Helicopter Overflight of Laguna Esmeralda & Ushuaia — 15‑Minute Scenic Flight
Difficulty
easy
Duration
15 minutes (flight time)
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—suitable for most travelers who can board a helicopter; assist available if needed.
Overview
A 15-minute helicopter loop above Ushuaia delivers rapid, panoramic views of Mount Olivia, the Five Brothers, Carbajal Valley and the glass-green Laguna Esmeralda. Ideal for travelers short on time who want an aerial primer of Tierra del Fuego’s glaciers, valleys and coastal approaches.
Helicopter Overflight of Laguna Esmeralda & Ushuaia — 15‑Minute Scenic Flight
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You lift off from the old Ushuaia airstrip and the city shrinks as rotor wash rearranges the low clouds. Below, the ochre roofs of Ushuaia give way to the cragged spine of the Fuegian Andes; Mount Olivia first, a knife-edge of snow and schist, then the serrated silhouettes known locally as the Five Brothers. The helicopter banks and the Carbajal Valley unfurls like a folded map — ponds glinting, wind raking the grasses — until a bright, impossible green appears: Laguna Esmeralda, a glacier-fed pool that seems to hold a piece of the sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Check the weight limit
Maximum passenger weight is 120 kg — confirm total baggage and body weight in advance to avoid being declined at check-in.
Dress in layers
Temperatures at altitude are colder and windier than on the ground; bring a windproof outer layer and a warm mid-layer.
Secure cameras and phones
Use wrist or neck straps and close the windows quickly; fast shutter speeds reduce motion blur in a moving helicopter.
Arrive early for briefing
Plan to be at HeliUshuaia 30–45 minutes before departure time for check-in and safety briefing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- South American sea lion
History
Ushuaia grew as a penal colony in the late 19th century and later developed as a gateway to Antarctic expeditions; many heritage sites are visible from the air.
Conservation
The Fuegian landscape is fragile—stay on marked trails on the ground, and operators minimize noise and flight paths to reduce wildlife disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against rotor-driven wind chill during takeoff and in-flight exposure.
Sunglasses with strap
Cuts glare over snow and water; a strap keeps them secure in a moving aircraft.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Fast shutter speeds capture the changing landscape; tether it to prevent drops.
Warm mid-layer or fleece
Helps retain heat during cooler months and sudden changes in weather.
fall specific