Sierra Valdivieso Circuit & Tierra del Fuego hiking tour

Sierra Valdivieso Circuit & Tierra del Fuego hiking tour

Tucked away at the southernmost tip of Argentina, the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit in Tierra del Fuego offers adventurers a truly remote and rugged trekking experience. This challenging and rewarding trek takes hikers through breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and some of the most pristine wilderness in Patagonia.

We combine this hike with other highlights of Tierra del Fuego, including three nights in Ushuaia, creating the perfect balance between the region's main attractions—Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and the Martillo Island Penguin Rookery, among others—and the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit.

If you want to see more tours like this one, check out our Patagonia Hiking Tours. You can also check all of our hiking tours in our page Argentina Hiking Tours!

  • Personalized Itinerary
  • Local travel experts
Windswept trees on a hillside above the rugged sea coast of Tierra del FuegoValley with a winding stream and peat bog below sunlit mountains in Tierra del FuegoStream cascading over rocks below a green mountain slope in Tierra del FuegoWooden boardwalk along a lake shore with forest and a mountain behind in Tierra del FuegoTrail through a shaded lenga beech forest in Tierra del FuegoHiker with helmet crossing snow above a valley with a turquoise lagoon in Tierra del FuegoMagellanic penguin with spread flippers on a pebble beach near Ushuaia

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Ushuaia

Arrival in Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your schedule, we can organize optional activities, or you can simply enjoy some free time at leisure.

Accommodation in Ushuaia.

Tierra del Fuego National Park & Beagle Channel

During the morning, enjoy a half-day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, traveling in a small group and avoiding the crowds.

We'll take advantage of our time to visit some of the park's main highlights, including Lapataia Bay and Acigami Lake. The park introduces us to the diverse ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego, including the sea, the Beagle Channel, rivers, mountains, forests, and peatlands.

In the afternoon, we'll navigate the Beagle Channel by catamaran or yacht toward the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Along the way, we'll pass by the Bird and Sea Lion Islands. Depending on the boat, we may also disembark on the Bridges Islands.

The navigation takes approximately 3–4 hours.

Overnight in Ushuaia.

Penguins at the End of the World

Either in the morning or afternoon, we'll enjoy an experience that introduces us to the incredible penguins of Martillo Island.

First, we'll transfer from Ushuaia to Estancia Harberton, approximately 90 km away, or around 1.5 hours by road. Once at the estancia, we'll board a Zodiac-style boat and head to Martillo Island, located in the middle of the Beagle Channel, just a few minutes away by boat.

Once on the island, we'll walk among these beautiful birds for approximately one hour.

The island is home to thousands of penguins, mainly Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. Occasionally, King Penguins can also be seen in the area. This activity operates from October through March.

Return to Ushuaia by the same route. Sometimes, a short visit to the estancia is included, as Estancia Harberton is the oldest estancia in Tierra del Fuego.

The entire experience takes approximately six hours.

Accommodation in Ushuaia.

Sierra Valdivieso Circuit: Ushuaia to Beban Valley

The Sierra Valdivieso Circuit begins with a trek along the Laguna Esmeralda trail. You'll carry light backpacks while our team transports most of the equipment to the first camp.

The journey begins along the trail to Laguna Esmeralda before ascending toward the Ojo del Albino Glacier, where we'll stop for a scenic lunch.

Equipped with crampons, hikers then cross the glacier and descend into the Beban Valley, where the camp will be set up.

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Elevation gain: 800 m

Beban Valley to Lake Fagnano

Following a hearty breakfast, hikers pack their equipment and head toward Beban Pass.

The trail descends through the valley toward the northwest, eventually reaching Reindeer Bay on the shores of Lake Fagnano.

Here, a boat from the Bahía de los Renos complex will pick up the group and transport you to the next accommodation, where you'll spend two nights and have a full day to rest.

  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Distance: 18 km
  • Elevation gain: 350 m

Lake Fagnano Boat Excursion

After a restful night and a full breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion across Lake Fagnano toward Bahía Grande, an important bird reserve.

The excursion offers beautiful views of beaver groves, mountains, and untouched valleys, with a delightful lunch on the shores of the lake.

The afternoon is reserved for relaxing and recharging for the following day's trek, ending with a cozy pizza dinner by the fire.

  • Duration: Approximately 4-hour boat excursion (optional)

Lake Fagnano to Carbajal Valley

A mid-morning boat departure marks the beginning of the ascent toward Valdivieso Pass, passing beautiful lagoons and waterfalls along the way.

From the pass, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Fagnano, the Andes Mountains, and the Carbajal Valley.

The trail then descends south through the Carbajal Valley, leading to the final camping spot, sheltered by the subantarctic forest.

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 13.5 km
  • Elevation gain: 600 m

Carbajal Valley to Ushuaia

The final day starts early as we trek eastward through the expansive Carbajal Valley.

The terrain is mostly flat, making for a steady walk toward the conclusion of the journey on National Route 3 by mid-afternoon.

Return to Ushuaia and overnight at a lodge.

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 15.5 km
  • Elevation gain: 200 m

Departure

Transfer to Ushuaia Airport for your onward flight.

Optional extensions are available upon request, including El Calafate, El Chaltén, Buenos Aires, or other destinations in Argentina and Chile.

We invite you to explore our other tours related to trekking and outdoor activities in Argentina and Chile:

Patagonia Hiking Tours

Patagonia Tours

Patagonia Road Trips

Peninsula Mitre Trekking

Tierra del Fuego Hiking Tour

Fitz Roy Trek, Torres del Paine & Ushuaia

El Chaltén – Torres del Paine

Huemul Circuit

Patagonia O Circuit Tour

W Trek Tour

Trekking Ushuaia

Ushuaia to Cape Horn and other cruises

Argentina Tours

Where to Stay

Some places where you could stay, from unique premium lodges to classic accommodations.

Let's plan your personalized experience

Beyond BA Latam is a local travel agency based in Argentina that designs personalized tours in Argentina, Chile and Antarctica. We are very proud to work with a knowledgeable team capable to design trips based on your interests and traveling style. We are able to bring you a different and more enjoyable experience.

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I suppose that Beyond BA got its name… I suppose that Beyond BA got its name from the fact that its organization of trips is BEYOND any expectations one can imagine. Their professionalism is of the highest standards. Lucila (our contact) followed us from the very beginning throughout our journey with her support and advice. All the reservations, flights, guides were as scheduled. It was amazing. To everyone that wishes to visit Argentina, only one travel agency: Beyond.....

Victoria and the team were Exceptional!!! Every email I sent was promptly answered, bookings and payments made easy with Beyond BA and Victoria's professionalism. Highly recommended to book through Beyond BA. Our tour was to Patagonia for hiking and it was an amazing experience. Great value for money. One of the most organised I've been on. Only having to carry day packs on the hikes was a bonus and the camp grounds were comfortable and an experience in its self. There was 3 of us and Victoria secured us triple rooms when not camping. Can not recommend Beyond BA highly enough and Victoria, thank you

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