How to Visit Huemel Glacier – Patagonia, Argentina

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If you are visiting El Chalten, then don’t miss this half day trip to Lago del Desierto to hike to a viewpoint to see the Huemel Glacier. This post covers everything you need to know about how to visit the Huemel Glacier, including how to get there, what the hike is like and other important things you will need to know.

Overview

This glacier is located just outside of El Chalten on Ruta Provincial 41. The trail to the glacier is located on a private property and therefore, you need to pay a small fee to enter.

• Location – Lago del Desierto
• Time – this really depends on you. The official guidance is around 2 hours
• Distance – 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles out and back
• Difficulty – Classified as moderate but I found it to be easy
• Cost – ARS $5000 (cash only)
• Reservations – no reservation needed

The Hike

Once you get to the parking lot, you will see a little snack kiosk. They have the tickets but you have to pay for it at the restaurant next door. Head over to the restaurant and pay and then bring the receipt over to the kiosk for the ticket. The path to the glacier is next to the kiosk.

The path starts very flat. You first start walking through a wooded area with a gushing stream to your left. The trail then gets rocky and starts climbing gradually. You will find 3 miradors or lookout points. You can do this on the way up or down but definitely don’t miss them!

Most of the actual “climb” is towards the end. It’s steep but the steep bit is very short. There are ropes that help you haul yourself up. I did it in half the average time recommended for the hike.

Once at the top, you can admire the glacier and aqua blue lake. If you are coming during lunch time, bring lunch so that you can enjoy it while admiring the views.

Overall, I really enjoyed this hike and it is one I would classify as low effort but very high reward!

Across the Suspension Bridge

Once back at the car park, cross the rickety suspension bridge to the other side and walk through a wooded area along the lake. Once in the open space, you will be able to see another view of the Huemel Glacier and a nice view of Lago del Desierto in front of you.

Can Kids Do the Hike?

I saw a few kids doing the hike. The ropes are very helpful on the steep section.

Other Activities

There are quite a number of things you can do in this area. One thing to note is that not all activities are offered throughout the year. Click on the links I have provided to learn more about each activities’ operating months and times.

Navigation

There is a 45 minute boat ride that you can book once you get there if you like to cruise on the lake. Note that the tour is not offered on Wednesdays. See HERE for operating times.

Camping

If you like to camp, you can actually stay overnight in this area! The camp site offers a shelter to cook, a bathroom and showers with hot water, stoves and electricity.

You can also use the camp site for a day trip or picnic.

Both of these come at a small cost. Check it out HERE

Kayaking

You can kayak on Lago del Desierto with this tour. It is offered with or without a transfer. The activity takes around 3 hours start to finish. This is a great way to see the Huemul Glacier and a second glacier called Vespignani, from a different viewpoint.

How to Get There

The Huemel Glacier is located near Lago del Desierto about 37 kilometers from the town of El Chalten. There are a few ways to get to the start of the Huemel Glacier as outline below

Self-Drive

If you have a rental car, you could self-drive, however, note that the road is VERY BAD! While I had a rental car, my rental car company advised me not to drive down the road. The road is gravel with tons of potholes and large stones. If you do drive, know how to change a tire in the event you have a flat tire!

Organized Tour

You can book an organized tour from El Chalten that will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the start of the hike. The tour gives you enough free time to easily do the hike.

See HERE for various options you can choose from.

The downside of an organized tour like this is that you have to stick to a schedule.

Private Transfer

I arranged a private transfer the night before and I was SO glad I did it. After my flat tire in Torres del Paine, the year before, driving in those road conditions would have been very stressful.

I got the contact of Javier Burgos randomly and he promptly picked me up at the agreed time. He brought me a little souvenir as a gift! Javier did an excellent job pointing out various places of interest and stopped at multiple places (see more below) along the way. Once there, he gave me ample time for the hike and even showed me how to see another view of the Huemel Glacier. I cannot recommend Javier enough! I had a great round trip with him to the glacier and back! His WhatsApp number is +54 9 2962 40-2412

Also, from a cost perspective, it is more or less the same as an organized tour. If you have more than 1 person, it is definitely the most economical option!

Things to See Along the Way

There are a few things to see along the way. The scenery is truly breathtaking!

From El Chalten, you drive along the De las Vueltas river at the start.

You will also see the north face of Mount Fitz Roy to your left for quite a bit on the way.

Marconi Glacier and the Cagliero Glacier also make an appearance on the way to the Huemel Glacier. You will drive along the Cóndor Lagoon for a few meters and it’s worth slowing down for a bit. My favorite was the Salto Del Anillo, a tall and skinny waterfall that is literally on the side of the road . I also saw many pristine streams along the way! Overall, this area was so remote but so beautiful!

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