Today, travelers have a choice between three amazing adventures! Here are the options:
1. Lago del Desierto & Vespignani Glacier Excursion (Box lunch included)
This unforgettable experience combines navigation and trekking with a visit to the northern area of Los Glaciares National Park and the provincial reserve of Lago del Desierto. Depart by bus from El Chalten towards Punta Sur dock at Lago del Desierto. From there, sail for about 50 minutes spotting glaciers along the way and disembarking for a while in Punta Norte. Arrive to the Vespignani Glacier area where an expert guide will lead you to the trailheads of three different hikes and give you more information. All of the hikes are self-guided and require different levels of difficulty and effort. You will be given time to enjoy your preferred trekking activity. After hiking, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and a snack will be awaiting you before boating back on the Lago del Desierto towards Punta Sur. From the dock, your bus will to take you back for another evening in El Chalten.
2. El Chalten Rafting Excursion
The experience begins with a warm welcome and informative presentation about the area - Glacier National Park. Travelers will be provided with the required technical equipment: thermal suit, dry suit, helmet, life jacket and neoprene boots. Once you are equipped, you will be taken to the entrance area of the Rio de las Vueltas, a scenic Class III river. Your guide will give a technique & safety talk before your exciting time on the water! The first area will be 2.5 miles calm and meandering waters with Fitz Roy behind, giving you time to practice techniques and paddling. Then, your raft will enter the canyon with a series of fun and exciting rapids for the next 5 miles! Finish the excursion with a short area of calm waters to take in your surroundings. A vehicle will meet you to take you back to El Chalten.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Minimum age: 12 years old, travelers between 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult
Duration: 4 hours (duration of rafting: 2 hours)
3. Ice Trekking Cagliero Glacier (Box lunch included)
This circuit starts at Estancia Los Huemules visitors center. It is a two-hour walk along Rio Diablo and across a thick lengas forest up to Laguna del Diablo, from where you can take in the view of Cagliero refuge. From this point, the path gets more demanding for about one mile. Nevertheless, this part of the trek has been adapted to be doable and safe. After an hour hike you will reach the glacier lookout point with views to Cerro Treinta Aniversario and its attendants - Diente del Diablo standing out among the rest.
At this point, the guides will prepare the equipment to begin the last part of the trek on the glacier itself! If weather conditions are favorable, you can even enjoy lunch in the glacier! Typically, groups will spend 2 hours on the glacier. Your return path is the same, ending at the visitors center.
Difficulty Level: Extreme activity for very fit travelers
Duration: 10 hours total, including transfers to/from Estancia Los Huemules visitors center
Gear: Warm & waterproof clothing, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and appropriate trekking boots required
*This excursion requires a supplemental fee. Please contact us for details.