Trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier from Ushuaia — Small-Group Day Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Requires a high level of aerobic fitness, stable knees and experience with sustained uphill hiking
Overview
A full-day, small-group trek from Ushuaia to the Ojo del Albino glacier — 20 km round-trip with 800 m gain — that combines glacier travel, peat bogs and summit views. Guides provide crampons and a flexible schedule tuned to Patagonia’s volatile weather.
Trek to Ojo del Albino Glacier from Ushuaia — Small-Group Day Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
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The van eases away from Ushuaia and the air changes: salt and diesel give way to peat and cold iron. By the time the group steps onto the trail, wind has already begun to test your jacket, and the first vista opens onto a low valley rimmed with serrated ridgelines and blue-white ice. Guides tighten gaiters and check crampon straps — today’s route threads native lenga forest, sphagnum peat bogs and scree slopes toward the Ojo del Albino glacier and the aquamarine reach of Laguna Esmeralda.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures and wind can swing rapidly; wear breathable insulating layers plus a waterproof shell.
Water and snacks
Bring at least 2 liters of water and calorie-dense snacks to sustain an 8-hour day of steady effort.
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and grippy soles are required — crampons are provided for icy sections but not a substitute for solid boots.
Pace for small-group flow
The group size (max 4) means the hike moves at a single sustainable pace; conserve energy for the final ascent and photo stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Andean condor
History
The area bears evidence of glacial sculpting and sits on lands the Yámana people used for millennia; later exploration routes linked these valleys to Beagle Channel navigation.
Conservation
Peat bogs and tundra heal slowly; stay on marked trails, pack out waste and avoid disturbing fragile vegetation to limit long-term impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and waterproofing for peat, mud and occasional snow patches.
Breathable insulating layers + waterproof shell
Layering manages wind chill and sudden sun exposure on exposed ridges.
Trekking poles
Help balance on bogs, scree and during the glacier approach.
High-energy snacks & 2L+ water
Sustains energy for an all-day, 20 km trek with 800 m gain.