The snow-covered Vinciguerra Glacier, with Laguna de los Témpanos at its foot and clouds over the peaks

Ushuaia

Vinciguerra Glacier hike to Laguna de los Témpanos

Can you picture yourself completing one of the most challenging treks of the Andes at the end of the world?

Destination
Ushuaia
Duration (approx.)
8 hours
Difficulty
Challenging
Guide languages
Spanish, English, Portuguese · Chinese on request
Meeting point
Pick-up from your accommodation in Ushuaia
Minimum age
Ages 12 and up

A challenging hike of about 8 hours from Ushuaia through the Andorra Valley, across peat bogs and Fuegian forest, to Laguna de los Témpanos and the Vinciguerra Glacier. It suits people aged 12 to 60 in good physical condition. Pick-up from your accommodation, a mountain guide, box lunch and seasonal technical gear are included.

The Vinciguerra Glacier hike is a high-mountain trek that, in a single day, takes you from the peat bogs of the Andorra Valley to a meltwater lagoon at the foot of the glacier. After the Martial Glacier, it is the most visited glacier around Ushuaia, and it is easy to see why: the landscape changes with every step until the forest falls behind and Laguna de los Témpanos appears.

Where is the Vinciguerra Glacier?

About 7 km from Ushuaia, in a side valley of the Andorra Valley. We pick you up from your accommodation and, from the valley, you continue on foot with your mountain guide.

What you will experience on the Vinciguerra Glacier hike

  • Andorra Valley: you set off among streams and peat bogs, a wetland protected as a Ramsar site together with the glacier.
  • Fuegian forest: lenga, ñire and guindo beeches, and the quiet of the woods as you gain height.
  • High mountains: above the tree line, the landscape opens into Andean tundra and rock, and the views widen.
  • Laguna de los Témpanos: the goal. A meltwater lagoon at the foot of the Vinciguerra Glacier that did not exist before 1970: it was born as the ice retreated. Seeing it in person is unforgettable.

Who it is for

It is a challenging Vinciguerra Glacier trek, ideal for people aged 12 to 60 in good physical condition who want a taste of the high mountains. Bring waterproof boots that cover the ankle, waterproof clothing and warm layers; we provide the rest, including the right technical gear for the season.

What to combine it with

Want to add another glacier on a different day? TheOjo del Albino Glacier trek is another high-mountain day, through the Tierra Mayor Valley and past Laguna Esmeralda. For something shorter, the Laguna Esmeralda hike is moderate and takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Ready for it? Check availability for your date and book your Vinciguerra Glacier tour.

Itinerary

  1. Your accommodation in Ushuaia

  2. Andorra Valley

  3. Arroyo Grande

  4. Fuegian forest

  5. Tree line / high-mountain area

  6. Laguna de los Témpanos and Vinciguerra Glacier

  7. Return along the same trail

  8. 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
  • Box lunch
  • Seasonal technical equipment (trekking poles, snowshoes or crampons)

Not included

  • Mandatory personal clothing (see "What to bring")
  • Personal expenses
  • Other services and expenses not mentioned

What to bring

  • Waterproof trekking boots that cover the ankle (mandatory)
  • Trekking pants (mandatory)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants (mandatory)
  • Suitable warm clothing (mandatory)

Important notes

  • Difficulty Challenging; suitable for people aged 12 to 60 in good physical condition.
  • Fitness You need to be in good physical condition for the trek. The guide may cancel your participation for safety, with no refund.
  • Mandatory clothing Waterproof trekking boots that cover the ankle, trekking pants, a waterproof jacket and pants, and suitable warm clothing.
  • Dietary restrictions Let us know when you book the tour.
  • Meeting time To be confirmed at the time of booking.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Vinciguerra 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 and seasonal technical gear: trekking poles, snowshoes or crampons.

How difficult is it, and what is the age range?

It is challenging, ideal for people aged 12 to 60 in good physical condition who enjoy mountain hiking.

What should I bring?

Waterproof trekking boots that cover the ankle, trekking pants, a waterproof jacket and pants, and warm clothing. That is all: the technical gear is on us.

What will I see on the Vinciguerra Glacier hike?

The Andorra Valley and its peat bogs, the Fuegian forest, high-mountain scenery and, at the end, Laguna de los Témpanos at the foot of the Vinciguerra Glacier.

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