Ice Trek Cagliero: via ferrata and ice hike from El Chaltén

The only glacier trek in El Chaltén. A day that combines Patagonian forest, a section of via ferrata and up to an hour and a half walking with crampons on the Cagliero Glacier, within a private reserve far from the most traveled circuits.

The adventure begins with the transfer to the Los Huemules Reserve, 17 km from the town. The route crosses lenga forests with an unusual perspective of the north face of Fitz Roy, skirts Laguna Diablo and faces the via ferrata which climbs to the Glacier Viewpoint. From there, you reach the Cagliero Bivouac, where the guides hand out the technical equipment before stepping onto the ice. The return crosses a Tibetan bridge.

It's 18 km, 550 meters of elevation gain and about 8 hours of walking: difficulty medium-high.

• Itinerary

  Detailed itinerary of the excursion

  The day begins around 08:00 with pick up at the accommodation and the 17 km transfer to the Los Huemules Reserve, the starting point of the hike.

  Pick up at the accommodation

  08:00 h · 17 km transfer to the Los Huemules Reserve

  Trekking through lenga forests

  North face of Fitz Roy and Laguna Diablo

  Via Ferrata to the Glacier Viewpoint

  1 hr 30 min · the steepest section of the day

  South Cagliero Glacier Viewpoint

  Neumayer, Cagliero and Loma del Diablo hills

  Ice trek with crampons on the glacier

  Up to 1 hour 30 minutes on ice

  Cagliero bivouac and Tibetan bridge

  Hot drink before the descent

  Return to El Chaltén

  Between 5:30 and 6:00 PM

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing point

  What you can't do anywhere else in El Chaltén

  The area is famous for its trails, but none of the classic ones involve walking on ice. To hike on a glacier, you have to go to El Calafate, to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The Cagliero Ice Trek is the exception: the only glacier trek that starts here, and it even includes a via ferrata.

  A private reserve, without crowds

  The activity takes place within the Los Huemules Reserve, a 5,800-hectare private protected area bordering the National Park. Because it is not on public trails, the level of traffic is much lower than at Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torre.

  Three technical activities in one day

  The via ferrata is a vertical route secured with steel cable, harness, and carabiners: no prior climbing experience is required, but you should not be afraid of heights. The ice trek is done with crampons and a guide at all times. And the descent includes crossing a Tibetan bridge. All technical equipment is provided by the operator.

  This is the most demanding excursion in our full-day catalog: 18 km, 550 meters of elevation gain, and technical sections. Time spent on the glacier depends on weather conditions, and the guide may modify the route for safety reasons. The via ferrata is not suitable for people with vertigo.

• Info to keep in mind

  This excursion is booked directly with us, local operators in El Chaltén, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Excursion details

    Duration

    Full day · 8 hours of hiking

    Pick up 08:00 h · return between 17:30 and 18:00 h.

    Distance and elevation difference

    18 km · +550 m

    Uneven terrain, with a section of via ferrata and another on ice.

    Difficulty level

    Medium-high · 8 out of 10

    This is the most demanding excursion in the full-day catalog. It requires good physical condition and no fear of heights.

    Time on the glacier

    Up to 1 hour 30 minutes

    It depends on the weather conditions. Depending on the weather and the group's skill level, an introduction to ice climbing may be added.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    Good physical condition and experience in full-day hikes on uneven terrain are required. The via ferrata is a secured vertical section. It is not suitable for people with vertigo.. Not recommended during pregnancy or for people with heart, knee, or back problems. Please contact us before booking if you have any questions about whether you are eligible.

  • Recommendations

    Sturdy trekking boots with good soles (essential for crampons), layered clothing, a waterproof and windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Technical equipment—crampons, harness, and helmet—is provided by the operator. Bring sufficient food and water: meals are not included.

  • Includes
    • Mountain guide.
    • Round trip transfer from El Chaltén.
    • Entrance to the Los Huemules Reserve.
    • Complete technical equipment: crampons, harness, helmet and other necessary items.
    • Hot drink at the Cagliero Bivouac.
  • Does not include
    • Box lunch, meals and drinks.
    • Personal equipment (boots, technical clothing).
    • Urban use rate of El Chaltén.

    This excursion requires an entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park (not included). We recommend booking your ticket in advance. ventaweb.apn.gob.ar, because connectivity in El Chaltén is limited and disappears on the trails.

  • Climatic conditions
    • Time on the glacier —up to 1 hour 30 minutes— It depends on the weather conditions of the day..
    • The activity may be suspended due to strong winds, storms, or poor ice conditions. The via ferrata is not accessible in heavy rain.
    • The guide may shorten the tour or establish an early return point for safety reasons, without this implying a refund.
    • The introduction to ice climbing is optional and is only done if the weather and the physical level of the group allow it.

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