A traveler walking along the Esmeralda River, surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Two travelers crossing a bridge on the way to Laguna Esmeralda
Two female travelers posing next to Laguna Esmeralda
Snow-capped mountains reflected in the waters of Laguna Esmeralda
Afternoon snack featuring local products in a natural Patagonian setting
A group of travelers crossing a snow-covered bridge
A smiling group posing with hiking poles in the snow
A backpacker hiking through a valley surrounded by mountains
A traveler posing with mountains in the background
A rustic wooden bridge over the turquoise waters of the Esmeralda River
A traveler drinking herbal tea by the lagoon
A traveler gazing at the lagoon surrounded by mountains
A forest in shades of red reflected in the Patagonian lagoon
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Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Guided Laguna Esmeralda hike from Ushuaia on a low-difficulty trail through the Andes.

Location
Ushuaia
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English

Tour highlights

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

The Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia hike is one of the most popular trails in Tierra del Fuego. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll hike through lenga forests, peat bogs, and old beaver dams before reaching the lagoon, surrounded by mountains and glaciers.

This is a low-difficulty guided hike, ideal for travelers with no previous hiking experience. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the flora, wildlife, and unique ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego.

Once you reach Laguna Esmeralda, you’ll stop for lunch 🍽️ and enjoy the views before hiking back. The tour also runs in a small group, offering a more personal and relaxed experience.

Tour details

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Starts
Pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia at the selected time
Ends
Drop-off at your accommodation in Ushuaia at the end of the tour

Included

  • Round-trip transportation from Ushuaia
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch (sandwich, alfajor, and nuts)
  • Hot tea
  • Trekking poles and crampons, if needed

Not included

  • Tips

Important information

AGE RECOMMENDATION: This hike is recommended for travelers between 9 and 65 years old. If you are outside this age range, your participation will be assessed based on your physical condition and previous hiking or trekking experience.

You must wear waterproof clothing, warm layers, and appropriate hiking boots, as weather conditions in Tierra del Fuego can change quickly and some sections of the trail may be wet or muddy.

Howlanders Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and help protect the natural environment around Laguna Esmeralda.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund. After that time, or if you don’t show up, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Difficulty: low

Duration: 5 hours

Distance: 6,2 mi. (10 km.)

Elevation gain: 656 ft. (200 m.)

Pickup in Ushuaia

The Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike begins with pickup at your lodging around 8:00 a.m. From there, you’ll travel for about 20 minutes along National Route 3 to the trailhead.

Before starting the hike, the guide will explain the route’s features and the terrain conditions.

Shuttle van to the starting point of the hike to Laguna Esmeralda

Laguna Esmeralda

Around noon, you’ll arrive at Laguna Esmeralda, located in the heart of the Fuegian mountain range with the Ojo del Albino Glacier as a backdrop.

Here you’ll stop to rest and enjoy a picnic-style lunch consisting of empanadas or a sandwich, nuts, and hot tea. A vegetarian option is available upon request.

A traveler taking a break by Laguna Esmeralda

Tierra Mayor Valley and Esmeralda River Valley

The trail passes through two glacially formed valleys: the Tierra Mayor Valley and the Esmeralda River Valley. For about two hours, you’ll hike through lenga forests, peat bogs, and old beaver dams, discovering some of Tierra del Fuego’s most distinctive landscapes.

River and mountains along the hiking trail to Laguna Esmeralda from Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia

After the break, you’ll begin the return hike along the same trail. After about two hours of walking, you’ll arrive back at the starting point, where the vehicle will be waiting to take you back.

You’re scheduled to arrive at your lodging in Ushuaia around 2:30 p.m., bringing the tour to a close.

A group walking along the trail toward Laguna Esmeralda

What to bring

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

To enjoy the Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike comfortably and safely, it’s important to wear the right clothing and footwear. Weather conditions in Ushuaia can change quickly, and some sections of the trail may be wet or muddy.

  • Layered clothing: a thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof jacket.
  • Hat and gloves: especially recommended because of the cold and wind near the lagoon.
  • Waterproof hiking boots: with good grip for muddy sections, peat bogs, and uneven terrain.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV exposure can still be strong on cloudy days.
  • Small backpack: comfortable and lightweight for carrying your personal belongings.
  • Water: we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.
  • Energy snacks: such as nuts, energy bars, or chocolate to complement the included lunch.
  • Camera or fully charged phone: to capture Laguna Esmeralda and the landscapes along the trail.

Where does the tour start

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ushuaia. From there, you’ll travel by vehicle to the Laguna Esmeralda trailhead, where the guided hike begins.

After completing the hike and returning to the trailhead, you’ll be transferred back to Ushuaia, with drop-off at your accommodation at the end of the tour.

Questions & Answers

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

  • Is the Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike difficult?

    No. The Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike is considered a low-difficulty hike and does not require previous hiking experience. However, you should be in reasonably good physical condition, as the route takes several hours and includes muddy sections, peat bogs, and uneven terrain.

  • How long does the Laguna Esmeralda hike take?

    The experience lasts approximately 6 hours in total, including around 5 hours of hiking plus round-trip transportation from Ushuaia.

  • Is the Laguna Esmeralda hike canceled due to bad weather?

    The tour does not usually get canceled because of rain. It is only suspended when weather conditions are extreme and could affect safety, such as snowstorms or strong winds.

    If the activity has to be canceled, you will be offered the option to reschedule for another date or receive a refund.

  • What is included in the lunch during the hike?

    During the stop at Laguna Esmeralda, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch that includes empanadas or a sandwich, nuts, and hot tea.

    You can also bring additional snacks if you would like something extra during the hike.

  • Are vegetarian or vegan lunch options available?

    Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. Please let us know your dietary preferences when booking so the lunch can be adapted accordingly.

  • Do I need to bring water for the hike?

    Yes. Although hot tea is served with lunch, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with enough water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.

  • Can children do the Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike?

    The recommended age range for this trek is 9 to 65 years old. Children ages 9 and over may participate as long as they are comfortable walking for several hours and are in good physical condition.

    If a participant is outside the recommended age range, please contact us and we will assess their participation based on their physical condition and previous hiking experience.

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike tour reviews with Howlanders

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