Two Glaciers: Vespignani and Huemul with navigation on the Desert Lake

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

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.
10 hours
Every day
Starting at 7:30 AM, check-in is available at centrally located hotels and accommodations in El Chaltén.
From 5:30 PM onwards, check-in at centrally located hotels and accommodations in El Chaltén

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.

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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

per person From EUR 146

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.

Starts 07:30 10 hours Español
Operates: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
ACTIVIDAD
TEMPORADA

Frequently asked questions

The Dos Glaciares Huemul y Vespignani excursion takes travelers to two remarkable glacial landscapes near El Chaltén, in Argentine Patagonia. The exact service details may vary depending on the date and the local operator: transportation, guide assistance, entrance fees, navigation, or other services may be included or charged separately. Before booking, check the service page carefully for the current list of inclusions, exclusions, meeting arrangements, and additional costs. It is also useful to confirm whether the activity starts in El Chaltén or includes pickup from accommodation. Since this is an outdoor experience, read the operator’s requirements and recommendations in advance. The booking conditions shown for your selected date are the most reliable reference.

The duration and schedule of Dos Glaciares Huemul y Vespignani may change according to the season, weather conditions, local logistics, and the services included. For that reason, do not rely on a fixed departure time without checking the availability for your selected date. The El Chaltén excursion page should show the estimated duration, departure time, return time, and arrival instructions whenever those details are confirmed. Keep in mind that Patagonian activities may start early, and walking or transfer times can be adjusted because of weather. Allow extra time if you have transport connections, another excursion, or a same-day departure from El Chaltén. Follow the operator’s final confirmation and meeting instructions.

Dos Glaciares Huemul y Vespignani is intended for travelers who want to explore glaciers and natural scenery around El Chaltén through an outdoor activity. The experience may involve walking on uneven ground, elevation changes, wind exposure, and spending several hours outdoors; the exact difficulty depends on the confirmed itinerary. Accessibility, minimum age, and fitness requirements cannot be determined without checking the specific departure conditions. Before booking, review the route, terrain, walking requirements, medical considerations, and policies for children or travelers with reduced mobility. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, or have mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking. Choose the activity according to your abilities and experience.

To book Dos Glaciares Huemul y Vespignani, select an available date on the Tangol page and follow the instructions to complete the purchase. Confirmation, availability, and requested traveler details may depend on the local operator. Cancellation terms should not be assumed, because they can vary according to the fare, activity date, and time elapsed since booking. Before payment, read the applicable policy for cancellations, changes, refunds, and weather-related modifications. If you need to cancel or change the El Chaltén excursion, use the contact channel shown in your booking confirmation and keep your reservation number. The conditions displayed during checkout and in the confirmation determine the policy applicable to your booking.

For Dos Glaciares Huemul y Vespignani in El Chaltén, wear comfortable walking clothes and dress in layers, since Patagonian weather can change quickly. A waterproof and windproof jacket, sturdy shoes with good grip, sun protection, a hat, water, and a small backpack are generally useful. If the operator requires specific equipment or provides food recommendations, those details should appear on the service page. The best time depends on the excursion format, trail access, and weather conditions; the busiest tourist months do not guarantee favorable weather. Before traveling, check the operating season, forecast, and current recommendations. Review your booking details to confirm what is provided and what you must bring for the selected departure.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

Huemul y Vespignani: paisajes increíbles y un grupo muy cálido

Reservar el tour fue fácil: la asesora de Tangol respondió enseguida mis dudas sobre el clima y el equipo para mi hija. El grupo era chico y muy buena onda; compartimos mate durante el sendero. El guía estuvo atento cuando mi hija resbaló cerca del arroyo. Ver el Huemul y el Vespignani así fue inolvidable.

Mariana López
5.0

A birthday hike between two unforgettable Patagonian glacier landscapes

After a busy work week, celebrating my birthday between Huemul and Vespignani glaciers was exactly the reset I needed. Our guide, Martín, knew the route intimately and explained how the lenga trees recover after fires, even pointing out fresh fox tracks near the trail. He kept the pace comfortable and handled the windy viewpoint calmly. The group was small, friendly, and surprisingly easygoing; we shared snacks and took turns helping on the steeper section. The two glacier views felt very different, which made the day especially rewarding. Tangol organized everything smoothly, and I left genuinely grateful.

Alex Morgan
5.0

Bosques, lago e gelo em um dia especial em El Chaltén

Fizemos o passeio na nossa lua de mel e foi um dos dias mais bonitos da viagem. A trilha até o Huemul passou por bosque e mirantes, e a navegação pelo lago Viedma revelou blocos azuis flutuando perto do barco. Depois caminhamos pela margem até o Vespignani, com vento forte e montanhas enormes. O guia foi paciente; até vimos condores sobrevoando o vale. Variado, tranquilo e perfeito para celebrar juntos.

Mariana e Rafael
5.0

Zwei Gletscher, eine abwechslungsreiche Wanderung und ein fairer Preis am Lago del Desierto

Für unsere Jubiläumsreise war dieser Ausflug ein echtes Highlight. Das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis stimmt: Transfer, Bootsfahrt über den Lago del Desierto, Eintritt und die beiden sehr unterschiedlichen Wanderungen waren bereits enthalten. Zum Huemul-Gletscher ging es durch einen kurzen, gut machbaren Waldweg; später konnten wir am Vespignani-Gletscher zwischen mehreren Schwierigkeitsstufen wählen. Unsere Gruppe nahm die mittlere Route und stand erstaunlich nah am Eis. Besonders praktisch: Unser Guide zeigte uns eine kleine Kondor-Beobachtungsstelle und hatte Mate dabei. Alles lief pünktlich, ohne Verkaufsdruck. Für einen ganzen Tag mit Landschaft, Bewegung und Gletschererlebnis fanden wir den Preis absolut fair.

Lena Hoffmann
5.0

Deux glaciers, des sentiers tranquilles et une organisation impeccable autour d’El Chaltén

Après une année bien chargée, cette sortie nous a fait un bien fou. Le minibus est venu nous chercher à l’heure devant notre hébergement à El Chaltén, et les horaires annoncés ont été respectés sans stress. Le trajet vers le lac Desierto offrait déjà de magnifiques paysages. À Huemul, le sentier forestier débouche sur une eau turquoise et le glacier. Vespignani impressionne avec ses crevasses bleutées; nous avons pique-niqué près d’un bosquet de ñires. Les retours se sont enchaînés parfaitement. Fatigués, nous sommes rentrés ravis.

Camille Moreau
Price on request

Price on request

September 2027
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