Trekking to the Vespignani Glacier and sailing on Desert Lake

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

Explore the Vespignani Glacier Reserve with trekking and sailing in El Chaltén

Discover one of Patagonia's most breathtaking landscapes with this excursion to the Vespignani Glacier, nestled in the natural surroundings of Lago del Desierto. Combine a scenic boat trip through mountains and glaciers with four hours to explore the reserve's trails and enjoy spectacular views of the glacier and the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.

Featured

  • Scenic boat trip on Desert Lake.
  • Sighting of the Huemul and Crestón glaciers during the lake tour.
  • Four free hours to explore the Vespignani Glacier Reserve.
  • Different trails and viewpoints overlooking the Vespignani Glacier.
  • Unique landscapes of Andean forests, mountains and glaciers.
  • Free time to explore the Punta Sur area before returning to El Chaltén.
10 hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Starting at 7:30 AM for hotels and accommodations in El Chaltén
Starting at 5:30 PM for hotels and accommodations in El Chaltén

About this tour

Trekking to the Vespignani Glacier: Navigation and Adventure in Patagonia

We invite you to experience a day of nature and adventure in one of the most extraordinary corners of Patagonia: the Lago del Desierto and the Vespignani Glacier Reserve, near El Chaltén.

The excursion begins at our meeting point in El Chaltén, from where we will 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 will learn more about the history and natural features of the area, while making several stops at scenic viewpoints to enjoy the Andean landscape.

Upon arrival at the Punta Sur Pier, we will board a boat for an approximately 30-minute boat trip across Lago del Desierto (Desert Lake). During the journey, we will be able to admire the impressive mountain landscapes and see the Huemul and Crestón glaciers, until we reach the central part of the lake, where the Vespignani Glacier Reserve is located.

Once at the reserve, we will have four hours to explore its trails and viewpoints, under the supervision of an activity leader who will be in charge of our safety. We can choose from different routes according to our physical condition and the level of challenge we wish to face:

  • Sendero Verde : an easy, flat, 800-meter interpretive trail. It crosses a wooded area and leads to 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 alternative, with a 200-meter elevation gain and a 2-km route. It leads to the foot of the glacier and offers a panoramic view of the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.
  • Blue Trail – Doctor's Lookout: the most demanding route in the reserve, with a 535-meter elevation gain and a length of 3 km. It ascends to a natural balcony offering breathtaking views of the glacier in all its immensity and the imposing north face of Fitz Roy. This trail requires the mandatory hiring of a high-mountain guide and cannot be self-guided.

During our stay at the reserve, we will also have the opportunity to rest and enjoy a snack accompanied by hot chocolate in the dome, before starting our return journey.

Next, we'll re-embark and sail to Punta Sur Pier. Once there, you'll have an hour of free time to explore the lake's surroundings and enjoy the natural environment before beginning the land transfer back to El Chaltén.

An ideal experience for those looking to combine trekking, sailing and glacial landscapes, discovering different perspectives of the Vespignani Glacier and the majestic Mount Fitz Roy in a full day of Patagonian adventure.

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What's included

  • Round trip transfer from El Chaltén to Lago del Desierto
  • Navigation on Desert Lake
  • 4-hour activity in the Vespignani Glacier area
  • Refreshments in the reserve dome

Not included

  • Food and drinks.
  • Personal expenses.

Depending on the trail, it may present low, intermediate or advanced difficulties

Rates 2026-2027

Trekking To The Vespignani Glacier With Transfers

per person From EUR 159

Group Service. Includes transfers, boat trip on Desert Lake, refreshments at the reserve dome, and free time in the Vespignani Glacier area.

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

Frequently asked questions

Vespignani Glacier Trekking is a nature and hiking experience in the El Chaltén area, with access to the glacier surroundings and a walking route defined by the selected itinerary. Inclusions may vary depending on the tour option, operator, and date. Some departures may include transportation, navigation, a guide, or assistance during the activity, while other services can be arranged separately. Meals, technical equipment, and additional expenses should not be considered included unless they are clearly listed in the tour description. Before booking, check the inclusions, exclusions, and reservation conditions shown on Tangol’s service page. This is the best way to confirm what your specific Trekking Glaciar Vespignani reservation covers.

The duration of Vespignani Glacier Trekking depends on the itinerary, access method, trail conditions, and the group’s pace. For that reason, you should not assume that every departure has the same schedule or length. The excursion may take a substantial part of the day and may require additional time for transfers or activities planned before and after the hike. Departure, return, and meeting times are normally confirmed when you choose the date, and they may change because of weather, navigation, or local operating conditions. Check the Tangol service page and your booking confirmation for the exact program, estimated duration, meeting instructions, and any punctuality requirements.

Vespignani Glacier Trekking is intended for travelers who enjoy mountain walks and can maintain physical activity for several hours. The actual difficulty depends on the selected route, elevation gain, terrain, and weather, so read the requirements listed for your chosen date carefully. Do not book without checking first if you have injuries, mobility limitations, chronic medical conditions, pregnancy, or any other situation that could be affected by exertion or mountain conditions. Children may be subject to a minimum age requirement. If you are unsure about your fitness level, ask the operator before confirming. Tangol’s service information should be used as the reference for restrictions, requirements, and suitability.

For Vespignani Glacier Trekking, pack layered clothing, a waterproof outer layer, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, protection from rain and wind, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack. It is also advisable to bring water and food if they are not included, as well as any personal medication. Conditions in El Chaltén can change quickly, even during the busiest trekking season, so prepare for cold, wind, and moisture. The best time depends on current operations and weather conditions. Travelers often choose the trekking season, but favorable weather is never guaranteed. Check Tangol’s current recommendations, operating calendar, and the service inclusions before departure.

You can book Vespignani Glacier Trekking in El Chaltén by selecting the available date and number of travelers on Tangol’s page and completing the requested information. The confirmation, schedule, meeting point, and operational instructions depend on the option selected and are normally sent with the booking. The meeting location may be a point specified by the operator, a pier, an accommodation, or another agreed location, so do not assume it without checking your confirmation. Cancellation, change, and refund policies vary according to the fare, notice period, and weather conditions. Review these terms before payment and contact Tangol if you need help with your reservation.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

Glaciar Vespignani: atención clara, senderos tranquilos y una jornada muy bien organizada

Reservar con Tangol fue sencillo: nos respondieron por WhatsApp el mismo día y aclararon qué ropa llevar, además de confirmar el punto de encuentro y el horario del traslado. El trekking al glaciar Vespignani estuvo bien organizado: salimos temprano desde El Chaltén, el guía marcó un ritmo tranquilo para nosotros y hubo tiempo para almorzar frente al hielo. Nos gustó que dividieran el grupo según dificultad; elegimos el sendero intermedio. Volvimos cansados, pero felices y sin apuros.

Marta y Ricardo
5.0

Tea, Ice Cracks, and New Friends at Vespignani

Vespignani Glacier Trek felt wonderfully relaxed from the start. Our small group quickly became friendly, sharing snacks and taking turns with photos along the trail. The guide kept the pace comfortable and pointed out fresh condor tracks near the lenga trees. At the glacier, we had hot tea from a thermos while the ice cracked in the distance. For the price, the organization and scenery were impressive—peaceful, memorable, and genuinely worth it.

Emily Carter
5.0

Geleira Vespignani: logística impecável e ótimo custo-benefício

Para nossa primeira viagem internacional em família, a trilha da geleira Vespignani entregou muito pelo valor. O traslado saiu do hotel às 7h05, exatamente como informado, e o barco chegou no horário. A equipe explicou tudo com clareza, ajudou minha mãe no trecho inclinado e sobrou tempo para fotos no mirante. O lanche foi simples, mas suficiente; pelo conjunto, valeu muito.

Mariana Oliveira
5.0

Vom Lago del Desierto direkt aufs Gletschereis

Nach meinen Geschäftsterminen in Argentinien habe ich mir im Sommer diese Tour gegönnt – und sie war mein Reisehöhepunkt. Unser Guide Martín kannte jedes Detail der Gegend: Er erklärte uns nicht nur Gletscherbewegungen, sondern zeigte auch eine versteckte Aussicht auf den Vespignani und frische Huemul-Spuren. Der Tag war abwechslungsreich: Bootsfahrt über den Lago del Desierto, Wanderung durch den Wald, Gletscher-Trekking mit Steigeisen und eine entspannte Pause mit Mate. Martín passte das Tempo perfekt an und erzählte herrlich lebendig. Ein großartiges Abenteuer!

Lukas Schneider
5.0

Du bateau aux glaces bleues, notre belle journée familiale au glacier Vespignani

Pour notre premier voyage international en famille, cette sortie au glacier Vespignani a été le grand numéro du séjour. Le bateau sur le Lago Argentino offre déjà des vues incroyables, puis la marche facile entre les lengas mène face à une paroi de glace bleu électrique. Notre guide a même repéré un condor pendant la pause café — nous, on a failli lui proposer un biscuit ! Pour le prix, l’organisation, le transport et l’équipement fourni, le rapport qualité-prix est franchement excellent. Les vues sur les montagnes et les icebergs valent largement la journée. À faire sans hésiter.

Monique et Jean-Pierre

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