Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon) — Full-Day Hike from Ushuaia
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Stable on uneven terrain for several hours; regular hikers or those who exercise moderately will find this manageable.
Overview
A 5–6 hour guided trek from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda reveals glacial colors, peat-boardwalk walking and a boxed lunch on a turquoise shore. Expect wet terrain, variable weather, and panoramic mountain views.
Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda (Emerald Lagoon) — Full-Day Hike from Ushuaia
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A wind that smells of glacier and sea meets you on the road out of Ushuaia, and the bus eases into a valley that looks as if someone has brushed it clean. Pines thin, lenga forest opens, and the trail drops you into a landscape that alternates between soft peat bogs, riveted riverbanks and stony moraine. By midday the water appears—an impossible turquoise cleft at the foot of a bowl of mountains—Laguna Esmeralda, a glacial lake that seems to hold the color of the sky.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Waterproof footwear
The trail crosses peat bogs and wet riverbanks—waterproof hiking boots with good tread will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures change fast; pack a breathable base layer, warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell to handle sun, wind or rain.
Trekking poles help
Poles provide stability on boardwalks and rocky sections and reduce fatigue on the return ascent.
Protect the bogs
Stay on boardwalks and marked trail to avoid damaging fragile peat and vegetation that takes decades to recover.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Fuegian fox (zorrita)
- Magellanic woodpecker and upland waterfowl (seasonal)
History
The valley was shaped by Patagonian glaciers and has been used historically by indigenous Yámana peoples and later sheep ranchers and explorers mapping Tierra del Fuego.
Conservation
Peat bogs here are ecologically fragile and slow to regenerate—stick to boardwalks, carry out all waste, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry on peat bogs and river crossings and provides ankle support on rocky sections.
Waterproof shell jacket
Wind and sudden rain are common—bring a breathable, waterproof outer layer.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
Temperature can drop quickly at the lagoon; a warm insulating layer is important for lunch and photo stops.
Trekking poles
Offers stability on boardwalks and reduces knee strain on uneven descents.