Southern / Austral Patagonia
Laguna Esmeralda Trek
Reserva Natural y Paisajística Tierra Mayor, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
The Laguna Esmeralda Trek is a hiking, trekking, snowshoeing and wildlife-spotting experience in the Reserva Natural y Paisajística Tierra Mayor, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, available in summer and winter. Offered by ANTARTUR (EVT 12896) / Nunatak SA, a member provider of the Asociación Argentina de Ecoturismo y Turismo Aventura (AAETAV). Includes hotel transfers, bilingual Spanish/English guide, trekking poles, and in winter: crampons or snowshoes and a box lunch.
About the experience
A classic Ushuaia hike through peat bogs, streams and ancient lenga and coihue forests to a turquoise lake nestled in the heart of the Fuegian Andes. Available in summer and winter versions with snowshoes or crampons.
Departure from your hotel by minibus (20 km) to the Tierra Mayor valley. From the Nunatak refuge, the hike begins crossing peat bogs, streams and centuries-old lenga and coihue forests, with chances to spot foxes, condors and beavers.
Laguna Esmeralda lies at the heart of the Reserva Natural y Paisajística Tierra del Fuego. The colour of its waters and its setting deep in the mountains invite you to rest on its shores over lunch, before heading back by a different route.
Winter variant: the same valley is covered in snow, with frozen streams. Equipment is provided (crampons or snowshoes and a trekking pole) along with a box lunch (sandwich, alfajor, cereal bar and water). Good physical fitness is required; recommended for ages 10 and up.
Suggested itinerary (summer):
- 9:00 Departure from the hotel to the Nunatak refuge (Tierra Mayor valley)
- 10:00 Start of the trek with trekking poles, through peat bogs and Fuegian forest
- 12:30 Arrival at Laguna Esmeralda, rest and lunch on its shores
- 14:00 Return to the refuge by a different route
- 15:30 Transfer back to hotels in Ushuaia
Moderate difficulty; approximately 7 hours of hiking in total. Not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart, respiratory, circulatory, knee or back conditions. Bilingual Spanish/English guides.
What's included and what's not
Includes
- Hotel transfers
- Bilingual Spanish/English guide
- Trekking poles
- In winter: crampons or snowshoes and a box lunch
Frequently asked questions
Where does Laguna Esmeralda Trek take place?
It takes place in Reserva Natural y Paisajística Tierra Mayor, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina (Southern / Austral Patagonia region).
What activities does the experience include?
The activities are: hiking and trekking, snowshoeing and wildlife watching.
In which season is it available?
It is available in summer and winter.
What is included?
Included: Hotel transfers; Bilingual Spanish/English guide; Trekking poles; In winter: crampons or snowshoes and a box lunch.
How can I check availability and rates?
Rates and availability are checked directly with ANTARTUR (EVT 12896) / Nunatak SA, an AAETAV member, via WhatsApp using the "More information" button.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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