A guided 9 km round-trip hike from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda, through untouched forest and peat bogs in Tierra del Fuego. It takes about 4 to 5 hours, is moderate and suits ages 12 to 60. Pick-up at central hotels (about 8:00 a.m.), a guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese and a box lunch are included.
The Laguna Esmeralda hike from Ushuaia is the ideal way to explore the Fuegian forest without being a mountaineer. You walk among lenga beeches and beaver dams, cross ancient peat bogs and reach the turquoise Emerald Lagoon, ringed by mountains. With transport, guide and box lunch sorted, all you have to do is enjoy it.
What you will experience on the Laguna Esmeralda hike in Ushuaia
- Untouched forest: the quiet of the lenga woods, the sound of the streams and the dams beavers build out of logs.
- Peat bogs: the ground turns soft and springy underfoot. You are walking on peat more than 10,000 years old.
- Valleys backed by the Andes: the landscape opens up and the mountains around the valley come into view.
- Laguna Esmeralda: after one last climb, the turquoise water takes you by surprise. Time for photos and for soaking it all in before heading back.
Why do the Laguna Esmeralda trek with a guide
It is one of the most recommended hikes in Ushuaia if you are only in town for a few days. It is a moderate walk, ideal if you love being outdoors, with a professional trekking guide who knows every stretch and speaks Spanish, English or Portuguese. No need to figure out how to reach the trailhead: we pick you up at central hotels in Ushuaia. Just bring waterproof footwear above the ankle, trekking pants and warm clothing; we take care of the rest.
What to combine it with
Still want more? The Ojo del Albino Glacier trek skirts this same lagoon and climbs another 5 km to the glacier, on a challenging day of about 8 hours. And to see it from the air, the helicopter flight passes over Laguna Esmeralda and that glacier.
Want to add it to your trip? Check availability for your date and book your Laguna Esmeralda guided tour.
Itinerary
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Ushuaia
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Trailhead
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Untouched forest
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Peat bogs
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Laguna Esmeralda
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Return to Ushuaia
Included
- Round-trip transport
- Professional trekking guide
- Box lunch: sandwich, alfajor or cereal bars, 1 banana, bottle of water
- Guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese (Chinese on request)
- Private transport
Not included
- Waterproof boots or shoes. These are mandatory.
- Personal expenses
- Other services and expenses not mentioned
Gallery
What to bring
- Waterproof footwear above the ankle (mandatory)
- Waterproof trekking pants (mandatory)
- Waterproof jacket (mandatory)
Important notes
- Meeting time About 8:00 a.m.
- Age Suitable from 12 to 60 years old.
- Terrain Sometimes boggy, with surface roots and peat.
- You must be physically fit for the hike. If the guide considers you are not, for safety reasons you will not be taken on the tour and there will be no refund.
- For passenger safety, waterproof footwear above the ankle, waterproof trekking pants and a waterproof jacket are mandatory. If the guide considers a passenger is not properly dressed, they will not be taken and there will be no refund.
- Let us know about any dietary restrictions when you book the tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Laguna Esmeralda hike?
About 4 to 5 hours, with 9 km of walking round trip. Pick-up is at about 8:00 a.m. from central hotels in Ushuaia.
What does the Laguna Esmeralda tour include?
Pick-up from central hotels, private round-trip transport, a professional trekking guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese and a box lunch.
How difficult is it, and what is the age range?
Moderate, ideal for people aged 12 to 60 who enjoy walking. The trail mixes forest, roots and soft peat.
What should I bring?
Waterproof footwear above the ankle, waterproof trekking pants and a waterproof jacket: that is all you need to bring. The guide, transport and box lunch are on us.
What will I see on the Laguna Esmeralda hike?
Untouched lenga forest with beaver dams, ancient peat bogs, valleys ringed by mountains and, at the end, the turquoise meltwater lagoon.
