boy on his back watching the emerald river trekking
two travelers with backpacks and trekking poles on laguna esmeralda trail
two girls and the Emerald Lagoon in the background
Emerald Lagoon during the trekking
Emerald Lagoon picnic
people on the emerald lagoon bridge
group in forest during trekking
backpack boy during trekking
young girl with mountain in the background
Esmeralda River and bridge
boy drinking hot tea upon arrival at Laguna Esmeralda
back boy in Emerald Lagoon
Emerald lagoon and mountain
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Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike

Join the Emerald Lagoon Ushuaia hike and explore a stunning glacier-fed lagoon surrounded by the Andes Mountains

(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 Ushuaia Hike is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Ushuaia. This scenic trail takes you through lenga forests, peat bogs, and beaver habitats, following the Esmeralda River to its breathtaking source—a turquoise lagoon surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers.

This guided hike is of moderate difficulty, making it a great option for travelers with little to no trekking experience who still want an adventure in nature—without venturing too far from the city. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights about the unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego.

Upon reaching the lagoon, you’ll take a special lunch break 🍽️, enjoying the incredible views in this stunning setting. Best of all, the small group size ensures a more personal and immersive experience.

If you love hiking and want to explore one of the most spectacular landscapes in Patagonia, this trek is for you. Are you up for the adventure? 🌿🏔️

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 cancellation!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

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.

vehicle pick up and return to Ushuaia

🥾 Start of the route: Tierra Mayor Valley and Esmeralda River Valley or 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.

the emerald river

🌊 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).

boy drinking hot tea in laguna esperalda

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.

return from 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.

Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia Hike tour reviews with Howlanders

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