Ushuaia: Vinciguerra Glacier Ice Trek & Laguna de los Témpanos

Summary

Patagonian glacier trekking through forest, wetlands and wild silence

You’ll cross Patagonian peat bogs near Ushuaia with a local guide, climb through ancient forests full of stories, then strap on crampons to walk across Vinciguerra Glacier itself. Share lunch by Laguna de los Témpanos while the wind howls around you — it’s raw, cold beauty you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how my boots squelched when we first stepped into the Andorra Valley — it’s all peat bog, soft and springy underfoot, with this earthy smell that clings to your socks. Our guide, Martín, joked that if you lose a shoe here it might just become part of the landscape. He pointed out tiny yellow flowers I’d have missed otherwise. The air felt colder than I expected, almost sharp in my nose, and there was this hush except for the river gurgling somewhere nearby.

The climb started as soon as we hit the edge of the forest. It’s proper Patagonian beech woods — gnarled trees, moss everywhere, and sunlight flickering in patches. There were stories about old axemen who once worked these slopes; Martín got a bit nostalgic talking about them. The trail isn’t easy — sometimes muddy, sometimes icy depending on the weather (we got both). At one point I slipped and nearly landed on my sandwich, but everyone just laughed. You need decent fitness for this trek; it’s not about speed but keeping steady. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small under those trees.

Reaching Laguna de los Témpanos felt like stumbling onto another planet — grey-blue water with ice floating in it and the glacier looming above us. We put on crampons (which felt weird at first) and crunched over the ice together. The wind up there is something else; it whistles right through you. Sometimes there’s an ice cave to explore (we couldn’t go in that day because of melt), but even just peering into those blue cracks gave me chills. Lunch was simple — sandwiches and hot tea — but eating beside that frozen world made everything taste better somehow.

I keep thinking about how quiet it was up there, except for our boots scraping on ice or someone’s laugh echoing off the rocks. On the way back down to Ushuaia my legs were jelly but I didn’t really care. If you’re looking for a real day trip from Ushuaia that actually feels wild — this glacier trekking is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice trekking at Vinciguerra Glacier

• Start walk in Andorra Valley
• Walk through peat bog and river border
• Enter native Andean Patagonian forest
• Ascend steep and flat mountain slopes
• Reach top to visit millennial glacier
• Walk over glacier and observe crevices
• Enter ice cave if available
• Enjoy lunch with views
• Return to city

Top questions

How difficult is the Vinciguerra Glacier trek?

The trek is medium difficulty and requires good fitness; steady pace is more important than speed.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Ushuaia?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

What should I wear for glacier trekking in Ushuaia?

Wear warm layers and sturdy hiking boots; technical equipment like crampons and helmet are provided.

How long does it take to reach Laguna de los Témpanos?

The ascent takes about 2 hours 30 minutes through forest and mountain terrain.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks for the hike plus a sandwich lunch (meat, chicken or vegetarian) are included along with hot drinks.

Can I enter an ice cave during this tour?

An ice cave may be available depending on glacier conditions; ask ahead if it's important to you.

Is this glacier trekking suitable for beginners?

A moderate level of fitness is needed; not recommended for people with certain health issues or low fitness.

What’s special about Andorra Valley’s peat bogs?

The wetlands are internationally protected RAMSAR sites with unique flora; guides explain their significance during the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from Ushuaia, all technical gear like crampons and helmet (plus trekking pole if needed), accident insurance, snacks for along the way (think alfajor or fruit), a sandwich lunch with hot drinks by the lagoon, and guidance from someone who knows these mountains inside out before heading back to town together.