Mitre Peninsula Adventure

Introduction
Southern Patagonia Argentina
The Mitre Peninsula, located in southeast corner of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), is the true End of the World. We will explore the wilderness of the peninsula, one of the last truly untouched places left on the planet.

This tour is for the intrepid traveller, with a desire to uncover the myths and mysteries of this hidden and enchanted land. It is your chance to escape civilisation and uncover the true explorer hidden within. Each day, you will cover great distances on horseback. Prepare yourself to ride deep into the unknown and follow in the footsteeps of the pioneering explorers of Patagonia. The breath taking views at the end of the world will lead you closer to nature than ever before.

During our trip, we will enjoy riding along the peninsula's endless beaches, therefore our timetable will be dictated by the Atlantic Oceans tide. We will have the chance to see the most diverse wildlife of Tierra del Fuego, including condors, seals, herds of guanacos and majestic wild horses. There is also a chance of crossing paths with the occasional wandering penguin.
There will be countless stories to share, with the waves of the South Atlantic Ocean playing lullabies on the rocks at the end of the earth.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in rustic shelter accommodations. Rooms are always shared. Basic bathrooms are available in just 2 shelters and toilets are always shared.
If necessary, clients can dry clothing inside the shelters.

Please, note that electricity is not available in any of the shelters so bring extra camera batteries and power banks to recharge your phone.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Ushuaia
Night 2: Puesto La Chaira
Night 3: Puesto Rio Bueno or Tents
Night 4: Estancia Policarpo
Night 5-7: Bahia Thetis
Night 8: Estancia Policarpo
Night 9: Puesto Rio Bueno or Tents
Night 10: Puesto La Chaira
Night 11: Hotel in Ushuaia

Hotel in Ushuaia
You are accommodated in a simple but comfortable hotel room with a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The rooms will be shared (usually each apartment has two bedrooms and can host up to 6-8 people).

Puesto La Chaira
You will sleep in a shared bedroom equipped with 5 bunk beds. There is a bucket flush toilet and a wood burning stove (water can be heated for a shower).

Puesto Rio Bueno
This small shelter has a big bedroom with 6 basic beds. In case we have a big group, some people will have to spend the night in tents.
There is a long drop loo in an outhouse.

Estancia Policarpo
This former estancia has a bunk room for 6 guests, so tents might be needed if we have a big group. There are no toilets at this refuge.

Bahia Thetis
The bunk room can accommodate up to 6 people, so tents might be needed if we have a big group. 
There is a bucket shower and a bucket flush toilet.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are only available for overnights in Ushuaia for an extra fee. All other nights are spent in shared bedrooms and dorms.



Meals
Most meals are included during this trip. We provide meals from breakfast on Day 2 until lunch on Day 11. Breakfast is also included on your last day.
Dinners on Day 1 and 11 (in Ushuaia) are not provided.

We provide Argentinian wine for dinner.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
The horses we use are Argentinean Criollos that are world renowned for their calmness, bravery and hardiness. Our horses are bred in Tierra del Fuego and are used for all types of terrain.
Their average height is 1.55 m.

Tack
We use "Cangalla" saddles which are typically used by Argentinean gaucho’s. These saddles are covered with sheep skins for extra comfort and are designed for long distance riding. We do not use spurs

Riding Pace
Our trips are led mostly at a walk and trot. On the way back there are some canter opportunities. Long, slow trotting may be required, as we depend on Atlantic tides to travel on the beaches and to cross rivers.

Experience
This trip is designed for intermediate riders. More important than excellent riding skill, we ask that participants have a good general fitness as we ride during long hours in sometimes demanding conditions.
A basic knowledge of horse riding is required along with a good condition of health.

Riding Terrain
The terrain of our route is varied but is dominated by long flat beaches. There are sections of peatland (turba) where it is often necessary to dismount and walk on foot. Additionally, there are areas of grassy meadows, dense forest and occasionally we pass along cliff edges. There are four main rivers which we pass during low tide. Our daily schedule is dictated by the Atlantic tide.

Safety
The ride takes place in completely isolated places, out of reach by conventional emergency services. In case of emergency, we have satellite communication, and the guides are equipped with first aid kits. The guides have been trained as first responders as well. There is a private helicopter station in Ushuaia and there are military posts on the Peninsula coastline.
There is potable water at each overnight location.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please note that the program can be modified by the lead guide due to force majeure, weather or logistics. Any changes to the program are made to ensure maximum safety and comfort for all clients. The guides always take into account the best interests of the whole group and do everything in their power to ensure that all clients have a unique expedition.
The guide’s decision is final. The success of this tour depends on the collaboration of all riders.

Day 1: Arrival
You need to arrive in Ushuaia the day before the start of our riding excursion. You will be picked up from the Ushuaia international airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon / evening, there is an obligatory briefing with the group.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in Ushuaia

Day 2: Ride to Puesto La Chaira
The program begins with a 230 kilometers car transfer from Ushuaia to the starting point: Estancia Maria Luisa. This is a typical Patagonian ranch for breeding cattle. On the way, our road passes through some of the most iconic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego (Garibaldi Pass through the Andes and Lake Fagnano panorama). Once we reach the end of the road, we leave the civilized world behind us.
We will meet our horses for the first time at the estancia. A horse will be assigned to each guest at this point. We will load our luggage and start our adventure. The first day is desinged to allow you to acclimatize so there are no major difficulties along the way. We will ride through some rolling hills of lush green grass. This will take us up to the first river, which we can only cross during low tide. The river is called the Irigoyen River which is world famous for huge trouts. After a long beach ride, we reach our first overnight destination ‘Puesta La Chaira’, which is part of the old ‘Estancia Policarpo’. This is the last shelter inhabited by gauchos on our route.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto La Chaira

Day 3: Puesta La Chaira to Puesto Rio Bueno
After breakfast we will undertake our long ride to ‘Puesto Rio Bueno’. Along the way, all traces of civilization slowly disappear and we gradually see the wilder side of Tierra del Fuego. We will see several shipwrecks such as the "Barca" - an old wooden boat, which has been buried by centuries of sand. There are also abandoned shelters, many of which have been built with remains of ships.
We will see the local fauna in all its glory here, including curious foxes, guanacos, majestic condors, beavers and various species of birds, and with a little luck we might even see marine mammals.
Here, traces of the native Haush Indians can be found.
After passing the river Leticia, we will reach our shelter for the night. The trail generally follows the beaches, which we can only traverse during the low tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Rio Bueno

Day 4: Puesto Rio Bueno to Estancia Policarpo
During this day we will cross two rivers ‘Rio Bueno’ and ‘Rio Policarpo’. Our destination for the day are the remains of the ‘Estancia Policarpo’ (a National Historical Monument). Travelling conditions are similar to the previous day with the addition of several peat lands where our horses will demonstrate their excellent ability to find the safest way through.
Once again we will encounter many wild animals, including herds of wild horses, colonies of sea lions and possibly even some solitary penguins. On this day, we will also visit the most famous of all shipwrecks in the Mitre Peninsula, the British clipper ‘Duchess of Albany’.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia Policarpo

Day 5: Estancia Policarpo to Bahia Thetis
After leaving Caleta Falsa bay, we pass by several beaches. At Laguna Centenario, we can enjoy a unique spectacle: the varied species of birds of Tierra del Fuego in all their glory. This may include cormorants, southern crested caracaras as well as the two emperors of the sky: black browed albatrosses and Andean condors. We might also pass by colonies of sea lions which may even be accompanied by their lovely puppies depending on the season.
Afterwards we will drift away from the coastline and will ride further inland through the Fueguino peatland. Weather permitting, we can see the mythical and inaccessible State Island with its San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, which became famous after publishing Jules Verne’s book “The Lighthouse at the End of the World.”
The peat land becomes even more boggy here, which will force us to dismount the horses on several occasions and cross some sections by foot. Finally we arrive at Bahia Thetis. Here, we will pass by an abandoned factory.
Close by, exists another interesting historic point, the former Argentina Subprefectura (1889 - 1896), once a military detachment and rescue shelter for survivors of the many shipwrecks that are now sprawled along the shores of the Mitre Peninsula.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bahia Thetis

Day 6: Bahia Thetis (no riding)
Today, we spend some time around Bahia Thetis, the farthest point of our ride.
We can offer a hike to Cape San Diego Lighthouse at the farthest east end of Tierra del Fuego. The walk is mostly through peat land and is approximately seven hours (round trip). We follow the coastline and then cross the channel
leading to the inner bay. There is a chance to see guanacos (cousins of lamas) within a stone’s throw. From the lighthouse, we can enjoy an exceptional 360 degree view of the South Atlantic Ocean, Strait of Le Maire, Staten Island and the entrance to the Beagle Channel. We can also explore the old lighthouse and then have lunch with the most breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings. Here we might even get the chance to see a small sea lion colony. In the afternoon we walk back to our patiently waiting horses, enjoying the iconic Patagonian landscape.
Please note that this hike is quite long and can be tiring so good trekking shoes are required.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bahia Thetis

Day 7: Bahia Thetis (no riding)
On this day we can take time out to enjoy short walks around the area and explore the true magic of this beautiful land. We can observe wildlife and look for traces of the Indians who inhabited this land many years ago.
There is a camping site where we can sit back, relax and soak up the mesmerizing surroundings with a glass of wine. This is the perfect day to take time to regenerate before beginning our journey back.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bahia Thetis

Day 8: Bahia Thetis to Estancia Policarpo
On our way back, we will follow the same trail between Bahía Thetis and Estancia Policarpo. Once again our Criollo horses will demonstrate their incredible strength and ability to navigate the best way through the peat land. From the cliffs, we can enjoy an extraordinary spectacle of light and color, a beautiful landscape of the sub- Antarctic forest, the Andes and the South Atlantic Ocean.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Estancia Policarpo

Day 9: Estancia Policarpo to Puesto Rio Bueno
After preparing the horses, we will cross peatland once again, eventually reaching the coastline next to Rio Policarpo (the widest and most challenging river during our expedition). On the other side of Rio Policarpo, lie the longest beaches of our journey (Donata and Policarpo Bay). Here we can enjoy long canters which often creates incredible feelings of freedom from within. With a little luck, it’s possible we will encounter large groups of wild horses in their natural habitat. This is an unforgettable experience. We will take a break near the old “Duchess of Albany” shipwreck, snack and take some more photos. Before stepping onto the beaches once again.
As our luggage becomes smaller and lighter, we can enjoy a slightly faster pace (more trots and canters).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Rio Bueno

Day 10: Puesto Rio Bueno to Puesto La Chaira
In the morning we will have some time to walk around the Rio Bueno shelter and listen to stories about the legendary “puesteros” who once inhabited the land and worked with the cattle here. After, we will mount our horses, cross the Leticia River and climb to the top of the grassy cliff on the other side. From this point, we can appreciate panoramic views of the entire region including the route we have taken.
On our way to La Chaira, we can enjoy more canters along the magnificent beaches. That evening, we will have a hearty meal with plenty of time to share stories and reflect on our time together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Chaira

Day 11: Ride back to Estancia Maria Luisa
Our last full day together sees us leave La Chaira, saying a final farewell to the gauchos of the Mitre Peninsula. We leave behind the most remote and wildest region of Tierra del Fuego. Slowly but surely we will cross Río Irigoyen and return to civilization.
At Estancia Maria Luisa, we will dismount our horses for the last time. After removing all saddles and luggage, we will say a final goodbye to our beautiful and brave horses.
From here we will transport all participants back to their accommodation in Ushuaia.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Ushuaia

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Mitre Peninsula Adventure

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Ushuaia
Airport: Ushuaia airport
Transfer: Ushuaia airport

Climate:
                                            Ushuaia area

• Sleeping bag (not provided by operator). we recommend a sleeping bag with comfort temperature level of at least -10 degrees Celsius. 
  We
  recommend sleeping
  bag with the COMFORT
  temperature level at least -10 °
  C (minus).
• Waterproof leather boots or trekking shoes. Please note that footwear should be comfortable both for riding and walking.
• Lightweight sneakers are perfect for the evening time.
• At least 5 pairs of socks - in case your shoes get wet during river crossing.
• Thermal underwear (tops and leggings), 2 sets. Cotton is not recommended as it absorbs moisture and it is difficult to dry.
• Pants: waterproof/lightweight trekking trousers.
• Waterproof /Windproof hooded jacket.
• Additional warm layers (i.e. Soft-shell, fleece) are advised. Lightweight jacket for camping are ideal.
• Gloves (at least 2 pairs - ideally one waterproof)
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Riding helmet – we can also provide one for you
• Sunglasses
• Thermal neck scarf (buff)
• Headlamp
• Cosmetics – including sunblock and tissues.

• Camera with spare batteries
• Power bank
• Towel - microfiber/quick dry
• Any personal medications that you normally use in similar situations
• Small amount of cash
• Copy of ID card/Passport
• Nylon or waterproof bags to secure your personal items
• Small thermos (0,5 l – 1l) for personal use.