Laguna Esmeralda Trek & Gourmet Lunch: Ushuaia Mountain Refuge

Ten kilometers of trekking, a refuge lunch by a warm stove, and the Emerald Lagoon itself

This 10 km trek to Laguna Esmeralda in Ushuaia ends at a mountain refuge on the lagoon's banks, the only one there, where you eat gourmet lunch heated by a salamander stove before returning along the same path. Your certified guide adjusts the pace to the group, and the route is low difficulty, though Patagonian weather can shift conditions. Pickup, trekking poles, crampons and all food are included.

The experience

You start with a 5 km walk uphill through Ushuaia's mountain landscape toward the Emerald Lagoon, then the same route back down after lunch. The trek is low difficulty, but snow, wind and cold can change how it feels on the day: weather in Patagonia moves fast. Your guide is selected specifically to follow the group's rhythm, which means the pace stays comfortable rather than rushed.

Once you reach the lagoon, the mountain refuge waits. This is what sets the day apart: you eat lunch inside, warmed by a salamander stove, while the landscape stays visible outside. The meal is gourmet: a starter of smoked ham, olives, cheese and pickled aubergine; a main of lentil stew with meat and bacon (or vegetarian); and an infusion with chocolate for dessert. You carry an alfajor and an apple for the trek itself, so you have fuel on the way up.

The return follows the same path, letting you see the surrounding terrain from a different angle as you descend. Six hours total covers the walk, the refuge time and the return, with your guide managing the group's energy throughout. Trekking poles and crampons are provided, and your certified guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese.

What’s included

• Certified mountain guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• private transportation from your Ushuaia accommodation.
• trekking poles and crampons.
• full gourmet lunch with starter, main course and infusion.
• food for the trek (alfajor and apple).
• insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (20 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Titan Cuatro Elementos

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the trailhead: the refuge lunch and the low-difficulty pace suit an afternoon when you want mountain scenery without a full-day commitment or high exertion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

How difficult is the 10 km trek to Laguna Esmeralda?

The trek is low difficulty, but Patagonian weather (snow, wind and cold) can raise the challenge on the day. Your guide adjusts the pace to the group's rhythm, so the walk stays manageable rather than punishing.

What do you eat at the mountain refuge?

Lunch is gourmet and served warm inside the refuge by a salamander stove. You get a starter of smoked ham, olives, cheese and pickled aubergine; a main of lentil stew with meat and bacon (vegetarian available); and an infusion with chocolate. You also carry an alfajor and an apple for eating during the trek itself.

Do I need my own trekking gear?

No. Trekking poles and crampons are included, and your certified guide provides instruction on how to use them. Wear layers and waterproof clothing suited to Patagonian weather.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in Ushuaia?

Private transportation is included from your accommodation in Ushuaia to the trailhead and back, so you don't need a car or arrange your own way to the mountains.