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Text: Karin-Marijke Vis
photography: Coen Wubbels
Natural wonders at the End of the World
After a long rest in Ushuaia - the southernmost tip of South America - we head north, since in the south there is nothing but sea. On our way we visit Estancia Haberton: the oldest estancia of Tierra del Fuego and beautifully situated along the Beagle Channel. During our walks we take in the roughness of the area, the shrieking of gulls and the galloping of wild horses. It is a region of unmatched beauty that invites to linger, and so we do.
The southern area of Chilean's part of Tierra del Fuego is just as astounding: undulating hills alternate with flowering meadows and crystal clear streams. At Lago Deseado the scenery is awe-inspiring; mist patches drift softly over the lake and between the forest-clad hills. While we sit in silence to absorb this beauty, beavers leave their lodge in search of food. The calls of owls are haunting and far away, but when we go back to our car we discover that three of them have found refuge on the roof. They sit quiet while we approach and we can almost touch them before they fly off.
The mainland has its own wonders of nature: the Andes mountains of Patagonia cradle countless glaciers, valleys and lakes full of cloudy turquoise water. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the masterpieces - a white giant, 5 kilometres wide and 60 metres high. We hear it before we see it – large chunks break off and hit the water below, creating resounding roars, as if a canon has been fired. Just how amazing it is? Well, so much so, that between nine in the morning and six in the evening we stand mesmerized in front of this breathtaking wonder of nature; just watching and waiting for another chunk to hit the water.
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