Full-Day Lakes 4x4 Tour from Ushuaia: Lake Fagnano & Escondido

Eight hours, two lakes, one mountain pass: off-road access where regular cars can't go

A full-day 4x4 tour from Ushuaia visits Lake Fagnano and Lake Escondido in the Fuegian mountains, traveling by heated Toyota Hilux with a bilingual guide and hotel pickup. The route crosses the Garibaldi Path viewpoint, follows old woodcutter trails through forest, and ends at a mountain refuge where you walk the shoreline or rest before a traditional Argentine barbecue. Groups stay under eight per vehicle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Escondido15m
2. Lake Fagnano1h

Full day off-road lakes tour

• Pickup at hotel
• Drive National Route N3
• Stop at Tierra Mayor Winter Centre
• Viewpoint at Garibaldi Path
• Drive to Lake Fagnano off-road
• Rest or hike at Lake Escondido
• Walk around refuge
• Enjoy traditional Argentine barbecue
• Return to Ushuaia hotel

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive along National Route N3 toward the mountains. You'll cross a glacial valley, stop at Tierra Mayor Winter Centre to use facilities, then climb through the Fuegian Range on the Garibaldi Path: a panoramic stretch that opens views of both lakes before you reach them. The 4WD vehicle is what makes the next part possible: from there, you leave the main road and follow the old footsteps of woodcutters through forest down to Lake Fagnano's shore, terrain a standard car cannot reach.

At Lake Escondido, you choose whether to hike the shoreline or rest at the refuge before lunch. The mountain refuge sits warm and sheltered, and after a traditional Argentine barbecue with beverages and snacks, you return to Ushuaia by approximately 5 p.m. In winter (April to September, weather permitting), the landscape is snow-covered. You walk the refuge grounds in the snow and can book optional activities like snowmobile rides or dog sledding with huskies at extra cost. The itinerary may shift due to weather or road conditions, and the operator notes that Dec 25 and Jan 1 departures may have different pickup times.

A bilingual guide travels with the group throughout, and the heated vehicle stays running on cold days. Bring warm layers, hiking boots, hat, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses. The climate changes fast. Children from 0 to 5 years old travel in mandatory car seats, available on request at booking. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, let the operator know when you reserve.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia.
• lunch with beverages and snacks at the mountain refuge.
• professional bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• heated 4WD Toyota Hilux vehicle.
• 4x4 transportation throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 45 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 26 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Say Hueque Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the summer experience if you want to hike the lake shores and explore the refuge grounds on foot. Choose winter if you prefer the snow-covered landscape and the option to add snowmobiling or dog sledding. The 4WD vehicle and small group size (maximum eight per vehicle) make remote forest trails and lakeside access possible, so you reach places regular tours cannot reach.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What is Lake Fagnano and why does this tour reach it by off-road instead of a regular road?

Lake Fagnano is a large glacial lake in the Fuegian mountains south of Ushuaia. The tour accesses it by leaving National Route N3 and following old woodcutter trails through forest: terrain only a 4WD vehicle can navigate, so you see shoreline and forest most visitors never reach.

Can I choose between walking and resting at Lake Escondido, or is the whole day structured?

At Lake Escondido, you have the option to hike the shore on your own or rest at the refuge before lunch. The choice is yours once you arrive.

What's included in the lunch at the mountain refuge?

Lunch is a traditional Argentine barbecue with beverages and snacks included in the tour price. If you have dietary requirements or allergies, notify the operator at booking so they can prepare accordingly.

Are snowmobile rides and dog sledding part of the tour, or do I pay extra?

Snowmobile rides and dog sledding with huskies are optional activities available at the mountain refuge in winter, and they are not included in the tour price. You book and pay for them separately if you want to do them.

How does the winter experience differ from the summer one?

In winter (April to September, subject to snow and weather), the landscape is snow-covered and you walk around the refuge in the snow instead of on bare ground. The barbecue and return timing remain the same, but optional winter activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding become available for an extra fee.

What should I bring, and are there any travelers who shouldn't book this tour?

Bring warm layers, hiking boots, hat, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses. The climate changes rapidly. The operator does not recommend this tour for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the off-road terrain and vehicle movement. Children as young as 2 years old can join if accompanied by an adult, with mandatory car seats for ages 0 to 5.