Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda: Emerald Lagoon Day Hike from Ushuaia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness with ability to walk 4–5 hours over uneven terrain and short steep sections
Overview
A 6–7 hour day hike from Ushuaia that drops you into peat bogs, beech forest and a glacier-fed emerald lagoon. Expect about 9.4 km round-trip, wildlife sightings and changing weather—perfect for an accessible Patagonian adventure.
Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda: Emerald Lagoon Day Hike from Ushuaia
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The minivan slides off Ushuaia’s paved ribbon and into a landscape that looks like a different planet: low hills fold into peat bogs, beech trees stand draped in moss and the road narrows until the town is an afterthought. You step out 20 kilometers from the city, the air sharpened by snowmelt and wind. The trail leads through intermittent streams and a carpet of peat moss that seems to drink your footsteps, and ahead—expectant and calm—the green mirror of Laguna Esmeralda.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Waterproof footwear and gaiters
Peat moss and stream crossings make waterproof boots and gaiters essential to keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the hike.
Layer for sudden weather shifts
Bring a breathable rain shell and insulating mid-layer—conditions can flip from sun to sleet quickly in Tierra del Fuego.
Start early to avoid crowds
Morning departures usually mean clearer light at the lagoon and quieter trails; afternoons are busier and muddier.
Respect fragile peatlands
Stay on the trail and on rocks where possible to avoid damaging the bogs and slow-recovering vegetation.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Patagonian fox (chilla)
- Andean condor
History
The valley shows marks of repeated glaciation; local Indigenous Yámana used coastal resources in the broader region while later European settlement shifted land use and access patterns.
Conservation
Peatlands and subantarctic forest recover slowly from trampling; stick to established trails, carry out trash and avoid off-trail shortcuts to limit erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides traction on muddy boardwalks and stream crossings.
Breathable rain shell
Protects from wind-driven rain and sleet, common even in summer afternoons.
Trekking poles
Useful for balance on boggy sections and easing knee strain on the return descent.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Quick to add or remove as temperatures swing near the lagoon and in exposed areas.