Desert Lake with Huemul Glacier and Vespignani: full day

Two glaciers, a boat trip and several hours of hiking, at your own pace. It's the extended version of Lago del Desierto: it leaves earlier and adds the Huemul Glacier viewpoint or the coastal walk with a view of Fitz Roy.

The day combines sailing through the emerald waters of Desert Lake, With views of the Huemul and Crestón glaciers, a three-hour trek in the Vespignani Glacier Reserve and two optional hours to the Huemul Glacier viewpoint or along the lake shore. The trails are self-guided and marked. They are between 8 and 9.5 hours in total.

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Space for this experience is limited and sells out quickly in high season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiries channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details for you to live the experience in an organized and safe way.

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  • Itinerary

    Detailed itinerary of the excursion

    The day starts early with the transfer from El Chaltén to Lago del Desierto, 37 km away on Route 23. The transfer is optional and must be paid for separately.

    Pick up in El Chaltén

    08:00 h · Optional transfer

    Boarding and navigation

    09:45 h · about 20 minutes across Desert Lake

    Trekking in the Vespignani Glacier Reserve

    Approximately 3 hours on marked trails

    Huemul Glacier viewpoint or lake shore

    2 optional hours · Views of Fitz Roy from the coast

    Return navigation

    Views of the Huemul and Crestón glaciers

    Return to El Chaltén

    Approximately 5:30 p.m.

    Included in the tour
    Meeting and closing point

    Two glaciers in one day

    The difference with the short version This is the available time. With a departure at 8:00 AM, there is ample time to explore the Vespignani Reserve at a leisurely pace and also hike the trail to the Huemul Glacier viewpoint, at the southern tip of the lake, or take a walk along the shore.

    Fitz Roy from another angle

    The coastal walk of Desert Lake offers a view of Fitz Roy Massif It's different from the view from the classic trails: more distant and with the lake in between. It's one of the least-visited views in the area.

    At your own pace, without a guide

    All the trails are self-guided. There's no guide accompanying you: they're marked, and you choose which ones to do and how much time to spend on each. It's the preferred option for those who don't want to be tied to the pace of a group.

    The trails within the Vespignani Glacier Reserve and the Huemul Glacier Viewpoint are self-guidedThe trails are signposted, but there is no guide accompanying the tour. There is no cell phone signal or Wi-Fi in the area. The rest dome has restrooms but no heating.

  • Info to keep in mind
Reserve

Full day at Lago del Desierto: boating, Vespignani Reserve and the Huemul Glacier viewpoint, at your own pace.

Book your spot and discover the two glaciers of Lago del Desierto

  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What's the difference with the short option?
    • Is the trek guided?
    • Is it mandatory to do both trails?
    • Is it cancelled if it rains?
    • Is there anywhere to eat or cell phone service?

Similar excursions that might interest you

See Terms and Conditions

Which one to choose? Compare the boat trips to El Chaltén

Three ways to experience the park's glaciers without strenuous hikes

Desert Lake + Huemul Desert Lake + Vespignani Viedma Adventure
Total duration 8 to 9.5 h 7 h 4 h
Destination Vespignani + Huemul Vespignani Reserve Viedma Glacier
Difficulty
Intermedia
Medium
Easy
Age From 3 years old From 3 years old No minimum limit
What do you see? Two glaciers and views of Fitz Roy Huemul and Crestón glaciers from the water Glacier front and Iceberg Bay
Ideal profile Full day with more walking Browse and walk at your own pace Day off or with kids
Transfer Optional Optional Optional to the port
Price from Check availability Check availability $145,000 ARS

Which one suits you best?

If you want to combine sailing with walking at your own pace → I chose Desert Lake with Vespignani Glacier. Four self-guided and signposted trails within the reserve.
If you have the whole day and want to see two glaciers → I chose Desert Lake with Huemul and Vespignani. Add the trail to the Huemul Glacier viewpoint.
If you want to see a glacier front without walking → I chose Viedma Adventure. Half day, easy, with a boat trip to the ice wall.

Enhance your trip

It's a full day but moderately demanding. These combine well on other days:

🏔 Laguna de los TresThe iconic trek: the Fitz Roy viewpoint in a full day.View excursion →🚢 Viedma AdventureHalf a day without exertion: the front of the largest glacier in the country.View excursion →🚿 Laguna TorreIcebergs in front of Cerro Torre, without the final ascent of Laguna de los Tres.View excursion →

Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in El Chaltén available in our catalog.

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.

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