An unforgettable trek. A four day cirucit to enjoy a trek that encompasses lots of different environments and varied landscapes. We walk through mature forests, across high altitude meadows, over glaciers and moraines; to appreciate the immensity of the Continental Ice Field and its frozen world. We will see the source of the Viedma Glacier and be astonished at the size of Lake Viedma. A challenging trek for those who want to live a different experience in this corner of wild Patagonia.
Start the trek from El Chaltén towards Toro lagoon, walking gently uphill. After walking through forest and out in the open and enjoying views of Lake Viedma we finally arrive into the Toro Valley.
After crossing some small bridges made out of old tree trunks and walking in a young lenga forest we arrive at our camp: Toro lagoon.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 7 hs.
– Height gain: 250 m.
After breakfast and taking down camp we set off for Paso del Viento with an elevation gain of 900m.
The interesting part of this stretch is the variety of terrains crossed; pastures, stony areas, moraines and the Lower Túnel Glacier.
This day will be crossing a river (through a zip line or wading – upon decision of the guide), and we will also walk on a glacier.
After all the hard work and effort we arrive at the Paso del Viento, we can appreciate a great view of part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the source of Viedma Glacier and Mount Mariano Moreno, amongst others.
After enjoying lunch, taking millions of photos and getting our energy back we start the descent to the Paso del Viento Refuge. Camp is set up around the refuge itself.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 12 Km.
– Walking: 7/8 hs.
– Height gain: 900 m.
After breakfast today we continue our trek circling Mount Huemul. The path climbs quite gently and allows us to enjoy fascinating views, very different to what we have seen so far.
Crossing a few small streams we start the climb up to Paso Huemul. From here, we again, get breathtaking views of the landscape below us: Glacier and Lake Viedma.
In a protected spot we’ll enjoy our packed lunch before starting down the very steep path to Bahía Cabo de Hornos on Lake Viedma.
This will be our final camp for the trek. After setting up camp and before dinner we can head towards the lakeside and admire the icebergs: some of the humongous blocks of ice that have fallen off the front of Viedma Glacier.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 18 Km.
– Walking: 6/7 hs.
Today we start the final trek across part of the steppe towards Bahía Túnel, with Glacier Viedma behind us and the lake we are now familiar with: Viedma on our right (east).
The path is undulating, no big effort is needed. We cross over various streams and a zip line through Río Túnel. When we arrive at Puerto de Bahía Túnel there will be a vehicle waiting for us to take us back to El Chaltén. We have made it!
– Meals: Breakfast and pack lunch.
– Distance: 18 Km.
– Walking: 7 hs.
– Height gain: 50 m.
