Trekking and Rowing in Ushuaia: Tierra Mayor Valley crossing

Trek the Garibaldi Pass, then row across Hidden Lake

A seven-hour trek and rowing tour in Ushuaia combines a three-hour mountain walk across the Tierra Mayor Valley to the Garibaldi Pass with an hour of paddling on Hidden Lake. You climb 4 kilometers of mountain terrain with steep sections, reach twin lagoons and rock terraces overlooking Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, share hot drinks and alfajor at the summit, then descend to row single or double kayaks across the lake. If weather blocks the paddle, a one-hour forest trek to the Bridal Veil waterfall replaces it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trekking and rowing in Tierra del Fuego

• Travel by combi from Ushuaia
• Trek 3 hours to Garibaldi Pass
• Enjoy hot drink and alfajor
• Drive to hidden lake head
• Eat hot mountain stew
• Row on lake for 1 hour
• Alternate: Trek to Wedding Veil waterfall

The experience

The day starts with a 50-minute drive from Ushuaia through the Tierra Mayor Valley to the Garibaldi Pass, where the guide talks through the region's history and landscape. The trek itself covers 4 kilometers of mountain terrain (stone, peat, mud and steep pitches), but stays low-difficulty because the distance is short. You climb past the tree line to reach twin mountain lagoons and rock terraces that overlook Lakes Escondido and Fagnano. At the top, you stop for a hot drink and alfajor before the descent.

After returning to the vehicle for a 15-minute drive to Hidden Lake's head, you eat a hot mountain stew while the guide readies the boats. The lake crossing takes an hour in single or double kayaks: stable, easy to handle, designed to let you connect with the water and the landscape around you. The boats and all paddling gear are provided. If wind or heavy rain makes rowing unsafe, the day switches to a one-hour forest walk to the Bridal Veil waterfall instead, where you walk between two waterfalls and can stand behind one to feel the water's force.

Private transportation, trekking poles, accident insurance, lunch and snacks are all included. Children from age 7 are welcome. The guide speaks English and Spanish. Bring your own warm, waterproof clothing, gloves, beanie and middle-reed boots if you have them. The operator does not provide these.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Ushuaia to the Garibaldi Pass and Hidden Lake.
• trekking poles.
• accident insurance.
• hot drinks and alfajor at the summit.
• hot mountain stew at the lake.
• snacks throughout the day.
• all kayak and paddling equipment for the lake crossing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 56 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by TAUN USHUAIA

Is this one for you?The seven-hour day leaves no room for other activities in Ushuaia, so book this when you want a full-day immersion in Tierra del Fuego's mountains and water rather than a morning or afternoon excursion. The trek's three-hour round trip and moderate fitness requirement mean it suits hikers comfortable with steep terrain and altitude, not casual walkers.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

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: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 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 the Garibaldi Pass trek actually like on the ground?

The Garibaldi Pass trek covers 4 kilometers with steep sections through mountain terrain of stone, peat and mud, but stays low-difficulty because the total distance is short. You climb past the tree line to twin mountain lagoons and rock terraces overlooking Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, then descend. The whole round trip takes three hours.

What happens if the weather is too rough for rowing on Hidden Lake?

If wind or heavy rain makes paddling unsafe, the day switches to a one-hour forest trek to the Bridal Veil waterfall in the Olivia River area. You walk between two waterfalls and can stand behind one of them to feel the water's force. The walk is short but has steep sections.

Do I need my own kayak or paddling experience to row on Hidden Lake?

No experience is required. The boats are single or double kayaks, very stable and easy to drive. All paddling equipment is provided, and the lake crossing lasts an hour at a pace designed to let you connect with the water and environment.

What meals and drinks are included during the seven hours?

A hot drink and alfajor are shared at the summit of the Garibaldi Pass trek. At Hidden Lake's head, before paddling, you eat a hot mountain stew. Snacks are included throughout the day.