Laguna del Caminante via the Andorra Valley

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail proceeds up the Andorra Valley to Laguna del Caminante. There is a perfect place to camp at a secluded laguna with a waterfall surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

The trail is usually muddy at the beginning and just before arriving at the laguna. The trail is typically used to backpack to the laguna which would be a great place to spend the night if you have the time.

From the parking area, pass through a gate and hike up the trail which is lined with fields of Buttercup flowers. This lasts for about 0.5 miles when you gradually enter the forest. At this point, the trail gets incredibly muddy. Some attempts at trail maintenance are apparent with logs placed across the trail, but many have sunk into the mud. There is really no way around the mud, and it lasts nearly 0.75 miles.

At the 6 mile mark, the trail begins to climb and is occasionally very steep. When you finally emerge from the forest, you arrive at a trail junction. To the left is the Canadon De La Oveja Trail. To the right is the Laguna del Caminante Trail. Taking this trail on the way back is a great option for a thru hike, but you must find a taxi to get back to Ushuaia (~3 miles). Turn right onto a sloping green field with plenty of wildflowers.

The trail here is steep but offers great views. After rounding a corner, the trail levels out and after a short distance you have to descend a very steep drainage to arrive at the laguna. There are some great camping spots here and a good place for lunch.

Once you are done enjoying your time at the laguna, simply return the way you came.

I encountered a small group of wild horses that shared the trail with me for a while.