Ushuaia Trek to Laguna Esmeralda: Emerald Lagoon Hike Guide
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with regular aerobic activity; expect uneven terrain and short climbs—basic hiking fitness required.
Overview
A brisk, scenic trek from Ushuaia to an otherworldly emerald lagoon carved by glaciers—Laguna Esmeralda offers dramatic color, peatland waterways, and glacier views in a manageable day hike. This guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and tips to make the most of the experience.
Ushuaia Trek to Laguna Esmeralda: Emerald Lagoon Hike Guide
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You step out of the minivan and the air feels narrower—cold and bright with a clarity that sharpens every ridge. The trailhead opens into a corridor of lenga and ñire, the forest floor spongy with peat and carpeted in pale moss. For the next two hours the path threads river braids and low bogs, climbs and falls around hummocks, and finally cracks the view: an intense, almost unreal green pool lying at the feet of a glacier-fed river. Laguna Esmeralda earns its name; suspended sediment from Ojo del Albino tints the water a jewel tone that shifts with wind and light.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Waterproof boots and traction
The trail crosses peat and river crossings; waterproof, high-traction boots (and microspikes in winter) will keep you steady and dry.
Layer for wind and sun
Weather shifts rapidly—pack a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell, plus sunglasses and sunscreen for exposed sections.
Start early for calmer conditions
Morning departures reduce wind on the lagoon and give better light for photos; expect a 6-hour door-to-door schedule.
Respect peat bogs
Stay on the marked trail to avoid fragile peatlands that take years to recover from trampling.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Guanaco
- Fuegian fox (zorrito)
History
The area has long been a seasonal landscape for indigenous Fuegian peoples; later it became a route for shepherding and small-scale settler activities before recreational trekking grew in the 20th century.
Conservation
Peat bogs are ecologically fragile and recover slowly from damage; staying on established trails and not disturbing vegetation helps preserve the watershed and lagoon color.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry across peat, streams, and wet trail sections.
Waterproof breathable jacket
Wind- and rain-protection is essential in Tierra del Fuego's changeable weather.
Trekking poles
Helps with balance on boggy, uneven ground and river crossings.
Insulating mid-layer and gloves
Retains warmth during stops and on exposed ridge sections; gloves protect in windy conditions.
winter specific