A challenging hike of about 8 hours from Ushuaia: it crosses the Tierra Mayor Valley, skirts Laguna Esmeralda and climbs 5 km over rocky terrain to the Ojo del Albino Glacier, where you walk on the ice, subject to safety conditions. Pick-up from your accommodation, a mountain guide, box lunch, technical gear and personal insurance are included.
The Ojo del Albino Glacier hike is for those who want more than a walk. It starts like the Laguna Esmeralda trail and ends in front of the ice. In a single day from Ushuaia you combine Laguna Esmeralda and Ojo del Albino: forest and peat bogs, a turquoise lagoon, a rocky climb and a glacier in the Andes.
What you will experience on the Ojo del Albino glacier hike
- Tierra Mayor Valley: you walk through forests and peat bogs in a valley shaped by ice, with silence all around.
- Laguna Esmeralda: you skirt its turquoise water. From here on, the adventure begins.
- High mountains: 5 km uphill among rocks and large boulders. With every step, the view gets wider.
- Ojo del Albino Glacier: at the top, the ice awaits, with its iceberg-filled lagoon and panoramic views. The reward for the whole day.
Do you walk on the ice of the Ojo del Albino Glacier?
Yes: it is the grand finale of the program, whenever safety conditions allow. You put on the crampons, helmet and trekking poles provided by the tour and walk on the glacier with your mountain guide.
Who it is for
It is a challenging Ushuaia glacier trek, ideal if you love hiking and want a real high-mountain adventure. Bring high-top waterproof footwear and waterproof clothing; we provide the rest, technical gear included.
What to combine it with
Torn between this and the Laguna Esmeralda hike? That one reaches the turquoise water in about 4 to 5 hours and is moderate; this one carries on to the glacier. Another glacier? The Vinciguerra Glacier trek takes you through the Andorra Valley to Laguna de los Témpanos. And the helicopter flight shows you the lagoon and the Ojo del Albino from the air.
Up for the challenge? Check availability for your date.
Highlights
- Laguna Esmeralda: a trek through forests and peat bogs to the edge of the iconic turquoise lagoon.
- High mountain: a demanding 5 km climb over rocky terrain and large boulders.
- Grand finale: arrival at the Ojo del Albino Glacier, with panoramic views and a walk on the ice, subject to safety conditions. Box lunch included.
Itinerary
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Your accommodation in Ushuaia
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National Route 3
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Arroyo Grande
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Tierra Mayor Valley
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Laguna Esmeralda
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High-mountain climb
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Ojo del Albino Glacier
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Return along the same trail
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Your accommodation in Ushuaia
Included
- Guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese (Chinese on request)
- Private transport
- Round-trip transport from your accommodation
- Professional mountain guide
- Packed lunch / box lunch
- Technical safety equipment (trekking poles, helmet, crampons)
- Personal insurance
Not included
- Mandatory personal clothing (high-top waterproof footwear and waterproof clothing)
- Personal expenses
- Any service or expense not specified
Gallery
What to bring
- High-top waterproof footwear (mandatory)
- Waterproof clothing (mandatory)
Important notes
- Meeting time To be confirmed at the time of booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ojo del Albino Glacier hike?
About 8 hours, with pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia and the return along the same trail. The meeting time is confirmed when you book.
What does the tour include?
Private transport from your accommodation, a professional mountain guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese, a box lunch, technical gear (trekking poles, helmet and crampons) and personal insurance.
How difficult is it?
It is a challenging high-mountain trek: after Laguna Esmeralda you climb 5 km over rocky terrain. Ideal if you love hiking and want a real challenge.
What should I bring?
High-top waterproof footwear and waterproof clothing. The technical gear for the ice is provided by the tour.
What will I see on the Ojo del Albino trek?
The Tierra Mayor Valley, Laguna Esmeralda, the high-mountain climb and, at the end, the Ojo del Albino Glacier, with its iceberg-filled lagoon and panoramic views.
