Escondido Lake: Tours, How to Get There, and What to See

Escondido Lake is one of the most scenic excursions in Ushuaia, often paired with a visit to nearby Fagnano Lake. The journey features breathtaking landscapes of forests, valleys, and mountains.

The lake is named Escondido (which means hidden in Spanish) because it lies deep within a valley, surrounded by lush lenga and ñire forests and the towering Andes.

How to Get to Escondido Lake

Lake Escondido is located 55 km (34 mi) north of Ushuaia. To reach it, follow National Route 3 north through the Tierra Mayor Valley and past Cerro Castor, before ascending the famous Garibaldi Pass.

Garibaldi Pass

Garibaldi Pass is the highest point on Route 3 and marks where the road crosses the Andes Mountains. In this part of Tierra del Fuego, the Andes curve eastward, placing Ushuaia on the southern side of the mountain range.

From the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano to the north, the Beagle Channel to the south, and the Bonete, Pelado, and Alvear peaks to the west.

Visiting Lake Escondido

Lake Escondido stretches over 6.9 km in length and 2 km in width. Along its shores, you'll find a small settlement and the traditional Petrel Inn (Hostería Petrel). Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides from various docks and explore scenic hiking trails that circle the lake.

Escondido Lake Tours

Most travel agencies in downtown Ushuaia offer full-day tours to Escondido Lake, often combined with Lake Fagnano during the summer season.

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Departures: Morning departures year-round. Afternoon departures available in summer depending on demand.

Itinerary:

The tour departs from Ushuaia and travels through the Carbajal, Tierra Mayor, and Las Cotorras valleys, reaching the Garibaldi Pass lookout. After visiting Lake Escondido, the return trip includes a stop at Cerro Castor.