Hiker walking beside the Esmeralda River surrounded by snowy mountains
Two hikers crossing a bridge on the way to Laguna Esmeralda
Two women posing by the shore of Laguna Esmeralda
Snowy mountains reflected in the waters of Laguna Esmeralda
Snack with local products in a Patagonian natural setting
Travelers crossing a snowy bridge during the hike
Smiling group posing with trekking poles in the snow
Traveler with backpack walking in a valley surrounded by mountains
Female traveler posing with mountains in the background
Wooden bridge crossing turquoise waters
Traveler drinking tea in front of the lagoon
Traveler overlooking the lagoon surrounded by mountains
Reddish forest reflected in the Patagonian lagoon
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Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Easy guided hike tour to Laguna Esmeralda in the Andes

(3 reviews)
Ushuaia
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Ushuaia at 8:00 a.m.
Ends: At your accommodation in Ushuaia at 2:30 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Laguna Esmeralda Hike in Ushuaia is one of the most unforgettable experiences in southern Patagonia. This scenic trail takes you through lenga forests, peat bogs, and beaver dams, following the Esmeralda River all the way to its stunning source: a turquoise lagoon surrounded by towering mountains and hanging glaciers.

This easy guided hike is perfect for travelers with little to no trekking experience who want to enjoy a real adventure in nature—without straying too far from Ushuaia. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating facts about the region’s unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

At the lagoon, you’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch 🍽️ while soaking in the incredible views of this one-of-a-kind setting. And the best part? The small group size ensures a more personal and immersive experience throughout the journey.

If you love nature and want to discover one of Patagonia’s most scenic spots, this hike is for you. Ready to hit the trail? 🌿🏔️

Tour details

Included

  • Bus transportation
  • Professional Guide
  • Lunch (sandwich, alfajor and dried fruits and nuts)
  • Hot infusion
  • Trekking poles and crampons

Not included

  • Tips

Important information

👬 Age Requirement: recommended for people between 9 and 65 years old. If you are outside this age range, your participation will be evaluated based on your physical condition and previous experience.

👚 What to Wear: Waterproof clothing, a warm jacket, and sturdy trekking boots are mandatory. Weather conditions can change quickly, so it's essential to be well-prepared.

💧 Howlanders Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while minimizing environmental impact and helping protect nature.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

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

Tour itinerary

Emerald Lagoon Ushuaia Trekking

🥾 Difficulty Level: Easy

⏳ Duration: 6 hours

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 6,21 miles (around 10 km)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 656 feet (200 meters)

Pick up in Ushuaia

The Laguna Esmeralda Trek begins with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia around 8 a.m. From there, a vehicle will take you along National Route N°3 to the trailhead, which is just 20 minutes from the city.

Once you arrive at the starting point, your expert guide will provide a brief overview of the route and trail conditions before you embark on the hike to one of Tierra del Fuego’s most stunning landscapes.

Van transfer to the starting point of the Laguna Esmeralda hike

Tierra Mayor Valley - Esmeralda River Valley

From the trailhead, we’ll begin our hike through two stunning valleys of glacial origin: the Tierra Mayor Valley and the Esmeralda River Valley. Over the course of a two-hour trek, we’ll pass through lenga forests, peat bogs, and beaver habitats, all while immersing ourselves in the unique flora and fauna of the region.

River and mountains along the trail to Laguna Esmeralda from Ushuaia

Arrival at Esmeralda Lagoon

At noon, we will arrive at Laguna Esmeralda, a hidden gem nestled in the Fuegian mountain range. The lagoon's stunning emerald green color, with the backdrop of the Ojo del Albino glacier, creates a breathtaking and unique landscape. Here, we’ll take a well-deserved break and enjoy a picnic featuring empanadas or sandwiches, dried fruits, and a comforting cup of hot tea to recharge and replenish our energy (vegetarian option available upon request).

Traveler enjoying a break by the lagoon

Return to Ushuaia

After soaking in the beauty of the lagoon, we’ll begin our return journey. In about two hours, we’ll arrive back at the starting point, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Ushuaia. We’ll return to the city around 2:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to relax and unwind after this unforgettable adventure.

Group hiking the trail to Laguna Esmeralda

What to bring to Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike tour

If you're planning to trek to Laguna Esmeralda, being well-prepared is key to fully enjoying this amazing adventure in Tierra del Fuego. The weather in Ushuaia is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it’s important to bring the right gear. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need:

  • Layered Clothing: Start with a thermal base layer, add a warm second layer (fleece or softshell), and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
  • Hat and Gloves: The cold and wind can be intense, especially near the lagoon, so bring a good pair of gloves and a warm hat.
  • Waterproof Hiking Boots: The trail can be slippery and muddy, so make sure your boots have good traction and are waterproof.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still affect your skin and eyes, so don’t skip these essentials.
  • Small Backpack: Bring a comfortable, lightweight backpack to carry water, snacks, and other essentials with ease.
  • Sufficient Water: Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
  • Energy Snacks: Nuts, granola bars, or chocolate are great options to keep your energy up during the trek.
  • Camera or Cell Phone with a Charged Battery: You’ll want to capture the breathtaking scenery of Laguna Esmeralda, so don’t forget your camera or phone—make sure it’s fully charged!

Where does the tour Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike start

When you join our Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike, you don’t need to worry about transportation, as we provide hotel pickup in Ushuaia. However, if you haven’t arrived in the world’s southernmost city yet, here are the main ways to get there:

✈️ By Air

Malvinas Argentinas International Airport welcomes several daily flights from various cities in Argentina:

From Buenos Aires: Direct flights take about 3 hours, while flights with stopovers can take up to 5 hours.

From Other Cities: There are also connections from Cordoba, Mendoza, and other locations in Patagonia.

🚗 By Land

The primary access route is National Route N°3, which connects Ushuaia with Río Gallegos (Santa Cruz, Argentina).

Alternatively, you can also reach Ushuaia from Punta Arenas (Chile) by taking a ferry to Porvenir on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).

Questions & Answers

  • Is the Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike difficult?

    No. This trek is ideal for people with no hiking experience, but with a good level of fitness.

  • How long does the Laguna Esmeralda Trek last?

    This experience lasts about 6 hours. The 5 hours of trekking plus the time it takes for the transfers to and from Ushuaia.

  • Can I cancel due to bad weather?

    This tour is not cancelled due to rain, it is cancelled only in case of extreme weather conditions (snow or wind storm). In case of having to cancel the activity, rescheduling to another day or a refund will be offered.

  • What is included in the lunch during the tour and do I need to bring anything extra?

    During your break at the lagoon, you will enjoy a picnic that includes empanadas or a sandwich, dried fruit and nuts and a hot tea to replenish your energy.

    If you wish, you can bring an additional snack or a reusable cup for tea, helping to reduce the use of disposable items.

  • Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

    Yes, if you have any food preference, let us know in advance and we will adapt your lunch so you can enjoy the trek without worries.

  • Should I bring my own beverage?

    We will provide you with hot tea, but it is recommended to bring your own water bottle to keep you hydrated during the hike.

  • Can we do the Laguna Esmeralda Hike with children?

    The recommended age for this trek is between 9 and 65 years old. However, if you are outside this range but you are in good physical condition and feel able to do the tour, contact us and we will evaluate your participation.

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