The Malvinas Islands (Falklands) host a unique ecosystem shaped by their cold, windy climate and isolation. The fauna is dominated by marine mammals and seabirds, while the flora consists mainly of grasses, shrubs, and peat bog vegetation, with no native trees.

Flora of the Malvinas Islands

• Grasslands and Shrubs: The islands are largely covered by tussac grass (Festuca flabellata), which can grow up to 2 meters tall and provides shelter for birds and sea lions.

• Peat Bogs: Extensive peatlands support mosses and small herbaceous plants.

• Heathlands: Areas with dwarf shrubs and hardy plants adapted to poor soils and strong winds.

• Endemic Plants: Species such as Malvinas Daisy (Perezia recurvata) and Malvinas Violet (Viola maculata) are unique to the islands.

• Absence of Native Trees: No native arboreal vegetation exists today, though fossil records show ancient cypress and araucaria forests.

Fauna of the Malvinas Islands

Marine Mammals

• Seals and Sea Lions: Southern sea lions, elephant seals, and fur seals are common along the coasts.

• Cetaceans: Orcas, dolphins, and several whale species migrate through surrounding waters.

Birds

• Penguins: Five species breed here: King, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic penguins.

• Seabirds: Albatrosses, petrels, cormorants, and skuas thrive in the nutrient-rich waters.

• Land Birds: The Falkland steamer duck (flightless), upland goose, and the endemic Cobb’s wren are notable.

Invertebrates

• Endemic Beetles: Several species of ground beetles and weevils are unique to the islands, such as Malvinius compressiventris.

Conservation Notes

• Fragile Ecosystem: The harsh climate limits biodiversity, making species highly specialized and vulnerable.

• Threats: Introduced species (rats, cats) have impacted native bird populations.

• Protection Efforts: Conservation programs focus on seabird colonies and restoring tussac grass habitats.

Quick Comparison Table

Category
Key Species/Features
Notes

Flora
Tussac grass, peat bog mosses, endemic daisies
No native trees; vegetation adapted to wind/cold

Marine Mammals
Sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, whales
Coastal and migratory presence

Birds
Penguins (5 species), albatrosses, Cobb’s wren
Major global seabird colonies

Invertebrates
Endemic beetles, weevils
High endemism despite low diversity

In short: the Malvinas Islands are a haven for seabirds and marine mammals, with vegetation dominated by tussac grass and peat bogs. Their isolation has fostered unique endemic species, but conservation is crucial to protect this fragile ecosystem.

As we headed further and further north on the map, my excitement grew. The whole area was already starting to be uncharted territory for me, so I was very curious to see what things were like in that part of my country. We were already very close to achieving our improvised goal of reaching Bolivia, but along the way we were also seeing some very curious places. One obligatory stop was La Quiaca, the northernmost city in Argentina in the province of Jujuy, where we took two nights to rest and also to sort out our paperwork before crossing the border .

After driving more than 180 km in the small Suzuki 4x4, we left Iruya in the province of Salta to head to La Quiaca, in the province of Jujuy. That would be our last stop in Argentina before heading to the neighboring country. It was impossible to go any further, because we were literally about to cross to the other side. However, despite being so close, we needed some time to be able to go to the ATM to withdraw cash so we could get a good exchange rate in Bolivia, try to get the yellow fever vaccine and be able to fill up with gas before crossing. For this we stayed two nights in a small hostel for which we paid $25 per night for two people

As for money, we were able to get a good amount from ATMs and this was the most convenient thing, since due to the high taxes Argentina imposes on using debit and credit cards abroad, the best option was to pay for everything with cash. Regarding the yellow fever vaccine, we had read that it was necessary but I went to the hospital and couldn't get it because it wasn't the day they were doing the vaccination campaign. I risked going to Bolivia anyway, hoping not to get sick from anything (spoiler: I didn't get sick from anything). Third, we were able to fill a jerry can with extra gasoline, which was what we wanted, since we were afraid of not getting it easily in Bolivia, since there was a rumor that they didn't sell it to foreigners .

All of these things took up the time we decided to stay in La Quiaca. As for the city, like any border city, it is not as touristy or elegant, but it is still full of signs that highlight what distinguishes it: being the northernmost city in Argentina. There are signs everywhere for photos, and many stickers of people who wanted to leave their mark on this place. In addition, everything was quite cheap here, just like what we saw in our previous days in other northern cities .

The city of La Quiaca in Jujuy represents the northern end of the famous journey that crosses my country from end to end along Route 40, parallel to the Andes Mountains and ending in the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province. This route covers 5,194 km and visits 11 of the 23 provinces we have in Argentina. This trip is one of the most desired by nomadic travelers, who choose to do it in different vehicles, from cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorhomes to bicycles. Being at either end of this route, whether in La Quiaca or Ushuaia, is exciting, and that is how I felt after finally getting to know this city, because I already knew Ushuaia .

I think that throughout this whole traveling phase of my life, which began almost a year and a half ago, I did a lot of great things and being in the northernmost and southernmost extremes of my country was one of them. When I decided that I wanted to travel a bit around the north of Argentina, I didn't think that I would literally get to La Quiaca, the furthest north we have. I really enjoyed getting to know this place, which despite being simple has a very special value for travelers and for all of us who love Argentina and love Route 40. Once again, I was able to get to know a new corner of the many we have here .

❤️ Hope you liked this post! Thanks for reading. ❤️

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No matter how many times I had heard great anecdotes of people hitchhiking in Ushuaia: this had not become commonplace for me. Even the owner of the hostel, a lifelong local, recommended me to go for a walk doing that, but I couldn't bring myself to do it on my own. Luckily, I am a person who likes to walk, so not getting a free car to go to a certain place was not a problem. And that's what kept me in shape throughout my stay .

It had been more than four months since I had been a quasi-resident in Ushuaia, but the places to visit never seemed to end. I had already prepared a mental list of all the places I wanted to see before I left. One of them was Playa Susana, south of Ushuaia but bordering the entire coast of the Beagle Channel. I had been told that this place was beautiful and not to miss it, so on one of my free mornings I went to see it.

The point was that this beach was 10 kilometres from the hostel, and in an area where perhaps not so many tourists go. That day I didn't have any companions to share the walk, and a taxi to get there cost about $15 (which I didn't want to pay to spend only half a day before having to go back to the hostel to do my volunteer shift). Another option was to take a public bus and walk the remaining 6 kilometres to the beach or hitchhike. But you know how I get on with it.

Finally, I took the bus as far out of town as it would take me, but it was still a long way from the beach. I don't know why I couldn't bring myself to hitchhike, but I couldn't do it despite the occasional car passing by. I guess what I don't like is having to beg for a ride and even more so when I'm alone, so I preferred to save all that and started walking.

The good thing about this section is that, being along the canal, the views were beautiful. This whole neighbourhood is a rather expensive area within the city of Ushuaia. This place is called Costa Susana and has some pretty fancy houses, all overlooking the beautiful canal and mountains. This development is relatively new, so during my walk I came across several houses under construction.

It finally took me a little over an hour to get to the beach. At the entrance, there was a car park with some cars, which probably would have been no problem to bring me there, but I didn't dare to ask for them. Anyway, I had achieved my goal of getting to the beach and seeing it with my own eyes. It was nice and quiet, I quite liked it ❤️.

I had read that another trek to the so-called Cucharita Bay started at Playa Susana. At first I was interested in doing it, but after checking my offline map, I saw that it was about 8 kilometres round trip. I was not tired and could have continued walking without any problems, but at 7 PM I was supposed to be back at the hostel and it was almost 5 o'clock, so I would not have enough time. Instead, I sat on the water's edge for a while and even took a little nap. A good solitary plan to pass the time.

When it was time to go back, I confess that I was a bit lazy about having to go all the way back. However, I had no choice but to do it in order to get to my tour on time. But can you believe that while I was walking, a lady stopped her car next to me without my asking, and offered to drive me back to the city centre. She lived in one of those beautiful houses in the neighbourhood and was going in that direction to do some shopping. The lady looked very nice and so it was friends that the journey that took me an hour to make took only 5 minutes by car. I wish I had had that initiative from a stranger to the idea, but at least I had it on the way back and was able to get to the hostel just in time (and not so tired, which was what I was most grateful for) .

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