Martial Glacier
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
You don’t have to venture far from Ushuaia to experience Patagonia’s wild landscapes—the icy passes and rocky peaks of the Martial Glacier lie within walking distance. Easily accessible from the town, scaling the glacier affords panoramic views over the Martial Mountains, the Beagle Channel, and the “End of the World.”
The basics
Adventurous travelers can follow the 3.9-mile (6-kilometer) trail up to the top of Martial Glacier. It’s a moderate uphill hike to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views over the glacier and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, hop on the chair lift and enjoy views over the glacier as you glide to the mountaintop. A number of hiking trails continue around the top, while winter visitors can enjoy skiing off-piste and backcountry skiing.
Things to know before you go
- Hiking to the mountaintop takes around three hours return; a popular option is to ride the chair lift to the top and then hike back down.
- Maps of Ushuaia’s hiking trails are available from the Tourist Information Center in Ushuaia but the trail to the Martial Glacier is easy to follow without a guide.
- There is a small ski station, café, and restaurant at the chair-lift station but there are no facilities on the mountaintop, so bring everything you need with you.
- The weather can change quickly in Patagonia so wrap up warm, even in the summer.
How to get there
The Martial Glacier lies just north of Ushuaia. The main hiking trail starts out from the chair lift station and is well marked and easy to follow. The chair lift station is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Ushuaia. Parking is available for those arriving with their own transport, otherwise it’s easiest to hop in a taxi.
When to get there
It’s possible to visit the glacier year round. Although summer is undoubtedly best for hiking, winter arguably affords some of the most impressive views, with the mountains covered in thick snow. Hiking in winter is largely dependent on the weather, while the ski season typically runs from June to October.
Things to Do in Ushuaia
Most travelers come to Ushuaia to cruise the Beagle Channel, ride the End of the World Train to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, and explore the Patagonian glaciers, but there are also plenty of things to see and do in the town itself. Discover the fascinating history of Argentina’s southernmost city with a visit to the Maritime Museum and the Old Prison of Ushuaia; learn more about Patagonian wildlife at the Museum of the End of the World, then tuck into seafood and locally brewed beers at one of the many bars along Avenida San Martín.
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