Tolhuin is a town in south Tierra del Fuego famous among travelers for its massive, cyclist-friendly bakery: Panadería La Union. The town is the third largest settlement on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (after Río Grande and Ushuaia). In 2014, Tolhuin made headlines after it was the site of an attack on the crew of BBC's Top Gear (feat. Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond). The crew were pelted with stones as they passed through the town. Why? The license plate of Clarkson's Porsche read "H982 FKL" – an apparent reference to the Falklands War of 1982.
Tolhuin is nearby the east shore of Lago Fagnano, a long, narrow lake shared between Argentina and Chile (where the lake is known as Lago Cami). The lake features bright blue water and a shoreline comprised of millions of colorful stones. To reach the lake from Tolhuin, head southwest (on ripio back roads) for 4 kilometers.
Ruta 3 connects Tolhuin with Río Grande (to the north) and Ushuaia (to the south). From Tolhuin. the historic highway follows the southern shore of Lago Fagnano before south and climbing into the Feugian Andes up to Paso Garibaldi. The pass provides spectacular views of Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano.
Best in Tolhuin
Eat
Panadería La Unión
Massive bakery famous among travelers serving delicious freshly baked bread, cakes and more. A popular stop for tour buses heading to and from Ushuaia, the bakery is massive and employs many of Tolhuin's residents. The owner is particularly fond of travelers-by-bicycle. Behind the bakery there is a dorm (with bunks), where friendly cyclists and hitchhikers might be invited to stay (for free!). For for information, inquire inside the bakery.
Stay
Camping Hain
Campground located a few kilometers southwest of Tolhuin, near the east shore of Lago Fagnano. The campground features tipis (for wind shelter), a fully-equipped kitchen (heated by a wooden stove) and lots of art (created by the owners). Prices are reasonable and the owners are good people. This is the farthest south campground we recommend on Tierra del Fuego. Accommodation prices in Ushuaia are expensive so consider spending an extra night or two here!
Bike route from Tolhuin to Ushuaia