A Chilly Morning in Tierra del Fuego

Magellanic Woodpecker

Our recent vacation in Patagonia brought us to one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever hiked—Tierra del Fuego National Park. On a chilly, cloudy morning, we set out on the Hito XXIV Trail, a scenic 4.5-mile route that winds through dense forests, along rivers, and toward the Argentine-Chilean border. The crisp air and peaceful atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience.

Trail View

The Start of the Trail

White-crested Elaenias

Bundled up against the cool Patagonian breeze, we began our hike through a landscape dominated by towering lenga and ñire trees. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds, and almost immediately, we spotted the first of many White-crested Elaenias flitting among the branches. Their constant movement and lively calls set a wonderful tone for the hike.

Overlook

A Song in the Mist

Rufous-collared Sparrow

As we made our way deeper into the trail, we heard the familiar tune of Rufous-collared Sparrows. These little songbirds, with their striking facial markings, perched on low branches, singing their delicate melodies. Despite the overcast skies, their presence brought a sense of warmth to the quiet morning.

Trail View

A Thrush's Breakfast

Austral Thrush

One of the highlights of our hike was watching an Austral Thrush foraging on the ground. As we quietly observed, it pulled a wriggling worm from the damp earth, shaking it before gulping it down. It was a simple yet fascinating moment, a small glimpse into the daily life of Patagonia’s wildlife.

Overlook

A Special Encounter

Magellanic Woodpecker

A little farther along the trail, we stopped in our tracks at the sight of two Magellanic Woodpeckers. These large, striking birds, with their bold black plumage and brilliant red heads, were hard at work pecking at tree trunks. Watching them so closely was an incredible experience—one that felt uniquely special to this part of the world.

Trail View

The Energy of Thorn-tailed Rayaditos

Thorn-tailed Rayadito

As we approached a more open section of the trail, we were suddenly surrounded by a large, energetic flock of Thorn-tailed Rayaditos. These tiny, restless birds darted in and out of the trees, their long tails flicking as they searched for insects. Their activity was contagious, adding an extra sense of liveliness to the already beautiful surroundings.

Overlook

Nearing the Border

Trail View

The latter half of the hike brought us closer to the border between Argentina and Chile. The trail followed a river, and despite the cloudy weather, the views were stunning. The sound of rushing water and the occasional call of a distant bird made for a peaceful setting as we approached the end of the route.

A Memorable Morning

Thorn-tailed Rayadito

Reaching the end of the Hito XXIV Trail, we took a moment to soak in the scenery before making our way back. The combination of beautiful landscapes, crisp mountain air, and incredible bird sightings made this hike one of the most memorable of our trip.

Conclusion

Overlook

Tierra del Fuego left a lasting impression on us, and our hike on the Hito XXIV Trail was just one of many highlights. With so much more to explore in Patagonia, we left feeling grateful for the experience and excited for future adventures in this wild and remote corner of the world.

Trail View