Ushuaia Lakes 4WD Adventure & Lunch at Lake Fagnano

Summary

Fuegian forests, lake views and barbecue on a 4x4 day trip

You’ll ride 4WD trucks from Ushuaia through lenga forests and along wild old roads to reach Lake Fagnano’s shore. Expect muddy tracks, local guides sharing Fuegian stories, and a woodfire barbecue lunch with wine in a lakeside shelter. There’s laughter, real food, and moments of stillness by the water you might remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

We bounced out of Ushuaia in these chunky 4x4s, windows fogged from our laughter and the cold morning air. Our guide, Martín, grinned as he steered us up to Mirador del Valle Carbajal — I remember the wind biting my cheeks while we stared over that valley, all tangled lenga trees and clouds snagged on the hills. At Paso Garibaldi, he pointed out Lago Escondido below — it really does look hidden from above, just a slip of blue between all that green. I tried to take a photo but my fingers were too cold for the phone screen.

The old Route 3 is rougher than I expected — mud splattering up the doors, rocks rattling under our boots when we got out to stretch. Martín told us stories about woodcutters who used to work these forests. The lenga trees have this coppery bark that flakes off if you brush it (I did, accidentally). Every so often, Lake Fagnano would just appear through the branches — enormous and kind of quieting. It’s hard to explain but you feel small in a good way.

The best part was barreling through puddles on the 4WD circuit. Someone behind me shrieked when we hit a deep rut — I almost spilled my water. We ended up at this shelter right by Lake Fagnano; it smelled like woodsmoke and roasting meat. Lunch was a proper Fuegian barbecue: roast beef with salads, ham and cheese snacks first (I ate too many), Malbec poured into plastic cups. Martín made us try some homemade liquor — honestly, it burned going down but warmed me right up.

I wandered down to the lake after lunch and just stood there for a bit. The wind off the water was sharp but not unfriendly. On the drive back to Ushuaia I kept thinking about those lenga forests and how Martín said they change color in autumn — maybe one day I’ll see that too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4WD tour and lunch at Lake Fagnano

• Start from Ushuaia
• Drive 4x4 to Mirador del Valle Carbajal
• Stop at Paso Garibaldi viewpoint
• Descend to Lago Escondido via old Route 3
• Begin 90-minute 4x4 circuit through lenga forest
• Arrive at Lake Fagnano and Estancia La Carmen
• Enjoy ham and cheese snack
• Have barbecue lunch at refuge
• Return to Ushuaia

Top questions

How long is the Ushuaia Lakes 4WD tour?

The tour lasts most of the day with pickup from Ushuaia and return after lunch at Lake Fagnano.

Is lunch included on the Lake Fagnano day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a private shelter by Lake Fagnano with roast beef, salads, snacks and drinks.

Are there stops for photos or views?

Yes, there are stops at Mirador del Valle Carbajal and Paso Garibaldi for landscape views and photos.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility needs?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants seats are available.

What vehicles are used for this Ushuaia lakes adventure?

The group travels in all-terrain 4x4 trucks capable of handling rough forest tracks.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water, soda/pop, Malbec red wine, coffee/tea and homemade liquor are provided with lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Ushuaia by 4WD truck, stops at scenic viewpoints like Mirador del Valle Carbajal and Paso Garibaldi, an off-road adventure through lenga forests to Lake Fagnano where you’ll have snacks plus a full Fuegian barbecue lunch with salads, dessert, coffee or tea—and local wine—before heading back in comfort.