From the 1994 Orient Lines Grand Antarctica Circumnavigation brochure...

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia has the rugged feel of a frontier town and the setting of a glacial paradise. Located on the Beagle Channel and backed by snow-capped mountains, this southernmost city in the world serves as the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, the "Land of Fire." It was so named because of the torches lit along the shore by the native Indians to warn each other of danger. An excursion by motorcoach to the stunning wilderness of Lapataia National Park is included here, and you can also visit the area by catamaran on an optional tour.

Lapataia National Park

Half-day excursion by motorcoach (Included)

Located 12 miles west of Ushuaia, Lapataia is a 155,000-acre park whose magnificent scenery is matched only by the abundant wildlife. In this wilderness of glacial lakes, Andean mountains and woodlands, you might spot an 18-inch Great Patagonian Woodpecker, the large green austral parakeet, hawks, steamer ducks, and the rare Andean tapaculo. Gray fox and guanaco are also present, but most obvious are the effects of the Canadian beaver, introduced to Tierra del Fuego in 1948 and flourishing throughout the island.

Lapataia National Park

Half-day excursion by motorcoach and catamaran (US $30)

As an alternative to the included excursion above, you can visit the natural wonders of Lapataia by catamaran - the perfect way to appreciate the stunning landscapes of Lapataia and Ensenada Bays, and Redonda and Estorbo Islands. We'll go by motorcoach to Arias Harbor, then sail aboard the "Ana B" through the breathtaking Beagle Channel to Bridges Islands (Bird's and Sea Lion's islands) and Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. The return trip takes us from Ushuaia Bay to Commercial Harbor.


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