Introduction
This is one of the more demanding treks in the National Park because it requires a steady, uphill climb to 1,000m above sea level. The trek will go through a Lenga forest, but also over muddy, difficult sectors where exposed roots and wet soil make for a difficult and, sometimes messy, walk.
After the forest the are is exposed, just before reaching the summit. However, once at the top you will, on a clear day, receive wonderful views over the Beagle channel and the Navarino Island opposite.
- Full Day: 6 hrs return (only hiking).
- Distance: 14km of hiking.
- Operated: Between end of Sept to end of Mar.
- Pick-Up: 08:00 from your hotel in Ushuaia.
- Return: 16:00hrs to your hotel in Ushuaia.
- Difficulty: Difficult.
- Fitness: You need to be accustomed to walking long distances.
Note: Experience Chile only offers this activity as part of the rest of the itinerary we have arranged for you and not as a standalone.
Description
The hill called Cerro Guanaco is one of the more demanding treks because it requires climb to nearly 1,000 meters of elevation. The trail begins at Lake Acigami (previously known as Lake Roca), and from here the clearly signed path will show you where you need to head. At one point you will arrive at a junction. At this point, the trail splits into two with one path leading to Acigami Lake (formerly Roca Lake) where the “Hito XXIV” border marker is and the other trail marks the start of the climb up to Cerro Guanaco.
The first part of this trail will pass through a Lenga forest and the roots of the trees provide a useful, natural “staircase” in which to climb up the ascent. Just prior to exiting he forest it is usually quite muddy, which means slippery too. This muddy sector can, however, be avoided if you can spot the cloth hanging from a tree to your right. Follow this trail and you will avoid the muddy part. On the descent it will be the other way around and you will find another piece of cloth in a tree on the left to indicate the route to avoid the mud.
Upon exiting the forest, the trail is reasonably flat prior to the final ascent to the summit. If it has rained trekkers need to be careful in this flat sector because deep puddles may have formed. The final sector is also exposed with no protection from the wind, and the trail is often in a bad state.
This final stretch is almost 2.5km and is the most demanding of the trail. If the wind is blowing you need to be careful, especially in strong gusts. There can also be snow at this altitude, even in the summer!
However, if you make it to the summit the reward is the panoramic views of Ushuaia city, Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel and the Chilean, Navarino Island. Beyond Navarino Island, on a clear day, you will also be able the far-off island of Cape Horn – the real “end of the World”!
