Emerald Lagoon Trekking: Glacier-Fed Hike from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Best for travelers with moderate fitness who can handle 8 km round-trip on mixed terrain and short, rocky river crossings.
Overview
A 5‑hour outing from Ushuaia brings you through lenga forest and over rocky streams to Laguna Esmeralda — a small glacier-fed lake whose suspended sediments give the water a striking emerald tone in summer. Expect muddy sections, shallow river crossings and rewarding views; the tour includes transport, a guide and a box lunch.
Emerald Lagoon Trekking: Glacier-Fed Hike from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda
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You step off the van and the city’s harbor hum fades into the woods — the air sharp with peat and pine. A narrow track threads through lenga forest, roots like fingers gripping the soil, and the trail slopes toward a river that dares you across a series of stepping stones. Ahead, the valley opens: craggy ridgelines, snow-shadowed peaks, and the promise of water so green it seems to glow. This is Laguna Esmeralda, the so-called Emerald Lagoon, fed by melt from the Ojo del Albino Glacier and painted by the fine glacial sediments that float in its basin.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Water and snacks
Bring at least 1–1.5 L of water and an electrolyte snack — the guide provides a box lunch but not extra drinks.
Footwear for mud and rocks
Wear waterproof hiking boots with traction; trail sections are frequently boggy and slippery after rain.
Dress in layers
Wind and sun can alternate quickly; a lightweight waterproof shell plus a warm mid-layer is recommended.
Stay on the path
The valley’s peat bogs and beaver-altered streams are fragile—stick to the trail and pack out all rubbish.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern beaver (Castor canadensis)
- Fuegian red fox (culpeo)
History
The basin is glacial in origin; melt and rock flour from the Ojo del Albino Glacier give the lagoon its color, and the valleys were historically used by indigenous Yámana and Selk'nam groups.
Conservation
Beavers have drastically altered waterways here—stay on the marked trail to protect peat bogs and avoid creating new erosion; pack out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Protects against muddy bogs and provides traction on rocky sections.
Waterproof shell (jacket)
Wind and sudden showers are common; a shell keeps you dry and warm.
all specific
Water bottle (1–1.5 L)
Hydration is critical on the hike and guides may not supply extra drinks.
Trekking poles
Helpful for balance on river crossings and muddy slopes.