Laguna Esmeralda Summer Hike from Ushuaia — Glacier‑Fed Lake & Beaver Forests
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to hike 4–5 km on uneven, sometimes muddy terrain with short uphill sections.
Overview
A four‑to‑six hour summer hike from Ushuaia that winds through lenga forest, beaver‑altered rivers, and peat bogs to the glacier‑fed Laguna Esmeralda. This accessible Patagonian walk pairs dramatic mountain views with close‑up nature interpretation.
Laguna Esmeralda Summer Hike from Ushuaia — Glacier‑Fed Lake & Beaver Forests
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You step off the van along Ruta 3 with the Andes breathing behind you and a wind that seems to read your pack before you do. The guide points to a mossy opening and says the trail is 4.7 km one way; the path disappears into a stand of lenga trees whose trunks wear lichen like calluses. Underfoot the ground gives — peat and roots forming a soft, springy carpet — and a halo of ice‑cold streams hums beside you, daring you to go faster.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear waterproof boots
The trail crosses peat and wet boardwalks—sturdy, waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet dry and stable.
Bring layered clothing
Weather can flip between sun and wind quickly; pack a warm midlayer plus a breathable shell.
Carry at least 1L of water and snacks
Hiking time plus transport takes several hours—bring water and high‑energy snacks to maintain pace.
Stay on the marked trail
Turbas (peat) are fragile and slow to recover; avoid shortcuts to protect the ecosystem.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Beavers (evidence and dams)
- Austral thrush and other Patagonian forest birds
History
Introduced beavers dramatically altered waterways after mid‑20th century introductions; the landscape mixes native Yamana history with later European exploration and sheep ranching.
Conservation
Peat bogs and turba soils are ecologically sensitive and recover slowly—stay on trails, avoid trampling, and pack out waste to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides traction on muddy, spongy trail sections.
summer specific
Breathable rain shell
Wind and drizzle are common even in summer—bring a waterproof outer layer.
summer specific
Warm midlayer (fleece or down jacket)
Temperatures can drop near the lagoon and in shaded forest corridors.
summer specific
Daypack with water and snacks
Carry 1–1.5 L water, snacks, and spare layers for the hike and return transport.
summer specific