Ushuaia Lakes 4x4 Tour: Escondido & Fagnano with Lunch

Summary

Off-road lakes adventure Ushuaia with barbecue lunch

You’ll ride 4x4 tracks through Patagonian forests with a local guide, pause above Escondido Lake at Garibaldi Pass, and share barbecue by vast Lake Fagnano. Expect laughter over Malbec, glimpses of wildlife, and muddy boots — but mostly that feeling of being somewhere ancient and wide open.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that line of clouds? That’s where the wind comes from Patagonia proper," our driver Martín said, squinting into the bright morning as we left Ushuaia behind. I didn’t know what to expect from a day trip to Escondido Lake and Fagnano Lake — I just knew we’d be bouncing around in a Land Cruiser with a handful of strangers who all seemed equally unsure about how muddy we’d get. The road up to Garibaldi Pass was all switchbacks and sudden silences, except for Martín pointing out where the snow sometimes blocks everything in winter. He told us stories about old sawmills and how people used to come here from Chile for work, which made me think about all the layers this place has.

The first time you see Escondido Lake, it almost sneaks up on you. One minute it’s just trees — lenga and coihue, Martín said — then suddenly there’s this glacial blue stretching out below. We stopped for photos, but honestly, I just wanted to stand there and listen to the wind scraping through the branches. Someone spotted a red fox darting off near the edge of the forest (I missed it, too slow). The air smelled like wet leaves and something sharp I couldn’t name — maybe woodsmoke from somewhere far off? It felt old. Like really old.

Getting down to Lake Fagnano was bumpier than I thought — real off-road stuff, wheels sliding a bit in the mud while Martín grinned like he was born for it. When we finally reached the shore, there were these cabins right by the water. Lunch was already sizzling: choripan first (my fingers still smell like grilled sausage), then steak and salad, plus Malbec poured into mismatched glasses. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Cagnoli” like an Argentine — probably butchered it. There was time to walk along the lake after eating; water so clear you could see pebbles five meters out.

I keep thinking about that moment sitting by Lake Fagnano — sun flickering through clouds, everyone quietly full and happy, not really talking much anymore. Maybe it was just the wine or maybe something about being so far south you feel like you could fall off the map if you took one step further. Anyway… if you’re looking for a day trip from Ushuaia that feels both wild and kind of homey at once, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4x4 tour to lakes and Garibaldi Pass

• Visit Garibaldi Pass viewpoint
• Explore Escondido Lake surroundings
• Enjoy lunch at Lake Fagnano

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Ushuaia lakes 4x4 tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Ushuaia is included.

What kind of vehicle is used for the day trip to Escondido Lake and Fagnano Lake?

The tour uses Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4x4 trucks.

Is lunch provided on this 4x4 lakes tour?

Yes, lunch is included with options for vegetarians and celiacs.

How far are Escondido Lake and Fagnano Lake from Ushuaia?

Escondido Lake is about 57 km north of Ushuaia; both lakes are visited on this day trip.

Are there accessible options for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation is wheelchair accessible and infants can use prams or strollers.

Will we see wildlife during the tour?

You may spot birds or red foxes along forest trails near the lakes.

Does this tour include drinks?

Yes, drinks including Malbec wine are served with lunch at Lake Fagnano.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Ushuaia before setting out in a 4x4 with a local guide across Garibaldi Pass toward Escondido Lake. You’ll enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch with drinks (including Malbec) by Lake Fagnano in cozy cabins equipped with bathrooms before returning in comfort later that afternoon.