Ushuaia: Laguna Esmeralda Trekking Tour By Night

Ushuaia: Laguna Esmeralda Trekking Tour By Night offers a rare chance to explore the iconic Emerald Lagoon under the stars. For $204 per person, this 8-hour adventure takes you from the lively streets of Ushuaia into the quiet, luminous beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s wilderness after dark. Led by expert guides, you’ll hike about 5 km to the lagoon, enjoy a warm mountain dinner, and marvel at the serene landscape illuminated only by moonlight and stars.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines adventure with comfort. The guides seem genuinely passionate about sharing their knowledge — we loved the way they explained the landscape’s ancient glaciers and the forest’s quiet beauty. And the dinner in a mountain dome feels like a cozy reward after the trek. On the flip side, the reliance on good weather can be a bit of a gamble; cloudy nights might obscure the starry skies, making the experience less spectacular.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful encounter with Tierra del Fuego’s wilderness — especially those who enjoy hiking, star-gazing, and savoring a meal surrounded by mountain scenery. It’s also a good choice for those who want a guided adventure that balances physical activity with comfort and education.

Key Points

• Unique Night Experience: Visit Laguna Esmeralda after sunset, offering a different perspective from daytime trips.
• Guided Hike: Led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the landscape and ensure safety.
• Comfort & Warmth: Dinner in a mountain dome adds warmth and a sense of camaraderie after the trek.
• Equipment & Safety: Crampons, flashlights, and poles are provided, emphasizing safety and preparedness.
• Weather Dependence: The experience relies heavily on clear skies; cloud cover might limit visibility of stars.
• Suitable for Active Travelers: Best for those comfortable with hiking in variable conditions and on uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Laguna Esmeralda Night Trekking Experience

Setting the Scene: Ushuaia to the End of the World

Starting your journey from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, sets a tone of adventure. The drive along the Panamerican Route (RNo3) takes about 30 minutes, during which you’ll pass by iconic peaks like Olivia and Cinco Hermanos. These mountains are not just scenic backdrops but serve as silent witnesses to your night trek.

The atmosphere shifts once you leave the city lights behind. The mountains grow taller, and the quiet of Tierra del Fuego envelops you. The guides, often referred to as passionate and knowledgeable, will brief you on what to expect, including the importance of proper gear and safety tips.

The Trek to Laguna Esmeralda: A Nighttime Challenge

The trek is approximately 5 km one way, making it a manageable but rewarding walk. The total distance of 10 km round-trip means you’ll spend about 3 hours on the trail, with plenty of time to soak in the darkness, listen to the sounds of the forest, and admire the rugged landscape sculpted by glaciers.

Equipped with crampons, flashlights, and trekking poles, you’ll feel prepared to tackle uneven terrain. The guides emphasize safety, especially given the low visibility in the dark. We appreciated that they stayed close, offering detailed explanations about the landscape’s erosional valleys and ancient glaciers carved into the mountains.

One reviewer highlighted the “stillness of the night,” describing it as a moment of peacefulness that’s hard to find elsewhere. The silence is punctuated only by footsteps and the occasional rustle of wildlife, making the experience feel intimate and profound.

The Magic of the Night Landscape

While daytime visits to Laguna Esmeralda are popular, seeing the lagoon at night offers a whole new view. The moonlight reflects off the water, creating a tranquil mirror of the star-studded sky. If the weather permits, you might even catch shooting stars or the faint glow of the Milky Way.

A common comment from past travelers is how the night sky in Tierra del Fuego is impressive — dark, clear, and full of stars. Guides will often share stories about the constellations, adding an educational layer to the experience. As one adventurer explained, “We loved the way our guide pointed out the Southern Cross and shared local legends about it.”

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The Mountain Dome Dinner: A Warm, Social End

After the initial trek, you’ll arrive at a cozy mountain dome where a hearty dinner awaits. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the warmth of a salamander stove adds comfort after the chill of the forest. The meal is often described as simple but satisfying — perfect for refueling and sharing stories with fellow travelers.

This part of the tour is as much about the experience of gathering in a remote mountain setting as it is about the food. Many reviewers appreciated the personalized advice from guides on how to dress appropriately and what to look for during the trek.

Returning Under a Starry Sky

The second leg of your hike begins after dinner, with guides leading the way back through the forest under the dark canopy. The return trip might be more challenging due to fatigue, but the guides’ support and the experience of walking in the quiet wilderness make it worthwhile.

Some travelers noted that the night hike allowed them to see the landscape in a different light, literally and figuratively: “The stars and the silence made it feel like we were the only people on Earth.”

Practical Considerations: What to Know Before You Go

This tour demands a moderate level of fitness, as you’ll be trekking in the dark and on uneven terrain. Proper warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are essential, and the tour provides necessary equipment, which is an advantage. Keep in mind that weather plays a key role; cloudy, rainy, or foggy nights will reduce visibility and might alter the experience.

The pickup is included but limited to pre-selected accommodations or nearby points, so check your lodging’s participation. The tour also involves a considerable amount of time on a vehicle, so plan for a full day of activity.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy nighttime adventures, star-gazing, and outdoor challenges, you’ll find this experience compelling. It’s especially suited for travelers who value guided expertise and want to see Tierra del Fuego’s wilderness from a fresh perspective. It’s not ideal for those pregnant, in poor health, or with mobility issues, as the terrain can be uneven, and weather can be unpredictable.

Is It Good Value?

At $204, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the guided trek, equipment, transportation, and dinner, it offers good value for a unique, full-day experience. The fact that it includes personalized advice and safety gear adds confidence that you’re in good hands. Plus, the opportunity to visit Laguna Esmeralda at night is a rare treat that few daytime visitors get.

The Sum Up

The Ushuaia: Laguna Esmeralda Trekking Tour By Night stands out as an unforgettable experience for those who love adventure in a stunning environment. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a mix of physical activity, cultural storytelling, and natural beauty, all under the magic of a starry sky. While weather is a factor, the guides’ knowledge and warm setting in the mountain dome make it a worthwhile journey.

This trip is best suited for active, curious travelers who want to see a different side of Tierra del Fuego — quiet, mysterious, and full of wonder. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that daytime visits simply can’t provide, making it well worth considering for your Ushuaia itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trek?
The hike to Laguna Esmeralda is about 5 km each way, making a total of around 10 km. The entire activity, including guides and dinner, lasts about 8 hours.

What’s included in the tour?
You get a specialized guide, transportation from your lodging, equipment like crampons and flashlights, a mountain dinner, and insurance.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with hiking and uneven terrain. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, hiking shoes, and a sense of adventure. The tour provides necessary gear, but layering is advised as temperatures can vary.

How is the weather?
Since the experience depends heavily on clear skies, cloudy or rainy nights might limit the star-gazing and overall experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The guides will also keep in contact to inform you about weather conditions.

What makes this tour special?
The chance to explore Laguna Esmeralda at night, guided by experts who share insightful stories, combined with a cozy meal in a mountain dome, creates a memorable, authentic Tierra del Fuego adventure.

How do I book?
Reservations are flexible with the “reserve now, pay later” option. Make sure your accommodation is included in the pickup list, or plan to meet at a nearby point.

This trek provides a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and cultural insight. If you’re looking for an experience that’s both physically engaging and quietly spectacular, this tour deserves a spot on your Tierra del Fuego list.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby