Harriet from Swoop recently returned from El Chalten where she checked out a short hike that is great for people with half a day free to explore, or for those who do not want something a little easier. You climb for 30 mins to 1 hour through beautiful Lenga Forest to the Lago Huemul and hanging glacier Huemul. Allow 1-2hours for the whole hike.
This mini-hike makes a great day out when combined with a boat ride on Lago del Desierto on which you will get views of Mount Fitzroy from afar and the Vespignani glacier from close up. Alternatively hire a bike, get driven out to Lago del Desiero, complete the hike and get blown/pedal back to Chalten. Please ask for more information about this hike and other activities near Lago del Desierto.
Here Harriet takes you on the mini-hike with her to show you the way…….
First we drove to estancia Lago del Desierto… 
…just 37km from Chalten at the end of the road on the banks of Lago del Desierto.
The Huemul Glacier mini-hike climbs through the Lenga forest, gently at first…
…before becoming steeper…
…where the roots of the Lenga create a staircase for you to climb.
After just 30 minutes we emerged from the forest (although this may take a little longer as we were going quite fast!).
The path then flattened…
…and we reached Lago Huemul.
You can continue climbing the moraine to your right…
…but instead we had a drink…
…and enjoyed the views of the Glacier.
This trailhead is 37km from Chalten so take a transfer from Chalten. There is an entrance fee of ARS$100 to enter the Estancia and climb to Lago Huemul.
