For those looking for longer hikes around Ushuaia, Laguna del Caminante is the perfect option to combine hiking and camping during the austral summer.
It is highly recommended that you start early in the morning to guarantee you’ll arrive at Laguna del Caminante before the sun sets, and get your tent ready to enjoy the night in the mountains.
You’ll find the trailhead at the end of the main road that leads you to Barrio Andorra (a taxi can drop you off here). From there, all trails are well marked: you will find the trailhead to Laguna del Caminante to your left, while you’ll find the trailheads to go to Glaciar Vinciguerra-Laguna de los Témpanos and Laguna Encantada to the right of the main path.
You have several options if you want to do this hike. Some visitors do the whole trek on the same day, starting in Andorra early in the morning and returning by the same path (a very long day). Others choose to start early from Andorra, arrive at Laguna del Caminante, camp there and return to the city the next day following an alternative trail to Cañadón de la Oveja which ends in front of Centro Hípico Ushuaia, on the other side of town. We recommend this option! If you do choose to camp and try this adventurous trekking, bear in mind that getting from the trailhead in Andorra to Laguna del Caminante will take you about 6 hours.
The next day, the return to Ushuaia from Laguna del Caminante to Centro Hípico de Ushuaia will also take you about 6 to 7 hours depending on your pace. We suggest you do not forget to bring your trekking poles as they are extremely helpful in these long treks! Remember that this trekking trail is located inside Tierra del Fuego National Park where it is forbidden to make a campfire or bring any pets with you. Below you’ll find a list of essentials you must not forget to better enjoy this experience:
- Food and Enough Water
- Tent, Sleeping Bags
- Warm Layers, Extra underwear or liners
- Wind-Rain Jacket with hood
- One or two extra pairs of socks
- Headlamp or flashlights
- Fire starter, Burner & Lightweight camping cookset
- Trekking poles
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Sunglasses & Sunblock
Remember that as this is a longer trekking it is crucial that you pack as light as possible without forgetting the important stuff. Carrying unessential items on your backpack adds on weight and inevitably adds on your tiredness and fatigue. We recommend you always go to the mountains with friends and companions and you are sure to have a great time while also guaranteeing weight is properly distributed!
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