Laguna Esmeralda: one of the best excursions in Ushuaia

In winter or summer, the unique greenish colour of the beautiful Laguna Esmeralda never ceases to captivate us. It is an excursion not to be missed on our way to the end of the world. The lagoon is only 30 minutes away from the city of Ushuaia and the trail takes about two hours of walking. 

The name of the Emerald Lagoon refers to the colour of its waters, which come from the sediment of the well known Ojo del Albino Glacier, so called because of its white and rounded shape. To get to the glacier, some physical skills are required, as the path is quite demanding and the reward is enormous when you arrive and see nature in its maximum splendour. There are also excursions available where tourists are asked to be cautious and have knowledge of more complex trekking and climbing equipment.

 

How to get to the Emerald Lagoon?

To get there it is necessary to take private transport or a well-organised excursion. Although the route is relatively easy, depending on the season and the fact that it is a 9 km walk, it is important that the guide accompanies the tourists and can refer to what nature has to offer around them.

It is important, due to the characteristics of the terrain, to wear good waterproof footwear to make trekking in the Emerald Lagoon  as it can be muddy or icy depending on the time of the year.

It is also a good idea to drink water during the ride to ensure good hydration.

Fauna and flora on the way to the lagoon

Along the way we can see the flora and fauna of this incredible place so visited by tourists. There are birds, some beavers building dams to protect their dens and red foxes that have great fur for the low temperatures. 

Peat bogs, a wetland found in areas of low temperatures resulting from mosses or the decomposition of organic debris, can also be seen.

You can also enjoy a beautiful lenga forest among other natural beauties.

 

In winter or summer?

In both seasons the landscape is very beautiful and different. In each season it has a particular charm and what we see before our eyes changes completely, in terms of colours, hiking conditions and scenery.

In winter the temperatures are usually very low and it is important to check departure and return times as the day is usually short and without light it can be difficult to return, although the place is well signposted, it is important to take precautions. 

Sometimes the lagoon is frozen on the surface, which creates a breathtaking view of the place between the snow-capped mountains. The path can be quite icy and slippery. Crampons and poles are usually available for hire to help make the walk more pleasant.

In summer the place takes on a different colour, you can enjoy the colour of the lagoon and have a snack or lunch while you enjoy the scenery. In any case, and although the hours of natural light are longer, you should always keep in mind not to enter the path that leads to the lagoon late in the day in order to be able to return with more peace of mind. Another interesting and different excursion is to fly over the Laguna Esmeralda by helicopter. It is an option to see the trip from a different perspective.

All the way to the Laguna Esmeralda, you should take into account to have a backpack in which you can keep some waste so as not to interfere with the natural environment, not to leave marks on the road or throw things so as not to affect nature. It will also serve to store snacks or what is necessary for the journey, during which you can make stops to rest, take pictures and appreciate the unmissable landscape.