Ushuaia Lakes: Half-Day Tour Fagnano & Escondido

Summary

Half a day in Tierra del Fuego: lakes, forests, and quiet surprises

Spend half a day exploring Ushuaia’s wild side — from winding through Garibaldi Pass to standing quietly by Lake Escondido and sharing a simple snack on Lake Fagnano’s shore. Hear stories from your local guide and spot wildlife along forest trails. It’s an express escape into Tierra del Fuego you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up through the Garibaldi Pass when I realized how far Ushuaia had dropped behind us — just a few minutes ago we were still in town, and suddenly it was all lenga trees and that sharp, cold air you only get down here. Our guide, Martín, pointed out the old sawmill sheds as we passed. He told us about workers who’d come from Chile and Misiones for logging — I could almost picture them huddled around fires in the fog. It’s strange to think this place was once all about timber; now it’s just quiet except for the wind and the occasional fox darting across the road (we actually saw one, tail like a paintbrush).

The first real stop was Lago Escondido. “Hidden Lake,” Martín said — but honestly, nothing’s really hidden out here. The water looked almost metallic under the clouds, with trout flickering near the shore if you squinted right. There were some folks fishing off to one side, not saying much. We stood there for a while just listening to the silence (except for someone’s thermos lid clicking open). I tried to say “Escondido” with an Argentine accent — got a laugh from Martín for that one.

After that came Lake Fagnano. Bigger than I expected — apparently one of Argentina’s three largest lakes. The wind picked up as we walked along the shore; my sandwich nearly blew away before I even took a bite. There was this faint smell of wet earth and wood smoke drifting over from somewhere (maybe another group having mate nearby). Martín told us about the Shelknam people who used to live here — he didn’t make it sound romantic or anything, just matter-of-fact, which somehow made it stick more in my mind. We watched for beavers but only found their dams; still kind of wild to think they’re not native but have made themselves at home here.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm after such a short trip out of Ushuaia. Maybe it was something about those wide-open spaces or maybe just sitting by Lake Fagnano with cold fingers and warm bread. Anyway, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ushuaia and Lakes

• Panoramic viewpoint in Ushuaia
• Pass winter center of Ushuaia
• Pass another winter center en route
• Pass Ski and Snowboard center
• Pass Ushuaia winter center
• Visit Garibaldi Pass and Escondido Lake
• View glacial lake and native forest
• Meet active beaver and learn history
• Visit Lake Fagnano and enjoy sandwich

Top questions

How long does the half-day tour to Lake Fagnano & Escondido take?

The tour is designed as a half-day experience from Ushuaia, combining both lakes within several hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Ushuaia lakes tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Ushuaia is included in your booking.

Do you visit both Lake Fagnano and Lake Escondido on this tour?

Yes, both Lake Fagnano and Lago Escondido are visited during the tour.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

A simple snack or sandwich is included on the shores of Lake Fagnano.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife like beavers or foxes?

You may spot red foxes or see evidence of beavers along the way; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and allows infants or small children in prams or strollers.

What is special about Garibaldi Pass on this route?

The Garibaldi Pass is the highest point crossing the Andes in Tierra del Fuego and offers panoramic views of Lago Escondido.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Ushuaia, guided visits to both Lake Fagnano and Lago Escondido with stories from your local guide, time at winter centers along the way, plus a snack enjoyed right on the lake shore before heading back into town.