Laguna Esmeralda trail

Laguna Esmeralda trail

Crossing forests and peat bogs, this lagoon nestled between mountains invites you to contemplate its beauty after a morning of trekking at the end of the world.

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Signaled footpath

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Duration: 5 h

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Round trip

Difficulty: Medium

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Longitude: 9km

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IMPORTANTE: Es necesario planificar su salida, extremando las precauciones en las temporadas de otoño e invierno, debido a que disminuyen las horas de luz natural, se registran temperaturas bajo cero y el terreno puede encontrarse con presencia de barro, hielo y/o nieve. Es fundamental contar con indumentaria y calzado adecuado. En caso de emergencia, llamar al 911.

The trail to Laguna Esmeralda is located in the Natural and Landscape Reserve Valle Tierra Mayor, which is accessed from National Route No. 3, 18 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia. At the beginning of the trail the dominant vegetation is the lenga forest, a native tree of the area. The tour continues through sectors where foliage and peat bogs alternate, until reaching a high mountain environment, whose average height is 600 meters above sea level. Once you reach the lagoon, you can appreciate the majestic environment of forest and snow-capped peaks that surround it. The greenish color of its waters is due to the sediment coming from the Ojo del Albino Glacier. It is important to bear in mind that, given that a large part of the trail runs through wet and slippery terrain, it is necessary to wear boots, waterproof clothing, walking sticks and warm clothes all year round. MPORTANT: Hikers are requested not to destroy or steal the signs and signals, as they are essential to avoid getting lost and accidents. Getting lost in the mountain area can have serious consequences if you do not know the terrain or have no previous experience in this type of trekking. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for walking in this area. Throughout the year there is a very important influx of hikers, so it is important not to walk the trail with pets or music, so as not to cause disturbances in this nature reserve. Please respect the times indicated below: Spring/Summer - DO NOT ENTER THE TRAIL AFTER 3:00 p.m. Fall/Winter - DO NOT ENTER THE TRAIL AFTER 12:00 noon. The trail that leads to Laguna Esmeralda is also used by hikers heading to the Ojo del Albino Glacier. People who do not have experience in climbing, and do not have technical equipment and clothing, SHOULD NOT MAKE THIS ASCENT. This is a trekking of high risk and difficulty, so it should only be done under the supervision of an authorized mountain guide. As it is a sector with ice and rock falls, access is difficult and may delay the work of rescue teams in case of an accident.