Two people walking with crampons on the snow during the ascent to the glacier.
Group of four women posing in front of the lagoon with the Vinciguerra Glacier in the background.
Mountain guide and group crossing the forest during the ascent to the Vinciguerra Glacier.
Group of five people in front of the entrance to a glacier ice cave.
Group of hikers at the entrance of an ice cave of the Vinciguerra glacier.
Hiker celebrating the view on the Vinciguerra Glacier
Group walking through a forest with yellow flowers on the Vinciguerra Glacier trekking.
Hikers walking down a mountain trail next to a creek
Woman walking with a cane inside a bright blue ice cave.
Two people posing inside a spectacular blue cave on the Vinciguerra Glacier.
Couple enjoying a hot drink in the snow during a trekking trip
Group of people walking on the ice with crampons on the Vinciguerra Glacier.
Couple enjoying trekking on the Vinciguerra glacier
1 / 13

Vinciguerra Glacier & Laguna de los Témpanos Hike

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

(2 reviews)
Ushuaia
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Ushuaia at 9:00 am.
Ends: At your accommodation in Ushuaia at 17:00.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Vinciguerra Glacier Hike is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding adventure, perfect for experienced hikers looking to explore one of Tierra del Fuego’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Just minutes from Ushuaia, this moderate-to-challenging route takes you through peat bogs, lenga and cherry forests, and glacier-fed rivers. After roughly 3 hours of hiking—covering about 5.6 miles (9 km)—you’ll reach the stunning Laguna de los Témpanos (Iceberg Lagoon). Towering above the lagoon is the Vinciguerra Glacier, with its dramatic crevasses and deep ice mills waiting to be discovered.

Led by an expert guide and with all necessary equipment provided—including trekking poles and crampons—this small-group experience takes you far from the tourist crowds and deep into the wild heart of Patagonia.

Ready to take on the challenge? 🏔️

Tour details

Included

  • Pick up and return to your lodging in Ushuaia
  • Professional Guide
  • Lunch (sandwich, alfajor and dried fruits and nuts)
  • Hot infusion
  • Trekking poles
  • Crampons

Not included

  • Tips

Important information

🥾 Moderate to high difficulty: This hike is recommended for travelers with previous hiking experience and good physical fitness.

❌ Not suitable for people with heart or respiratory conditions, or with reduced mobility.

👦 Recommended age: 15 to 55 years old. If you're outside this range, don’t worry—the guide will evaluate your fitness and experience to determine if you can safely join the hike.

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

Vinciguerra Glacier Hike

🥾 Difficulty level: Moderate to high

⏳ Duration: 8 hours

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)

⛰️ Elevation gain: 1,970 feet (600 meters)

Pick-up in Ushuaia

Your Vinciguerra Glacier Hike begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia around 9:00 AM. From there, you'll head out in a 4x4 vehicle to the trailhead, located just 15 minutes from the city.

Get ready for an unforgettable day of trekking through the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

Participants of the trekking ready to start the adventure from Ushuaia

Ascent to Laguna de los Témpanos (Icebergs Lagoon)

After a demanding hike with an elevation gain of about 1,970 feet (600 meters), you’ll reach the stunning Laguna de los Témpanos. Its crystal-clear waters are sometimes dotted with floating icebergs that have calved from the nearby Vinciguerra Glacier.

This part of the Vinciguerra Glacier Hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape — the perfect spot to rest, snap some photos, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of Patagonia.

Hikers posing in front of the lagoon with the Vinciguerra Glacier in the background.

Final stretch to the Vinciguerra Glacier

If weather conditions allow and the group maintains a steady pace, the hike continues along the lagoon until reaching the Vinciguerra Glacier itself. Before stepping onto the ice, your guide will provide you with crampons and help you put them on properly to ensure a safe and secure crossing.

This high-altitude glacier — one of the few accessible in the region — offers a truly unforgettable sight: natural ice formations carved by time, deep crevasses, and, if conditions are favorable, even the chance to step inside a stunning ice cave.

After exploring part of the glacier, you'll return to the lagoon's edge for a well-earned lunch break, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego.

Group equipped with crampons enjoying the Vinciguerra glacier.

Return to Ushuaia

After lunch by the lagoon, you’ll begin the descent along the same trail, passing once again through the forests and peat bogs.

Once you reach the starting point, the vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Ushuaia.

This marks the end of your Vinciguerra Glacier Hike — a challenging and truly authentic adventure in the heart of Tierra del Fuego.

Van that picks up the group at their accommodation to start the trekking.

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

To comfortably reach the Vinciguerra Glacier and make the most of your experience, it's essential to be well prepared. The weather in Tierra del Fuego can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:

  • Layered clothing to adapt easily to shifting temperatures
  • Hat and gloves to protect against wind and cold
  • Waterproof trekking boots with good grip
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days
  • Small backpack to carry your essentials
  • Water and snacks to stay energized throughout the hike
  • Camera or fully charged phone — the views are absolutely worth it

With the right gear, you’ll be ready for a challenging but unforgettable day in the heart of Patagonian wilderness 💙🏔️

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

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

If you’re not 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 take about 3 hours, while flights with stopovers may take up to 5 hours. There are also connections from cities like Córdoba, Mendoza, and other parts of Patagonia.

  • 🚗 By land: The main access route is National Route No. 3, which connects Ushuaia with Río Gallegos (Santa Cruz Province, Argentina). You can also reach Ushuaia from Punta Arenas (Chile) by taking a ferry to Porvenir on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (approx. 2.5 hours).

Questions & Answers

  • Do you walk on the glacier ice during the trek?

    Yes — if weather and trail conditions allow, you'll continue past the lagoon and make an approach to the Vinciguerra Glacier. During this section, you’ll have the chance to walk on the glacier’s surface and even step inside natural ice caves.

    The tour includes trekking poles and crampons, which your guide will provide and help you fit properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.

  • How long will I walk on the ice?

    The exact time on the glacier depends on the weather, the group’s pace, and the season. In general, you’ll spend 20 to 40 minutes walking on the ice — enough time to explore crevasses, natural formations, and even ice caves if conditions allow.

    The experience is short but unforgettable, always done with crampons and under the guide’s supervision for maximum safety.

  • How long is the Vinciguerra Glacier & Laguna de los Témpanos Hike tour?

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

  • Do I need previous trekking experience to do this tour?

    Yes, this excursion is of moderate to challenging difficulty, so hiking experience and good physical condition are recommended.

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

    Yes, although the recommended age is between 15 and 55 years old, if you are younger or older, it is not out of the question. The guide will assess your physical condition and experience before starting the trek to make sure you can do it safely and enjoy it to the fullest.

  • What happens if the weather is not good?

    The weather in Tierra del Fuego is very variable, but the tour will take place even with rain or light snow. It will only be cancelled in case of extreme conditions, and in that case, we will inform you in advance.

  • Does the Vinciguerra Glacier and Laguna de los Témpanos Trekking Tour include food?

    Yes, the tour includes a box lunch with a sandwich, alfajor, dried fruit and nuts and a hot tea to replenish energy during the trekking.

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

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you

Other travelers also booked

from ‌
Trustpilot