesmerizing views with a glass of wine in hand. This rest day offers the chance to regenerate, soak in the atmosphere, and prepare ourselves before we begin our journey back.

On our return journey, we will retrace the same trail from Bahía Thetis to Estancia Policarpo. Once again, our trusty Criollo horses will showcase their remarkable strength and skill in navigating through the challenging peatlands. As we ride along the cliffs, we will be treated to an extraordinary display of light and color, with stunning views of the sub-Antarctic forest, the Andes, and the vast South Atlantic Ocean.

About halfway, we will pause for a lunch break before continuing onward to the Policarpo shelter, where we will conclude the day's ride amidst the beautiful and remote landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

We will depart from Caleta Falsa bay and once again cross the peatlands, eventually reaching the coastline near Rio Policarpo—the widest and most challenging river of our expedition. After crossing the river, we’ll arrive at the longest beaches of our journey, Donata and Policarpo Bay. These expansive beaches are perfect for long canters, often evoking an incredible sense of freedom.

With some luck, we may encounter large groups of wild horses roaming freely in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience. We’ll take a break near the old *Duchess of Albany* shipwreck, where we can enjoy a snack and capture more photos. Before returning to the beaches, we might see herds of wild cattle grazing near the grassy cliffs. As our luggage becomes lighter, we’ll pick up the pace, enjoying more trots and canters along the way.

In the morning, we'll have some time to explore around the Rio Bueno shelter and hear stories about the legendary "puesteros" who once lived and worked with cattle in the area. Afterward, we’ll mount our horses and cross the Leticia River, then climb to the top of the grassy cliffs on the other side. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire region, including the route we’ve traveled.

As we make our way to La Chaira, we’ll have the chance for more canters along the stunning beaches and take relaxing breaks along the way. That evening, we’ll gather for a hearty farewell meal, providing ample time to share stories and reflect on our unforgettable expedition together.

At La Chaira, we’ll bid a final farewell to the gauchos of the Mitre Peninsula, marking the end of our journey through Tierra del Fuego’s most remote and wild region. We’ll gradually cross the Río Irigoyen and make our way back to civilization. Upon reaching Estancia Maria Luisa, we’ll dismount our horses for the last time. After removing all saddles and luggage, we’ll have a final chance to say goodbye to our beautiful and courageous horses. From there, we will transport all participants back to their accommodations in Ushuaia, concluding our adventure.

Breakfast and transfer to airport.