The Huemul Circuit

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén; Trek Briefing

Upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, you'll board a minibus for a scenic 2.5-hour drive across the Patagonian steppe, passing through wind-hewn gorges and taking in the vast views of the glacial Lake Viedma on your way to El Chaltén.

In the evening, you'll meet your guide for a briefing on the itinerary and have the opportunity to ask any questions. If you need any last-minute gear, your guide can recommend rental shops in town.

El Chaltén, known as the 'Argentine capital of trekking,' is the gateway to iconic peaks such as Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, making it a paradise for climbers and trekkers.

Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)

Day 2: 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: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wild camping

Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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
Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)

Day 6: Depart El Chaltén for El Calafate

Today you'll take a transfer back from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport taking approximately 3 hours.