Lake Escondido

The basics

Just off the legendary, Americas-spanning Pan-American Highway is the mythical sounding Lago Escondido. Surrounded by beech forests and toothy mountain peaks, the lake lives up to its "hidden" name. A there-and-back trip here takes almost a full day from the closest major urban area, Ushuaia. An outdoor aficionado paradise, the lake is ringed with hiking trails. Many people go kayaking on the glassy waters. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing, especially trout fishing.

Things to know before you go

• Sport fishing is a tourist pastime at Lake Escondido.

• Try Argentinian lamb for lunch—it’s a local specialty.

• Tierra del Fuego likely got its name from the bonfires lit by locals when Spanish explorers arrived.

• There’s a small lakeside village, with a population of roughly 70.

• The lake is located just off the Pan-American Highway.

How to get there

Although you can visit Lake Escondido by yourself with a rental car, it’s a long day trip from the nearest town. The roads are generally well maintained, but you’ll need to be prepared for sudden weather changes. It's much more practical to book a tour from Ushuaia, which typically lasts seven hours and is often in a 4WD.

When to get there

Patagonia is highly seasonal, and anyone visiting outside of summer (December–March) will find many of the roads inaccessible due to snow, accommodation closed, and limited tours running. Look at the weather forecast, and pick a clear day so that you can marvel at the mountain views and the panorama from the Garibaldi Pass.

Spot far-from-home Canadian beavers

Canada may be more than 6,000 miles (9,656 kilometers) from Ushuaia, but Lake Escondido is known for its large population of Canadian beavers. They were brought here to revitalize the fur trade in Patagonia. Efforts to revamp the fur trade failed, but the beavers remain. They’re most easily spotted at dusk, but even if you’re not fortunate enough to sight one, you might see their dams.