Centolla, or Fuegian king crab, is the emblem of Tierra del Fuego cooking, and the crab route is built around it. The tour leaves Ushuaia by 4x4 and follows the road east along the Beagle Channel through forest, farmland and tiny settlements to Puerto Almanza, a quiet fishing village where small boats still work the channel. Guides explain how the crabs are caught, why the fishery is regulated and how the coastline has changed, with stops for views of Isla Navarino across the water. Lunch is the highlight, with centolla served in the local manner, often simply boiled or in a baked dish with sauce. The tour we link to is a 4x4 off-road route with lunch in Puerto Almanza, and it rates very highly among travellers, with a score of 4.8 from several hundred reviews. Dinners and lunches in town offer the same crab, but the village setting adds a sense of place. In spring the days are long, so the return journey happens in good light.
Set your expectations on the food. King crab is a regulated catch, and quantities and presentation vary between restaurants and operators, so read the menu in your booking to see exactly what is served. Some tours serve a whole crab for each person, while others offer a mixed seafood plate. Crab is delicate, so a simple preparation with lemon or butter is often best. If you do not eat shellfish, ask about alternatives such as fish or lamb, and tell the operator in advance if you have allergies.
The drive is part of the experience. The coast road runs close to the Beagle Channel, with sections of forest and views of the mountains of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. Guides talk about the history of the area, from the Yamana canoe people to the pioneer farms, and sometimes pause for a short walk or a lookout. Roads can be gravel and bumpy, so vehicles are typically four-wheel-drive. A morning start helps, because the route and lunch take most of the day and the evening light on the channel is rewarding.
Combine it with other plans. Almanza is also the departure point for some penguin boat trips to Martillo Island, so you can plan the day around a penguin visit in season. If you would rather have a crab dinner in town, many Ushuaia restaurants serve centolla and it is worth asking about the catch of the day. Booking ahead is wise in the summer months, when seafood tours and tables fill quickly. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a jacket and a camera, and arrive hungry.
What to expect
The experience
A guided 4x4 drive east along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Almanza, with viewpoint stops and a crab lunch in the village.
Best time
Start in the morning so lunch is relaxed and the return trip is in good light; spring has long days.
How long
Roughly six to seven hours with pickup and return in Ushuaia.
Tips
Tell the operator about shellfish allergies or alternatives in advance, and bring a jacket and camera.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want local seafood in a fishing-village setting.
- Families
- Fine for children who like long drives and seafood; ask about alternatives for fussy eaters.
- Couples
- A scenic drive and a leisurely crab lunch make a relaxed shared day.
- Pair with
- A Beagle Channel cruise or penguin trip from Almanza.
- Time needed
- A long morning and afternoon.
Good questions
What is centolla?+
Centolla is the Fuegian king crab, a large deep-water crab caught in the Beagle Channel. It is the signature seafood of Ushuaia.
Is crab always available?+
King crab is a regulated catch, so availability and format can vary through the year. Check the tour details and ask the operator what is served on your date.
Can I go if I do not eat shellfish?+
Usually, if you tell the operator in advance. Fish or meat alternatives can often be arranged.
How far is Puerto Almanza?+
It is a drive of roughly an hour or more east of Ushuaia along the Beagle Channel. The road is partly gravel.
Can I eat crab in Ushuaia without a tour?+
Yes, many restaurants in town serve centolla. Ask for the catch of the day and check portion sizes.
