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Martial Glacier

4.8
·2k reviews·Ushuaia, Argentina

Ascend to the breathtaking Martial Glacier for panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. A rewarding hike through forests and alpine terrain.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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View from the Top

Martial Glacier

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend to the breathtaking Martial Glacier for panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. A rewarding hike through forests and alpine terrain.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Fantastic trekking with stunning views. Lots of uphill walking and some muddy parts but not a difficult hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key

Muddy trails are common; waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and dryness .

⬆️ Consider the Shuttle Service

For those with mobility concerns, a shuttle can take you up the steep initial part .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit of Martial Glacier

Breathtaking vistas of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel await at the top. A truly rewarding climb!

Forest Trail Ascent

Forest Trail Ascent

Path from Ushuaia to the glacier parking

Enjoy a scenic walk through the forest, a beautiful prelude to the main glacier hike.

Glacier's Edge Exploration

Glacier's Edge Exploration

Base of the Martial Glacier

Get up close to the ancient ice and feel the cool air emanating from this natural wonder.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Martial Glacier Visit

While the Martial Glacier is accessible year-round, consider visiting during the summer months (December-February) for the best hiking conditions and fewer icy patches. Be prepared for variable weather, even in summer, and pack layers. The hike can get busy, so aim for weekdays if possible to avoid larger crowds.

Essential Gear for the Hike

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must due to potentially muddy trails, especially after rain.Reddit While spikes and poles might not always be necessary, they can be helpful depending on the season and ice conditions.Reddit Gaiters are also recommended for keeping your legs clean and dry on the muddy sections.Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Tips on Ushuaia?

🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key

Muddy trails are common; waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and dryness.Reddit

⬆️ Consider the Shuttle Service

For those with mobility concerns, a shuttle can take you up the steep initial part.Reddit

reddit.com

Best Ushuaia Glaciers that are not that hard?

reddit.com

ushuaia day hikes?

💰 Small Entrance Fee

There's a modest fee to enter the area, so have some cash ready.

🧥 Pack Layers

Weather changes quickly; bring layers to adapt to temperature shifts.

reddit.com

Which Ushuaia Glacier to visit in October?

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Waterproof Boots are Key

Muddy trails are common; waterproof hiking boots are essential for comfort and dryness.Reddit

⬆️ Consider the Shuttle Service

For those with mobility concerns, a shuttle can take you up the steep initial part.Reddit

💰 Small Entrance Fee

There's a modest fee to enter the area, so have some cash ready.

🧥 Pack Layers

Weather changes quickly; bring layers to adapt to temperature shifts.

🚶 Hike from Town

Walking from Ushuaia offers a beautiful forest path and saves on taxi fare.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Martial Glacier offers a rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views, making it a must-visit in Ushuaia. Visitors appreciate the well-marked trails, the option to hike from town, and the beautiful natural scenery. Some find the ascent challenging, and muddy conditions can be a factor, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and family-friendly adventure.

"Decent hike overall, was suggested to get spikes for your shoes and hiking pole but both of those felt excessive if you have good grip as there isn't too much ice at the time I went but hard to say. I can see times where you would need spikes for sure. Decent ascent but not too bad overall in terms of the climb. Hike was busy but not to bad the first part is weird as you go through an active construction zone."

Steven Lin

"Fantastic trekking with stunning views. Lots of uphill walking and some muddy parts but not a difficult hike. Great places at the start for a meal and drinks. Trails are well marked. $10 fee to enter."

Paul

"Beautiful place to visit. You can spend the entire day with responsibility for the environment.
Stunning views. I would love to ascend it again in the summer.
It is for all the family."

Maria Laura Orellana

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Well-marked forest trails
Accessible for families

What People Dislike

Muddy trail conditions
Steep uphill climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can hike directly from Ushuaia through a scenic forest path, which is highly recommended.Reddit Alternatively, taxis or rental cars can take you to the parking area partway up the mountain. There's also a shuttle service available for a portion of the ascent.Reddit

Yes, many visitors enjoy walking from Ushuaia. The trail through the forest is beautiful and a great way to start the experience.Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Ushuaia and can take you directly to the parking lot. Some visitors opt to drive their own rental cars.

While direct public buses are limited, taxis and the aforementioned shuttle service are the most common ways to access the glacier area without your own vehicle.

The walk from the city center to the glacier parking lot can take approximately 1-1.5 hours, depending on your pace and the route taken.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a small entrance fee of around $10 USD to access the Martial Glacier area.Reddit

The Martial Glacier area is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for hiking.

No, advance booking is not required for Martial Glacier. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival.

Yes, there is a service that can drive individuals with disabilities up the steeper, less scenic part of the slope, allowing them to enjoy the final hike.Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to be responsible for the environment.Reddit Stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike is considered moderately difficult, with a significant uphill climb. It's suitable for most fitness levels, especially if you're accustomed to walking for 1-2 hours.Reddit

Wear waterproof hiking boots, long pants or gaiters, and layers of clothing. The weather can change rapidly.Reddit

Crampons are usually not necessary, especially in summer, as there's often little snow or ice. However, it's wise to check recent conditions, as they can be needed at other times of the year.Reddit

Yes, there are places at the start of the trail for meals and drinks.Reddit The trails are also well-marked.

The hike to the summit can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. The glacier's edge itself provides dramatic ice formations, and the forest trail offers beautiful natural scenery.

Morning light often provides softer, more flattering light for landscape photography. Late afternoon can also be beautiful with golden hour hues.

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the glacier or distant views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan on long exposures or low-light shots.

The weather can be unpredictable, with fog and wind being common. Be prepared for changing light conditions and protect your gear from moisture.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Martial Glacier hike is often described as suitable for families.Reddit While there's a good amount of uphill walking, the trails are generally well-marked and the views are a great motivator for younger hikers. Consider the shuttle service for the initial steep part if your children are very young or tire easily.Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone has comfortable, sturdy footwear to handle the potentially muddy sections.Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Walking from Ushuaia to the Martial Glacier is a fantastic way to save money on transportation and enjoy a beautiful forest path.Reddit The entrance fee is modest, making it an affordable activity. Pack your own lunch and snacks to avoid purchasing from the cafes at the trailhead, further reducing costs. The hike itself is free once you've paid the entrance fee.

♿ Visitors with Mobility Concerns

The Martial Glacier offers a unique service for visitors with disabilities: a shuttle can transport you up the initial steep and less scenic part of the slope.Reddit This allows you to bypass the most challenging section and focus on the final, more accessible hike to experience the glacier's beauty. It's advisable to inquire about this service upon arrival.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Martial Glacier Hike: A Traveler's Guide

The Martial Glacier hike (or Glaciar Martial hike) offers a rewarding experience for those visiting Ushuaia. The trail begins with a walk through a beautiful forest, providing a serene start before the ascent begins.Reddit Many visitors choose to walk from the city itself, enjoying the natural surroundings and saving on transportation costs.Reddit The path is generally well-marked, making navigation straightforward for most hikers.

As you climb, the terrain becomes steeper, and you'll encounter muddy sections, especially after rainfall, making waterproof hiking boots and potentially gaiters a wise choice.Reddit While some reviews suggest spikes and poles might be excessive depending on the season, they can be beneficial during icier periods.Reddit For individuals with mobility challenges, a unique service exists where visitors can be driven up the initial steep part, allowing them to focus on the final, more scenic hike.Reddit The hike is considered accessible for families, with a moderate difficulty that can be managed by those with reasonable fitness levels.Reddit

Upon reaching the upper sections, the landscape opens up to reveal stunning panoramic views of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding mountains. The glacier itself is a magnificent sight, and you can get quite close to its icy edge. Remember that the weather in Ushuaia can be unpredictable, so packing layers is crucial. There's a small entrance fee to access the area, and facilities like restaurants are available near the trailhead for refreshments.Reddit

Navigating the Terrain: What to Expect

The Martial Glacier hike presents a varied terrain that requires some preparation. The initial part of the trail, especially if you walk from Ushuaia, winds through a lush forest, offering a pleasant and shaded experience.Reddit This section is generally less strenuous and allows you to acclimatize to the hike. As you ascend, the path becomes more rugged and exposed, with a noticeable increase in gradient.

Mud is a frequent companion on the trails, particularly after rain, making waterproof hiking boots an absolute necessity.Reddit Some travelers have noted that while crampons and poles might not always be needed, especially in warmer months, they can be a lifesaver during winter or periods of heavy ice.Reddit The presence of an active construction zone on the first part of the hike has also been mentioned by visitors, though it doesn't typically detract significantly from the overall experience.Reddit

For those concerned about the steepness, a helpful service exists that provides transportation for the initial challenging incline, allowing visitors to conserve energy for the more rewarding upper sections.Reddit The trails are generally well-maintained and marked, but always pay attention to your surroundings and the weather, which can change rapidly in this Patagonian environment.