Huemul Circuit Adventure El Chalten
An unforgotable Trekking Experience in El Chalten!
El Chalten
Embark on an unforgettable trekking experience in El Chaltén, Argentina, with the Huemul Circuit, a challenging yet rewarding 4-day adventure through some of Patagonia’s most stunning landscapes. This trek offers panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, vast glaciers, and remote wilderness. Due to its demanding nature, proper preparation is essential.
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Design your ideal travel experience with a local experts
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit El Chalten Mountain Village
- Trek The Huemul Circuit
- Venture into the wild camping experience
- Visit The Viedma Glacier
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field
- Meet travelers from all over the world
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Accommodation in wild camping
- Expert local guides
- Full support from your Travel Agent before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary as a guide to inspire your coustom trip
AT A GLANCE
The Huemul Circuit is one of the most adventurous treks in Patagonia, offering a thrilling mix of alpine landscapes, remote wilderness, and technical challenges. Unlike the more frequented trails around El Chaltén, this circuit takes you through rugged terrain, crossing rivers, glaciers, and mountain passes. Trekkers will experience the sheer force of Patagonian winds, witness the breathtaking ice field from above, and camp in some of the most untouched locations in the region. While physically demanding, the rewards are unparalleled for those prepared to take on the challenge.
All travel ideas are fully customizable, so we make travel proposals adapted to your interests, activities you enjoy, travel dates and destinations you want to visit.
Example Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
El Chalten
Transfer
Private transfer from El Calafate airport to your accommodation in El Chalten
- Welcome to El Chalten
El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s “National Trekking Capital,” is a small town located in Los Glaciares National Park, in the province of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and glacial lakes, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Its main attractions include Mount Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, and the challenging Huemul Circuit. With its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, El Chaltén is a must-visit destination for adventurers
Accommodation in El Chalten
Destino Sur
Destino Sur Hotel & Spa offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern comfortin the heart of El Chaltén, Argentina. Constructed with local cypress, beech wood, and stone, this alpine-style retreat provides a warm and inviting atmosphere…
Day 1: Arrival to El Chalten
The journey begins with arrival at El Calafate Airport, the gateway to the majesty of Patagonia. Your driver will be waiting for you to take you to El Chaltén in a scenic three-hour drive through the Patagonian steppe. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes, offering breathtaking views of turquoise lakes, towering Andean peaks, and, if the weather allows, the first glimpse of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy on the horizon. Upon reaching El Chaltén, you will check in at your accommodation and have free time to explore the charming town, known for its relaxed atmosphere, cozy cafés, craft breweries, and outdoor gear shops. Before embarking on the adventure, it is essential to review equipment and stock up on provisions for the challenging Huemul Circuit. The day ends with a hearty dinner and well-deserved rest, preparing both body and mind for the trekking days ahead.
Day 2: El Chaltén to Laguna Toro (16 km, 6-8 hours)
The trek begins at the Visitors Center in El Chaltén, where trekkers register before heading out. The first section of the trail winds through beautiful lenga forests and open valleys, offering incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. As the trail progresses, hikers will encounter muddy sections, rolling hills, and small river crossings. After a steady ascent, the route descends towards Laguna Toro, a remote glacial lake surrounded by rugged terrain. The campsite here is basic, with access to fresh water from nearby streams. As night falls, trekkers can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere under a star-filled sky.
Day 3: Laguna Toro to Paso del Viento (12 km, 8-10 hours)
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. The day begins with a technical river crossing over the Túnel River, using a zipline (a harness is required). After this adrenaline-filled start, hikers navigate through rocky moraines and glacial terrain before beginning a steep ascent to Paso del Viento. This high-altitude mountain pass provides the first breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest ice masses outside Antarctica. The winds at the pass can be extreme, making proper gear essential. After taking in the stunning scenery, trekkers set up camp in a remote, wind-exposed area with no facilities.
Day 4: Paso del Viento to Bahía de los Témpanos (18 km, 8-10 hours)
After breaking camp, hikers descend from Paso del Viento, navigating steep and rocky terrain with stunning views of the Viedma Glacier below. This day offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes, as the trail skirts along the edge of the glacier, revealing its massive, jagged ice formations. As the trek continues, hikers enter a mix of grasslands and lenga forests, offering some protection from the wind. The final section of the day leads to the Bahía de los Témpanos, a remote bay on Lago Viedma, where massive icebergs occasionally float near the shore. Trekkers set up their final night of camping in a wild, untouched setting with no infrastructure.
Day 5: Bahía de los Témpanos to El Chaltén (15 km, 6-8 hours)
The final day begins with a scenic hike along the Viedma Lake coastline, where you might catch glimpses of floating icebergs. The trail then heads inland, passing through remote valleys and occasional river crossings. As the trek nears its end, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and forests, signaling the approach to El Chaltén. The last stretch involves one final river crossing before reaching town, where a well-earned meal and warm accommodations await. Completing the Huemul Circuit is a significant achievement, rewarding trekkers with an unforgettable Patagonian experience.
The day ends with a drive back to Chalten from Bahia Tunel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you can relax and unwind after a spectacular trekking experience in Patagonia.
Day 6: Optional Activity
Continue your adventure by exploring another trekking trail in El Chalten or take the day off to rest and regain energy for your return flight.
Talk to a local travel specialist
(+54)-9-2966539220
Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Torres del Paine W Trek
What's Your Dream Trip?
We dedicate to design custom trips for people who wish to live a special lifetime experience. As a result our professional team of travel designers and excellent local guides work together to create the best itineraries based on your interests.
How to Customize This Itinerary
You can customize this itinerary adding extra nights in El Chalten to discover its incredible trekking trails.
You can also extend the itinerary by adding some nights in El Calafate to visit the Los Glaciares National Park and its stunning glaciers or spend one night in a typical Patagonian Estancia (Ranch), enjoy demonstrations of equestrian activities, go hiking with your guide, take a horseback ride and taste an exquisite lamb barbecue.
Contact us to help you to design and customize your trip.
All travel ideas are fully customizable. We make travel proposals adapted to your interests, activities you enjoy, travel dates and destinations you want to visit.
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE!
Call us on +54 9 2966 539220 to start planning your perfect trip
Travel ideas and destinations to combine with this trip
Full Buenos Aires
Argentina Northwest & Atacama
HOW WE CREATE YOUR ITINERARY
1
Call us or use the contact form below and tell us about your ideal journey.
2
We will create a detailed itinerary based on your preferences.
3
We work with you to refine the itinerary until it's exactly what you're looking for.
4
Once you arrive at your destination, you will enjoy every experience for as long as you travel with us.
Contact us
Send us some details so we can create your 100% tailor-made trip.
Travel Information
Contact form
Talk to a local travel specialist
(+54)-9-2966539220
Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.
Contact Us
Send us some details so we can create your 100% tailor-made trip.
