Laguna Esmeralda Hiking Tour: Peat Bogs & Fuegian Forests

Walk through centuries-old forests to a glacial lake ringed by Patagonian peaks

A guided hiking tour from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda in the Tierra del Fuego Natural and Landscape Reserve, combining a trek through peat bogs, streams and old-growth Lenga and Coihue forests with stops to spot foxes, condors and beavers. Hotel pickup by minibus, trekking poles provided, and a brunch break on the lagoon shore before return to town by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking tour to Laguna Esmeralda

• Pick up passengers from hotels
• Minibus transfer to Tierra Mayor valley
• Walk from Nunatak refuge through forests
• Stop and rest at Esmeralda Lagoon
• Enjoy snack by the lagoon
• Return to Ushuaia

The experience

The trek starts with hotel pickup and a 20-kilometer minibus ride to the Tierra Mayor valley and the Nunatak refuge, where the walking begins. From there you cross peat bogs (the tour includes information on how they form and what they contain), and stream crossings through forests of Lenga and Coihue trees that have stood for centuries. The landscape itself is the guide here: the route is built around what grows and lives in this part of Tierra del Fuego, and the operator points out the foxes, condors and beavers that move through it.

Laguna Esmeralda sits in the heart of the reserve, its water color and position in the Fuegian mountain range the reason the trek leads here. You rest on the shore and eat a brunch while the lagoon and the peaks frame the stop. Once that's done, the minibus collects the group and drives back to Ushuaia, with arrival around 1:30 pm.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus.
• minibus transport to and from Tierra Mayor valley.
• trekking poles if needed.
• brunch served on the lagoon shore.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kaitek Viajes

Is this one for you?The 5- to 6-hour commitment includes the minibus rides and the brunch stop, so the trek itself fits inside a morning or early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free in Ushuaia. The route crosses peat bogs and streams through old-growth forest, so it suits hikers comfortable with uneven terrain and stream crossings rather than a flat walk.

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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 (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

What is the walk like between the starting point and Laguna Esmeralda?

The trek crosses peat bogs, streams and centuries-old forests of Lenga and Coihue trees. Trekking poles are provided if you need them, and the route is built around the flora and fauna of the Tierra del Fuego Natural and Landscape Reserve, so the guide shares information about what you're walking through.

Can I spot wildlife on this hike?

Foxes, condors and beavers live in the area and sightings are possible throughout the trek, though not guaranteed. The guide watches for them and points them out when they appear.

How much time do I spend at Laguna Esmeralda itself?

You stop to rest on the lagoon shore and eat brunch there, giving you time to take in the water and the mountain views before the return journey to Ushuaia begins.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and minibus transport to and from the Tierra Mayor valley, trekking poles if you need them, and a brunch served at the lagoon are all included. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the trek.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 5 to 6 hours from pickup at your hotel to return, covering the minibus ride, the trek itself, the brunch stop and the drive back to Ushuaia.

Do I need my own trekking shoes?

Yes, trekking shoes are required. Trekking poles are provided by the operator if you need them, but footwear is your responsibility.