After the coach journey back from Chile we spent the evening in El Calafate (where we ate a yummy crepe) before heading off the following morning to Ushuaia.
Delicious Banana, Cream and DulceDe Leche crepes in Casa La Pepa in Calafate
Ushuaia is at the tip of South America and is known as the ‘end of the world’ because it is the southern most city in the world (there are some other smaller dwellings to the South in Chile, but this is the largest town). The weather here is notoriously unpredictable and often very cold. We’ve had wind, rain, sun and snow all in one day!
Ushuaia, the end of the world!
The town itself not the prettiest of places. The port is probably the nicest area and its where many of the boats and cruise liners leave for trips to the Antartic.
Cargo ships, naval ships and smaller catermerans that go on local excursions also dock here.
Ushuaia’s busy port
The nice bay where the port is
Lots of the tourist trips sail out to different parts of the Beagle Channel (named after HMS Beagle which carried Darwin) to see wildlife such as sealions and penguins.
We decided not to do one of these trips aboard a boat. Instead, we went by minibus through the Tierra Del Fuego national park, until we reached an estancia (farm) called Haberton, where we got a small boat which took us to an island full of penguins!!
On the way to pengiun island we stopped at this lake where across the bay we just about could see Port Williams in Chile.
Arbol Bandera (Flag Tree) – moulded into shape by the wind
At another stop I spotted this young beautiful grey Fox that looked like a wolf
One of the ships at the Estancia Haberton. These ships go out to the large cargo ships crossing the Beagle Channel and help them navigate.
The trip was amazing and we decided to do it this way since its the only trip that allows you to actually go on to the island where the penguins are. All other companys are allowed to get their boats close but not actually allow tourists on.
Our landing beach. There were so many penguins, everywhere!!
They were so cute! I really wanted to pick one up and cuddle it!
Soooo cute!
Calling for its mummy
Play fighting
These nasty big gulls eat the baby penguins and the penguin eggs, boooo!
There were over 3000 pairs of Magellanic Penguins on the island but only 20 pairs of the Gentoo Penguins which have orange beaks and are even cuter!
Gentoo Penguins. They had their nest made of rocks instead of holes in the ground.
Going into its nest
Cleaning its feathers
Happy feet!
These penguins have great views from their homes!
The whole island was covered in small holes and caves in the ground where the nests were. As you walked you could see small holes and tiny penguin head poking out. We saw quite a few mothers sitting on top of the little babies keeping them warm.
On penguin beach
Whale bones washed up on the shore
It was a great outing and this adds to the amazing wildlife we’ve already seen on our trip!
In the afternoon we watched a big band in the town centre. Finally, just enough time to tell you that last night I had an all you can eat in a local restaurant. First I had a huge sausage, which was very nice. Then I had a steak which, was very nice. After I ate some ribs, which were lovely. Then I ate a quarter chicken, which was very nice and finally I had a lamb shank which was horrible! Not really, it was delicious! Well I had to get my moneys worth didn’t I?!
The big band in Ushuaia town centre
I met the guys that cut up all the meats in the all you can eat Parilla (BBQ) restaurant
Awwww have you packed a penguin to bring home for me??
We had snow on friday woooo
x x x x
Dad says were the penguins taller than Heidi?!! They’re sooo lovely. We did see reindeer yesterday though!! And, we saw the real Father Christmas!! We havn’t had snow! Typical! Been really cold though! Keep having an amazing time. Love you both. xxx