Trekking Crossing the Range and Rowing

This tour is interesting because it blends two very different ways of exploring Ushuaia in one day, a mountain trek and a guided boat crossing. I love the short hike that still feels like a climb, with slippery spots and real mountain ground, plus the payoff of seeing the twin lagoon area from above (twin-lagoon viewpoints). I also love the hands-on rowing time on Lago Escondido, where you steer your own stable boat for about an hour (trek + rowing) instead of just watching from shore.

One drawback to plan for: conditions matter. You will hike on stones, peat, and mud, then you will be out on the water, and the tour does not include waterproof outer layers or reed boots, so cold, wet conditions can be a deal-breaker if you show up unprepared. The guides I saw highlighted by name, like Giann and Augustine, seem to do a great job managing pace and keeping everyone comfortable and safe.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Small group, max 9 people, so you get more attention on both the hike and the water.
• Lagunas Gemelas trek is about 3 hours round trip, including a 4 km walk with ascent and muddy terrain.
• A real boat crossing on Lago Escondido for about an hour, using stable single or double boats you learn to drive.
• A practical Plan B if wind or rain hits, swapping rowing for a short hike to the Waterfall Veil area on the Olivia River.
• Warm food breaks up the cold, with a hot drink plus alfajor on the trek, and a hot mountain stew before the boat part.
• Safety and gear support includes trekking poles and accident insurance, with snowshoes or traction gear depending on conditions.

Trekking plus rowing in Ushuaia, why this combo feels worth it

Ushuaia is a place where the weather can shift fast. That is exactly why this day works so well: you do the trek part first, then you move to the lake crossing, and the plan can adjust if the wind makes rowing uncomfortable. Instead of feeling like you signed up for one activity and then hope for the best, you get two ways to experience the region in a single half-day block.

The pace is also a good fit for people who want to move. You are not doing a long all-day slog, but you also are not staying on flat trails the whole time. The hike includes climbs and rough ground, and the reward is a view over the lagoon area and beyond, while the boat time is active enough that you actually feel connected to where you are, not just transported across a lake.

What makes this feel especially good value is that you get guided transport, meals, and the key gear. For $170, you are paying for the full “do the day” package, including private transportation and accident insurance, not just someone pointing you at a trail.

The 9:00 am start and the ride to Garibaldi Pass

You kick off at 9:00 am, and you can get pickup from your accommodation. The day before, the team coordinates the exact schedule via WhatsApp, and the tour uses a combi for the drive.

The ride is part of the experience. You travel along RN 3, passing through the Tierra Mayor Valley, until you reach the Garibaldi Pass area. It is about 50 minutes by vehicle, with the guide sharing history, culture, and local landscape details about where you are headed, so you arrive with context instead of just starting the walk blind.

This is also when you should get your clothing system ready. If you run cold easily, this is your moment to adjust layers before you step onto wet and uneven ground. The advice is simple, be comfortable and wear practical clothing that can handle stones and mud.

Stop 1: Lagunas Gemelas trek, 4 km of mud plus big views

The Lagunas Gemelas part is where the day gets physical. Once you break from the combi at the Passage area, you prepare for the trek. Expect about 3 hours round trip, roughly 4 km, with terrain that can include stones, peat, and mud.

The difficulty is described as easy to difficult, which is a fair way to think about it. The distance is not huge, but you still have uphill sections and mountain footing. If you have only done smooth city walks recently, you will feel it, especially if the ground is wet.

The route takes you past the limit of vegetation, which means you trade greenery for open mountain air and wider sightlines. When you reach the area of the twin lagoons, you keep walking toward rock terraces that overlook the lagoons around you, including Lago Escondido and Lago Fagnano. This is the payoff moment, you stop thinking about your footing for a second and start taking in the view.

Break time matters here. Up top, you get a hot drink and alfajor, plus marching food to help you keep energy up for the remainder of the day. It is a nice rhythm, warm up after the climb before you head back down.

Stop 2: Lago Escondido and the hour-long rowing crossing

After the hike, you return to the combi and continue by vehicle for about 15 minutes to the Lago Escondido area. This is where the tour shifts from walking to water.

Before you get in the boats, you eat hot mountain stew while preparing your rowing equipment. This is not just a nice extra, it also helps you stay warm before you spend time out on the lake, which can feel colder than the trail.

Then comes the fun part: the boats are available as single or double, and they are described as stable and easy to drive. You get rowing time for about an hour, and the purpose is not only to cross water but to connect with the environment around you.

If you are the type who likes doing things with your own hands, this section is a win. You are not just sitting in a vehicle enjoying scenery, you are actively steering and moving through the lake’s conditions.

Plan B: the Waterfall Veil hike on the Olivia River when wind or rain hits

Ushuaia weather can be pushy. The tour plan explicitly accounts for wind or rain that could make the lake crossing unpleasant. If that happens, the activity switches to a different trek instead of forcing the boat part.

The alternative is a hike toward the Waterfall Veil area on the Olivia River. Total walk time is about one hour, and the walk is described as easy because it is short. Still, there are steep slope parts, so this is not a flat stroll.

The best part is the payoff. You walk through forest, see two waterfalls between rocks, and you can even stand behind one of them to feel the force of the water. It is a great swap if the lake feels too rough, because you still get a dramatic natural moment without canceling the entire day.

How long it takes and what the pacing feels like

The tour is listed as about 7 hours total. Realistically, the day will feel like a sequence: travel and briefings, one main hike, a meal and equipment reset, then the boat crossing, with possible replacement hiking if weather changes.

Because the group limit is max 9 travelers, pacing is easier than on huge tours. You likely will not feel rushed, but you also should be ready to move continuously for stretches. This is an active day, and it is fair to expect you will be tired by the end.

Physical fitness matters, and the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. If you can handle uneven ground, short uphill sections, and muddy footing, you are probably in the right zone.

Group size, guides, and the kind of attention you get

One of the strongest themes tied to this experience is how well the guides run the day. Giann is specifically mentioned as super attentive and caring about everyone’s climbing and safety. Augustine also gets highlighted for staying composed, solving problems quickly, and being attentive the whole time.

You can feel that in two places. First, on the hike, the guide helps keep everyone moving at a good pace on rocky and muddy ground. Second, on the water, you get support setting up and driving the boat.

Also, smaller group size means less waiting. If you have ever been stuck in a long single-file line while a group gathers, this is not that vibe. With fewer people, the day flows better, and you spend more time doing the actual activities.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to avoid a miserable cold-weather moment

Here is what you get as part of the price:

• Snacks
• Lunch
• Private transportation
• Trekking poles
• Snowshoes or grasses (traction gear, depending on conditions)
• Accident insurance

What is not included, and you should plan for:

• Middle reed boots
• Warm clothing
• A waterproof jacket
• Gloves
• Beanie

This matters because you are on wet footing and on cold water. Even if the trek is only about 3 hours and the rowing is only about 1 hour, the combo can chill you fast if your outer layer is not truly waterproof.

A practical way to think about it: bring gear that keeps you dry and warm, not just gear that looks warm. If you only have a thin jacket or no gloves, the day can feel longer than the schedule.

One note on equipment quality: equipment borrowed by guides is described as new and high-quality in personal accounts. Still, since the official list does not include jackets, assume you should bring your own waterproof layer and warm items unless you confirm additional rentals with the provider.

Price and value, why $170 can be a smart deal here

At $170 per person, you are not paying for a single activity. You are paying for:

1. Transportation by combi to Garibaldi Pass and between trail and lake
2. A guided trek with warm drink and alfajor
3. A guided boat crossing with a hot meal before you row
4. Safety coverage and accident insurance
5. Trekking support gear (poles, plus snowshoes or traction gear)

That is a lot for one half-day, especially in a place like Ushuaia where logistics can be a big part of the experience. Also, this tour tends to be booked ahead, with an average booking window of about 49 days. If you are traveling in peak season or you have a tight schedule, reserving earlier is a smart move.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This is a strong choice if you want an active day that combines hiking and water, and you like being hands-on. It is also a great match for people who appreciate small groups and clear guiding, especially on rough ground and during boat handling.

You might want to think twice if:

• You dislike uneven, muddy terrain, because the Lagunas Gemelas trek can include peat and mud.
• You get cold easily and cannot bring warm, waterproof clothing, since those items are not included.
• You prefer fully flat walking, because even the shorter Plan B waterfall hike includes steep slope sections.

If you are the right kind of traveler, this format gives you the best kind of day in Ushuaia: you get mountain viewpoints, hot breaks, and a real water moment, all in one itinerary.

Should you book this crossing trek and rowing day?

Book it if you want a full-feeling Ushuaia day without hopping between too many vendors. The combination of the Lagunas Gemelas trek and the Lago Escondido rowing crossing is exactly the sort of active, guided adventure that makes a short stay feel longer.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you cannot bring the warm waterproof basics, or if you expect a gentle stroll. The schedule is efficient and the terrain is real, but the guidance and small group size help make it manageable.

If you are ready for that mix, you will likely love the day the most when you stop thinking of it as two separate tours. You are moving from ridge to water to plan B waterfall, and that flow is the point.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $170.00 per person.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Yes. Pickup is included from your accommodation, and the schedule is coordinated via WhatsApp the day before.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 9 travelers.

What activities are included?

You do a trek to Lagunas Gemelas, then continue to Lago Escondido for a rowing crossing. If wind or rain complicates the conditions, you switch to a trekking activity toward the Waterfall Veil area on the Olivia River.

What is included in the price?

Included are snacks, lunch, private transportation, trekking poles, snowshoes or grasses, and accident insurance.

What should I bring since it is not included?

You should plan to bring middle reed boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a beanie.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel later than that, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If weather affects rowing during the tour due to wind or rain, the plan can switch to the waterfall hike.