KingCrab Route – Sea, Forest and Flavours Tour in Ushuaia

A Taste of Patagonia’s Wildside: KingCrab Route – Sea, Forest, and Flavours Tour in Ushuaia

If you’re looking to combine nature, culture, and a dash of adventure, the KingCrab Route in Ushuaia offers a compelling package. For around $210 per person, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring the southernmost town in Argentina, Puerto Almanza, and its surrounding wilderness. This trip is packed with highlights: a scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway, native forest walks, a rustic river breakfast, and a seafood feast featuring King Crab.

What really makes this tour shine is its blend of authentic local experiences—from visiting a working fishing village to trying your hand at archery, and even riding quad bikes through forest tracks. We appreciate how the tour offers hands-on activities that let you connect with Tierra del Fuego’s rugged landscape and indigenous history.

However, it’s worth noting that the food quality has been a common point of critique. Several reviews mention that the meal, especially the king crab dish, falls short of expectations, with some describing it as underwhelming or poorly prepared. This could be a dealbreaker if you’re hoping for culinary excellence; if you’re more interested in scenery and adventure, it might matter less.

This tour suits travelers who value outdoor activities, scenic highlights, and cultural insight over gourmet dining. It’s ideal for those eager to see remote villages, walk in native forests, and enjoy a variety of local experiences in a compact, well-organized day.

Key Points

• Authentic local visits including Puerto Almanza, a small artisanal fishing village.
• Variety of activities such as forest walks, ATV rides (optional), and archery.
• Stunning views across the Beagle Channel and towards the Navarino Islands.
• Rustic dining experiences featuring regional seafood—though the quality varies.
• Insightful guides share stories about the landscape, wildlife, and indigenous tribes.
• Flexible options like ATV circuit (additional fee) enhance the adventure.

Exploring the KingCrab Route: A Deep Dive

This tour is about experiencing the essence of Tierra del Fuego—a rugged, wild landscape sprinkled with local culture. It starts early, with pickup from your accommodation, and heads along the iconic National Route 3, a route famous for its connection from Ushuaia to Alaska. This stretch alone is a reason to choose this experience, as the scenery along the Pan-American Highway is spectacular—mountains, forests, and valleys that seem to stretch endlessly.

Scenic Drive and Forest Walks

The first part of your journey is a 35 km drive, during which your guide will share stories about the forests, mountains, and valleys. This is a chance to appreciate the vastness of Patagonia and learn about its ecology.

The highlight here is the stop at a native ranch on the banks of Río Lasifashaj for a “river breakfast”. This isn’t your typical hotel breakfast—think rustic, fresh, and local. You’ll likely enjoy homemade bread, regional cheeses, and perhaps some traditional Fuegian fare, all in a setting that feels miles away from urban life. Several reviews praise this part as memorable, especially for its authenticity and connection to local gauchos.

Beyond breakfast, a visit to the Cornú viewpoint offers a fantastic photo opportunity of mountains, valleys, and beaver dams, giving insight into both the natural habitat and the wildlife that inhabits Tierra del Fuego.

Puerto Almanza and the Beagle Channel

Leaving the forests behind, the tour moves onto Bahía Brown, where the landscape dramatically shifts. The view of the Beagle Channel and the distant Navarino Islands makes for striking scenery. If you’ve seen photos of Ushuaia, this is the quintessential backdrop—craggy mountains, shimmering waters, and a sense of isolation that’s uniquely Patagonian.

Next is Puerto Almanza, the last inhabited border town in Argentina. It’s a small, working fishing village where local fishermen collect seafood—famous for their King Crab. You’ll get a chance to taste this delicacy fresh from the channel, along with other seafood. While some reviews are quite positive about the experience, noting the authentic atmosphere, others express disappointment with the meal’s presentation and quantity, describing the crab as underwhelming or poorly prepared.

Adventure in Puerto Almanza: ATV Rides and Archery

The Los Notros Parador is where the tour takes an adventurous turn. Here, you can ride quad bikes through forest trails and along the channel (optional, for an extra fee). The thrill of controlling your own ATV over rugged terrain adds a fun, active element to the day.

Following that, a recreation of Selk’nam guanaco hunting with archery targets offers a chance to connect with the indigenous history of the region. The activity is described as fun and competitive, perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of hands-on participation.

The regional lunch features local seafood, including King Crab, fish, and other delicacies, served in a five-step format. However, multiple reviews note that the food isn’t as refined as expected, with some describing the main dish as a “flour lamp” with minimal crab meat. You might find the quality acceptable or disappointing, depending on your expectations.

Return to Ushuaia

After a full day of exploring, the tour departs from Los Notros and heads back to Ushuaia, with a brief stop at Punta Paraná. The return journey is scenic, providing one last chance to soak in views of the channel and surrounding mountains.

Practical Considerations

This tour is well-suited for travelers looking for a compact, activity-rich day. The group size is limited to 15, allowing for personalized attention from guides who are knowledgeable and engaging. The price reflects the inclusion of transport, guide, meals, and activities like archery and ATV rides (if opted). The additional cost for ATV riding is $20, which is a reasonable fee for the freedom of self-driving through Patagonian terrain.

The timing starts at 8:30 am with pickup, making it a full-day commitment. The tour ends back in Ushuaia, so it’s convenient if you’re based centrally.

A key point is that food quality varies—despite the promise of regional specialties, some visitors felt the meal was underwhelming. If dining is a highlight of your trip, prepare for modest fare; if you’re more interested in scenery and activities, this may not matter as much.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is best for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor activities and local flavor. It’s ideal for those who want to see remote villages and native forests, and don’t mind modest culinary offerings. The scenic views and physical activities make it suitable for travelers of most ages, but those expecting gourmet dining should temper expectations.

Final Thoughts

The KingCrab Route offers a genuine glimpse into southern Patagonia with a mixture of scenic drives, native forest walks, cultural activities, and seafood tasting. While the food may not be the highlight, the authenticity of the environment and the friendliness of guides are definite pluses. You’ll love the way this tour combines outdoor adventure with cultural insight, making it a memorable day out in Ushuaia.

For travelers eager to explore beyond the city, appreciate natural landscapes, and participate in fun activities like archery and ATV riding, this tour provides a balanced, enjoyable experience. Just be prepared for some food disappointments and come with a spirit ready for adventure.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Ushuaia, making it hassle-free to join the day’s activities.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about eight hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Ushuaia in the late afternoon.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy forest walks, a river breakfast, visiting Puerto Almanza, optional ATV rides, and archery recreations.

Is there an extra cost for the ATV ride?
Yes, the ATV circuit costs $20 USD if you choose to partake.

How is the food quality?
Several reviews mention that the seafood lunch, especially the king crab, is disappointing with minimal crab meat and presentation issues.

What is the size of the tour group?
Maximum group size is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Who is this tour suited for?
It’s ideal for adventure lovers, nature fans, and those interested in local culture, but not recommended if gourmet food is your priority.

Whether you’re chasing views, craving outdoor fun, or eager to taste authentic seafood, the KingCrab Route in Ushuaia offers a balanced taste of Tierra del Fuego’s wild side. It’s a day that promises adventure, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen—an experience worth considering if you want to see the rugged edges of southern Argentina.