The Jimbo Cave, a popular tourist destination in Tierra del Fuego National Park, collapsed suffering the collapse of its structure and became completely inaccessible.
The event shocked tourists, mountaineers, and explorers, who considered the place a reference point. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The cave was located near the majestic Cañadón de la Oveja, a site that seemed to be taken from a fairy tale. It was a refuge for those seeking tranquility and the setting for festivals and cultural events that gave it life and color.
Over time, it became a meeting point for Ushuaia lovers.
This is how the Jimbo Cave looked after the collapse
How to get to the Jimbo Cave
Getting there was not easy, and today only the remains of what it once was can be seen. The Cañadón de la Oveja trail, 9.09 km long and with a positive elevation gain of 731 meters, offered a moderate challenge that required about 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete.
The collapse of the Jimbo Cave was a foregone conclusion. Since 2021, the National Park authorities had warned about the danger of approaching it, and access to the site was prohibited.
The measure was based on scientific studies by the Austral Center for Scientific Research (CADIC), which confirmed the state of the cave was “at risk of collapse” and that it was common for ice and rocks to fall from the top.
Local authorities pointed out that the rock formations in the area were suffering progressive deterioration due to erosion and other natural factors, compromising their structure.
In addition, the National Meteorological Service has been warning of a significant heatwave in Patagonia, affecting provinces like Chubut and Santa Cruz, and especially Tierra del Fuego.
This climatic phenomenon increased the risk of the collapse of the Jimbo Cave, which needs cold weather to remain standing.
The fatal moment was recorded by one of the hikers accompanying the man.
There, you can see how a group of five people approached the interior of the cave, until a large piece of ice detached from the upper wall and fell right on one of the young men who was already closer to the dangerous part of the cave.
Seconds later, you can hear how all those present panic and start shouting as they run towards where their injured companion was.
The death of the affected person was confirmed hours later by members of the Aid Commission, who approached the site and confirmed that the body could be rescued and transported during the early morning.
Despite the prohibition of entry by the Tierra del Fuego National Park authorities, as indicated by a sign with the warning and the park rangers’ instructions, people continued to enter in the same way, ignoring the recommendations.
