Almanza Port Tour with Lunch

A Detailed Look at the Almanza Port Tour with Lunch

This 8-hour excursion from Ushuaia to the small fishing village of Puerto Almanza offers a taste of Tierra del Fuego’s rugged charm. For $100 per person, you’ll enjoy a day filled with scenic drives, peaceful natural stops, a local seafood lunch, and plenty of opportunities to see local life at the very end of the world. The tour includes pickup, making it convenient, and the group size remains intimate, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personable experience.

We particularly like the way this tour balances breathtaking landscapes with the authentic atmosphere of a working fishing village. The stops at a winter resort and Chacra Ruca Kelleñ give you a break from the road, showcasing Tierra del Fuego’s untouched beauty and tranquility. The highlight for many is the visit to Puerto Almanza itself—a tiny hamlet known for mussel farming and crab hunting—which delivers a real sense of local life and the chance to savor fresh seafood.

One consideration is the lengthy drive on a sometimes rough, dusty road—about 45 km of unpaved, gravel paths—which can be a bit taxing if you’re sensitive to dust or bumpy rides. The road conditions and remote nature of the village mean that amenities are minimal, and the infrastructure is rustic. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, rustic small towns, and authentic local cuisine, rather than luxury or polished tourist attractions.

If you’re after a chance to see Tierra del Fuego in its natural state, sample some of the freshest seafood you’ll find in the region, and don’t mind a longer journey for authentic experiences, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate small villages, scenic routes, and learning about the strategic history of the area.

Key Points

• Authentic fishing village experience: Puerto Almanza remains a humble, working fishing community with authentic local flavor.
• Scenic drives: The route takes you along winding RN 3 and RP J roads, with mountain and forest views, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
• Local cuisine: The included lunch at a small restaurant features fresh, regional seafood and offers a taste of Tierra del Fuego’s culinary offerings.
• Limited amenities: The village is quite simple, with few restaurants and basic facilities, so plan accordingly.
• Remote adventure: Expect a longer drive on gravel roads, with some reviews noting the dusty conditions and rustic infrastructure.
• Authentic reviews: Many travelers describe the town as “incredible” and “picturesque,” with some noting whale sightings and stunning landscapes.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting in Ushuaia and Heading NE

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. From there, you’ll hop onto RN 3, a scenic route winding northeast past the Andes Mountains and lenga forests. The drive alone is worth the trip—imagine the stunning contrast of mountains and forests against the blue waters of the Beagle Channel.

Stop 1: Las Lengas

Your first stop is at a winter resort—a perfect spot for stretching your legs and appreciating Tierra del Fuego’s landscape. This is an hour-long break with no entry fee, and here you can enjoy the mountain views and possibly see snow if you’re visiting in the right season.

Stop 2: Chacra Ruca Kelleñ

Next, you’ll visit Chacra Ruca Kelleñ, a peaceful spot aimed at showcasing local rural life and the tranquility of Tierra del Fuego. With about two hours here, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, or simply relax in the pristine environment. Many reviews mention this stop as a favorite for the serene beauty and authentic atmosphere.

Stop 3: Puerto Almanza

The highlight for many is the journey to Puerto Almanza, a tiny fishing village founded during the 1978 conflict with Chile, strategically located opposite Puerto Williams. The village is famous for mussel farming and crab hunting—activities that you can observe or even participate in if the opportunity arises.

Here, you’ll enjoy a local lunch, usually highlighting the day’s fresh catch. Many travelers rave about the quality and freshness of the seafood, often describing it as a highlight of the trip. Some, like one reviewer, mention that the restaurants are small and rustic, but the dishes are worth the effort, especially if you love seafood.

Return Journey

After a leisurely lunch and exploration, the group begins the return trip around 2:00 pm, arriving back in Ushuaia around 5:00 pm. Expect a full day of scenic views, small-town charm, and a glimpse into Tierra del Fuego’s geopolitical history, as the village was established for strategic reasons.

What to Expect During the Tour

The transportation is comfortable, with a small group that feels intimate and personal. While the drive to Puerto Almanza is long, it’s on gravel roads—sometimes dusty and bumpy, especially if the weather has been dry. Be prepared for a rough ride, but know that many reviews emphasize how beautiful the scenery is along the way.

Each stop offers a different perspective: the mountains and forests at Las Lengas, the peaceful rural life at Chacra Ruca Kelleñ, and the authentic fisherman’s village of Puerto Almanza. The lunch is a key part of the experience, giving a real taste of Tierra del Fuego’s culinary culture with fresh seafood, often praised for its quality.

Because the village is quite small and infrastructure is basic, don’t expect luxury or extensive tourist facilities. Instead, you get an authentic, unpolished experience—something many travelers find charming and genuine.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviewers describe Puerto Almanza as “incredible” and “picturesque”, emphasizing the beautiful scenery and authentic fishing atmosphere. One noted, “Incredible place, a special energy at the beginning of the continent,” while another said, “Hermoso lugar!” after enjoying a meal of fresh seafood.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some found the roads in poor condition or the infrastructure disappointing, with comments like “muy precario” (very basic). The reality is that this is a remote, rustic village, not a tourist resort, so expectations should be aligned accordingly.

Common Complaints and Praise

The most common praise revolves around the scenery, peacefulness, and quality of the seafood. Reviewers who enjoyed the experience mention whale sightings, beautiful views of Navarino Island, and the authentic, small-town charm. Conversely, some found the roads dusty and the facilities basic, which may be a drawback for travelers expecting more comfort.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring cash: Many restaurants and shops work with cash, and card facilities are rare.
• Fuel up before leaving Ushuaia: The last opportunity to refuel is in town; there’s no gas station in Puerto Almanza.
• Dress for the weather: Tierra del Fuego can be windy and chilly, especially if you’re there outside summer.
• Be patient with road conditions: The gravel roads can be dusty or muddy depending on the weather.
• Reserve your lunch in advance if possible, especially in high season, to ensure a seat at a good restaurant.
• Pack light but include essentials: Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and layered clothing are advisable.
• Expect rustic amenities: Don’t go expecting fancy bathrooms or modern facilities—embrace the charm of the small fishing port.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for an authentic glimpse of Tierra del Fuego’s fishing culture, enjoy scenic drives, and don’t mind a long dusty road to a small town, then this tour could be just right. It’s perfect for those who want to experience local life rather than a polished tourist trap and who value fresh seafood and quiet landscapes.

It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in the geopolitical history of the area or want to compare the rustic charm of a small fishing village with the more developed parts of Ushuaia. However, if you prefer more comfort or more structured activities, this might be somewhat rustic for your taste.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point, making planning easier.

How long is the drive to Puerto Almanza?
The drive is approximately 45 km of gravel roads, which can take about an hour or more depending on road conditions and weather.

What does the lunch include?
The lunch is at a local restaurant and features fresh seafood, such as mussels and crabs, with many reviews praising the quality of the food.

Are there any admission fees during the stops?
No, all the stops—including Las Lengas and Chacra Ruca Kelleñ—are free with no entry fees.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the tour is generally accessible for most travelers.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended since weather can change quickly.

Can I participate in activities like crab hunting?
The tour visits the village where such activities occur; however, participation depends on local activity availability and tour structure.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families who enjoy scenic drives, nature, and local culture, but keep in mind the rustic nature of the village.

Final Thoughts

The Almanza Port Tour with Lunch offers a genuine, laid-back way to step into the world of Tierra del Fuego. Its combination of scenic drives, peaceful rural stops, and a fishing village lunch makes for a memorable day, especially if you value authentic experiences over luxury.

It’s a trip that rewards patience and curiosity—perfect for those who want to see how local fishermen live, taste the region’s fresh seafood, and enjoy spectacular views of the Beagle Channel. Keep expectations aligned with the rustic charm, and you’ll find this tour a worthwhile adventure at the edge of the continent.

Summary

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a practical, authentic experience of Tierra del Fuego’s fishing heritage and natural beauty. Its value lies in the scenic journey, the chance to taste fresh seafood, and the intimate small-town atmosphere. If you’re prepared for basic amenities and dusty roads, you’ll appreciate the genuine flavor and untouched scenery this tour offers. For those wanting a quiet, scenic, and culturally rich day at the end of the world, it’s a solid choice.