Desert Lake and Vespignani Glacier: navigation and trails

Sail the emerald waters of Desert Lake and hike through a private glacial reserve. A day that combines boat trips and self-guided trails, 37 km from El Chaltén on Route 23.

The boat crosses the lake with views of the Huemul and Creston glaciers to the Vespignani Glacier Reserve. There are four marked trails of varying difficulty that you can explore at your own pace through native forest. The day ends with a rest in the dome before the return. 7 hours in total.

• Itinerary

  Detailed itinerary of the excursion

  The day begins mid-morning with the transfer from El Chaltén to Lago del Desierto, 37 km away via Route 23. The transfer is optional and must be paid for separately.

  Pick up in El Chaltén

  10:45 a.m. · Optional transfer

  Boarding at Desert Lake

  12:45 pm · approximately 30 minutes of sailing

  Views of the Huemul and Crestón glaciers

  From the water, during navigation

  Self-guided trekking in the Vespignani Reserve

  Approximately 2 hours · 4 marked trails

  Rest in the dome

  Farewell chocolate

  Return to El Chaltén

  Approximately 5:30 p.m.

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing point

  A lake with a frontier history

  Lago del Desierto (Desert Lake) is 37 km from El Chaltén, on Route 23. It was the site of the 1965 incident between Argentine gendarmes and Chilean carabineros that ultimately led to the founding of the town twenty years later. Today, it is one of the most photographed landscapes in the area due to the emerald color of its waters. You can read more in our guide to the lake. Desert Lake.

  The Vespignani Glacier Reserve

  It's a private reserve at the northern end of the lake, with four marked trails of varying difficulty through native forest. They are self-guided: there's no guide accompanying you, allowing you to go at your own pace. There's a rest dome with restrooms.

  Who is it for?

  It's a good option if you want to combine sailing with hiking but without the demands of full-day treks, or if you prefer to explore on your own instead of following a guide. If you want to add the Huemul Glacier viewpoint, this is the option. full day with both glaciers.

  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

  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

    Approximately 7 hours

    Pick up 10:45 a.m. · boarding 12:45 p.m. · return 5:30 p.m.

    Difficulty level

    Medium

    The navigation requires nothing; the trails in the reserve are of medium difficulty and self-guided.

    Age

    From 3 years old

    Children aged 0-2 years are free. Children aged 3-11 years receive a reduced rate.

    Mode

    Navigation + self-guided trekking

    There are no guides accompanying the trails. They are marked.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    A moderate level of fitness is required for the reserve's self-guided trails, which are of medium difficulty. Minimum age: 3 years. Children under 3 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Recommendations

    Hiking boots, waterproof jacket and pants, warm clothing, gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack, and packed lunch. There is no food service at the reserve other than the farewell chocolate: bring your own food or hire the optional packed lunch service.

  • Includes
    • Navigation on Desert Lake.
    • Access to the Vespignani Glacier Reserve.
    • Four self-guided marked trails.
    • Access to the rest dome, with a welcome and farewell chocolate.
  • Does not include
    • Guide accompanying you on the trails (they are self-guided).
    • Meals and drinks. Optional packed lunch available for a fee.
    • Transfer from El Chaltén (optional, paid separately).
    • Trail to the Huemul Glacier Viewpoint.
    • Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park. Get your ticket in advance here.

    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
    • The excursion will not be cancelled due to weather conditions.It operates in rain and wind. The trail route may be modified for safety reasons.
    • There is no cell phone signal or Wi-Fi in the reserve, and the dome has no heating: waterproof and warm clothing is not optional.

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