The Huemul Circuit
Trip type
Guided Activity
Trip length
4 Days
From
$1,650
Location
Los Glaciares
The Huemul Circuit - 4 Days - $1,650
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Trek to Laguna Toro; Wild Camping
Day 2: Trek to the Viento Pass; Wild Camping or Hut
Day 3: Trek to the Huemul Pass; Wild Camping
Day 4: Trek to El Chaltén
Start from El Calafate and end at El Calafate
Landmarks visited on The Huemul Circuit
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Trek to Laguna Toro; Wild camping
You'll leave El Chaltén early in the morning as you need to complete a long trek to reach the Laguna Toro wild campsite. This hike passes through beautiful forests and meadows whilst enjoying amazing views of the impressive Patagonian spires of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
The wild campsite is located at the edge of the forest, thus providing good protection from the wind.
Length of hike: 6-7hrs, 16km
Elevation gain/drop: +600m/-400m
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 2: Trek to the Viento Pass; Wild camping or hut
After breakfast you'll break camp and begin the trek towards the day's first challenge: the crossing of the Túnel River via a zipline. Once safely across, you'll begin the uphill trek to the 1400m Viento Pass – a spectacular viewpoint for the Southern Ice Field, the Mariano Moreno range and the Viedma Glacier. The name 'Viento' translates as 'windy' in Spanish, so expect to feel the full force of these notorious gales at the viewpoint.
Once over and onto the western slopes of the mountain, you'll begin your descent towards the Refugio Paso del Viento. This is an ideal location for you to wild camp for the night and there is running water at the door of the hut.
Length of hike: 6-7hrs, 16km
Elevation gain/drop: +800m/-400m
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wild camping or hut
Day 3: Trek to the Huemul Pass; Wild camping
Today you'll follow a trail which takes you alongside the enormous Viedma Glacier that drains into Lake Viedma. You'll always be above the glacier, thus giving you spectacular views along the way. Along this section, you'll also pass by some crystal-clear mountain lakes.
After lunch, the hard work begins as you trek up to the Huemul Pass. After crossing this high point, it's a steep descent for around 90 minutes until you reach your final sleeping place in the mountains at the Bay of Icebergs on the shore of Lake Viedma. Once the camp is set up you can take some time to explore the icebergs along the shoreline.
Length of hike: 9hrs, 18km
Elevation gain/drop: +150m/-800m
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 4: Trek to El Chaltén
After taking in the Patagonian sunrise from the campsite, you'll begin the final day of trekking. The trail is relatively flat and straightforward, through typical Patagonian steppe.
Once you reach the Túnel River, you'll cross it by zipline and pick up your transport to drive you back to El Chaltén.
Length of hike: 6hrs, 15km
Elevation gain/drop: +200m/-200m
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
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What our customers think of The Huemul Circuit
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Prices, Departures and Inclusions
| Start date | Price (pp) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | ||||
| 7-Jan-2025 | $1,650* | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 17-Jan-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 27-Jan-2025 | $1,650* | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| February 2025 | ||||
| 4-Feb-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 11-Feb-2025 | $1,650* | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 18-Feb-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 25-Feb-2025 | $1,650* | Guaranteed Date | Enquire | |
| March 2025 | ||||
| 4-Mar-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 11-Mar-2025 | $1,650* | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 18-Mar-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| 25-Mar-2025 | $1,650* | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
| April 2025 | ||||
| 8-Apr-2025 | $1,650 | Provisional Date | Enquire | |
* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $1,650
Additional Notes
Group size – Six maximum, two minimum.
Note – Trekkers are expected to carry their personal gear, including sleeping bag and sleeping mat, as well as part of the group equipment/meals. Be prepared to carry around 20kg. Porters are available at an extra cost if required, but must be booked in advance.
El Chaltén Hiking Fees - As of November 2024, a new entrance fee for Los Glaciares National Park was introduced for anyone hiking in the El Chaltén area. We and our local operators cannot purchase the entrance fee on your behalf so you will need to buy it in advance (from 4 months before your trip) via an online form. We can offer more guidance once booked but it will be your responsibility to ensure you have paid the required fee.
Includes
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 box lunches, 3 dinners
- Accommodation: 3 nights wild camping
- Bilingual certified mountain guide
- Technical equipment (ropes, harness, etc. for Tyrolean traverse)
- Satellite phone
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Accommodation not indicated in itinerary
- Personal porters: USD $150 per porter per day (includes their meals and insurance)
- Sleeping bag and mat
- 60-65ltr backpack
- Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/tips
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
- Los Glaciares North/El Chaltén - National Park Entrance Fees
