Ushuaia Lakes District: 4x4 Off-Road Day Tour with Asado Lunch

Summary

Off-road adventure from Ushuaia to Lake Escondido and Fagnano with forest asado

You’ll ride deep into Tierra del Fuego’s wild heart on a 4x4 day trip from Ushuaia to Lake Escondido and Fagnano. Expect muddy tracks, mountain views that sneak up on you, a smoky forest asado lunch with local wine, and plenty of stories from your guide along the way. This isn’t just sightseeing — you’ll feel Patagonia under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before our guide, Martín, showed up at the door — big smile, muddy boots, and all. We squeezed into the 4x4 (there were five of us, which felt just right), tossed our bags in the back, and set off through Ushuaia’s quiet morning streets. The city faded fast; suddenly it was all sharp air and that smell you only get in Patagonia — like wet earth mixed with woodsmoke. I kept pressing my face against the window as we climbed out of town, watching the mountains get closer and closer. Someone said you could see Chile from here on a clear day, but clouds were rolling in thick over Tierra Mayor Valley. Didn’t matter. The snow on the peaks still looked blue somehow.

Martín knew every twist in the road — he pointed out old beaver dams (they’re everywhere here) and told us stories about locals who’d tried living off-grid out by Lake Escondido. We stopped for a photo at a high pass where the wind nearly stole my hat — I’m not kidding, it’s strong enough to make you laugh. Down below, Lake Escondido stretched out long and gray-green under the clouds. It’s bigger than it looks from above. Then came the real off-road part: bumping along muddy tracks through lenga forest, branches scraping the roof now and then. I think I gripped my seat harder than I meant to.

Lunch happened in this wooden shelter tucked away near Lake Fagnano — smoky inside from the fire where Martín grilled slabs of beef for our asado lunch (vegetarian options too, but honestly that meat was something else). There was red wine in mismatched glasses, crusty bread, people swapping stories in Spanish and English. My hands smelled like campfire for hours after. On the way back I fell half-asleep listening to tires crunching over gravel and someone humming quietly up front.

It’s funny — I’d booked this “Lakes District 4x4 full-day tour” thinking it’d be mostly about scenery (which is wild enough), but what sticks is how it felt being out there: cold cheeks, laughter echoing in trees, feeling small under all that sky. Still can’t say “Fagnano” right; Martín just grins every time I try.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4x4 tour through Andes and lakes

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

Top questions

How long is the Lakes District 4x4 tour from Ushuaia?

The tour lasts a full day with morning pickup and afternoon return to your hotel.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Lake Escondido?

Yes, a two-course asado lunch is included at a forest refuge near Lake Fagnano.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Ushuaia?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in Ushuaia city.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available during lunch?

Vegetarian, vegan, and coeliac options are available if requested when booking.

How many people fit in each 4x4 vehicle?

The 4x4s carry up to six passengers each for comfort during off-roading.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

No, cruise ship passengers cannot join due to scheduling limitations for pickup times.

What should I wear for this Tierra del Fuego tour?

Dress warmly in layers; weather changes fast and tours operate rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 4 years old; families are welcome within that limit.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia city, bottled water throughout the journey, snacks along the way, alcoholic beverages including local wine at lunch (for those over 18), coffee or tea at stops, all local taxes covered by your guide team, plus a hearty two-course asado lunch served warm inside a forest shelter before heading back toward town together.