Ushuaia is the capital city of the Tierra del Fuego province in Patagonia, commonly referred as the southernmost city in the world, also being an important naval base. It is located in a wide open bay, on the south coast of Isla Grande de Terra del Fuego and bordered in the north by the Martial mountain range.
Ushuaia has a subpolar oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winders. The city is surrounded by Magellanic subpolar forest rich in flora and fauna with several recreation activities. Martial Glacier is located at a few miles in the northwest of the Ushuaia City and is a natural wonder, attracting many visitors, from all over the world. It is a fantastic place where many outdoor activities take place and offers breathtaking views of the city, Beagle Channel and the unique nature of Tierra del Fuego.
The glacier stands at 3445 ft/1050 m above sea level and is one of the most important fresh water sources in Ushuaia. In order to reach the trailhead, you drive along the road that reaches the base of the ski slopes where you can park your car. It is a wonderful hike, about two hours long and takes you to the top of the Martial Glacier. The area is covered with dense forest, rich in wildlife and a lot of ice all year round. As long as you get higher, the trail gets steeper and you start walking on ice.
If you choose this hike during spring or fall, be extremely careful with the cracks because the ice bridges are thin. Once you reach the top, you can admire the amazing glacier and the nature around it. In every step you take, the views of this dramatic land take your breath away. Be very well prepared in regards with gear, food and clothing because the weather is unpredictable with high winds, rain showers, long hot days during summer, snow and everything else you may think of. Wind proof layers are the key.