Most people come to Ushuaia to go on a cruise to Antarctica. I am a few thousand dollars short of being able to afford that but I still wanted an adventure – and I found Laguna del Caminante. Nestled in the rugged heart of Tierra del Fuego National Park, Laguna del Caminante beckons adventurers with its serene beauty and untamed wilderness. This trekking trail is a hidden gem in the southernmost reaches of Argentina and offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Patagonia.
For your other days in Ushuaia, check out Things to do in Ushuaia β A Complete Guide
Getting to the trailhead
Before embarking on the hike to Laguna del Caminante, it’s important to know how to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is located within the boundaries of Tierra del Fuego National Park, approximately 12 kilometers west of Ushuaia.
The Laguna del Caminante hike can be done in two different directions:Β
1. From the Andorra Valley to CaΓ±adΓ³n de la OvejaΒ
To choose this direction, go from Ushuaia, along national route nΒ°3 towards RΓo Grande for about 4 km, a dirt road to the North leads to the Andorra Valley. Crossing the entire valley – quite populated – for about 4 km more, at the end of the road a gate marks private land. You can get there by vehicle and it is the beginning of the trail.
Here are the gps coordinates:Β Andorra Valley trailhead: -54.764160, -68.300970
If you choose to go the first direction, here is the trail you can follow on AllTrails:
2. Start from the south, CaΓ±adΓ³n de la Oveja and end up in the Andorra Valley.
The CaΓ±adΓ³n de la Oveja is a route that is usually used to connect the area of the Laguna del Caminante (and the Andorra Valley) with the city of Ushuaia. To choose this route, drive 30km away from downtown Ushuaia to these GPS coordinates:Β CaΓ±adΓ³n de la Oveja trailhead: -54.823520, -68.392010
The trail is well marked from here. I preferred this route as it allows you to get the hardest part of the trek out of the way first. With this route, the second day is mostly without any ascents.Β
There is no public transportation to the beginning of the trail, however, it is possible to hire a taxi to drop you off at the trailhead. With option 2, you also end up at a bar on your second day from where you can ask them to order you a taxi to go back to Ushuaia.Β
About the hikeΒ
Difficulty: The hike is considered difficult if you do it one day but moderate if you do it over 2 days.Β
Route type: A to B
Distance: 22kmΒ
Elevation gain: 1400m
The trek starts with a gentle ascent through the forests of the Oveja Valley. Initially, the path is relatively straightforward, The lush greenery and serene atmosphere of the valley provide a soothing start to the trek. As you advance through the valley, the trail leads to a glacier, an inviting introduction to the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. The treeline from the glacier offers views of the surrounding peaks that characterize the region. This gradual ascent serves as a captivating prelude to the rugged beauty that lies ahead.
Progressing through the valley, the terrain becomes increasingly demanding, presenting steep rock inclines that challenge even seasoned hikers. The path winds to a pass between two snow-capped mountains. I personally found this to be the hardest section of the hike, with strong winds testing your balance.Β Β
A notable landmark encountered before the mountain pass is an ice cave, an enchanting detour situated approximately two hours from Laguna del Caminante. Positioned to the left of the main trail, this detour adds about 3 kilometers to your journey. Exploring this icy enclave offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic glacial formations that adorn Tierra del Fuego, enhancing the trek with unforgettable views
Upon traversing the mountain pass, the views open up with more lush green surroundings – a stark difference from the landscape you have just crossed. From here begins the slow descent that leads to Laguna del Caminante, a tranquil haven surrounded by towering peaks. The lagoon emerges as a serene interlude, providing a stunning backdrop that encapsulates the essence of Patagonian wilderness.Β
There is an option to do the trek as a day hike which makes for a shorter trip, but I highly recommend to spread it over two days to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. Camping overnight near the secluded laguna allows for an opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the lagoon, creating a truly immersive hiking experience.
The second day of the hike is fairly simple, once you take the ascent back from the laguna, it transitions into a markedly different environment, with muddy and boggy sections weaving through dense forests. This part of the trail, while less physically demanding than the ascent, requires careful navigation to preserve the pristine condition of the surrounding ecosystem and ensure a safe passage through the less stable ground.
LogisticsΒ
When to go
The best times for the hike are from November through April, with conditions ranging from wind and mud to less frequent snow later in the season.Β
Permit
It is mandatory to register in advance in the Park’s trekking registry, you can do this online at the Parkβs website.Β
Water on the trailΒ
There is a stream next to the lagoon where you can refill your water bottles, I would recommend bringing sufficient water for 10km of hiking.Β
CampsiteΒ
On the shores of the lagoon is a rugged campsite, one of the four campsites in Tierra del Fuego park and the only one that is not overcrowded so it makes for a peaceful stay to spend extra time in nature, and also helps break up the trek into two days so itβs not super rushed. If you donβt have camping equipment, itβs very easy and very affordable to rent it out in Ushuaia.Β
Phone signals
Communications from the Andorra valley and to the CaΓ±adΓ³n de la Oveja are limited. The cell phone signal is received only at the beginning of the trail and a VHF radio only from some points.
Trail markers/signage
The trail is well marked throughout the hike.Β
