Trekking Laguna Esmeralda – Winter – Ushuaia

A unique experience in the Patagonian winter, walking among lakes, beaver dams, vast valleys of the Andes Mountains, and forests full of history that were once routes for ancient lumberjacks and local indigenous people. It’s impossible not to get excited about a trekking like this! In winter, the scenery is even more beautiful; the photos speak for themselves. Nothing beats seeing the photos and imagining yourself there, enjoying this privileged nature on one of the southernmost treks on the planet. Unmissable, an unforgettable landscape!

The adventure starts early, around 08:30, when we pick up our “brave adventurers.”

We leave the city heading to the winter centers via the famous Route 3. Along the way, the guide shares some peculiarities “from the end of the world” and gives instructions about the adventure ahead. In about 15 minutes, we reach the starting point. Here, crampons are fitted if necessary for walking on snow (this decision is always up to the guide). Trekking poles and snacks are also distributed, so we suggest that each person or family carry a backpack for their own snacks and personal items.

From there, we begin our beautiful hike, perhaps the most beautiful you’ve ever done, or certainly among the most impressive.

At the beginning, most of the trek passes through dense Patagonian forests, all covered in snow. It’s an excellent place for stunning photos. Next, we leave the forests and cross a beautiful valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains, passing by lakes where we can see beaver activity up close. These animals were introduced to the region and, having no predators, made these lakes their homes. The guide shares fascinating stories and the group can capture everything with their cameras.

Throughout the hike, the scenery changes constantly, each section more beautiful than the last. The guide makes strategic stops to explain details and answer questions.

Having an experienced guide is essential for safety, especially when walking on snow, where crevices or holes may exist. The guide ensures the group moves only in 100% safe areas. The combination of transport, trekking poles, crampons when needed, snacks, safety, and guide explanations ensures participants don’t just pass through the area—they learn details, curiosities, and information they will never forget.

Along the way, we will also pass frozen lakes and streams, with mountains in the background creating a spectacular view. We might even see a beaver in one of the dams—there’s always a chance!

Finally, we reach the highlight of the excursion: Laguna Esmeralda. The place is a large valley with a sizable lagoon and incredible mountains in the background, some with eternal glaciers. The main glacial mountain sits right behind the lagoon, enhancing the beauty of the landscape even more. Everywhere you look is breathtaking, especially at this moment.

Here, the group enjoys a delicious snack while taking in the scenery. It’s not every day you can have a picnic with such a view! We are at the center of one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes, savoring every minute. After about 40 minutes, we return to the starting point, feeling lighter—not just from carrying fewer snacks or burning calories—but from experiencing something unforgettable: gratitude, deep happiness, and the fulfillment of a dream.

During the return hike, the group enjoys the trail’s energy again, taking in every moment and feeling part of the wild nature.

The hike has a low/medium difficulty in summer and medium in winter. It is not high due to the mostly flat trail, though snow, ice, or mud may be present in some areas. The total distance is approximately 7 km, with 4.5 hours of hiking, plus transport to and from the city, making a total excursion of around 6 hours. The total time includes stops for guide explanations and photos, including the stop at Laguna Esmeralda. People with low fitness, overweight, recent surgeries, or diagnosed heart problems are not recommended to participate.

Notes / Recommendations

• Waterproof clothing and shoes are mandatory for this activity. Rental options are available—please consult us.

• Suitable for people aged 11 to 60 years.

• Not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart, respiratory, circulatory, knee, or back problems, or overweight.

• Difficulty: Medium

• Terrain: Mostly flat, some inclines, wet, with mud, rocks, snow, and ice.

• Bring an individual or family backpack for snacks and personal items.