Hikers climbing through the snow during the Vinciguerra Glacier Trek
A group of hikers walking on the ice of the Vinciguerra Glacier with trekking poles
Travelers by the Laguna de los Témpanos with the Vinciguerra Glacier in the background
Travelers inside an ice cave on the Vinciguerra Glacier
A group of hikers during an ice trek on the Vinciguerra Glacier
Hiker admiring the mountain scenery during a trek to the Vinciguerra Glacier
A group of hikers crossing the forest on their way to the Vinciguerra Glacier
Hikers walking through a forest in Tierra del Fuego with trekking poles
A group hiking up a mountain trail alongside a stream on their way to the Vinciguerra Glacier
Hiker exploring a blue ice formation on the Vinciguerra Glacier
A couple enjoying a hot drink during a break on the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike
A group of hikers on a frozen surface during their hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier
A couple walking with hiking poles in the snow during the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike in Ushuaia
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Vinciguerra Glacier Hike & Laguna de los Témpanos

Take the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike to Laguna de los Témpanos and walk on the glacier with crampons

(9 reviews)
Ushuaia
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: Pickup from your accommodation in Ushuaia at the selected time.
Ends: Drop-off at your accommodation in Ushuaia at the end of the tour.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Hiking in Ushuaia to Vinciguerra Glacier

The Vinciguerra Glacier Hike is a challenging and rewarding experience, recommended for travelers with previous hiking experience and good physical fitness.

Just a few minutes from Ushuaia, the trail crosses peat bogs, lenga and guindo forests, and meltwater streams. After about 3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Laguna de los Témpanos, located at the foot of Vinciguerra Glacier.

From there, you’ll continue toward the glacier to see its crevasses, moulins, and ice formations up close, surrounded by one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Tierra del Fuego.

During the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide in a small group, with all necessary technical gear included. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a more challenging and less crowded hike near Ushuaia, deep in the Patagonian wilderness.

Ready for the challenge? 🏔️

Tour details

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Ushuaia
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch: sandwich, alfajor, and nuts
  • Hot tea
  • Trekking poles
  • Crampons

Not included

  • Tips

Important information

Difficulty of the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike

The Vinciguerra Glacier Hike has a moderate-to-high difficulty level and is recommended for travelers with previous hiking experience and good physical fitness due to the length of the route, elevation gain, and uneven terrain.

Recommended Age

The recommended age range is 15 to 55 years old. If you are outside this range, you may still be able to participate if you have the appropriate fitness level and hiking experience. The guide will assess each case individually to make sure you can complete the hike safely.

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

Vinciguerra Glacier Hike

Difficulty: Moderate to high

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km)

Elevation gain: 1,970 ft (600 m)

Pickup in Ushuaia

The Vinciguerra Glacier Hike begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ushuaia at around 9:00 a.m. From there, you’ll travel by 4x4 to the trailhead, located about 15 minutes from the city.

A group of travelers during the trip from Ushuaia to the Vinciguerra Glacier Trek

Hike to Laguna de los Témpanos

You’ll begin hiking through forests, peat bogs, and mountain terrain, gradually gaining around 1,970 ft (600 m) in elevation before reaching Laguna de los Témpanos.

From here, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Vinciguerra Glacier and, at certain times of year, may see small icebergs floating on the lagoon. It’s also one of the best places along the route to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Travelers by Laguna de los Témpanos, with the Vinciguerra Glacier in the background

Final stretch toward the Vinciguerra Glacier

If weather and trail conditions allow, you’ll continue along the edge of the lagoon toward Vinciguerra Glacier.

Before stepping onto the ice, your guide will provide crampons and help you put them on correctly. During this section, you’ll be able to see ice formations, crevasses, and moulins up close and, if conditions are suitable, even explore an ice cave.

After exploring the glacier, you’ll return to the lagoon area for a break and lunch.

A group of hikers in front of the Vinciguerra Glacier during a hike in Ushuaia

Return to Ushuaia

After lunch, you’ll descend along the same trail, once again crossing the forests and peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego.

Once you reach the trailhead, the vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Ushuaia, bringing the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike to an end.

A group of travelers during the trip from Ushuaia to the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike

What to bring to Vinciguerra Glacier Hike & Laguna de los Témpanos tour

To enjoy the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike comfortably and safely, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Weather in Tierra del Fuego can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:

  • Layered clothing.
  • A waterproof and windproof jacket.
  • Hat and gloves.
  • Waterproof hiking boots with good traction.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • A small backpack.
  • Extra water if needed.
  • A camera or fully charged cell phone.

The tour includes lunch, hot tea, trekking poles, and crampons, so you won’t need to bring these items yourself.

Where does the tour Vinciguerra Glacier Hike & Laguna de los Témpanos start

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ushuaia at the selected time. From there, you’ll travel with your guide to the trailhead for the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike and Laguna de los Témpanos.

Questions & Answers

  • Do you walk on ice during the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike?

    Yes. If weather and trail conditions allow, the route continues around Laguna de los Témpanos toward Vinciguerra Glacier, where you may walk on the ice and even explore ice caves.

    The tour includes crampons and trekking poles. Your guide will provide the equipment and help you put it on correctly so you can complete this section safely.

  • How long do you walk on Vinciguerra Glacier?

    The exact time spent on the glacier depends on weather, ice conditions, the season, and the group’s pace. In general, you’ll walk on the ice for around 20 to 40 minutes.

    During this section, you’ll be able to see ice formations, crevasses, and, if conditions allow, ice caves up close. The activity is always done with crampons and under the supervision of your guide.

  • How long does the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike take?

    The full tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including the hike and round-trip transportation from Ushuaia.

  • Do I need hiking experience for the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike?

    Yes. The Vinciguerra Glacier Hike has a moderate-to-high difficulty level, so previous hiking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

    The duration, elevation gain, and uneven terrain make this route more challenging than many other hikes near Ushuaia.

  • Can I do the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike if I am not between 15 and 55 years old?

    Yes. Although the recommended age range is 15 to 55, being outside this range does not automatically prevent you from joining the tour.

    The guide will assess your physical condition and hiking experience to make sure you can complete the route safely.

  • What happens if the weather is bad during the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike?

    Weather in Tierra del Fuego can change quickly, and the tour may still operate in rain or light snow.

    It will only be canceled if conditions are extreme or make the hike unsafe. If that happens, you will be notified in advance.

  • Does the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike include lunch?

    Yes. The tour includes a boxed lunch with a sandwich, alfajor, nuts, and hot tea to help you recharge during the hike.

  • Where is Vinciguerra Glacier and how do you get there?

    Vinciguerra Glacier is located near Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego. Reaching it requires a hike through forests, peat bogs, and mountain terrain to Laguna de los Témpanos and, if conditions allow, onward to the glacier.

    This tour includes transportation from Ushuaia to the trailhead and an expert guide throughout the entire route.

  • When is the best time to do the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike?

    The best time to do the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike depends on weather and trail conditions, as the landscape changes significantly throughout the year.

    During milder months, sections of forest, peat bog, and rocky terrain are generally easier to navigate. In colder periods, snow and ice may cover much of the route. In every season, access to the glacier depends on current conditions and the guide’s assessment.

Vinciguerra Glacier Hike & Laguna de los Témpanos tour reviews with Howlanders

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