Esmeralda Lagoon trek from Ushuaia: 4-hour trek with lunch

Walk to Esmeralda Lagoon through Tierra del Fuego's peat bogs and Lengas forest

A 7-hour trek from Ushuaia to Esmeralda Lagoon in Tierra del Fuego National Park, including hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and lunch at the lagoon's edge. The route crosses peat bogs, streams, and ancient forest. Wildlife sightings of foxes, condors, and beavers are possible. Moderate fitness required. Warm, waterproof gear is mandatory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tierra del Fuego National Park3h
2. Esmeralda Lagoon4h

Trek to Emerald Lagoon with lunch

• Hotel pickups in Ushuaia
• Minibus to Tierra Mayor Valley
• Start trek from Nunatak refuge
• Trek through peat bogs and forests
• Reach Emerald Lagoon and have lunch
• Return trek via different path
• Minibus back to hotels

The experience

Tierra del Fuego National Park sits about 20 km from central Ushuaia, and this trek gets you there by minibus from your hotel in the morning. The drive takes you to Nunatak refuge in Tierra Mayor Valley, where the actual walking begins. From there, the route crosses peat bogs and streams through stands of Lengas and Coihue trees, the native forest of the region, before opening onto Esmeralda Lagoon itself. The whole trek covers the ground a different way on the return, so you see more of the reserve's terrain and vegetation.

The lagoon sits in the Cordillera Fueguina at the heart of the reserve, and its distinctive emerald color comes from glacial minerals in the water. You'll reach it roughly midway through the day, and that's where lunch happens: a packed box eaten on the shore, surrounded by the landscape you've just walked through. The return journey retraces your steps back to the refuge, then the minibus carries you back to your hotel by around 4 p.m.

A bilingual guide leads the group and points out local flora. If conditions align, you may spot foxes, condors, or beavers along the way. The trek demands moderate fitness (you're walking for several hours at altitude with elevation changes), and the Patagonian weather requires layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, trekking boots, gloves, and a hat. The guide will not allow participation without proper gear.

What’s included

• Bilingual professional guide in English and Spanish.
• lunch box eaten at the lagoon.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Ushuaia locations.
• minibus transport to and from Tierra Mayor Valley.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (10 to 11 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Ushuaia means you don't need a rental car or a ride arranged separately. The minibus collects you in the morning and returns you by early afternoon, fitting the trek into a single day without the logistics of independent transport.

Traveler reviews

4.68★★★★★★★★★★

57 verified traveler reviews

5 ★42

4 ★12

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 11 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Esmeralda Lagoon and why does it look that color?

Esmeralda Lagoon sits in the Cordillera Fueguina mountains within Tierra del Fuego National Park. The emerald color comes from glacial minerals dissolved in the water, and the lagoon's remote location at the heart of the reserve makes it the destination of the trek.

How much of the trek is actual walking, and what kind of terrain will I cross?

The trek takes 4 hours of walking spread across the 7-hour outing. You'll cross peat bogs, streams, and forest of native Lengas and Coihue trees. The return route follows a different path to show more of the reserve's diversity.

What wildlife might I see on this trek?

Foxes, condors, and beavers live in the reserve, and sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The guide will point out local flora and explain the ecosystem as you walk.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the trailhead, or is it included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Ushuaia locations are included. A minibus carries the group 20 km to Tierra Mayor Valley and back. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, confirm with the operator before booking.

What should I wear, and what happens if I don't have the right gear?

Warm, waterproof trekking boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, layers (thermal or fleece), gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer or buff are mandatory. The guide will deny participation if proper gear is not worn, so pack accordingly for Patagonian weather.