This four-day circuit will take you through a stunning variety of landscapes, from lush forests and high-altitude meadows to glaciers and moraines. You’ll ascend to 1,550 metres above sea level to take in the vastness of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, on a challenging journey—perfect for those seeking a truly unique experience in this untamed region of Patagonia.
The route begins in El Chaltén.
You will enter the Río Túnel Valley after passing through forests and highland meadows, enjoying distant views of the turquoise waters of Lago Viedma.
You’ll reach Laguna Toro, where you will set up camp for the first night.
– Distance: 15 km
– Walking time: 7 hrs
– Elevation: 250m gain
On the second day, you will cross a river and walk on a glacier.
In the morning, you will begin your ascent towards Paso del Viento, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the source of the Viedma Glacier, and Cerro Mariano Moreno.
After lunch, taking photos, and regaining energy, you will continue along the trail to Refugio Paso del Viento, where you will set up camp for the second night.
– Distance: 12 km
– Walking time: 7–8 hrs
– Elevation: 900m gain
On the third day, you will hike around Cerro Huemul. The trail begins with a gentle, flat section, offering stunning views that contrast with those of the previous days.
You will then cross Paso Huemul before descending a steep slope to Bahía de los Témpanos, where you can admire massive icebergs that have calved from the Viedma Glacier. Here, you will set up camp for the final night.
– Distance: 18 km
– Walking time: 6–7 hrs
– Elevation: 700m gain
On the final day of trekking, you will hike alongside the vast Viedma Lake, which will accompany you along the route.
The trail is mostly flat, passing through the Patagonian steppe and featuring a zip-line crossing over the Túnel River. Upon reaching the port at Bahía Túnel, a transfer will be waiting to take you back to El Chaltén.
– Distance: 18 km
– Walking time: 6 hrs
– Elevation: 50m drop
