Trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier & Laguna Esmeralda — Full‑Day from Ushuaia

Ushuaia•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

7–8 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can handle sustained hiking over variable terrain and some elevation gain.

Overview

A full-day trek from Ushuaia that threads lenga forest, peat bog and the Esmeralda Lagoon before reaching the Ojo del Albino Glacier. Expect 19 km of changing terrain, glacier views, and a close-up of Fuegian natural history.

Trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier & Laguna Esmeralda — Full‑Day from Ushuaia

Bus Tour

Sightseeing Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step off the minivan where the road peters out and cold air from the high ridges meets the peat-smelling valley. Lenga trunks crowd the trail like watchful sentries; beneath your boots the path softens into bog and boardwalk before opening onto the Tierra Mayor wetland. That first view—sinuous, greenish water framed by serrated peaks—announces where the day will go: through forest, across peat, and up to a glacier that still calves and shifts in an age of retreat.

Adventure Photos

Trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier & Laguna Esmeralda — Full‑Day from Ushuaia photo 1

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Weather shifts rapidly—bring a waterproof outer, insulating mid-layer and breathable base layers for the full day in the mountains.

Water and snacks

Carry at least 1.5 liters of water and small snacks beyond the included box lunch to maintain energy across 7–8 hours.

Footwear matters

Waterproof trekking boots are required due to peat bogs and muddy sections; crampons are provided for icy conditions.

Respect fragile wetlands

Stay on designated paths and boardwalks—peat bogs and cushion vegetation recover slowly from trampling.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Beaver (introduced)
Andean condor (or local raptors)

History

The route crosses valleys once used by Yámana people and later dog-sled routes; European trappers introduced beavers that now alter local wetlands.

Conservation

Peat bogs and cushion vegetation are fragile—stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing beaver habitats; the glacier’s retreat is a visible sign of regional climate change.