Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia
A stunning glacial lake with vibrant turquoise waters, accessible via a moderate hike through Patagonian forests.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacial lake with vibrant turquoise waters, accessible via a moderate hike through Patagonian forests.
"The Emerald Lake Ushuaia is an absolute gem, a must-see for its unreal color and surrounding natural beauty!"
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for the muddy and uneven terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended!
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the trail. Refill stations are non-existent, so bring enough for the round trip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laguna Esmeralda
Trailhead area
A stunning glacial lake with vibrant turquoise waters, nestled amidst the Patagonian Andes.

Patagonian Forest Trail
The hiking path
Wander through enchanting lenga forests, crossing streams and enjoying the crisp mountain air.

Panoramic Mountain Views
Along the hike
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Essentials for Laguna Esmeralda
Timing Your Emerald Lake Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips on Ushuaia?
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for the muddy and uneven terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended!
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the trail. Refill stations are non-existent, so bring enough for the round trip.
Itinerary Advice: Am I Spending Too Much Time in Ushuaia?
Hace 1 año cumplí el objetivo de conocer Ushuaia y te lo muestro
🧥 Dress in Layers
Ushuaia's weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain all in one hike.
⏰ Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience at the Emerald Lake Ushuaia.
How does my Ushuaia itinerary look?
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Essential for the muddy and uneven terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended!
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the trail. Refill stations are non-existent, so bring enough for the round trip.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Ushuaia's weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain all in one hike.
⏰ Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience at the Emerald Lake Ushuaia.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The Emerald Lake Ushuaia and surrounding landscapes are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of Laguna Esmeralda, describing its vibrant turquoise waters as a natural wonder. The hike is considered a moderate challenge with rewarding views, though some find the trail muddy and uneven. It's a must-do for nature lovers and photographers visiting Ushuaia.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia is by car or taxi to the trailhead, which is about a 20-30 minute drive from the city center. You can also arrange a tour that includes transportation. Some travelers opt for a taxi and arrange for pick-up later.
Public transportation directly to the Laguna Esmeralda trailhead is limited. It's generally recommended to rent a car, take a taxi, or join an organized tour for convenient access.
The drive from Ushuaia to the Laguna Esmeralda trailhead is approximately 18-20 kilometers (11-12 miles), taking around 20-30 minutes depending on road conditions.
Walking from Ushuaia to Laguna Esmeralda is not practical due to the distance and road conditions. It's best to use a vehicle or organized transport.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead for Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no entrance fee or ticket required to access Laguna Esmeralda Ushuaia. The trail is generally open to the public.
Laguna Esmeralda is an outdoor natural attraction and does not have set opening or closing hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no admission fee for the Emerald Lake Ushuaia. Access to the trail and the lake is free.
Visiting on weekdays, especially outside of the main summer holiday period (December-February), can help you avoid the largest crowds. Early mornings are also less busy.
While there are no strict entry restrictions, visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked trails, and not disturb the wildlife.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Laguna Esmeralda is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill sections and can be muddy or rocky in parts, requiring good stamina.
The round trip hike typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the lake.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Dress in layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer, as the weather can change quickly.
There are no facilities, including restrooms or trash bins, at Laguna Esmeralda. Be prepared to pack out everything you pack in.
The trail is manageable for older children who are accustomed to hiking. Younger children might find some sections challenging due to mud and uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, creating a magical glow on the Emerald Lake Ushuaia and surrounding mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the vibrant colors of the lake and reduce glare.
Drone regulations can vary and are subject to change. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area to avoid any issues.
Besides the lake itself, look for opportunities to photograph the lenga forests, small streams, and the panoramic mountain views as you ascend.
The unique color is best captured in good lighting. Ensure your camera's white balance is set correctly, and consider editing to bring out the natural turquoise hues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children or those seeking a less strenuous experience, exploring other accessible viewpoints in Ushuaia or opting for shorter, flatter trails might be more suitable. However, if your children are up for a moderate trek, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the Emerald Lake Ushuaia can be a fantastic motivator. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near water and on uneven terrain.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic lunch and plenty of water is crucial, as purchasing anything on the trail is impossible. This significantly cuts down on expenses compared to dining at restaurants. The hike itself is a free, immersive experience in nature, offering incredible value for money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Laguna Esmeralda
As you climb, keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna of the region. The air is crisp and clean, and the sounds of nature accompany your journey. The final approach to the lake offers increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding mountains, building anticipation for the main attraction. Many visitors recommend taking your time, pausing to appreciate the scenery, and enjoying the sense of accomplishment as you near the Emerald Lake Ushuaia.
Upon reaching Laguna Esmeralda, you'll be greeted by its breathtaking, almost surreal, turquoise waters. The vibrant color is a result of glacial silt suspended in the water, reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks. It's a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or simply to sit and soak in the magnificent Patagonian panorama. Remember to pack out all your trash to preserve this pristine environment for future visitors.
Understanding the Emerald Hue
These microscopic rock particles are suspended in the water and have the ability to reflect sunlight. Different wavelengths of light are absorbed and scattered differently by these particles. The fine glacial silt in Laguna Esmeralda is particularly effective at reflecting blue and green light, while absorbing other colors. This selective reflection is what gives the lake its characteristic, almost luminous, emerald appearance. The intensity of the color can also vary depending on the season, the amount of glacial meltwater, and the angle of the sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit