The best trekking in Ushuaia

Must-do treks at the end of the world

For those who love exercise and spectacular southern landscapes, trekking is a very complete and fun activity. Hiking allows you to cover long distances through nature, see the vegetation that decorates the environment such as peat bogs and lenga forests, get to know the local fauna and enjoy the open air between streams and lagoons. Spring and summer are very nice seasons for hiking, as the days are long and there is plenty of sunlight. In this way, the temperature is temperate and friendlier to walk the great amount of trails that the end of the world has to offer. Of course, there are options for every traveller. There are shorter hikes that can be done even with children and others that require several hours to complete just the one way. Bring water for good hydration, sun protection for the skin and appropriate and warm clothing even in summer, is very important for a successful adventure. Even on the simplest trails it is important to be cautious, walking safely and firmly, so trekking shoes are a must. In this article we tell you about the most famous trekking that can be done in Ushuaia, take your backpack and go for it!

Laguna Esmeralda, one of Ushuaia's most sought-after treks

Those who come to Ushuaia in search of magnificent scenery, cannot miss the beautiful Emerald Lagoon. The water mirror is located in the Landscape and Nature Reserve of the Tierra Mayor Valley and is an emblematic excursion at the end of the world, as thousands of tourists come to its shores to enjoy its beauty. 

The route is a medium-difficulty trail that starts only 18 km from the city of Ushuaia along Route 3. At the beginning of the trekking you will go through a lush forest that gradually turns into a high mountain environment. The spring and summer season is usually the best time to do this activity since there is not so much ice and mud that can complicate the path and you can start a little later because the day is longer than in winter. The hike can take about half a day depending on the number of stops you make during the ascent. 

The path is very well signposted and in very good condition, with few slopes, making it suitable for anyone who enjoys walking.

The arrival is impressive, a beautiful lagoon of greenish waters imposes itself between the snowy mountains leaving travellers with a beautiful impression. The Laguna Esmeralda receives the sediments of the Ojo de del Albino Glacier, a place that can be reached by following the same path as the Laguna Esmeralda. The trekking to the glacier is complex and if you are not experienced in climbing it is better not to do it without an experienced guide. 

Vinciguerra Glacier Trekking

The path starts in the valley of Andorra, where you can walk up a steep, steep and uneven path through a forest of peat bogs. Going into the path you can see the Laguna de los Témpanos (Icebergs Lagoon), the Vinciguerra Glacier and imposing ice caves. In the case of visiting the caves, it is essential to do so with a mountain guide. It is very important to do the activity with the appropriate clothing, especially the footwear, which will be the element that will guarantee the success of the hike. It must be a trekking shoe, which allows firm footing, as the terrain is irregular and there are areas with a lot of mud that can be slippery. It is approximately 8 hours round trip and is a little more demanding than other treks in the region but the reward is enormous. You can walk on the glacier and see crevasses and sinkholes, while learning about the different periods of the earth and glaciation. It is ideal to do the trek with a guide to understand the environment more fully.

Ojo del Albino, a challenging trekking

This is one of the most challenging treks in Ushuaia. Although the scenery upon arrival leaves travellers speechless with the magnificent Fuegian landscape, it is one of the treks that requires the greatest physical effort. The activity lasts approximately 8 hours through 20 km that are covered with the satisfaction of receiving a beautiful landscape before our eyes. From the same path of the Laguna Esmeralda, you can continue the ascent to the glacier. The Laguna Esmeralda can be appreciated from above as a point that has been left behind on the way and from a different perspective. 

The Glacier is a huge, flat ice, with crevasses discharging into the Albino Eye meltwater with a large number of icebergs.

Martial Glacier trekking, a natural spectacle all year round

Accessible only 7 km from the centre of Ushuaia, it is one of the most sought after places in winter because of the spectacular snowy slopes for snow activities and in summer it is ideal for hiking. It is a trail that allows incredible views of the city and the Beagle Channel. Following the trail there are a variety of restaurants, tea houses and breweries where you can relax and enjoy something tasty in a mountain atmosphere. At the end of the trail there is a shelter where in winter you can do culipatin and snow activities while in summer there is a zip line. The trail is physical activity and fun in the open air. 

These are some of the treks you can enjoy in Ushuaia, connecting with the nature that surrounds the trails and offers tranquillity. It is important to be respectful of the environment as the trails must be cared for and protected so that they can continue to be enjoyed. The panoramic views along the trails that reach magnificent places, offer a different perspective of the city and its most emblematic spots. Contact us to get to know these incredible places!