We start our adventure at 4:00 PM from the VIP Lounge (or at 5:00 PM in front of the restaurant). We continue along the famous Ruta 3, enjoying the scenery until we see the Olivia River, named after the imposing Mount Olivia, the highest in the region.
After a short stop for contemplation and photos, we continue to Park Austral, a winter centre prepared to welcome Brazilians with activities all year round.
The adrenaline kicks in with an exhilarating quad bike ride in the snow: approximately 25 minutes exploring breathtaking white scenery, amidst the silence and grandeur of the Patagonian landscape.
Next, we walk along an enchanting trail to the refuge, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and endless horizons — the perfect setting for the cultural and gastronomic immersion that awaits us.
At the refuge, you will be welcomed with unlimited drinks (wine, soft drinks and water) and lamb empanadas, while the campfire warms the atmosphere and fascinating stories of the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego come to life:
• Selk'nam (Onas): known for their Hain ceremonies, with body paintings and masks representing nature spirits. They were nomads and excellent guanaco hunters, adapted to the extreme conditions of Patagonia.
• Yámanas: skilled canoeists who navigated the icy canals, living off fishing and shellfish gathering, in deep connection with the sea.
• Haush: inhabitants of the southeastern tip of the island, masters of hunting and fishing, who developed techniques to cope with the intense cold and challenging terrain.
• Alakalufes (Kawésqar): nomads of the sea who crossed the Patagonian channels in canoes, knowing every cove and current, with an impressive mastery of the maritime environment.
Each account reveals beliefs, rituals, and survival strategies, connecting you to a thousand-year-old history.
After this cultural immersion, we enjoy a full dinner at the retreat:
Starter: empanadas
Main Dish: lentil stew with unlimited drinks
Dessert: Patagonian treat
The evening is accompanied by live music, with original Ushuaia songs played on the guitar, creating a warm and unforgettable atmosphere.
At the end, we return with warm hearts and memories full of landscapes, flavours, and stories that only Tierra del Fuego can offer.
More than a tour, it is a sensory, cultural, and gastronomic experience that reveals the indomitable spirit of those who have lived here for millennia.
