Trekking to Ojo del Albino Glacier: 21 km Glacier Hike from Ushuaia
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Should be in good aerobic condition with experience on long day hikes; comfortable with sustained ascents and uneven terrain.
Overview
A full-day, 21 km trek from Ushuaia to the Ojo del Albino Glacier that moves from Fuegian forest to glacier amphitheater. Expect technical ice sections, a mountain refuge lunch, and ten hours of variable mountain terrain.
Trekking to Ojo del Albino Glacier: 21 km Glacier Hike from Ushuaia
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The morning bus peels away from Ushuaia under a pewter sky, and the city’s harbor recedes into a smear of boats and steel. You breathe cold, sharp air as the forest takes over — lenga trunks leaning like old oars, moss soft underfoot — and the trail begins to climb. For ten hours you move through three textures of Tierra del Fuego: dense Fuegian forest, wide glacier valleys, and the bright, echoing amphitheater of Ojo del Albino itself.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring broken-in, waterproof boots
Expect muddy forest trails and icy glacier travel—stiff, waterproof mountaineering or hiking boots reduce blisters and increase control with crampons.
Know your medical limits
This route requires at least moderate fitness and is not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health; disclose conditions to guides during booking.
Layer for fast-changing weather
Wind and temperature swings are common—pack a breathable base, insulating mid-layer and waterproof shell to stay comfortable and safe.
Carry extra snacks and water
Operator provides an alfajor and an apple, but bring more calories and 1–1.5 L of water to maintain energy on sustained climbs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
- Fuegian forest birds such as the white-crested elaenia
History
The area sits within the Southern Andes region historically used by Yamana peoples; later exploration and sheep farming shaped access routes and huts in the 19th–20th centuries.
Conservation
The trail passes sensitive alpine and peatland ecosystems—stick to established paths, pack out waste, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy waterproof mountaineering boots
Keeps feet dry and provides ankle support and crampon compatibility on ice sections.
Waterproof breathable shell
Protects from wind-driven rain and retains warmth during exposed glacier sections.
all specific
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
Lightweight warmth that can be shed or added as temperatures change.
1–1.5 L hydration system and high-calorie snacks
Sustains energy across the full-day, 21 km route where exertion is high.