Two Glaciers: Vespignani and Huemul with navigation on the Desert Lake
I discovered the Vespignani and Huemul glaciers on an excursion from El Chaltén
Discover two of Patagonia's most fascinating ice masses on a full-day excursion from El Chaltén. Sail across Lago del Desierto, explore the trails of the Vespignani Reserve, and take in privileged panoramic views of the Huemul Glacier from Punta Sur, with the option to add a hike to its lagoon.
Featured
- 🚐 Scenic route: panoramic tour along RP 41 bordering the Río de las Vueltas.
- ⛵ Lake navigation: crossing of the Desert Lake with sighting of the giants Huemul and Crestón.
- 🌲 Vespignani Reserve: three free hours to walk through its forests and marked trails.
- 🏔️ High-altitude viewpoints: different trekking options with unique views of the Gran Vespignani and Mount Fitz Roy.
- 🥾 Punta Sur: free time on the coast and the possibility of making an optional ascent to Laguna Huemul.
- ☕ Sweet break: refreshments and comforting hot chocolate in the mountain dome.
About this tour
Two Glaciers: a complete experience between Vespignani and Huemul
Make the most of your visit to El Chaltén with this excursion that combines sailing, trekking, and glacial landscapes in the spectacular setting of Lago del Desierto . During a full day , you'll discover two of the great natural attractions of the northern Patagonian Andes: the Gran Glaciar Vespignani and the Glaciar Huemul .
The adventure begins in El Chaltén, from where we'll travel the 37 km to Lago del Desierto along a beautiful gravel road that follows the course of the Río de las Vueltas . During the journey, we'll learn more about the history and natural features of the area, making several stops at scenic viewpoints to enjoy the landscape.
Upon arrival at the Punta Sur Pier , we will board a boat for a 20-30 minute cruise across Lago del Desierto . During the journey, we will be able to admire the surrounding mountain range and see the Huemul and Crestón glaciers, until we reach the central part of the lake, where the Vespignani Glacier Reserve is located.
Once there, we will have three hours to explore the marked trails of the reserve, under the supervision of an activity leader. We can choose between three trekking options , with different levels of difficulty and physical exertion:
- Sendero Verde: an easy, flat, 800-meter interpretive trail. It crosses a wooded coastal area and features a viewpoint overlooking the Great Vespignani Glacier .
- Yellow Trail: a moderately difficult route, with a 50-meter elevation gain and a length of 1 km . Its gentle slope allows you to reach, in approximately 30 minutes , a prominent panoramic viewpoint overlooking the glacier.
- Red Trail: a more challenging option, with a 200-meter elevation gain and a 2-km route. In approximately one hour's walk at a leisurely pace, you can reach the base of the glacier and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the north face of Mount Fitz Roy .
During our stay we will also have time to rest and enjoy a snack accompanied by hot chocolate in the reserve's dome .
We will then re-embark to return to Punta Sur Pier , where our experience will continue. From there, you will have free time to explore the self-guided trails along the coast, where you can enjoy views of the Huemul Glacier .
For those who wish to get even closer to this glacial landscape, there is an optional hike up to Laguna Huemul , from where you can admire the glacier and its natural surroundings. This activity lasts approximately two hours and is booked separately at an additional cost .
Finally, at the agreed time, we will begin the return journey by land to El Chaltén , bringing to a close a day that will allow us to discover two unique glacial landscapes of Patagonia.
An ideal option for those who want to make the most of their stay in El Chaltén, combining sailing on the Lago del Desierto, trekking in the Vespignani Reserve and views of the Huemul Glacier in the same excursion.
Tangol Tours virtual assistant
What's included
- Round trip transfer from El Chaltén to Lago del Desierto
- Sailing on Desert Lake
- 3-hour activity in the Vespignani Glacier area
- Refreshments in the reserve dome
Not included
- Optional ascent to Laguna Huemul (additional cost).
- Food and drinks not mentioned.
- Basic general physical condition: no prior mountain experience is required to complete the navigation and introductory trails.
- Mobility and independence: ability to get on and off the boat via gangway and walk on uneven mountain terrain (dirt, roots, loose stones and occasional mud).
- For the more demanding trails (Red Trail in Vespignani or optional ascent to Laguna Huemul): good aerobic fitness and healthy joints (knees and ankles), as they have steep uphill and downhill slopes.
Trekking shoes and trousers
Waterproof winter jacket
Water
Don't forget a packed lunch
Rates 2026-2027
Two Glaciers Huemul And Vespignani
Group Service. Includes: Round-trip transfer from El Chaltén to Lago del Desierto, boat trip on Lago del Desierto, 3-hour activity in the Vespignani Glacier area, and refreshments at the reserve's dome.
