Viedma Adventure: sailing and trekking in front of Argentina's largest glacier

Sail across Lake Viedma to the front of the glacier, with a short walk in between. It is the most accessible excursion in El Chaltén: half a day, no physical demands and suitable for all ages.

The excursion departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from the town, and sails for about 40 minutes with views of the Huemul Massif to Cabo de Hornos Bay. There, passengers disembark for an easy trek to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay. The journey then resumes, approaching the front of the... Viedma Glacier, the largest in the country. It includes snack on board.

• Itinerary

  Detailed itinerary of the excursion

  The excursion begins at Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from El Chaltén, with a check-in time of 10:30 am. Transfer from town is optional.

  Presentation at Puerto Bahía Túnel

  10:30 a.m. · 18 km from El Chaltén

  Departure and navigation on Lake Viedma

  11:00 a.m. · 40 minutes with views of the Huemul Massif

  Trekking on the Cape Horn Peninsula

  Easy walk to the panoramic viewpoint

  Iceberg Bay Lookout

  The postcard of the journey

  Close-up of the Viedma Glacier front

  Sighting from the boat

  Disembarkation at Port Bahía Túnel

  2:30 p.m.

  Included in the tour

  Meeting and closing point

  The largest glacier in Argentina

  The Viedma Glacier has a larger surface area than the Perito Moreno Glacier, although it is considerably less well-known. It descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field to Lake Viedma, within the Los Glaciares National Park. Navigation allows you to approach its front and assess its size from the water.

  Sailing, short hike and sightseeing

  The tour departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel and sails for about 40 minutes close to the coast, offering views of the Huemul Massif. At Bahía Cabo de Hornos, passengers disembark for an easy hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Icebergs. Afterward, they re-embark for a closer approach to the glacier's face.

  The rest day between treks

  This is the excursion we recommend sandwiching between two more challenging hikes. It takes half a day, requires no physical fitness, and allows you to explore a section of the park inaccessible on foot. It's also the best option if you're traveling with children or seniors.

  The activity is subject to weather and operational conditions. Strong winds may create waves on Lake Viedma and force the cancellation of the trip. Transfer from El Chaltén to the port is optional and must be paid for separately.

• 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 4 hours

    Check-in 10:30 a.m. · Departure 11:00 a.m. · Disembarkation 2:30 p.m. Daily departures.

    Difficulty level

    Easy

    The boat trip is very easy and the hike is low difficulty. It's the most accessible excursion in the catalog.

    Age

    No minimum limit

    Children from 0 years old can participate. Children aged 0 to 2 years are free; children aged 3 to 12 years have a reduced rate.

    Starting point

    Port Bay Tunnel

    18 km from El Chaltén. Transfer from town is optional and must be paid separately.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    Suitable for all ages and with no fitness requirements. The trek on the Cape Horn Peninsula is short and easy, over natural terrain. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Recommendations

    Comfortable hiking boots, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential. On the deck of the ship and facing the glacier, the wind is strong and the wind chill makes it feel much lower, even in the middle of summer.

  • Includes
    • Navigation on Lake Viedma with a close approach to the glacier's face.
    • Easy guided trekking on the Cape Horn Peninsula.
    • Snack on board.
    • Onboard services: restrooms, bar and cafeteria.
  • Does not include
    • Transfer from El Chaltén to Puerto Bahía Túnel (optional, paid separately).
    • Additional meals and drinks.
    • Urban use rate of El Chaltén.
    • 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 departure may be suspended due to strong winds that generate waves on Lake Viedma. It is the most frequent cause of cancellation.
    • When it is suspended, it is rescheduled depending on availability or the amount is refunded.
    • The approach to the glacier's face depends on navigation conditions and the presence of icebergs: the final distance is decided by the captain.

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