Lakes and Mountains

Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano

Route National No. 3 offers a spectacular setting to explore Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano, as well as other natural wonders of Tierra del Fuego. This winding route meanders through breathtaking landscapes of mountains, forests, and lakes, providing travelers with the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. These lakes can be viewed on the Lagos Off Road tour.

Lake Escondido

Lake Escondido, as its name suggests, is a hidden treasure amidst the majestic mountains and forests of Tierra del Fuego. This glacial lake is nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by lush nature, making it an enchanting destination for lovers of natural beauty.

One of the most common ways to admire Lake Escondido is from the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint, a strategic spot that offers breathtaking panoramic views of this crystal-clear body of water. From this viewpoint, visitors can marvel at the magnificence of the lake and its mountainous surroundings, capturing spectacular photographs of this hidden gem in the south of Argentina.

In addition to enjoying the views from the viewpoint, many tourists choose to descend to the shores of Lake Escondido to experience its serenity up close. Walking along the shores of the lake allows for a more intimate connection with nature, offering the opportunity to contemplate the tranquility of the water, listen to the sounds of wildlife, and feel the freshness of the pure Tierra del Fuego air.

Lake Fagnano

Lake Fagnano, also known as “Khami” in the native language, is a natural wonder that stretches majestically across the island of Tierra del Fuego, sharing its charm between Argentina and Chile. This lake, the largest on the island, is an impressive sight surrounded by towering mountain ranges and lenga forests, creating a scene of indescribable beauty that captivates those fortunate enough to behold it.

As part of the Corazón de la Isla Provincial Reserve, Lake Fagnano is a protected natural treasure that provides a refuge for a diversity of wildlife and a peaceful getaway for those seeking to connect with nature in its purest form.

One of the most fascinating features of Lake Fagnano is its unique geology. At its bottom lies the Fagnano-Magallanes fault, an impressive fracture in the Earth’s crust that marks the union of the South American and Scotia tectonic plates. This geological characteristic causes the lake to slowly shift at a rate of five millimeters per year in an east-west direction, a phenomenon that adds an intriguing element to the already stunning beauty of the lake.

Visitors can enjoy Lake Fagnano from various locations in the province, either on full-day 4×4 excursions or by bike, allowing exploration of its shores and the opportunity to admire its grandeur from different perspectives. Without a doubt, Lake Fagnano is an unmissable destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the majesty of Patagonia’s nature and experience the serenity and grandeur of one of the most impressive bodies of water in the region.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the stunning nature of Tierra del Fuego, exploring pristine landscapes and admiring breathtaking panoramic views. In this region at the end of the world, marked trails provide the opportunity to venture into varied terrains, from peat bogs to dense forests, and make ascents to observation points that will leave you in awe.

For those who wish to explore the most remote corners of the island, guided treks by professionals are an exciting option. These excursions take you to inhospitable places, where you can climb mountains and marvel at the panoramic views of the natural surroundings at the end of the world.

From family-friendly circuits to multi-day treks for the more adventurous, Tierra del Fuego offers routes for all skill levels and requirements. In the city of Ushuaia itself, there are natural reserves perfect for short walks, such as the Bahía Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve, the Playa Larga Reserve, and the Private Natural Reserve Cerro Alarken. Additionally, within the Tierra del Fuego National Park and on the Wetlands Trail, you will find marked trails of low, medium, and high difficulty, leading to places like Laguna Encantada and the Vinciguerra Glacier.

Just 20 kilometers from Ushuaia, along Route National No. 3, are the trails of the Tierra Mayor Valley Natural and Scenic Reserve. Here, you can explore trails such as the Laguna Esmeralda, Beban Waterfall, Submarine Waterfall and Lagoon, and the Turquoise Lagoon, among others. The Martial Natural Reserve, located just minutes from the city center, also offers medium-difficulty trails that invite you to explore the surrounding nature.

Other options near Paso Garibaldi, along Route National No. 3, include the Laguna de los Perros Trail and the Laguna Fiel Trail. These trails offer unique experiences in Patagonian nature, with landscapes that will leave you speechless and adventures you’ll never forget.

Laguna Esmeralda

The trail to Laguna Esmeralda offers an unforgettable experience in the pristine nature of Tierra del Fuego. Located in the Tierra Mayor Valley Natural and Scenic Reserve, it is accessed from National Route No. 3, approximately 18 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia.

The trail begins surrounded by the impressive lenga forest, native trees of the region. As you progress, you enter areas where dense foliage alternates with peat bogs, creating a diverse and captivating landscape. As you ascend, you reach a high mountain environment, with an average altitude of 600 meters above sea level. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you are amazed by the majestic surroundings of forests and snow-capped peaks. The greenish color of its waters comes from the sediment carried by the Ojo del Albino Glacier, adding a magical touch to the landscape.

It is essential to prepare properly for this hike, as much of the trail crosses wet and slippery terrain. It is recommended to wear trekking boots, waterproof clothing, trekking poles, and always carry warm clothing, regardless of the season. This precaution ensures a safe and enjoyable experience amidst the wild nature of Tierra del Fuego.

Glaciar Vinciguerra

The mountain trail to Glaciar Vinciguerra and Laguna de los Témpanos presents a moderate difficulty, but it can become more challenging during late fall or early spring due to the presence of ice, snow, and mud on the slope. To enjoy this route at any time of the year, it is essential to wear trekking boots and waterproof warm clothing.

The starting point is located at a gate at the end of the Andorra Valley, approximately 8 kilometers from the center of Ushuaia. From there, the route begins by crossing an extensive peat bog, following the left bank of the Arroyo Grande. Once the bridge is crossed, the trail enters a wooded area where it becomes more accessible, although it still presents some uphill sections requiring moderate physical effort.

Upon reaching the limit of the vegetation, you arrive at the final section of the trail: the ascent through a rocky slope that leads to the shore of Laguna de los Témpanos. From this point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of this body of water surrounded by imposing mountains, offering a unique reward for the effort made during the hike.

One kilometer from the bridge, hikers will find a fork that will lead them to Laguna Encantada. In this section of the route, it is possible to observe measuring elements, such as stakes, located at the watercourse’s source and the glacial mass. These stakes are used to monitor the behavior of the glaciers and their relation to the phenomenon of Climate Change, so it is requested not to touch them.

The glacier in this area was named Glaciar Vinciguerra by the Italian explorer Giácomo Bove, in honor of the zoologist who accompanied him on the Italo-Argentine scientific expedition to Tierra del Fuego in 1882. In addition to the glacier, other notable points of interest in the area include Laguna de los Témpanos, the Ramsar Site, the Andorra Valley, and the Arroyo Grande.

Glaciar Ojo del Albino

This glacier gets its name from the unique feature of having a sort of “eye” on its surface, resembling a circular formation or a well in the ice mass. It is part of the landscape of the Tierra Mayor Valley Natural and Scenic Reserve, near the city of Ushuaia. It is located in a mountainous area surrounded by lenga forests and boasts an impressive natural environment.

The Glaciar Ojo del Albino is an attraction for visitors to the region, offering the opportunity to take guided walks and excursions to closely observe this natural wonder. In addition to its peculiar formation, the glacier is a living testimony to the geological and climatic processes that have shaped the region over time.

Undoubtedly, Ushuaia offers an impressive natural setting for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. The variety of landscapes found in the region, from glaciers to lenga forests, provides a unique experience for hikers. Whether you prefer short or long walks, there are options for all skill levels and preferences.

Besides its scenic beauty, trekking in Ushuaia offers the opportunity to connect with nature in a profound way. Breathing fresh air and immersing oneself in natural surroundings can be a rejuvenating experience for both the body and mind. Whether in the company of friends or family, or if you decide to venture out alone, walking through the mountains of Ushuaia provides a space for reflection and introspection.

With its lagoons, streams, peat bogs, and forests, Ushuaia is a destination that captivates adventure lovers and those seeking an escape from urban life. It is not only a place to enjoy breathtaking views but also to immerse yourself in natural beauty and find peace and serenity amidst spectacular landscapes.