Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world, offers a plethora of captivating trekking options amidst its stunning landscapes. There are some fantastic choices to consider during your visit and of course, trekkings are very amazing here. Check some good options to practice trekking in Ushuaia area.
Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda in Ushuaia
Laguna Esmeralda, nestled in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, is a breathtaking destination worth exploring. Situated in the renowned “city at the end of the world,” Ushuaia offers unparalleled natural beauty amidst its rugged landscapes. The lagoon, true to its name, boasts an enchanting emerald hue, surrounded by majestic forests, towering mountains, and icy glaciers. It stands as a must-see attraction in Tierra del Fuego, although reaching it requires a fondness for hiking and a willingness to trek for approximately two hours, braving the chill of the ever-changing seasons.
Located in the Tierra Mayor Valley, adjacent to Bonete Hill in the Sierra Alvear, Laguna Esmeralda lies just 20 kilometers from Ushuaia along Route 3. To reach the lagoon, travelers must journey north along Route 3 until reaching a point approximately 100 meters before the entrance to Valle de Lobos, roughly 18 to 20 kilometers from Ushuaia. A clearing along the route provides a parking spot, and keen eyes may spot a small sign reading “Lag Esmeralda,” signaling the trailhead to follow.
Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda: General facts
Duration: 5 hours aprox
Distance: 8.7 km
Elevation Gain: 250 mts
Dificulty level: medium
Book a trekking to Laguna Esmeralda from Ushuaia
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Trekking to Laguna Turquesa and Carvajal Mount
The Turquoise Lagoon is nestled within the Sierra Sorondo, with easy access from the city of Ushuaia. The trail meanders through an old logging area, evident from the remnants of tree cuts and marks. While the path is well-signposted and clearly defined, it poses a moderate level of difficulty due to its steep inclines, particularly challenging during snowfall or rainfall. Beyond the vegetation line, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the Sierra Alvear and the Esmeralda Lagoon.
Additional noteworthy details: A significant portion of the trail follows the stream originating from the Turquoise Lagoon.
Key attractions include the Sierra Sorondo, Sierra Alvear, Esmeralda Lagoon, Turquoise Lagoon, and Olum Valley.
Duration: 3 hours aproximately
Distance: 3 km
Dificulty level: medium
Book the Trekking to Turquoise Lagoon and Carvajal Mount
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Trekking to the Martial Glacier
The Martial Glacier Mountain Center is temporarily closed but its trails are publicly accessible. It is located 7 kilometers northwest of the city, just 5 minutes from downtown Ushuaia passing through the Hotel Reserve of the same name.
Once you access the base, you must walk along the main ski slope or the variant through the forest, which follows the Buena Esperanza stream. Both roads begin at the base of the Mountain Center (level 315) ending at the panoramic point of the upper platform (level 515). The distance along the ski slope to the platform is approximately 1,300 meters, climbing a slope in the total of its route of 200 meters, the estimated time of ascent is 40 minutes (one way). While for the variant, the distance is approximately 1,500 meters, the same unevenness being the one that is climbed in its total route (200 meters), in an approximate time of 50 minutes. When you reach a viewpoint from which you have a panoramic view of the glacier and an interpretive poster of the surroundings, the main path to the Martial glacier begins, you can see the zigzags and stone walls that lead to the millenary ice. It is a high mountain stone sector with a distance of 1,600 meters. uphill until reaching 825 meters high.
Trekking to the Martial Glacier: general facts
Duration: 4 hours aproximately
Distance: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 200 mts
Dificulty level: high
Trekking to the edge of the Martial Glacier
Another exceptional trekking option is the hike to the edge of the Martial Glacier Mountain, a stunning location situated 7 kilometers from Ushuaia’s city center, just a quick 5-minute drive passing through the Hotel Reserve of the same name.
Upon reaching the base, hikers can choose between two routes: either along the main ski slope or through the forest, following the Buena Esperanza stream. Both paths commence at the Mountain Center’s base (at an elevation of 315 meters) and culminate at the panoramic viewpoint of the upper platform (at an elevation of 515 meters). The distance along the ski slope to the platform is roughly 1,300 meters, with an ascent of 200 meters in total, taking approximately 40 minutes (one way). Conversely, the forest route spans about 1,500 meters, with the same elevation gain, requiring approximately 50 minutes. Upon reaching a viewpoint offering a panoramic vista of the glacier and an interpretive sign detailing the surroundings, hikers have three trail options. The “Filo” trail leads eastward, continuing along a quarry with minimal inclines, ultimately revealing a broad view of the city and the Beagle Channel.
Key attractions include the Lenga forest, transitional forest, high pastures, Andean desert, panoramic views of the Martial glacier circus, the cityscape, the Beagle Channel, and the Hoste and Navarino Islands.
Edge of the Martial Glacier Mountain Trekking: General facts
Duration: 3 hours aproximately
Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 200 mts
Dificulty level: medium
Trekking to Vinciguerra Glacier from Ushuaia
The trek to Vinciguerra Glacier presents a moderate mountain trail, yet during late autumn, winter, or spring, it can pose heightened difficulty due to icy/snowy conditions and muddy terrain on inclines. Therefore, proper gear such as boots, waterproof clothing, and a coat are essential throughout the year.
Commencing at the base of the Andorra Valley, the journey traverses a vast peat bog and follows the left bank of Aº Grande. Upon crossing a bridge, the path leads into a forested area, where the terrain remains manageable with occasional uphill sections demanding increased physical exertion. Upon reaching the vegetation boundary, hikers encounter a transitional zone featuring high-altitude wetlands before embarking on the final ascent up a steep rocky slope, culminating at the shores of Laguna de los Témpanos.
Approximately 1 kilometer from the bridge lies the Enchanted Lagoon fork. Notably, measurement markers (stakes) are visible at the watercourse’s source and within the glacier mass, serving to monitor glacier behavior and its correlation with climate change. It’s imperative not to disturb these markers. The name “Vinciguerra” was bestowed by Italian expeditionary Giácomo Bove in honor of the zoologist who accompanied him during the Italian/Argentine scientific expedition to Tierra del Fuego in 1882.
Key attractions along the trail include Vinciguerra Glacier, Laguna de los Témpanos, the Andorra Valley, and Arroyo Grande.
Trekk to Vinciguerra Glacier: general facts
Duration: 9 hours aproximately
Distance: 10 km
Dificulty level: medium
