Laguna Esmeralda
Ushuaia's most popular half-day hike, crossing forest and peat bog to an emerald lake at the foot of a glacier, about 4.5 km one way.
The trailhead lies beside Route 3, about 20 km from town, and minibuses run back and forth daily. The trail is about 4.5 km one way and takes 2–2.5 hours. The climb is gentle, but the middle section runs through beaver dams and peat bogs that are muddy year-round, so waterproof hiking boots are essential. At the end, the lake glows emerald in the sunlight, backed by the glacier-covered Mount Alvear. Strong hikers can continue to the foot of the glacier. Entry is free, and in winter you can hike it on snowshoes.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Tierra Mayor Valley
- Cerro Castor Ski Resort
- Beagle Channel
- Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
- Maritime and Prison Museum
- End of the World Museum
- Yámana Museum
- Laguna de los Témpanos & Vinciguerra Glacier