Note: The above photos, including the banner one, do not necessarily reflect stations or views on this particular trek. Considering that we do not have all the images required we have had to use general photos of various treks in El Chalten.

Del Desierto Lake and Huemul Glacier Full-Day Trek from El Chalten

Introduction

  • Start: El Chalten - Lago del Desierto, (Located at 37km from El Chalten)
  • End: Lago del Desierto

Details

  • Grade of difficulty: Easy
  • Distance of the trek: 5.4km, return.
  • Trek Time: 2hrs – plus the time needed to drive the 37km to the start, and back.
  • Experience Required: You need to be reasonably fit. No trekking experience required, but you should be accustomed to long walks, and trekking poles are recommended.
  • Season: All year round, but in the winter, it depends on conditions.

Description

You need to depart from El Chalten village by private transfer, or car, heading north, bordering the De las Vueltas river. After about one hour you will arrive to the southern point of Lake del Desierto and here is where the trek begins.

This beautiful lake is located at the end of the valley of the De las Vueltas river. Its name does not honor this paradise of forests, turquoise water, hills, glaciers and waterfalls where you can take walks and excursions of different duration and difficulty.

Went you arrive to Lago del Desierto, you can park in a free parking area in Punta Sur.

Before you enter you must go to the entrance of the property and pay the fee, where you will find the start of the trail.

The trail quickly enters a Lenga forest and in a few minutes, begins its ascent along a well-marked path. In just over half an hour of ascent you will reach a ridge with panoramic views of the De las Vueltas river valley and the Fitz Roy and you will see the Huemul glacier.

The Huemul glacier breaks into icebergs which lie in the Huemul lagoon -  a lagoon of dark-blue waters, typical of the colour of the icebergs.

To return you must hike again along the path to Punta Sur parking lot and drive back to El Chalten.

Click on map for larger image

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