Lakes District 4x4 Tour from Ushuaia: Off-Road to Lake Escondido

Drive deep into Patagonian forest and reach two remote lakes most visitors never see.

A full-day 4x4 off-road tour from Ushuaia that takes small groups (up to 6 passengers) north across the Andes Range to Lake Escondido and into the forest to Lake Khami, with hotel pickup, a 2-course lunch cooked in a forest refuge, and a guide in English or Spanish. The route follows valleys and mountain passes that require four-wheel drive. Groups stay small and the vehicle holds a maximum of 6 people per departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

4x4 tour through lakes and forest

• Pick up from hotel or office
• Drive north along Tierra Mayor Valley
• Stop for panoramic photo at Lake Escondido
• Coast Lake Escondido end to end
• Enter forest to discover Lake Khami or Fagnano

The experience

The guide picks you up from your hotel or the office at Roca 136 and heads north toward Tierra Mayor Valley, where snowy peaks frame the ride along the base of the Andes. The route climbs toward the range itself, stopping at a panoramic point above Lake Escondido before descending to coast the lake end to end. From there the 4x4 pushes into dense forest to reach Lake Khami (also called Fagnano), a much larger body of water that most Ushuaia day trips never reach because the road in requires genuine off-road driving.

Lunch happens in a forest refuge partway through the day: a 2-course asado (grilled meat) with vegetarian, vegan and coeliac options available if you request them at booking. Coffee, tea, water and alcoholic beverages are included. The meal is the centerpiece of the afternoon, not a quick stop. The full day runs 7 to 8 hours from pickup to drop-off, and the vehicle operates in all weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear. Minimum age is 4 years old. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and pregnant travelers should not book.

Cruise ship passengers cannot join because the guide needs to confirm pickup time the night before, and port schedules don't allow that flexibility. If you're staying in Ushuaia and want to change the itinerary or need a private vehicle for a larger group, the operator offers a premium service on request. Ask for a quotation when you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia.
• a professional guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a 2-course lunch with asado in a forest refuge.
• coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages.
• local taxes.

Information

Lasts 7h–8h, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 165 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 24 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Canal Fun & Nature S.R.L

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary comfortably in your language. Book this one if you want genuine off-road driving and remote lakes rather than the paved viewpoints most tours reach, and if a small group (6 passengers maximum) and a full day of driving suit your pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is Lake Escondido and why do we stop there?

Lake Escondido is the 5th largest lake in Argentina and sits on the far side of the Andes Range from Ushuaia. The tour stops at a panoramic viewpoint above it before descending to drive along its shoreline, giving you views of the water and the peaks that frame it.

How far is Lake Khami from Ushuaia and what makes it harder to reach?

Lake Khami lies beyond Lake Escondido, deeper into the forest north of the Andes. It requires genuine off-road driving through forest terrain, which is why most day tours from Ushuaia don't reach it: only a 4x4 vehicle can handle the route.

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

Cruise passengers cannot book this tour because the guide confirms pickup time the night before, and ship schedules don't allow that arrangement. If you're staying in Ushuaia, you can book normally.

What's included in the lunch and are dietary options available?

Lunch is a 2-course asado (grilled meat) cooked in a forest refuge, with coffee, tea, water and alcoholic beverages included. Vegetarian, vegan and coeliac options are available. Let the operator know at booking if you need one.

How many people fit in the 4x4 vehicle?

The vehicle holds a maximum of 6 passengers per departure, which keeps the group small and the ride comfortable on rough terrain.

What should I wear and what happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so bring waterproof layers and sturdy shoes. Mountain weather changes quickly in Patagonia, and the forest can be wet even when Ushuaia is dry.