Lago Roca

Dedicate at least half a day to exploring Lago Roca and the wider park, taking advantage of guided experiences to save time or multi-day packages that combine a visit with other regional highlights, such as Lago Fagnano, Lapataia Bay, or the Bridges Islands. Hikes of the surrounding Andean foothills afford panoramic views over Lago Roca, the Beagle Channel, and beyond, while canoe and boat tours offer a more intimate glimpse of the subantarctic landscape.

• Hikes range from the easy-to-moderate Hito XXIV route along the lake’s north shore to the challenging Cerro Guanaco climb.
• There is a fully-equipped campsite close to Lago Roca, plus several designated wild camping areas.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park is home to wildlife like culpeo foxes, southern river otters, and kelp geese, so bring your binoculars.
• Look out for tours that combine Lago Roca with a ride on the End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo), a must-see vintage locomotive.
• If you plan to cross the border in Chile from here, make sure you have all your papers and documentation with you.

Lago Roca is a 30-minute drive from the Fuegian capital, Ushuaia, with several tours offering hassle-free, private transfers. A public bus shuttles between Ushuaia’s main bus terminal and Tierra del Fuego National Park a few times daily, though these services aren’t always on time. The last section of the route into the park is a dirt track, so drivers should prepare for summer dust and winter ice.

Visit during spring and summer (September to February) to enjoy full access to the lake’s nearby hiking trails, campsites, and water sports experiences. Come winter, low temperatures and snowy conditions mean more areas are off limits, though those who do brave the cold can enjoy dramatic lake views, plus winter sports opportunities in the wider park.

Some guidebooks may refer to the lake by its Yahgan name, Acigami. Learn more about the indigenous communities of Tierra del Fuego on archaeological or cultural-historical tours of the park, or visit one of Ushuaia’s informative city museums—especially good to explore during one of the region’s many rainy days.