Ushuaia off-road tour: Lakes, Andes & Magallanes Fault

Glacial valleys, mountain passes and forest tracks only a 4x4 reaches

This 8-hour off-road tour from Ushuaia combines sealed highway stops with 4x4 forest paths to reach Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. You start at Carbajal Valley's glacial viewpoint, cross the Andes at Paso Garibaldi, then descend into Fuegian woodland on old exploration routes to the Magallanes Fault. Hotel pickup, a specialized local guide in English or Spanish, lunch at a rustic lodge and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore lakes and mountain views

• Hotel pick-up in Ushuaia
• Drive along National Route N°3
• Stop at Carbajal Valley Viewpoint
• Continue through Andes Mountains
• Cross Paso Garibaldi mountain pass
• View Escondido and Fagnano Lakes
• Begin 4x4 off-road journey
• Explore Fuegian woods paths
• Arrive at Fagnano Lake
• Enjoy snacks with lake views
• Return to Ushuaia city

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive south on National Route 3 toward Carbajal Valley, where the first stop frames the landscape: a glacial valley crossed by the Olivia River, with the Andes rising behind it. From there the road climbs toward Paso Garibaldi, the mountain pass that opens the view to Escondido Lake and Fagnano Lake spread across the valley below. This is where the sealed road ends and the 4x4 section begins.

The descent into the forest follows old paths cut during early timber exploration—routes that only vehicles with high clearance can handle. You move through Fuegian woodland toward the head of Escondido Lake, then reach Fagnano Lake where the Magallanes Fault line cuts visibly across the landscape. Snacks and time to absorb the view come here, before the group heads to a rustic lodge for lunch. The lodge sits in a warm, lived-in space where local stories and regional food anchor the second half of the day before the return drive to Ushuaia.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ushuaia.
• a specialized local guide speaking English or Spanish.
• lunch at a rustic lodge.
• snacks and hot drinks.
• all transport by 4x4 vehicle on both sealed and forest roads.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tierra del Fuego Aventura

Is this one for you?The 4x4 forest paths are the defining feature, so book this tour if you want to reach Fagnano Lake and the Magallanes Fault by routes sealed-road tours cannot access. The full day—8 hours including lunch and multiple viewpoints—suits travelers who have a morning free and want the landscape in depth rather than a quick highlight.

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Top questions

What is the Magallanes Fault and why does it matter on this tour?

The Magallanes Fault is a major geological fracture visible at Fagnano Lake where tectonic plates meet. The tour reaches it by 4x4 through forest paths, and the fault line is one of the landscape's defining features—you see it directly from the viewpoint where snacks are served.

Do I need experience driving off-road or any special fitness to join?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You are a passenger in the 4x4 vehicle; the driver handles the forest paths. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens at Paso Garibaldi?

Paso Garibaldi is the mountain pass where you cross the Andes range. It marks the transition from the sealed highway to the viewpoint overlooking both Escondido and Fagnano Lakes—the most expansive vista of the day before descending into the forest.

Is lunch included, and can you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes, lunch is included at a Fuegian lodge. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you let the operator know when booking.

How much time do I spend on the actual 4x4 forest roads?

The off-road section runs from Paso Garibaldi down through the Fuegian woodland to Fagnano Lake. It is the heart of the tour but not the entire 8 hours—the day also includes sealed-road stops at Carbajal Valley and the Andes viewpoint, plus lunch and the return drive to Ushuaia.