Emerald Lagoon Trek Ushuaia: Glacier Water & Forest Trail

Walk through beech forest to a glacier lagoon and eat lunch on its shore

This trek from Ushuaia reaches Emerald Lagoon, a small glacier-fed lake in Tierra Mayor Valley whose distinctive color comes from sediment off the Ojo del Albino Glacier. You depart from your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle, hike roughly two hours through forest and rocky terrain along the Emerald River, spend an hour at the lagoon with a box lunch included, then return the same way. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the group. The whole outing runs about five hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek to Emerald Lagoon and return

• Depart from Ushuaia city
• Travel to trail start by truck
• Hike through Tierra Mayor Valley forest
• Cross turbulence and rocky terrain
• Follow trail along Emerald River
• Arrive at Emerald Lagoon
• Enjoy box lunch by the lagoon
• Return along the same trail
• Travel back to Ushuaia city

The experience

The drive from Ushuaia into the Fuegian Valleys sets the landscape before the walking starts. Once at the trailhead, the route enters beech forest and follows the Emerald River, crossing rocky sections and stream beds as it climbs toward the lagoon. The water's color (vivid in summer, frozen and snow-covered in winter) comes from glacial sediment, and it is only visible during the warmer months when the lake is unfrozen.

After roughly an hour and a half to two hours of walking, you reach the lagoon and stop for an hour. The box lunch is included. Bring your own water bottle or ask the guide about refilling. The return follows the same path, giving you a second pass through the forest and a last chance to notice the details you might have missed on the way up.

The trek suits moderate fitness. You will cross turbulent terrain and climb, but the pace is steady and the guide adjusts for the group. Trekking shoes are mandatory. Wear layers appropriate to Patagonian weather, which can shift quickly. Pickup from your Ushuaia hotel is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on the group.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• box lunch at the lagoon.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 116 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 121 private ›

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Latitud Ushuaia Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the commentary comfortably in either language. Choose the departure that matches your group's preference.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Emerald Lagoon and why is its color so distinctive?

Emerald Lagoon is a small glacier-fed lake in Tierra Mayor Valley whose color comes from sediment flowing from the Ojo del Albino Glacier. The vivid emerald hue is only visible in summer when the water is unfrozen. In winter it freezes over and disappears under snow.

How long is the walk to the lagoon, and what kind of terrain will I cross?

The trek takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours to reach the lagoon. You will walk through beech forest, cross rocky sections and stream beds, and follow the Emerald River as it climbs toward the lake.

What is included in the tour, and what should I bring?

The tour includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in English or Spanish, and a box lunch eaten at the lagoon. Bring your own water bottle. The guide can direct you to refill it. Trekking shoes are mandatory, and you should wear layers suited to Patagonian weather.

How much time do we spend at the Emerald Lagoon itself?

You will have approximately an hour at the lagoon to rest, eat lunch and take in the view before starting the return walk along the same path.

What is the total time commitment for this trek?

The entire outing, including transport from Ushuaia, the hike in and out, and time at the lagoon, runs about five hours.

Is this trek suitable for someone with moderate fitness?

Yes, the trek is designed for travelers with at least moderate fitness. The pace is steady, but the terrain is rocky and involves climbing, so you should be comfortable walking uphill and crossing uneven ground.