Trekking to Esmeralda Lake from Ushuaia: Laguna Esmeralda Day Hike in Tierra del Fuego
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness — comfortable walking for several hours with some uneven terrain
Overview
A six-hour day hike from Ushuaia delivers mossy lenga forests, peat bog boardwalks and a jewel-toned lake tucked into the Fuegian mountains. This moderate 9 km loop to Laguna Esmeralda pairs dramatic glacial scenery with practical logistics — transfers, lunch and a guide included.
Trekking to Esmeralda Lake from Ushuaia: Laguna Esmeralda Day Hike in Tierra del Fuego
Select participants and date
You leave Ushuaia before the town wakes fully — a minibus threads a coastal road, then turns inland toward the Tierra Mayor valley. The air thins and the scent of wet peat and Nothofagus leaves grows stronger. At the Nunatak refuge the group shoulders packs, and the trail pulls you into a green world where streams braid through hummocks and century-old lengas and coihues tower over the path like weathered columns.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear waterproof, grippy boots
The route crosses peat bogs and wet boardwalks — ankle support and a sticky sole prevent slips and cold feet.
Bring a windproof rain shell
Weather can switch quickly; a lightweight waterproof layer keeps you warm and dry without adding bulk.
Start early for calm conditions
Morning light gives the lake its cleanest color and winds are usually gentler before midday.
Respect wildlife and wetlands
Keep distance from foxes and nesting birds, and stay on trails to protect fragile peat bogs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Patagonian fox
History
The Fuegian landscape holds traces of indigenous Yamana peoples and later 19th–20th century explorers; glacial carving shaped the valleys and lakes hikers see today.
Conservation
The area is part of the Tierra del Fuego reserve where visitor limits and marked trails protect peat bogs and slow-growing Nothofagus forests; follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides traction on boggy, rocky sections.
Breathable rain shell
Protects against sudden rain and wind common in Tierra del Fuego.
Insulated water bottle (1–1.5L)
Hydration for a half-day outing; keeps liquids from chilling in cold conditions.
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Layering manages variable temperatures and wind on the trail.