Trekking Laguna Esmeralda: Challenging Day Hike from Ushuaia to the Glacier-Tinted Lake
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength—expect sustained climbs, uneven ground, and wet sections.
Overview
A demanding, full-day trek from Ushuaia leads through subantarctic forest, peatlands and beaver-altered streams to Laguna Esmeralda—a glacier-fed lake whose vivid green waters reward hikers willing to contend with steep, wet terrain. Guided, bilingual tours run three days a week and cover about 9 km round trip.
Trekking Laguna Esmeralda: Challenging Day Hike from Ushuaia to the Glacier-Tinted Lake
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The first steps out of the subantarctic wood feel immediate and decisive—thin, cold air filling your lungs, trunks of lenga and coihue rising like dark ribs through the mist. After a twenty-kilometer drive from Ushuaia, the trail to Laguna Esmeralda opens into a landscape that seems to have been painted by glacial hands: peatlands that absorb your boots, rivers that cut clean channels, and a lake that stuns with an almost unreal emerald hue framed by a snow-dusted ridgeline.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for quick temperature swings
Bring a breathable base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell—weather can change from sun to sleet within an hour.
Water and snacks are non-negotiable
Carry at least 2 liters of water and high-energy snacks; the hike is strenuous and there are no services on trail.
Trekking poles help on bog and descent
Poles stabilize you on muddy boardwalks and steep, rocky sections near the lake.
Protect peatlands and stay on trail
Boardwalks and routed paths prevent erosion—do not shortcut or trample sensitive bog areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Introduced North American beavers (evident by felled trees)
- Fuegian fox (culpeo), often seen at dawn or dusk
History
The landscape is shaped by Pleistocene glaciers; more recently, introduced beavers (mid-20th century) have transformed riparian zones and altered vegetation patterns.
Conservation
Peatlands and tundra around the lake are fragile—staying on route and following guide directions reduces erosion. The beaver issue is a major local conservation challenge.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for muddy boardwalks, rocky approaches and boggy ground.
Layered clothing system (base, mid, shell)
Insulating and waterproof layers let you adapt to rapid temperature and weather changes.
Trekking poles
Improve stability on steep descents and in peatland or slippery river crossings.
Insulated, water-resistant pack and dry bags
Keep clothing and electronics dry through rain, splash and bog crossings.