La Castorera: Beavers and Wetlands in Tierra del Fuego 🦫🌿

Beavers in Southern Patagonia are causing a big headache for the locals. These North American critters were brought over to Tierra del Fuego in 1946 for their fur, but things didn't go as planned. With no natural predators around, the beaver population exploded, wreaking havoc on the environment by chopping down trees and building dams that flood roads and farmland. The governments of Chile and Argentina are now teaming up to try and get rid of these pesky beavers, but it's proving to be quite the challenge.
This short, easy trail takes you through native forests and wetlands shaped by beaver dams, blending nature, wildlife, and environmental lessons.

🕒 Visit Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
📏 Distance: Around 1 km (0.6 miles) round trip.
🏞️ Difficulty: Easy—flat terrain, well-marked trail.
📍 Location: Near Lago Roca, inside Tierra del Fuego National Park.
💵 Entrance Fee: Included with park ticket.

What Makes It Special:
🦫 See real beaver dams and lodges up close.
🌿 Learn how these non-native animals transformed the ecosystem.
🪵 Walk through lenga forests and marshy meadows.
📷 Great for photos, especially in the golden light of morning or late afternoon.
🗣️ Some signs along the trail explain the environmental impact and history.

How to Get There from Ushuaia:
🚗 Drive or take a taxi to Lago Roca area—about 40 minutes from the city.
🚌 Available as part of park tours.