“Glaciar Martial” Trekking

If you’re headed to Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city, a trip to Glaciar Martial offers an unforgettable peek into the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego. For around $193 per person, you’ll spend about 5 to 6 hours on a guided adventure that takes you from urban streets to snowy mountain vistas. The tour includes pick-up, lunch, hot chocolate, and crampons when needed — making it a well-rounded experience that balances adventure with comfort.

What we love about this tour is the panoramic views it offers. From the summit, you’ll gaze over Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and even catch sight of the Chilean islands of Navarino and Hoste. The chance to walk on a glacier, with crampons supplied, gives you a real sense of the wilderness. Plus, the included lunch and hot chocolate are perfect for warming up after a vigorous climb.

One thing to keep in mind is that this trek suits those with moderate physical fitness — it’s not designed for very young children or elderly travelers. The ascent can be demanding, especially if weather conditions turn tricky. That said, the tour is ideal for active travelers who want a taste of mountain adventure with plenty of spectacular scenery.

If you love guided nature excursions that combine breathtaking views with a touch of adventure, this trek will suit you well. It’s especially appealing for those interested in seeing Ushuaia from above and experiencing a glacier firsthand, all in a manageable half-day outing.

• Stunning panoramic views of Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and nearby Chilean islands.
• Walk on a glacier with crampons provided, adding an authentic ice-climbing element.
• All-inclusive experience with transportation, lunch, and hot chocolate.
• Suitable for moderately fit travelers; not recommended for young children or seniors.
• Guided by knowledgeable staff, with a focus on safety and informative commentary.
• Free cancellation policy offers peace of mind for flexible planning.

How the Day Begins: From City to Mountain

Your adventure starts with a convenient pickup from your hotel, easing the stress of navigating Ushuaia’s streets. The group then boards a bus along the Martial Road, a scenic route that leads toward the Martial Ski Center. The ride itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountain scenery and the beach-lined city of Ushuaia.

Once at the ski slope, the journey continues on foot, following the main trail of the Martial Ski Center. Here, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape begins to resemble the rugged mountains of Tierra del Fuego. The terrain is a mix of snowy patches and rocky paths, best navigated in comfortable, waterproof trekking shoes — a must for safety and comfort.

The Climb and the Views

As we ascend, we’re treated to spectacular snow-capped peaks framing our walk. The trail skirts a small stream called Buena Esperanza, which means “Good Hope” — a fitting name for the uplifting views you’ll enjoy. The effort is rewarded with incredible views over Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, and the distant Chilean islands of Navarino and Hoste.

Your guide, who we found to be knowledgeable and engaging, will point out notable features, sharing insights about the landscape and local geography. We loved the way they kept us well-informed without overwhelming us, making the hike both educational and enjoyable.

Reaching the Glacier: Real Ice Adventure

The final stretch takes you to the Martial Glacier, where you can step onto ice with crampons supplied by the tour. This part of the experience is a real highlight — walking on a glacier, feeling the crunch of snow and ice beneath your feet, and taking in the otherworldly scenery. It’s a rare opportunity to get close to such pristine ice formations, and the guided assistance keeps it safe and accessible.

Lunch and Relaxation in a Mountain Refuge

After the glacier walk, a box lunch is served in a cozy Andean mountain refuge. The included hot chocolate is a welcome treat, especially if the weather turns chilly. As one reviewer, Jonathan, noted, the guide even brought hot water with coffee and tea, making the experience extra special.

This part of the tour offers a chance to relax, reflect on the stunning scenery, and chat with fellow travelers. The refuge’s warm atmosphere provides a nice contrast to the icy surroundings, making the meal and hot chocolate feel like a well-earned reward.

The Return Journey

After lunch, the group retraces their steps back to the glacier’s base, where the vehicle awaits. The ride back to Ushuaia offers one last chance to enjoy the mountain vistas and chat with your guide about local sights. Expect to be back at your hotel after roughly 5 hours.

The reviews are generally very positive. Most highlight the expert guidance — “Our guide Ezekiel was fantastic,” says Jonathan — and the stunning panoramic views. Many comment on the well-organized nature of the tour, with all essentials like lunch and crampons included, which adds value.

Some travelers appreciate the balance of adventure and comfort, noting that the walk is challenging but manageable with good footwear and moderate fitness. The refuge stop for hot chocolate gets special mention as a cozy, warming touch after the glacier walk.

Potential Drawbacks

A few reviews point out that the physical effort required may be too much for the very young or elderly. Also, the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly, so travelers should be prepared for wind, cold, or rain, even if the forecast looks clear. Proper clothing — waterproof jackets, warm layers, and sunglasses — is essential.

This trek is ideal for active travelers who want a short but rewarding mountain adventure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided hikes with spectacular vistas, and who appreciate the convenience of an all-inclusive setup. It’s less suitable if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or have mobility concerns.

We believe this tour offers a fantastic introduction to Patagonia’s wild landscape in a manageable half-day. The spectacular views alone make it worth the price, especially since the tour includes transport, lunch, and crampons — no hidden costs or surprises. The presence of knowledgeable guides makes a significant difference, turning a simple hike into an engaging learning experience.

For anyone craving a mountain adventure with a view, this trek delivers. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Tierra del Fuego’s rugged beauty, especially if you’re short on time but want that “wow” factor that only a glacier and mountain scenery can provide.

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel and transportation to and from the trailhead.

How long is the trek? The whole experience lasts about 5 to 6 hours, including hiking, lunch, and return.

Is this suitable for children or the elderly? No, it’s not recommended for children or elderly travelers because of the moderate physical exertion involved.

What should I wear? Comfortable, warm, waterproof clothing, trekking shoes or rubber soles, wool hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.

What do I need to bring? The tour provides crampons and a packed lunch, but it’s best to bring your own water, extra layers, and personal items for comfort.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.