Tempanos Lagoon and Vinciguerra Glacier Trekking
A true mountain adventure in the heart of Tierra del Fuego, where the subantarctic forest gives way to high-mountain landscapes. The trek to Laguna de los Témpanos and Vinciguerra Glacier takes us through valleys, peat bogs, and streams, until we reach an environment shaped by ice, rock, and silence. The glacier hanging above the lagoon makes this hike one of the most striking and authentic in the region—ideal for those seeking a real connection with Fuegian nature.
Times are tentative and the itinerary may change due to weather conditions or force majeure. Please check at the time of travel.
Services
Includes
Does Not Include
Box Lunch
Packed lunch to take with you (sandwich, snack, and drink).
Transfers
Round-trip transfer from/to your accommodation.
Naturalist / Bilingual Guide
Permanent guidance from experts in nature and history.
Trekking Poles
Telescopic trekking poles for added stability on uneven terrain.
Crampons
Safety equipment for walking on ice and snow.
Trekking Footwear
Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
Warm Clothing
Thermal and warm layers (we recommend bringing your own).Experience itinerary
Estimated duration: • 8 stops
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08:00 AM
Hotel pick-up
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08:30 AM
Start of the hike in the Andorra Valley.
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09:30 AM
Peat bog crossing.
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10:30 AM
Steep ascent through the forest.
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12:00 PM
Arrival at Laguna de los Témpanos.
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12:30 PM
Vinciguerra Glacier exploration. Picnic.
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15:30 PM
Return to the valley base
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16:00 PM
Return to Ushuaia (back to the starting point).
The experience
We take you along one of the most challenging and spectacular trails in Ushuaia to reach the foot of Vinciguerra Glacier and discover the impressive Laguna de los Témpanos. This experience combines mountains, Fuegian forest, peat bogs, meltwater rivers, and glacial landscapes, making it ideal for those looking for a demanding adventure in the heart of nature.
During the first kilometers, we cross the Andorra Valley, where we will have the chance to visit a peat bog of great beauty and ecological importance. This wetland, together with the meltwater river that runs through it, plays a key role as a natural freshwater reserve and is part of one of Tierra del Fuego’s most characteristic environments.
After crossing the valley, we enter the native Fuegian forest and begin the first mountain ascents. As we walk among lenga and ñire trees, we learn about the flora, fauna, and unique features of this southern ecosystem. Once we leave the forest section behind, we reach the vegetation line, where we take a short break by the river and begin to see part of the glacier.
With renewed energy, we face the final and most demanding ascent of the trail, which takes us to Laguna de los Témpanos. There, we take some time to rest, take photos, and admire this beautiful glacial lagoon, with the impressive Vinciguerra Glacier on the other side.
From this point, we continue walking for approximately 20 minutes along the shore of the lagoon until we approach the foot of the glacier. There, we can appreciate the ice up close, its crevasses, its ever-changing shapes, and, when conditions allow, discover the ice caves that naturally form in this unique environment.
In this breathtaking setting, surrounded by the immensity of the mountains and the glacier, we enjoy our box lunch. After experiencing this unforgettable moment in one of Ushuaia’s most extraordinary landscapes, we begin our descent along the same trail back to the city.
*Access to the foot of the glacier and the ice caves is always subject to weather, terrain conditions, and the guide’s safety criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some common questions about this tour.
The tour runs regardless of weather conditions, except in exceptional cases.