A day-hike outside Ushuaia that earns its colors: the Laguna Esmeralda trail threads beaver-altered rivers, peat bogs and lenga forest before revealing a jewel-green lagoon with the Albino Glacier on the horizon. Expect mud, quick-changing weather and a rewarding summit lunch when conditions allow.
A day-hike outside Ushuaia that earns its colors: the Laguna Esmeralda trail threads beaver-altered rivers, peat bogs and lenga forest before revealing a jewel-green lagoon with the Albino Glacier on the horizon. Expect mud, quick-changing weather and a rewarding summit lunch when conditions allow.
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Operated by Arpon Trekking · Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
The road from Ushuaia loosens its grip on civilization after about 17 kilometers: pavement gives way to a narrow parking lot and a gate where the forest breathes in a cooler key. You step off the transfer and the trail immediately ducks beneath lenga and ñire, their trunks leaning like quiet travelers. The track threads a low valley, skirts a busy beaver dam that chest-puffs at the river, and soon opens onto a peat bog where the ground seems to test every step you take.
moderate.
5–6 hours.
Moderate fitness—comfortable walking on uneven, sometimes steep and muddy terrain for up to two hours each way.
Expect about 2 hours to reach the lagoon from the trailhead and roughly 2 hours to return; total outing is 5–6 hours including transfers and breaks.
It’s suitable for regular walkers with moderate fitness, but muddy sections and the final climb require steady footing—guided groups are capped to maintain pace and safety.
Yes—organizers note mountain clothing is necessary and offer rental options if you arrive without adequate gear.
Policies vary; due to fragile bog and variable conditions, check with the operator—children should be steady hikers and supervised at all times.
Look for beaver activity along rivers and occasional sightings of Fuegian foxes and native birds in the forest canopy.
Layer clothing, carry a waterproof shell, bring extra warm layers in a pack, and confirm pickup times the day before in case of schedule adjustments.
The area sits on ancestral lands of Fuegian indigenous groups; more recently, European settlers and introduced species like beavers have reshaped local waterways and ecology.
Trail use is regulated to limit peatland and bog damage—stay on boardwalks and follow guide instructions to protect fragile habitats.
Arpon Trekking operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




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