Huemul Circuit Trek
Hiking

Huemul Circuit Trek

The Huemul Circuit Trek in El Chaltén is considered one of the most demanding hiking routes in Argentina, known for its remote terrain, strong winds, and technical sections. Unlike popular trails, this circuit offers a true expedition-style experience in Patagonia.

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    Patagonia Off the Beaten Path

    Huemul Circuit Trek, El Chaltén

    A demanding circuit around Monte Huemul with unmatched views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

    Active, Guided

    Adventure Style

    Demanding – Challenging

    Difficulty

    4 Days

    Duration

    Huemul Circuit, Ice Fields, Passes & True Patagonia

    This trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking to go beyond the standard routes in El Chaltén. With full support, technical gear, and guided expertise, it offers a safe way to explore one of Patagonia’s most remote and rewarding circuits.

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    Itinerary Overview

    The Huemul Circuit is a true backcountry expedition in Los Glaciares National Park, designed for experienced hikers seeking a deeper connection with Patagonia. Starting from El Chaltén, this 4-day trek circles Monte Huemul through remote valleys, lenga forests, and exposed mountain passes, far from the more traveled trails.

    Along the way, you will navigate river crossings, glacial terrain, and steep ascents to Paso del Viento and Paso Huemul—two key points offering some of the most expansive views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and Viedma Glacier. Nights are spent camping in isolated locations, fully immersed in the landscape.


    In the morning, you will meet up with your guide in order to divide up the camping materials between the members of your group. Afterwards, you will depart El Chalten by foot en route to the trailhead for the trek! After finding the trailhead, you will start walking uphill through a large open area known as La Pampa de Las Carretas. Eventually, after walking through a forest, the trail will open up to stunning views of Lake Viedma. Finally, you will reach Toro Valley. From the valley, you will be able to see the hanging glacier on Monte Huemul, which is the mountain that you will circumnavigate over the next 4 days. After crossing a few small bridges and a river, you will walk through a young lenga forest arriving at Toro Lagoon. Here, you will spend the night!

    Hike: El Chalten – Laguna Toro
    Total Distance: 15 kilometers / 9.3 miles
    Average Time: 7 hours
    Elevation Gain: 250 meters / 820 feet

    Following an energizing breakfast, you will pack up and head out for a very adventurous day! After about 40 minutes of walking, you will reach Túnel River, which you will either cross on foot or via a zipline. The method of crossing will be dependent on weather conditions and water levels. The rest of the day will include a variety of terrains such as pastures, stony areas, moraines, and the lower part of Túnel Glacier. Following the crossing of the glacier, you will begin a long and steady upward ascent to El Paso del Viento. From here, you will be able to appreciate some of the most impressive views accessible by foot of the region’s Southern Ice Field. Following a well-deserved lunch, you will begin descending to Refugio Paso del Viento. This is where you will set up camp for the night.

    Hike: Laguna Toro – Refugio Paso del Viento
    Total Distance: 12 kilometers / 7 miles
    Average Time: 7-8 hours
    Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 2,953 feet

    Following breakfast, you will pack up and get ready to be trekking once again! You will walk along a gently ascending path all the while hopping over a few small streams en route to Paso Huemul. From the top, you will experience breathtaking views of Viedma Glacier and Lake Viedma. Viedma Glacier is the largest glacier in Argentina as well as the largest glacier on the eastern side of the region’s Continental Ice Field. You will enjoy lunch in a sheltered spot before walking down a very steep and rocky path to Bahía Cabo de Hornos, which is at the foot of Lake Viedma. This is where the last campsite of the trek will be! Due to the location of the campsite, you will have the opportunity to admire some of the massive icebergs carved out by the glacier!

    Hike: Refugio Paso del Viento – Paso Huemul – Lago Viedma
    Total Distance: 18 kilometers / 11.2 miles 
    Average Time: 6-7 hours

    Today, you will trek across part of the steppe towards Bahía Túnel! You will be walking away from Viedma Glacier alongside Lake Viedma. The trail is undulating and mostly flat. You will cross over various steams and rivers. There will be a vehicle waiting at Puerto da Bahía Túnel to take you back to El Chalten!

    Hike: Lago Viedma – Bahía Túnel
    Total Distance: 18 kilometers / 11.2 miles
    Average Time: 7 hours 
    Elevation Gain: 50 meters / 164 feet

    What’s Included

    • Professional certified mountain trekking guide
    • 3 Nights of wild camping in Los Glaciares National Park area
    • High-quality tents and camp cooking equipment
    • Technical safety gear for zip-line river crossings and glacier passes (harness, carabiners, ropes)
    • All meals on trek (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 hot camp dinners)
    • Satellite communication device and emergency first aid gear
    • Local ground transfers between El Chaltén and trailhead
    *Demanding expedition route; weather conditions may dictate route adjustments

    Not Included

    • Transport to and from El Chaltén, Argentina
    • Hotel accommodations in El Chaltén prior to or following the trek
    • Personal sleeping bag (sub-zero rated) and sleeping mat
    • Personal technical clothing and hiking gear
    • Travel, medical, and high-altitude emergency insurance
    • Alcoholic drinks or personal snacks
    • Tips for trekking guide
    El Chalten, Argentina
    Mount Fitz Roy in El Chalten, hiking capital in Argentina

    Let’s Take You There

    Our team knows this region inside out, and we’ll guide you with honest advice, the right logistics, and the small details that make a big difference out there. Reach out to our adventure specialists, and we’ll shape something that truly fits you.

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