Harriet from Swoop recently returned from El Chalten where she checked out the Los Huemules Reserve, a private 5,800 hectare reserve, to the North of Chalten and bordering the Los Glaciares National Park. It was created 15 years ago to preserve the ecology of this area and protect it from development. Experts were brought in to assess the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the park and help develop a reserve that would highlight the beauty of the reserve whilst helping to preserve it.
Some areas have been urbanised, 90 lots have been sold and on 11 of those, houses have been built. Sustainability is very important so water is brought down from Laguna Azul to supply the buildings and a hydro-plant powers them.
A series of trails of different difficulties have been developed so that tourists can do a number of hikes. The rest of the park has been left to grow wild and hopefully the Huemules, foxes, Magellanic woodpeckers, condors and puma will find sanctuary there. Although the trails will not get the spectacular views that you will get from Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre, these hikes are special because of their solitude, exploratory nature, the pristine landscape and diversity of species within the reserve through which they pass.
Here is Harriet’s story of her day spent discovering the reserve…
From our cosy Cabaña at Ricanor…
…we headed to Los Huemules Reserve.
There is an interpretation centre, and the park rangers passionately told us all about the project.
It was a dreich day…
…but we set off into the woods nonetheless…
…heading towards Laguna Verde…
…and crossing a new bridge across the Rio del Diablo…
…up to Laguna Azul…
…with views of Cerro Electrico….
…and a Chilean Flicker!
We carefully stuck to the newly made paths, following the yellow way markers…
…and signs…
…half expecting a Huemul to jump out!
But instead we spot some funky mushrooms…
…and PUFFBALLS!
The mountains cleared for a moment but sadly it didn’t last and tghe rains returned, so we head on home.
In order to reach the Los Huemules Reserve you will need to take a transfer from Chalten, it is a good idea to base yourself near the reserve for a couple of nights in order to thoroughly explore the trails. There are a cabañas, hotels and camping nearby so do let us know what you are looking for and we can check availability for you. This is a great option if you have time in Chalten and want to access some remoter areas without getting completely off the beaten track.
