Not for nothing did it receive the name "Esmeralda" and we could even compare it to a hidden gem in Patagonia. And it is that its crystalline color characteristic of the minerals provided by the soil and the entire landscape that surrounds it, makes it one of the favorite places of all those who visit Ushuaia.
Laguna Esmeralda was born from the Ojo del Albino Glacier, located in the Sierra Alvear 20 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia. At the beginning, this lagoon was also known as “Ojo del Albino” and its size was much smaller. Over time, and due to the melting of the glacier, it enlarged and became the shape it has today.
To get to know Laguna Esmeralda, there is the option of doing sightings from helicopters or our best recommendation: live the experience of arriving through a trek. The path is well signposted, with a low level of demand and lasts about 4 hours from the beginning of the trail. In addition, you can make several stops, both to rest and to contemplate the local flora, birds and if you are lucky, red foxes and beavers that build their dams on the rivers.
During this walk, you will have to pass some southern peat bogs, skirt melt rivers and go through lenga forests. Important fact: peat moss are an organic material with a spongy texture and that they retain a lot of liquid. For this reason, we recommend that you wear good waterproof shoes.
It is not visible until it is a few meters away, which makes the surprise even greater. Finally, at the foot of an amphitheater of snow-capped mountains you will find it: the color of its waters and the reflection of the landscape over Laguna Esmeralda leaves you completely mesmerized. An ideal plan is to have lunch with its imposing view and spend the whole afternoon there, taking advantage of the moment to connect with nature and take excellent photographs.
How to get?
There are several options:
Bus: there are bus lines in Ushuaia that reach the point of the beginning of the trail. It is important to find out about their schedules first.
By car: you can arrive with your own vehicle or through the rental of one.
Through
an excursion: an ideal option with transfers, a professional guide as a companion throughout the journey and food included.
Laguna Esmeralda in Winter
In winter, the lowest temperatures in Ushuaia occur between July and August. The minimums are between 0 ° and 3 ° during the day and at night they can reach -10 °. Thanks to this, a particular phenomenon occurs: the lagoon is completely covered with a layer of ice, resistant enough to walk on it, always with great caution.
As for the road, it is covered with snow but it is still passable and is signposted. Depending on the conditions of the day, you have to put crampons on your feet. It is important to mention that the days have few hours of light (around 4:00 p.m. it begins to get dark). Therefore, if you do the trekking on your own, we recommend that you calculate the travel times well and return before dark.