Boat trips from El Chaltén: Viedma Glacier and Desert Lake
Glacier viewing excursions without walking all day
Not everything in El Chaltén is 20 kilometers of trail. There are three excursions that reach the ice by water and require little or no physical exertion: the navigation to the Viedma Glacier, he Desert Lake with the Vespignani Glacier and his Full-day version with the Huemul Glacier. They are the alternative for those traveling with children, with little time or with tired legs.
Viedma Adventure — sailing to the Viedma Glacier
Navigation on Lake Viedma, short trekking on the Cape Horn Peninsula and approach to the front of the largest glacier in Argentina.
Desert Lake + Huemul Glacier
Transfer to Lago del Desierto and two-hour self-guided trek to the Huemul Glacier viewpoint, overlooking the glacier and its lagoon.
Desert Lake + Vespignani Glacier
Navigation across Desert Lake to the Vespignani Glacier Reserve, with two hours of self-guided trails in front of the glacier and views of Fitz Roy.
Two different places, not the same excursion
It is important not to confuse them, because they are in opposite directions and are different landscapes.
The Viedma Glacier It's located in the south, on Lake Viedma, and is the largest glacier in Argentina. The trip departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel and goes all the way to the ice front, with a short hike along the way on the Cape Horn Peninsula.
The Desert Lake It lies to the north, 37 kilometers from the town along the Río de las Vueltas. It's a narrow valley with a much wetter and denser forest, featuring hanging glaciers that descend to the water. There, excursions combine boat trips with self-guided trails within a private reserve.
The three, compared
| Viedma Glacier | Desert Lake + Vespignani | Desert Lake + Huemul | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Half day | Full day | Full day, early departure |
| Physical exertion | None | Baja: self-guided trails | Low to medium: more hours on the trail |
| Age | All | General public | General public |
| What do you see? | Front of the largest glacier in Argentina | Huemul and Crestón glaciers from the water, tongue of Vespignani | The above plus the Huemul Glacier viewpoint |
| Where | Lake Viedma, to the south | Desert Lake, 37 km north | Desert Lake, 37 km north |
| Ideal profile | Little time, with children or without walking | A full day without any pressure | Walk at your own pace without a guided trek |
| Price from | $175,000 ARS | Check availability | Check availability |
Which one to choose?
Viedma Adventure: the most accessible
A half-day excursion, easy to do and suitable for all ages. We depart from Puerto Bahía Túnel, sail across Lake Viedma among icebergs, and take a short walk along the Cabo de Hornos Peninsula before approaching the glacier's face. This is the best excursion when there are children or elderly people in the group, or when there's a spare half-day in the itinerary.
Desert Lake with Vespignani Glacier: boat and trails
Pick up in town, boat trip with views of the Huemul and Crestón glaciers, and about two hours of self-guided hiking within the Vespignani Glacier Reserve. There are three routes of varying difficulty, including one of 800 meters flat, suitable for anyone, So everyone chooses how much they walk. It ends with a break in the dome before the return trip.
Desert Lake with Huemul Glacier: the full-day version
Same base but with an earlier start and more hours on the trail: add the Huemul Glacier Viewpoint, which overlooks the hanging glacier and the lagoon that formed at its feet, or the walk along the lake shore overlooking the Fitz Roy. It's the option for those who want to walk a lot but at their own pace, without the structure of a guided trekking.
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What to bring
- Waterproof and windproof jacket: The wind hits differently on deck than on land.
- Layered clothing: It's much colder on the water and in front of the ice than in the village.
- Closed and comfortable shoes: There are short walks along an uneven path.
- Hat and gloves: even in the middle of summer.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The reflection of the water and ice is strong even when it is cloudy.
When to go
The season is about October to mid-April. At Lago del Desierto, being in a narrow valley, it rains more than in El Chaltén and the forest is more humid: it is advisable to bring a raincoat even if it is clear in the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest excursion in El Chaltén?
The navigation to the Viedma GlacierHalf-day activity, no physical exertion required and suitable for all ages. The included walk is short and mostly optional.
Are the Viedma Glacier and the Desert Lake the same thing?
No. The Viedma Glacier is to the south, on Lake Viedma, and is the largest glacier in Argentina. Desert Lake It is 37 kilometers north of the town, it is a valley of humid forest with hanging glaciers, and there the excursion combines navigation with self-guided trails.
Do you have to walk on the Desert Lake cruises?
The trails in the Vespignani Reserve are self-guided and vary in difficulty: one leads to the foot of the glacier, another to a viewpoint, and a third is an 800-meter flat trail suitable for everyone. Each person chooses how much they want to walk within the two hours available.
Are they cancelled due to bad weather?
Yes, sailing trips depend on the wind and can be canceled with little notice. Therefore, we recommend not scheduling them for the last day of your trip: if one is canceled, there will be time to reschedule.