Isn’t Cerro Vicinguerra magnificent? Cerro Vicinguerra stands tall. It watches over Ushuaia. It is a gem. Hikers come to Cerro Vicinguerra. They seek a scenic trail. It is easily accessible from town. Cerro Vicinguerra is a perfect choice.
The Vinciguerra Glacier hike is varied. It has a green river valley. There is steep forested climbing. The clear alpine lake lets you touch a glacier.
The Cerro Vicinguerra trail is moderately hard. The trail is steep. It is rocky, rooty and muddy. It is eroded in places. Balance is needed.
The trailhead for Cerro Vicinguerra is about 8 km from Ushuaia. It is at the end of Camino Del Valle. This is the Andorra neighborhood.
To reach Cerro Vicinguerra, hire a taxi. Rent a bicycle. Hitchhike. Walk if you dare.
Camping is an option. Camp on Camino del Valle. Get away from Ushuaia’s tourism. La Encantada is recommended. It is a mile from the trailhead.
Navigating the Cerro Vicinguerra trail can be tricky. The first mile has unmarked forks. The trail can be muddy. Detours are common.
Maps.me app is recommended. It has an accurate track. The tourist information center may have maps.
The Cerro Vicinguerra trail goes through an unlocked gate. Close it behind you. The path forks twice. Go left at the first fork. Go right at the second. Cross muddy ground. Walk along the idyllic river.
About a mile from the trailhead, reach a bridge. After the bridge, the forest climb starts. It is steep and rough. It is muddy and long. Trekking poles help. Expect wet feet.
About 0.75 miles after the bridge, stay left. This is for Cerro Vicinguerra and Laguna de los Tempanos. The right goes to Laguna Encantada. Visit the glacier. It is more interesting.
Assuming you stayed left, the forest climb ends. There is a lovely alpine stream. Work across a soggy meadow. Follow the poles and painted rocks. The trail flattens. You’ll meet the shore of Laguna de los Tempanos.
This is a snack break spot. Trails lead around the lake. Face the glacier. See ice caves.
Reverse your steps to go back. The way down takes time. Be careful. Allow time to get down safely.
The junction for Laguna Encantada is about 1.75 miles from the trailhead. Add this alpine lake. It adds 1.5 miles and 650 feet of climbing.
Laguna Del Caminante Loop is a multi-day option. Turn left at the second fork. Ask at the tourist office.
Pack for anything. Prepare for sun, rain, wind, snow. Prepare for chilly temperatures. A t-shirt is fine for climbing. A down jacket is good by the lake.
Bring water. There is water along the trail. Treat or filter it. Bring snacks. Pack out all trash. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Pack a rain jacket and rain pants. Bring an insulating layer, gloves and a hat. Trekking poles are optional. Waterproof shoes are optional. A headlamp is recommended.
Other Ushuaia hikes include Martial Glaciar. It is short and steep. Laguna Esmeralda is scenic and popular. Tierra Del Fuego National Park has hiking options. Sierra Valdivieso Circuit is difficult.
Cerro Vicinguerra was named by Giacomo Bove. He remembered the zoologist Vinciguerra. He was on the Italian-Argentine scientific expedition to Tierra del Fuego in 1882.
Cerro Vicinguerra, a memory etched in time.