Crossing the Cordillera: Hiking + Rowing on Lago Escondido

We’ll leave Ushuaia by minibus. Traveling along National Route 3, we’ll pass through the Tierra Mayor Valley until we reach the Garibaldi Pass area. During the 50-minute drive, we’ll enjoy a pleasant discussion about the history, culture, and landscapes of the place we’re visiting. I recommend bringing some mate and getting comfortable. Once we arrive at the pass, we’ll pull over and get ready for the hike.

The hike takes 3 hours round trip. It’s rated as easy because it’s 4 km, but it includes uphill sections with mountainous terrain, rocks, peat, mud, and plenty of adventure. The route is very beautiful; the views of the mountain range from the top of the mountain are spectacular. We’ll find ourselves above the tree line, and we’ll reach the Twin Lakes area—two mountain lakes—and continue walking to some rock terraces overlooking the lakes, including Escondido and Fagnano.

At the top, we’ll share a hot drink, a delicious alfajor, and some snacks for the hike. To finish up with our hearts full and our bellies warm, we’ll head back to the van to continue by vehicle to the hidden lake—it’s just a 15-minute drive to the lake’s headwaters, where we’ll enjoy a hot mountain stew while we prepare the kayaks and paddles. The boats are single or double. They’re very stable and easy to paddle. The lake crossing takes an hour. The goal is to explore and connect with the water and the environment around us. If weather conditions are challenging—whether due to wind or rain—.

We’re switching to another hiking activity. We’re going to the Velo de Novia waterfall in the Olivia River area—a one-hour hike in total—where we’ll walk through the forest, see two waterfalls among the rocks, and be able to stand behind one of them to feel the force of the water. The hike is easy because it’s short, though it has steep inclines in some sections. Season: year-round; in winter, use snowshoes or crampons. Cross the Andes Mountains on a high-altitude trek. With no difficulty, enjoy and marvel at the spectacular views of Lakes Escondido and Fagnano. Packrafting on Lake Escondido—we’ll paddle for an hour in super-stable and fun boats. If the weather prevents us from paddling, there’s always a Plan B! We’ll explore the Velo de Novia waterfall on a beautiful hike.