Trekking Martial Glacier

OVERVIEW

About the Tour

Minutes from Ushuaia, the Martial trail climbs steadily from sub-Antarctic beech forest into open glacial cirque terrain, with sweeping views over the Beagle Channel. This short but continuous ascent samples a full forest-to-alpine transect, ideal for focused birding and natural history along the way. Woodland edges and streams give way to rocky slopes above treeline.

Difficulty: Moderate – ~6–7 km round-trip; +350–450 m elevation gain; uneven/rocky trail with steady ascent (shorter option to treeline ~3–4 km).
Season: October–April (best). Outside this window runs only if trail conditions allow (snow/ice possible).
Service: Private – Birding focused
Departure: Flexible (any start time up to 4:00 PM)

Note:

Easy to combine the same day with Urban Birding – Ushuaia or a half-day of Tierra del Fuego NP.
Local access fee to the Martial area is included.
Steady uphill hike on uneven terrain; suitable for active participants with basic hiking experience.
Weather above treeline can shift quickly (wind/visibility); we may shorten or extend the alpine section accordingly. If snow or ice limits the upper trail, we’ll prioritize productive forest-edge segments and viewpoints.

Suggestions

Wear layered clothing and waterproof outerwear – weather in Tierra del Fuego can shift quickly
Use comfortable walking shoes – trails may include forest paths, peat bogs, and uneven terrain
Bring binoculars – they will greatly enhance your birding experience
This tour is suitable for all levels – from curious nature lovers to seasoned birders

LOCATION

Tour highlights

A relatively accessible mountain trail just minutes from Ushuaia provides entry into alpine and subalpine environments that elsewhere in Patagonia are often difficult to reach, making high-mountain species attainable within a short outing.
Glacial terrain and expanding views over the Beagle Channel give the area a distinctly alpine character despite its proximity to the city.
The compact hike offers strong chances for high-elevation specialists such as Yellow-bridled Finch and both Dark-faced and Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrants in a half-day format.

TOUR IMAGE GALLERY

Itinerary

Pick-up & transfer (15–20 min)

From your lodging in Ushuaia we drive to the Martial trailhead at the ski area, providing direct access to a complete forest-to-alpine transect.

Forest approach — Southern beech & stream corridor

We begin along the ski-slope path bordered by sub-Antarctic beech forest and the Martial stream. Unhurried walking with short listening and scanning pauses for emblematic woodland birds such as Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner, and Thorn-tailed Rayadito, with siskins and thrushes often using nearby clearings.

Forest edge & treeline transition (≈45–60 min from start)

As trees shrink into low, patchy beech islands mixed with heath and open ground, we work edges and openings for mixed-species activity and flyovers, gaining expanding views over the Beagle Channel.

Alpine cirque above treeline

Rocky slopes, scree, and cushion heath dominate the upper section. Here we focus on high-country specialists such as Yellow-bridled Finch, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant, and Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant, with patient scanning adapted to wind and visibility; occasional raptor passes are possible in clear conditions.

Descent & wrap-up

We retrace the route with selective stops to pick up missed forest species before returning by vehicle to your lodging or the port.

Key species of this tour

Notable Bird Species

You may encounter a wide array of birds across the tour’s environments. Some of the highlights include: Dolphin Gull, Kelp Gull, Black-faced Ibis, Andean Condor, Turkey Vulture, Variable Hawk, Austral Pygmy-Owl, Magellanic Woodpecker, Crested Caracara, Chimango Caracara, White-throated Caracara, American Kestrel, Austral Parakeet, White-throated Treerunner, Buff-winged Cinclodes, Gray-flanked Cinclodes, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, White-crested Elaenia, Austral Negrito, Ochre-naped Ground-Tyrant, Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant, Fire-eyed Diucon, Chilean Swallow, Southern House Wren, Austral Thrush, Black-chinned Siskin, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Austral Blackbird, Patagonian Sierra Finch, Yellow-bridled Finch.

Bird activity varies depending on the time of year, weather and habitat conditions. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, each tour is led by an experienced guide who maximizes the chances of meaningful encounters.

Trekking Martial Glacier

~3 Hours

+ 120
BIRDS LISTING

Minutes from Ushuaia, the Martial trail climbs steadily from sub-Antarctic beech forest into open glacial cirque terrain.

OUR BIRDING TOURS

OVERVIEW

About the Tour

Itinerary

Key species of this tour

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