Fuegian Lakes: Everything you need to know

Fuegian Lakes: Explore the beauty of Ushuaia's lakes

If you are looking for incredible landscapes with unparalleled natural scenery, Ushuaia is the best place to get to know complete natural scenery. In this southern corner of the world we can find lakes, glaciers, forests and native fauna that will move anyone. In this natural setting, Ushuaia is home to the beautiful Fuegian lakes that are worth visiting if you come to this southern destination.

The bodies of water that can be found in these latitudes are usually accompanied by incredible adventures and treks where the landscape is a journey in itself. To get there it is necessary to take hikes of varying degrees of difficulty that will send you straight into an incomparable landscape. 

It is very important to bear in mind that this is a full-day activity, which lasts approximately seven or eight hours. This is important depending on the season in which the trip takes place. If the excursion takes place in winter, the hours of sunlight are considerably reduced compared to the summer season, so leaving early and taking into account the time to get there and back will be essential to make the trip safely. In winter there are only seven hours of clear daylight, while in summer it can get really late in the evening, giving more space for outdoor walks. Ideally, start early in the morning to arrive at your destination with plenty of time to spare and enjoy a good time on the shores of the beautiful lakes.

Of course, it is important to make the excursion to the Fuegian lakes always accompanied by guides who, in addition to making us feel safe and transmitting their knowledge about the place, will give us valuable information to learn about the peculiarities of the landscape in front of us. Don't miss the best tips to get to know the Fuegian lakes on your visit to the end of the world.

Lago Escondido and Fagnano, natural jewels at the end of the world

The well known Escondido Lake is located only 60 kilometres away from the city of Ushuaia. Considering that it is an accessible place close to the city, it is an experience not to be missed. Its name is due to its location between mountains and a valley surrounded by forests of lengas and ñires that really leave it “hidden”. To get there, you start the trip along Route 3 until you reach the Garibaldi Pass to cross the Andes Mountain Range. From this incredible place there is a viewpoint on two different levels that gives us the most incredible panoramic views of the Fuegian lakes. Travelling to the Garibaldi Pass we cross the area of the Carbajal, Tierra Mayor and Las Cotorras Valleys, well known winter resorts with great tourist activity mainly in the winter months. 

At Lago Escondido you can go for a walk along its waters or take a horseback ride along its shores while contemplating the beautiful scenery framed by mountains.

You can also take a refreshment on the shores of the lake or have lunch in a breathtaking natural environment. 

Lake Fagnano is known for its immensity, which is truly impressive. It is approximately 100 kilometres away from Ushuaia, but it is worth visiting even though it is a little further away from the city. Part of the lake is inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park and its course is divided between Argentina and Chile.

In addition to its incredible length, it also has areas of great depth along its 104-kilometre length.

Lake Fagnano has a very special characteristic, it occupies a valley of tectonic origin: the Magallanes - Fagnano fault, where the Scotia and South American plates meet.

Excursions to the Fuegian lakes

In the lakes it is possible to practice sport fishing, where you can mainly fish for trout, either by boat or from the shore, enjoying the scenery and the tranquillity that the immense lake inspires.

Another option to get to know Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano is an adventure full of adrenaline and fun on the excursion. lakes in 4×4. This option can be very attractive for family groups where, in addition to getting to know the natural environment, you can enjoy a different activity without so much walking. The trip is done with just a few people and offers an incredible adventure crossing rivers, forests and marshy places that would be almost impossible to do on foot.

The option can be taken with some refreshments and it is possible to descend to see the spectacular Fuegian lakes at close quarters.

Horseback riding is also a very nice option for families, who in addition to taking a dreamlike ride on horseback will be able to listen to the characteristics of the place and learn a lot.

The excursions to Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano can be combined in different ways to suit the needs of each traveller. It can be about seeing a panoramic point and taking beautiful pictures of the landscape or enjoying a fun adventure in a 4 x4. All options allow you to enjoy this southern landscape with the same emotion, so don't miss the opportunity to get to know the beautiful Fuegian Lakes!