Emerald Lagoon hike from Ushuaia: private trek with guide

Walk to a glacial lake that shifts color with the season

A private guided hike from Ushuaia to Emerald Lagoon, a glacial lake in the Lasifashaj Valley whose color comes from glacier sediment and changes with the season. Hotel pickup is included, and the trek takes about 5 hours round trip. The guide leads you across peat bogs and rocky terrain alongside the Esmeralda River, with trekking sticks and a box lunch provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Emerald Lagoon and return

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive 20 minutes north
• Cross Lasifashaj Valley
• Walk through peat bogs and rocky terrain
• Continue along Esmeralda River
• Arrive at Laguna Esmeralda
• Enjoy box lunch at lagoon
• Return along same path
• Meet vehicle for return to Ushuaia
• Drop off at hotel

The Experience

The drive north from your hotel takes 20 minutes, and once you arrive at the trailhead, the guide walks you through the route before you start. The path itself is well-marked and accessible, crossing the Lasifashaj Valley through peat bogs and rocky ground, then following the Esmeralda River as it narrows toward the lake. The terrain varies with the season—summer brings exposed stone and bog; winter turns sections into snow—but the trail stays clear either way.

Laguna Esmeralda sits at the end of this walk, a small glacial lake whose distinctive color comes from sediment flowing down from the Ojo del Albino Glacier. In summer, that sediment gives the water its vivid emerald hue; in winter, the lake freezes solid and disappears under snow. You'll have time to stand at the shore and take in the view while you eat the box lunch, then retrace the same path back to where the vehicle is waiting to return you to Ushuaia.

Trekking sticks are provided, which most people find helpful on the boggy sections and the descent. The whole outing—drive, hike, lunch and return—runs about 5 hours. A moderate level of fitness is necessary; the walk is steady but not steep, and the distance is manageable for anyone used to a few hours on foot.

What’s included

• Trekking sticks and box lunch are included.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia.
• private guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Latitud Ushuaia Travel

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or a ride arranged—the guide collects you and handles the drive to the trailhead, which matters if you're staying in the city without transport. The private format also means the pace and timing stay yours, not locked to a group schedule.

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Top questions

What is the Emerald Lagoon and why does it change color?

Laguna Esmeralda is a small glacial lake fed by meltwater from the Ojo del Albino Glacier. The glacier's sediment gives the water its emerald color in summer, but the lake freezes and becomes snow-covered in winter, so the distinctive hue is only visible during the warmer months.

How long is the actual hike, and what's the terrain like?

The trek itself takes several hours of walking, crossing the Lasifashaj Valley through peat bogs and rocky ground before following the Esmeralda River to the lagoon. The path is well-marked and accessible, though the ground is uneven and can be wet depending on the season.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup is included. The drive to the trailhead takes about 20 minutes north of the city, and the vehicle waits for you at the end of the hike to bring you back to Ushuaia.

What should I bring or wear for this hike?

Trekking shoes or boots are mandatory because of the wet, boggy terrain; you can rent them in Ushuaia if you don't have your own. Trekking sticks are provided. Dress in layers since weather in Patagonia changes quickly, and bring a waterproof jacket.

Is there food and water on the hike?

A box lunch is included and eaten at the lagoon. You can refill water bottles during the hike, so bring a bottle to carry with you.

What's the minimum age or fitness requirement?

The minimum age is 12. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness; the hike is accessible but steady, and not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues, or if you're pregnant.