Emerald Lagoon – Trekking Below Zero
We invite you to experience one of Ushuaia’s most fascinating winter adventures: walking on the completely frozen Emerald Lagoon, surrounded by the Andes Mountains. The hike follows snowy trails through native forest, crosses meltwater streams, and climbs up into the alpine environment, ending in this unique snow-covered landscape. We invite you to experience one of Ushuaia’s most fascinating winter adventures: walking on the completely frozen Emerald Lagoon, surrounded by the Andes Mountains. The hike follows snowy trails through native forest, crosses meltwater streams, and climbs up into the alpine environment, ending in this unique snow-covered landscape.
Times are tentative, and the itinerary may be modified 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).
Naturalist / Bilingual Guide
Permanent guidance from experts in nature and history.
Transfers
Round-trip transfer from/to your accommodation.
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: • 7 stops
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09:00 AM
Hotel pick-up
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09:45 AM
Start of the trek (Tierra Mayor Valley).
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10:45 AM
Hike through snowy forest and peat bogs.
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12:00 PM
Arrival at frozen Emerald Lagoon.
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12:30 PM
Lunch (box lunch) on the shore of the lagoon.
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14:30 PM
Return to the trailhead.
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15:00 PM
Return to Ushuaia
The experience
Discover the beauty of the Fuegian winter on a hike to Laguna Esmeralda, one of the most remarkable landscapes near Ushuaia. Forests, peat bogs and mountains line this approximately 10-kilometre round-trip trek, with snow and ice transforming the scenery as the season progresses.
The experience begins with pick-up at your accommodation and a transfer to the trailhead. There, we prepare for the walk with our trekking guide before heading into the forest. Along the way, we pause to admire the scenery, take photographs and learn about the natural environment of Tierra del Fuego.
As we continue, the forest opens onto peat bogs and stretches of valley with views of the surrounding mountains. The trail includes uneven ground and uphill sections, so participants need to be comfortable walking for several hours. Trekking poles are provided, with crampons used when required by trail conditions.
Upon reaching Laguna Esmeralda, we discover a mountain-framed landscape that may be covered in ice and snow during winter. At this time of year, the lake’s characteristic green water can be hidden beneath a blanket of white, creating a scene entirely different from its summer appearance.
We take time to enjoy the surroundings, take photographs and recharge with a hot drink and a packed lunch, including a sandwich, a sweet snack and water. After our break, we follow the trail back and return to your accommodation in Ushuaia.
Snow coverage and the lake’s frozen conditions depend on the weather. Walking on the lake’s surface is not a guaranteed part of the tour. Hiking footwear and clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some common questions about this tour.
The tour runs regardless of weather conditions, except in exceptional cases.