Ushuaia in 1 Days - Scenic 2‑hour trek through lenga forest
In Collaboration with Arpon trekking. Updated on February 25, 2026.
Discover the Emerald Lagoon: Ushuaia’s must-do trekking adventure. Includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, a guided 2-hour trail into lenga forest, lunch by the lagoon and views of the Albino glacier. Mountain clothing is required (rental available if needed).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Arpon trekking, inspired by the tour Trekking Emerald Lagoon. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic 2‑hour trek through lenga forest
- Lunch and photos at Laguna Esmeralda with Albino glacier views
- Short roadside stop at Río Olivia and peat bog/river valley scenery
More than 3 itineraries in Ushuaia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full‑day guided trek from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda with hotel pickup, short roadside stop at Río Olivia, 2‑hour hike to the lagoon, lunch, return and drop‑off in Ushuaia.
Pick up Ushuaia City
We will pick you up at your accommodation in Ushuaia. Exact pickup time by address is confirmed the day before; the vehicle will collect guests across the city area (estimated total pickup window up to 25 minutes).
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a confirmed pickup window the day before — have outer layers and any passport details ready.
- Bring a small daypack with your camera and personal items so you can board quickly at pickup.
- If everyone in your party needs rented mountain clothing, let the operator know before pickup to receive equipment promptly.
Olivia River
On the way to the trailhead we pass Río Olivia and its camping area — a short roadside viewpoint stop to stretch legs and view the river and valley before continuing to the trailhead.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is brief (about 10 minutes) — keep cameras ready for photos of the river and surrounding forest.
- Stay on any established viewing points or parking area; the ground can be boggy near the river.
- Use waterproof footwear if you plan to step off the viewing area — ground near the river is often wet.
Emerald Lagoon Trailhead
Arrive at the trailhead on Ruta Nacional 3, confirm that any rented clothing/boots are fitted, then begin the roughly 2‑hour hike following the Esmeralda river valley toward the lagoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Have waterproof outer layers and trekking boots; rentals are available if previously requested.
- Bring sun protection and a light warm layer — weather can change quickly in the valley.
- Carry a small water bottle (note: bottled water is excluded from the tour) and secure it in your daypack for the hike.
Laguna Esmeralda
Arrive at the emerald lagoon to take photos, enjoy an outdoor lunch and a hot infusion (coffee or tea), share views of the Albino glacier. After lunch and photos we return along the same trail to the transfer that takes you back to your hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch and a hot drink are provided — bring a small insulated cup if you prefer to keep drinks hot longer.
- Respect fragile peat and marsh areas on the approach; follow the guide and stay on the established trail.
- Keep electronics in a waterproof pouch near the lagoon — spray and wind can be present, especially near meltwater.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Attraction |
Trekking to Emerald Lagoon
Why this experience
You've come to the end of the world—literally—so spend your day where Ushuaia reveals itself most vividly: deep in the lenga forest, trekking toward a lagoon so impossibly turquoise it looks unreal. With Arpon Trekking as your guide, you'll traverse a relatively moderate 2-hour trail that strips away the crowds and delivers you to raw Patagonian wilderness. The glacier views from above the lagoon and the forest's copper-and-gold light make this the single most immersive introduction to Tierra del Fuego's landscape. Your operator handles the logistics—hotel or port pickup, trail navigation, and a lunch beside the water—so you walk light and unburdened. Go in summer or early autumn when snow doesn't block the trail and the light lingers late.
Before you go
| | | |---|---| | Best time | Summer and early autumn for clear skies and accessible trails; late autumn possible but colder | | Budget | Tour price via booking widget; add a modest cost if renting mountain boots or heavy outerwear | | Difficulty | Moderate: 2-hour ascent on well-marked trail, no scrambling or technical sections | | What to bring | Waterproof jacket, warm layers (wind is relentless), good hiking boots, sun protection, 2L water, snacks | | Getting there | Hotel or port pickup included; confirm your location when booking | | Accessibility | Trail has uneven terrain and sustained elevation gain; not suitable for mobility issues |
Frequently asked questions
How long is this trek? The guided experience is about 4 hours total: 30 minutes transport, 2 hours hiking to the lagoon, 1.5 hours at the site including lunch. You'll be back by mid-afternoon.
Is this suitable for first-time trekkers? Absolutely. The trail is moderate and well-maintained, and your Arpon Trekking guide sets a comfortable pace. No technical skills required—just reasonable fitness and warm clothes.
What exactly is included? Your guide, hotel/port transportation, the trail, lunch by the lagoon, and insider knowledge about the lenga forest and glacier. TheNextGuide connects you directly to Arpon Trekking for seamless booking.
Do I need my own boots? Not necessarily. Arpon Trekking offers rental boots on-site, so pack yours only if you prefer your own. Either way, they must be waterproof and have good ankle support.
What if the weather turns bad? Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Most trips run in lighter rain—your guide decides based on real-time conditions. Cancellations with full refunds are handled by your operator if conditions become unsafe.
Complete your trip in Ushuaia
After you've summited to Emerald Lagoon, balance your experience with a more meditative pace. Paddle the Beagle Channel on a cultural kayak tour that weaves in Yaghan history, or switch perspectives and experience Patagonia's lakes from a private vehicle on the scenic mountain-pass route to Garibaldi and Lake Fagnano.
Browse all Ushuaia itineraries at TheNextGuide.
