4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure Ushuaia: Hidden Lake & Fagnano

Seven hours off-road: Garibaldi Pass, two lakes, a forest walk, and canoes in summer

A 7-hour 4WD off-road tour from Ushuaia through Tierra del Fuego's Southern Andes, visiting Hidden Lake and Lake Fagnano with a professional guide and small group (max 12 people). Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch with wine, and a 45-minute canoe excursion on Lake Fagnano are included in summer; winter visitors explore a sledding center instead. The route leaves paved roads to follow old woodcutter tracks where only 4WD access is possible.

Step-by-step itinerary

4WD off-road tour and lakes visit

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive along Route 3 to Garibaldi Pass
• Descend old woodcutter tracks by 4x4
• Stop at Lake Fagnano for walk and asado lunch
• Continue to Escondido Lake
• Summer: Canoe on Escondido Lake
• Winter: Visit Tierra Mayor Winter Center
• Return to vans and drive back to Ushuaia

The Experience

The morning starts with pickup from your hotel in Ushuaia. The 4WD—a Land Rover or Toyota Hilux—heads out on Route 3 toward Garibaldi Pass, climbing through the Cordillera Fueguina range. From the pass, you can see both Hidden Lake and Lake Fagnano spread across the valley below. The real adventure begins when the vehicle leaves the main road and drops onto old forest tracks: mud, stones, and terrain that would stop a regular car. The 4WD handles the obstacles while you move deeper into Patagonian backcountry, crossing through native forest where beavers now inhabit the landscape.

Lake Fagnano appears larger than expected, and that's where the group stops for lunch. Your guides prepare a local asado (barbecue) paired with Malbec wine while you're free to walk the shoreline, explore the forest, or simply sit with the lake in front of you. After eating, the route continues to Hidden Lake (Lago Escondido), smaller and more sheltered, with its own distinct character. In summer, this is where the canoes wait: a guide gives a brief introduction, you help prepare the boats, and then paddle for 45 minutes across the water—a different angle on the same landscape. Winter visitors skip the canoes and head to Tierra Mayor Winter Center instead, where sledding, husky sleds, snowmobiles and ice-skating are available if you want them. The return follows Route 3 back to Ushuaia.

The group stays under 12 people, so the guide can give personal attention and adjust the pace. Both English and Spanish are spoken. The vehicle does the heavy work on rough terrain, but the day involves some walking—around the lakes, through the forest, and on and off the canoes if you're paddling. Wear layers and sturdy shoes; Patagonian weather changes fast.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia.
• transportation in a 4WD vehicle (Land Rover or Toyota Hilux).
• professional guide speaking English and Spanish.
• lunch with local asado and Malbec wine.
• non-alcoholic beverages.
• 45-minute canoe excursion on Hidden Lake in summer (or winter center access in winter).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you need a 4WD vehicle to reach Hidden Lake and Lake Fagnano off-road, and want a guided route rather than navigating Tierra del Fuego terrain yourself.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the summer and winter versions of this tour?

In summer, the tour includes a 45-minute canoe excursion on Hidden Lake after lunch. In winter, the canoe is replaced by time at Tierra Mayor Winter Center, where you can try sledding, husky sleds, snowmobiles, ice-skating or simply warm up in the hosteria overlooking Nevado Valley. Both versions are 7 hours and include the same 4WD off-road drive, both lakes, and lunch.

How rough is the off-road driving, and will I be uncomfortable?

The 4WD leaves paved roads to follow old woodcutter tracks through forest, crossing mud, stones and uneven terrain. The vehicle is built for it and the pace is steady rather than aggressive. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries. Wear comfortable shoes and layers.

Is the canoe experience difficult if I've never paddled before?

The canoe excursion on Hidden Lake in summer starts with an introductory talk from the guides, who help you prepare the boats. The paddle lasts 45 minutes and is designed for all experience levels—no prior skill is required.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in the 4WD, lunch (asado with Malbec wine), beverages, and a professional bilingual guide are all included. Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers for colder weather. Gratuities are not included.

Can I take this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

No, cruise passengers are not permitted on this tour. The tour is available only for land-based visitors staying in Ushuaia hotels.

What happens if snow or ice makes the usual route unsafe?

In winter, if trail conditions are poor due to snow or ice, the guide may modify the route. An alternative route of the same length and duration will be followed instead, ending at Estancia La Carmen rather than the usual endpoint.