people walking on the albino eye glacier on a cloudy day
people struggling uphill equipped with trekking poles and crampons at the Albino Eye Glacier
two people with trekking poles and crampons on the snow at the Albino Eye Glacier
people posing for a photo wearing safety helmets at the Albino Eye Glacier
three people with trekking poles climbing up the rocky terrain with the emerald lagoon in the background
equipped people ascending rocky and steep terrain to the Ojo del Albino Glacier
equipped person walking along the path by the emerald lagoon
three people sheltered on a rock in front of the ojo del albino glacier
one person taking a selfie with four people in the background at the Albino Eye Glacier
a piece of the Ojo del Albino glacier above the lagoon
people walking beside the ice mountain at the Albino Eye Glacier
panoramic view of the glacier eye of the glacier on the snow and under a sunny day
people warmly dressed and equipped with crampons and trekking poles on the snow and pointing to the emerald lagoon
people strolling by the frozen lagoon and resting on the rocks
panoramic view of the turquoise-colored emerald lagoon with vegetation and under the rays of the sun and clouds
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Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

Explore Ojo del Albino Glacier on a Guided Hike via Laguna Esmeralda

📅 Available all year: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday 📅

Location
Ushuaia
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English

Tour highlights

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

The Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek is an adventure for experienced hikers with good physical fitness and a background in mountain hiking. This Ushuaia glacier hike starts on the popular trail to Laguna Esmeralda and, after following the edge of its turquoise waters, climbs through mountainous terrain to Ojo del Albino Glacier, passing several natural viewpoints along the way.

During the 10-hour tour and 20 km (12.4-mile) hike, you'll enjoy a full lunch, a snack, a hot drink, and the company of a bilingual guide. Trekking poles, crampons, and transfers from your accommodation are also included.

Ready to discover one of Ushuaia's most impressive glaciers?

Tour details

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

Starts
From your accommodation in Ushuaia at the selected time
Ends
Back to your accommodation in Ushuaia at the end of the tour

Included

  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • Snack with hot tea
  • Lunch with dessert
  • Trekking poles and crampons
  • Round-trip transfers to and from your accommodation in Ushuaia
  • Medical insurance

Not included

  • Waterproof clothing
  • Tips

Important information

This experience involves moderate physical activity and has certain restrictions, so it is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended to assess in advance whether the activity matches your physical condition and mobility level.

In winter, access to the glacier’s front wall is reached by walking across the Laguna de Fusión, which remains frozen.

In summer, glacier trekking is possible, as ice crevasses are visible and can be crossed using crampons.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

Albino's Eye Glacier full-day trekking tour from Ushuaia​

🕘 Total duration: 10 hours

🚶‍➡️ Distance: 12.4 miles (20 km)

🏔️ Elevation gain: 2,625 feet (800 m)

🥾 Difficulty: high

Pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia

The Albino's Eye Glacier full-day trekking tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation located within Ushuaia’s urban area around 8:00 AM. Once everyone is in the vehicle, we’ll head to the trailhead.

white van for the transfer to and from Ushuaia accommodation

Laguna Esmeralda

We’ll start the hike along a well-known and clearly marked trail that passes through forests and small rivers. In approximately 2 hours, we’ll reach the beautiful Laguna Esmeralda, famous for its deep turquoise waters. Once there, we’ll begin walking along the right side of the lagoon to ascend toward Albino’s Eye Glacier. Here the terrain begins to change, and we’ll enter a high-mountain zone.

Over the next 3.1 miles (5 km) with an elevation gain of 2,625 feet (800 m), we’ll move along rocky trails and snowy areas. But don’t worry—the guide will provide you with trekking poles and crampons to assist with the climb.

three people equipped with trekking poles walking next to the Esmeralda lagoon

Panoramic balconies and rest stop

We’ll take a break to enjoy the spectacular views of Laguna Esmeralda from natural balconies—a perfect spot to take stunning photos. Around 1:30 PM, we’ll pause for a full lunch with dessert, accompanied by a hot beverage to help you keep enjoying the surroundings.

person equipped with crampons and trekking poles posing with open arms with the emerald lagoon in the background

Albino’s Eye Glacier Trek

After this well-earned rest, we’ll continue the hike toward the glacier’s final wall, where we’ll do a short climb to reach Albino’s Eye Glacier—an impressive and little-visited natural spectacle.

We’ll have time to walk around the area, take photos, breathe in the fresh air, and absorb the magic of this unique glacier in Ushuaia.

people exploring the area next to the Ojo del Albino Glacier.

Return to Ushuaia

After exploring the area, we’ll begin our return along the same path, this time descending and once again enjoying the landscapes this trek has to offer. We’ll reach the vehicle and it will take us back to our accommodation in Ushuaia, marking the end of the Albino’s Eye Glacier full-day trekking tour.

Ushuaia poster next to the port with docked ships

What to bring

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

The weather in the Albino’s Eye Glacier area is very changeable—even in summer there may be cold, wind, rain, or snow. It is essential to be well equipped to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.

  • Waterproof jacket and pants (mandatory)
  • Waterproof trekking boots (mandatory)
  • Thermal or layered warm clothing
  • Hat, gloves, and scarf/fleece neck warmer
  • Small backpack (20–30 L)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Additional snacks
  • Personal documentation

Where does the tour start

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

The tour includes pick-up from your hotel in Ushuaia, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

If you haven’t arrived in Ushuaia yet, here are the main ways to get there:

✈️ By air: Malvinas Argentinas International Airport receives several daily flights. Direct flights from Buenos Aires last approximately 3 hours, while those with layovers can take up to 5 hours. There are also connections from cities like Córdoba, Mendoza, and other towns in Patagonia.

🚗 By land: The main access road is National Route 3, which connects to Río Gallegos (Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina). You can also arrive from Punta Arenas (Chile) by taking a ferry to Porvenir, on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (approximate duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes).

Questions & Answers

Ojo del Albino Glacier Trek from Ushuaia

  • Do I need prior mountain experience for the Albino’s Eye Glacier Trek?

    Yes. This is a demanding trek recommended for people with previous mountain hiking experience and good physical fitness.

  • Can I join the excursion if I have a medical condition?

    This tour is not recommended for people with heart or back problems, reduced mobility, or for pregnant travelers.

  • What are the differences between doing it in winter and in summer?

    In winter, the route reaches the base of the glacier by crossing the frozen Laguna de Fusión. In summer, conditions allow hikers to walk on certain sections of the glacier using crampons.

  • Can minors or older adults participate?

    The recommended age range for this activity is 15 to 55 years old. Babies and young children are not allowed to participate.

  • How many miles are covered and how long does it take?

    The round-trip hike covers approximately 20 km (12.4 miles), with 800 meters (2,625 feet) of elevation gain. The entire tour takes around 10 hours.

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