Argentina

Cabo San Pablo – Tierra Del Fuego

Tucked in the remote and magic land of Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost part of Patagonia and indeed the world, with its endless horizon of the South Atlantic Ocean, lies this typical 21,000 acre Patagonian estancia. Owned by the charming Apolinaire family, Juan, Rachel and their daughter live on Cabo San Pablo, and from here manage their two other ranches: Cordeu, 13,000 acres and Boquerón, 9,000 acres. They will host you here themselves, sharing their lives, their beautiful world and their work - you will leave here with new best friends!

Cabo San Pablo was one of the first farms on the fabled Fire Island founded by Spanish pioneers who built up the farm at the beginning of the century when there were few roads and everything was transported by ox-cart. There is a small museum within the ranch, a capsule in time, where one can see, among other things, old accounting books where payments to Ona Indians are registered. The estancia breeds Corriedale sheep, Hereford cattle, Criollo Argentino and Polo Argentino horses and uses Border Collie dogs as sheep dogs. The owners love Criollo Argentino wild horses and have around 40 tame ones. It is a breed with an excellent and willing temperament, very resistant and hardy for working long trails in their difficult terrain of woods, stones, peat bogs and hills. Spectacular horse rides are guided by a member of the family and by "baqueano gauchos" who know the land perfectly, and are very capable at preparing meals in the campsite, mainly the typical lamb asados (barbeques).

The island of Tierra del Fuego is the last and southernmost province of Argentina. (54° Lat. S and 67° Long. W). The vegetation in this remote region is richer than in the northern part of the island, there are vast areas of native Nothofagus (both Antartica and Pumilio) pine forests; abundant and good grasslands, areas of peat bogs, important hills, the tail end of the Andes and many streams and rivers with good fishing for brown and rainbow trout - best in November and December. Wildlife abounds, a large population of guanaco, beavers, foxes and the Andean condor, an endangered specie, is sighted easily in this part of the world. Also you will see wood-peckers, parrots, geese, swans, flamingos, ducks and over 100 species of other birds. The beautiful scenery ranging from the foothills of the Andes to the seacoast, virgin forests and beautiful wildlife all accompanied by lovely sunrises and sunsets.

In Tierra Del Fuego there are no dangerous animals, poisonous reptiles or insects - even ants.

To get there, there are daily three hour flights from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande and onwards 75 miles by car from Rio Grande airport. Alternatively you may take the daily flight (3 1/2 hours) on Aerolineas Argentinas to Ushuaia and then a beautiful 110-mile drive throught the Andes.

We recommend coming in one way, and leaving the other, to get the true feel of this wonderful area.

Weather conditions: The most suitable season to enjoy the beautiful scenery is from November until the end of April. The midday temperatures during this summer season are around 15°C (60°F) From May to September, the climate is cold and rigorous, with snowfalls, ice and cold temperatures reaching -4°F in July and August. In October everything turns green and life begins anew. In summer the days are remarkably long - in December because of the extreme southern latitude there are twenty hours of daylight.

Nevertheless, as everywhere in Patagonia, all four seasons can be encountered in one day, even in January. Warm shoes and clothing are a must, and boots and waterproof jackets are highly recommended.

Accommodation: Comfortable, well appointed accommodation is available for up to eight people distributed in two houses: two double bedrooms each with private bathroom and two double bedrooms with one shared bathroom and living room. The main old farmhouse is over eighty years old and has been fully renovated.

Activities: Horseback riding along open rolling countryside, lush forests of Antarctic beeches, streams and hills; hiking; fly fishing; observe or share in daily ritual of cattle and sheep raising, sheep sheering; etc. Observe the dramatic and extensive beaver dams and take excursions to the family's two other nearby ranches (Cordeu and Boquerón) which offer a different landscape as well as trips to Lakes Fagnano, Escondido and Yehuin. If you did not arrive through Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world located on the fabled Beagle Channel, trips can be done there - navigation of the Beagle Channel; ride on the Train to the End of the World; visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Season: November to April.