Emerald Lagoon Trekking: The Heart of the Fuegian Andes

6 hours
Difficulty: Medium (mud/peat)
Trekking to one of Ushuaia's most treasured jewels: Laguna Esmeralda, a glacier-fed lagoon of intense turquoise-blue color.

Price per adult from

$ 160.000,00

INCLUDED

Round-trip transfer to your accommodation
Bilingual naturalist guide
Box lunch (sandwich, snack, and beverage)
Telescopic trekking poles
Crampons
Not included: Waterproof trekking boots – Warm clothing (we recommend bringing your own)

TOUR DETAILS

Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Medium (mud/peat)
Temporada: Year-round

Emerald Lagoon Trekking

Trek to one of Ushuaia's most precious gems: Laguna Esmeralda, a glacial lake of intense turquoise-blue, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains and their imposing snow-capped peaks. The trail crosses the subantarctic forest, following the Esmeralda stream until reaching the lake, offering unique panoramic views. The route is of medium difficulty due to the presence of mud and peat.

Price per adult from

$ 160.000,00

Esmeralda Lagoon Trekking Ushuaia


Trekking · Adventure

Emerald Lagoon Trekking
Ushuaia

Emerald Lagoon Trekking Ushuaia: Tierra del Fuego's most iconic trail

6 hours
Medium difficulty
Oct → May
Small groups
Check-out from your accommodation

He trekking to Emerald Lagoon It is one of the Most popular excursions in Ushuaia,
And with good reason. In a six-hour hike through subantarctic forest, peat bogs, and glacial valleys,
You arrive at a turquoise-blue lagoon formed by the melting snow of the Fuegian Andes.
A landscape that justifies the trip on its own.

The route begins in the winter valleys, far from the noise of the city. The trail heads inland
in a silent forest of lenga and ñire trees where time seems to stand still. As you advance,
The landscape changes: the classics appear. Fuegian peat bogs —wetlands of origin
glacier—and the traces of the beaver dams that transformed this landscape over decades.
It's a truly rugged trek: mud, roots and uneven terrain are all part of the experience.

Beyond the tree line, the panorama opens up suddenly. Framed by the
Albino Eye Glacier And on Bonete Hill, Emerald Lagoon appears.
The intense color of the water contrasts with the snow and the gray rock of the mountain.
We stop there for lunch, without rushing.

Far from the mass tours, we do this tour in small groups
with local guides who know the trail in all seasons. You walk at your own pace,
You understand what you see and every stop makes sense.

Technical details

Duration
6 hours approx.
4 to 5 hours of effective walking
Difficulty
Moderate
Uneven terrain, mud and peat bogs
Land
Forest, peat and rock
Elevation difference of ≈ 200 meters
SEASON
October to May
In winter: version with crampons
Starting point
Your accommodation
Pickup included in Ushuaia
Suitable for children?
Yes, from 8 years old
In good physical condition

What's included

Including

  • ● Round-trip transfer from your accommodation
  • ● Professional local guide
  • ● Telescopic trekking poles
  • ● Box lunch (sandwich, snack, and beverage)
  • ● Crampons (winter season)

Not included

  • ● Waterproof trekking boot
  • ● Warm and rainwear
  • ● Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to Laguna Esmeralda from Ushuaia?
The transfer from downtown Ushuaia to the trailhead takes about 20 minutes. The hike to the lagoon lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the group's pace.
Is it possible to trek to Laguna Esmeralda in winter?
In June, July, and August, the access road may be snow-covered. In those cases, we offer a winter version with crampons and snowshoes included. Please contact us for details based on your travel dates.
What to bring on the Emerald Lagoon trek?
Waterproof trekking boots (the most important thing), layered clothing, a small backpack, at least 1.5 liters of water, and sunscreen. Trekking poles and a packed lunch are included.
Is the trek cancelled if it rains?
No. Rain is part of the Tierra del Fuego climate, and the trek will still take place. It will only be canceled in the event of extreme safety conditions, in which case we will notify you in advance and arrange a new date.
Is it suitable for elderly people or those with little experience in the mountains?
Trekking requires a basic level of fitness and familiarity with uneven terrain. It's not technical and doesn't require prior experience, but appropriate footwear is essential. If you have any questions, write to us and we'll help you decide if it's right for you.

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Experience Itinerary

TOUR DETAILS

08:00 AM: Hotel pick-up.
08:45 AM: Start of the trek (Tierra Mayor Valley).
09:30 AM: Hike through forest and peat bogs.
10:30 AM: Arrival at Emerald Lagoon.
12:00 PM: Lunch (box lunch) on the shore of the lagoon.
01:30 PM: Return to the trailhead.
02:00 PM: Return to Ushuaia.

Schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, type of tour, and meeting point.

GALLERY

What is the difficulty of the Laguna Esmeralda trek?

The trek has a medium difficulty. No prior mountain experience is required, but an acceptable physical condition is necessary. You walk for about 4 to 5 hours in total (round trip) crossing forests, peat bogs, and areas that are usually quite muddy.

It is essential to wear waterproof trekking footwear (the terrain has wet peat and regular sneakers are not suitable). We recommend dressing in layers (onion style), bringing a waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack.

No, the trek operates normally on rainy or snowy days, which gives the experience a true Fuegian touch! It is only canceled or rescheduled in the event of extremely severe weather conditions that pose a safety risk.

Since it is a 4 to 5-hour hike over rugged, uneven terrain with a lot of mud (peat), we do not recommend it for very young children or people who are not used to walking. It is an excellent experience for teenagers or children over 10 years old in good physical condition. For families with younger children, we suggest calmer alternatives such as the navigations or the National Park.

Absolutely! If you prefer not to depend on the pace of a regular group, make more stops to take pictures, or simply want to enjoy the silence of the Fuegian forest exclusively, you can book the Laguna Esmeralda trek as a private service. Contact us and we will tailor the outing to your group.

Because we understand that it is not a race, but an experience to connect with nature. Our professional local guides know the mountain perfectly, ensuring not only your afety on complex terrain, but also highly personalized attention thanks to the fact that we work with small groups..

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