Looking for an adventure off the beaten path in Ushuaia? The Laguna del Caminante trail might be just what you need. Known for its raw beauty, this trek takes you deep into the untouched landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, offering stunning views, challenging ascents, and the kind of solitude you won’t find on Ushuaia’s more popular trails.
While many travelers flock to Ushuaia for Antarctic cruises, I was a few thousand dollar short and looking for a more affordable adventure. That’s how I stumbled upon the remote Laguna del Caminante, a trekking trail tucked deep within Tierra del Fuego’s rugged landscape.
I’ll guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of this unforgettable trail.
Getting to the Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead for Laguna del Caminante requires some planning since there’s no public transport directly to the start. 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:
1. Via the Andorra Valley to Cañadón de la Oveja
To choose this direction, go from Ushuaia, along national route n°3 towards Río 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: 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, Cañadón de la Oveja and end up in the Andorra Valley.
The Cañadón 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: Cañadón 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.
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.
What To Expect On The Laguna de Caminanta Hike
Difficulty: The trail is best suited for intermediate hikers, as it requires a good level of fitness but offers plenty of opportunities to rest.
Route type: A to B
Distance: 22km
Elevation gain: 1400m
The trek starts with a gentle ascent through the forests of the Oveja Valley. Initially, the path is relatively straightforward. As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by plenty of wildflowers, adding vibrant pops of color against the green valley floor. A calming start before the more demanding ascent begins.
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 provides a glimpse of the rugged terrain that defines Patagonia.
As you move further into the valley, things start to get tougher. Steep rocky sections really push your limits, even if you’re an experienced hiker. The path winds to a pass between two snow-capped mountains. I personally found this to be the hardest section of the hike, the wind direction from the back testing your balance.
Just two hours before reaching Laguna del Caminante, you can detour to an ice cave—a must-see feature that showcases Tierra del Fuego’s glacial beauty. 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 appears suddenly, as if out of nowhere, offering up a quiet spot surrounded by mountains—a perfect little escape in the middle of Patagonia’s wild beauty.
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. If you camp overnight by the lagoon, you’ll get to see some amazing sunrises and sunsets—trust me, it’s worth every second!
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.
Logistics
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.
Permit
It is mandatory to register in advance in the Park’s trekking registry, you can do this online at the Park’s website.
Water on the trail
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.
Laguna Del Caminante Campsite
On the shores of the lagoon is a rugged campsite, one of the four camping spots 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 it’s not super rushed. If you don’t have camping equipment, it’s very easy and very affordable to rent it out in Ushuaia.
Phone signals
Communications from the Andorra valley and to the Cañadón 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.
Laguna del Caminante’s trail contrasts between challenging ascents and serene wilderness, perfectly capturing the wild spirit of Patagonia. Whether it’s the challenging ascents, the muddy forests, or the peaceful lagoon, this trek encapsulates the spirit of adventure that draws many to the wilds of Argentina. It was my first introduction to Patagonia, a region I would fall in love with over the next two months.
Other Hikes in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego)
If you’re looking for more adventure beyond Laguna del Caminante, Tierra del Fuego offers plenty of hiking trails that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes. Here are four hikes worth considering:
- Vinciguerra Glacier and Laguna de los Témpanos
Distance: 14 km round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
This trail takes you through lush forests before reaching the Vinciguerra Glacier. The final reward is the stunning Laguna de los Témpanos, a glacier-fed lagoon surrounded by ice. - Senda Costera (Coastal Path)
Distance: 8 km one way
Difficulty: Moderate
This coastal hike within Tierra del Fuego National Park offers breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel. It’s perfect for spotting seabirds and enjoying the region’s coastal beauty. - Cerro Guanaco
Distance: 8 km round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Known for its panoramic views, this hike is a tough ascent but rewards you with a stunning vista over the Beagle Channel and the surrounding peaks. - Laguna Esmeralda
Distance: 10 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
A popular and relatively easy trail, Laguna Esmeralda leads you through forests and peat bogs to a stunning emerald-green lake. It’s a great option for those looking for a half-day hike.
