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The Huemul Circuit

Explore the forgotten corners of Los Glaciares on this adventurous trek taking in the Viento and Huemul Passes and the vast South Patagonian Ice Field. Wild camp at the Bay of Icebergs on the shore of the sparkling Lake Viedma, hike alongside the enormous Viedma Glacier and cross the Túnel River by zipline. This is the complete adventure.

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The Huemul Circuit

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

6 Days

From

$1,365

Location

Los Glaciares

The Huemul Circuit - 6 Days - $1,365

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 Chaltén

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 today. This hike passes through beautiful forests and meadows whilst enjoying amazing views of the impressive Patagonian spires of 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: 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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Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices for the 2023/24 season are:
6 people: USD $1,365 per person
4-5 people: USD $1,555 per person
2-3 people: USD $1,685 per person
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Book now to guarantee your place and price for the 2024-25 season.

We expect the operator’s rates to increase in the coming months, and we guarantee you will not pay more for your trip if you book before then. If the final rate is less than initially quoted to you, the lower rate will be honoured.

Prices for the 2024/25 season are:
6 people: from USD $1,435 per person
4-5 people: from USD $1,635 per person
2-3 people: from USD $1,780 per person

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Please enquire about joining a small group of like-minded travellers on an expedition to reduce the cost.

2024

2025

Start date Price (pp)
March 2024
27-Mar-2024 $1,365* Provisional Date Enquire
April 2024
1-Apr-2024 $1,365 Provisional Date Enquire
15-Apr-2024 $1,365* Provisional Date Enquire
October 2024
8-Oct-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
22-Oct-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
November 2024
5-Nov-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
16-Nov-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
26-Nov-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
December 2024
3-Dec-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
11-Dec-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
24-Dec-2024 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
January 2025
7-Jan-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
17-Jan-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
27-Jan-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
February 2025
4-Feb-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
11-Feb-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
18-Feb-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
25-Feb-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
March 2025
4-Mar-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
11-Mar-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
18-Mar-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
25-Mar-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire
April 2025
8-Apr-2025 $1,435 Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $1,365

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.

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

Questions about this Trip?