A Summer Day with Gato Curuchet.

When spring turns to summer in the southern hemisphere days grow much longer whereas nights seem to shorten. It is then that the same name comes up whenever you ask about the best activities around Ushuaia: Gato (Cat) Curuchet. All you have to do is follow the finger pointing beyond Mount Olivia while someone says you will find Gato in Valle de los Lobos (Sea Lions Valley).


Canine Passion

Born in Tandil, Gato Curuchet had dreamed of visiting Alaska ice ever since he was a child. When his journey to the land Jack London wrote about in his novels finally began, fate made him end up in a similar landscape but much closer to the Antarctic than to the Arctic circle: he missed his ship and stayed in Ushuaia for good.

Whoever arrives at Valle de los Lobos is astonished by its true kings: the huskies and Alaskan malamutes. Although sled riding is a winter activity, the kennel is open all year round to the delight of both children and grown-ups who always want to know the price of the dogs. On being told the dogs are not for sale, they realize there is no better place for them than this amazing natural setting.

Summer Light

The long daylight hours of the summer season favor camping and spending the night in unforgettable scenery when the outing requires it. Among other activities, Gato offers visits to the dams built by beavers as well as walks to different mirrors of water near the city.

Besides touring the sled dog kennel (the most popular attraction in the area), you can enjoy a walk in one of the most spectacular landscapes on the island: Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald Pond). This outing is especially enchanting owing to the visits to different shelters and the incredible natural setting on the way to the pond.


Compulsory Rest

While walking along the majestic Carbajal Valley, Gato makes a stop for dogs and people alike to have a rest. While the visitors enjoy the incredible view, he gathers wood for the fire of a delicious barbecue.

The barbecue is the perfect excuse to share anecdotes, trips and life stories under the dogs’ dreamy, blue gaze surrounded by the undoubtedly unique landscape of Valle de los Lobos.