On this 4-day expedition-style Huemul Circuit Trek we will traverse ~70kms to experience the full range of landscapes on this Argentina trekking holiday in Patagonia.
Duration
PriceThe Huemul Circuit Trek is an adventure for those looking to challenge themselves as we camp wild, zipline across rivers, hike across glacial moraines, and ascend 2 mountain passes during the journey.
But the rewards are worth all the effort! There are few places where you can gain an unobstructed view over the vast South Patagonia Icefield (the 3rd-largest icecap in the world) and hike all the way along an enormous glacier to where it ultimately collapses into its lake.
Keep reading for the daily itinerary for this Argentina trekking holiday in Patagonia and contact us for more information.
Attractions/Highlights:
-Explore the valley of the Río Túnel and hike upon the Túnel glacier
-Climb to the infamous Paso del Viento (Windy Pass) and see the immensity of the South Patagonian Icefield (the 3rd largest ice mass in the world) stretched out before you
-Hike all the way along the enormous Viedma Glacier from the Icefield to where it disintegrates into Lake Viedma
-Experience the wild beauty of the high mountains of Patagonia
Argentina trekking holiday in Patagonia: Itinerary
-Day 1 - El Chaltén - Laguna Toro
Our first day of the Huemul Circuit Trek sees us hiking along ~16km of undulating trails towards our first wild camp at Laguna Toro. Along the way, we will pass through forests of ñires and Lenga trees and a wide valley of glacial origin that leads us to our destination. There are spectacular views of the Fitz Roy, Torre and Solo mountains for much of the route.
Distance: 16km +600 / -400
Duration: 6/7 hours
Physical Intensity: Moderate
Included: A night of wild camping, lunch box and dinner
-Day 2 - Zipline over the Río Túnel and the Paso del Viento
Our second day of this Argentina trekking holiday in Patagonia is much more challenging but comes with a stunning reward.
We begin by hiking around Laguna Toro to a zipline set up over the raging Río Túnel. Once we are all safely across, we begin our ascent to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in this part of Patagonia. Our route takes us between huge glacial moraines, across the Lower Túnel Glacier, and through a landscape of stones and stunted vegetation towards the infamous Paso del Viento. We will likely be walking into the wind for which the pass is named, adding to the challenge of the hike.
However, once we reach the pass at 1400m, all the difficulties will be forgotten as you take in the unparalleled view of the immense South Patagonian Icefield, the Mariano Moreno mountain range on the other side of the ice, and the enormous Viedma Glacier. Here we will spend as much time as weather allows - taking photos, enjoying the view, and (if it is not too windy) resting and having something to eat - before descending to our next camp beside the lagoon near the small Paso del Viento hut.
Distance: 16km +800 / -400
Duration: 8 hours
Physical Intensity: Moderate
Included: A night of wild camping, breakfast, lunch box and dinner
-Day 3 - Viedma Glacier, Paso Huemul and Viedma lake
After breakfast, we break camp and continue our Huemul Circuit Trek by re-gaining altitude. This affords us incredible views of the enormous Viedma Glacier that spills down off the South Patagonia Icefield and drains into Lake Viedma. We will spend much of the day hiking through the mountains following this immense river of ice.
The Huemul Pass is the last significant climb of our 4-day expedition. Once we crest the top, we say goodbye to the icefield and start a very steep descent towards our next campsite at the Bay of Icebergs on the shores of the lake. It is a beautiful and protected spot where (as the name suggests) you can explore the multitude of icebergs that are often stranded along the shoreline here.
Distance: 18km +150 / -800
Duration: 9 hours
Physical Intensity: Moderate to Intense
Included: A night of wild camping, breakfast, lunch box and dinner
-Day 4 - Bay of Icebergs - Bahía Túnel, return to El Chaltén
After enjoying sunrise and breakfast only meters from the lake (and hopefully several icebergs), we will set off on the last leg of our journey. Today is pure enjoyment. The trail is straightforward, relatively flat, and passes through a landscape and vegetation that is typical of the Patagonian steppe.
The zipline over the Lower Túnel River is the last obstacle that stands between us and the comfort of El Chaltén, but our vehicle will be waiting for us on the other side to take us back to town.
Distance: 15km +200 / -200
Duration: 6 hours
Physical Intensity: Easy
Included: Breakfast, and lunch box
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