Huemul Circuit

A challenging four day circuit through the wilderness of Patagonia. This trek is the only hike out of El Chalten that gives great views of the massive Southern Patagonian Icefield.

The trek can only be done by camping and can be completed with or without a guide. The circuit starts in the trekking capital of Argentina named El Chalten.

Amount of days: 4
Starting point: El Chalten, Argentina
Finish point: El Chalten, Argentina
Difficulty: Challenging
Characteristics of the trek: Adventurous with glacier walks surrounded by mountains and lakes

Astonishing views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield 

The highlight of the trek is the amazing view of the Southern Patagonian icefield. This is the largest icefield of South America with a stretch of over 350 km. The famous Glacier Grey and Glacier Perito Moreno are also part of this massive icefield. The Huemul Circuit is the only hike out of El Chalten that gives great views of this massive ice field.
In addition to this great view, you will also encounter glacier walks several times during the trek.

Difficulty

The terrain is quite rough, so you should be. Wouldn’t recommend if you are not. You will have to cross knee-high rivers, glacier walks, high windy passes and ‘flying’ over rivers by using the steel cables of Tyrolean traverses. So if you are looking for an adventure, this is the one for you! If you don’t feel like this, you can do other beautiful day hikes or overnight trips in the area.

Tirolean traverses

During the circuit you will come across some Tyrolean traverses. On day 2 is a mandatory one and at the end of day 4 you will find an optional one.
At the start of the trek you are required to show the right gear for the traverses to obtain your permit. You can rent this stuff in the village. Make sure you read carefully in advance how you will use the items.

No facilities, be prepared!

There are little to no facilities during the whole circuit. The campsites are basic without electricity, toilets or showers. So take enough food with you and make sure to bring a high-quality tent, enough layers, waterproof clothes and a powerbank.

Check the weather!

The trek can be done between October and April, but always check the weather before! January and February are the summer months, but also the windy season of Patagonia and those winds are a whole experience. It is recommended to check the weather with the rangers at the park office. If necessary, day 1 and 4 are relatively low and in protected terrain so can be hiked in bad weather. On day 2 and 3 you can’t cross the high passes and ice caps with strong winds or bad visibility.

Key tips:

1. Prepare well. Check the weather with the park rangers, be informed about the Tirolean Traverses and pack enough food and clothes.
2. Buy a map. You will have no electricity for 4 days and some parts have no trail. The internet has some nice guides.
3. Bring a water bottle with a filter. You can drink the glacier water, but the last 20km has wild kettle (including lots of carcasses) living in the area. So highly recommended to filter your water before drinking it.
4. Chill a full day at the second camp.
5. Hang your backpack in a tree. There are mice and they eat your food.

Daily program

Day 1: El Chalten → Laguna Toro
16km, 7 hours
The trek starts at the ranger office on the southern end of the town. Here you can follow the sign for Laguna Toro. The hike starts in the forest before you can enjoy the views of Lake Viedma. In the valley you will cross a few high rivers.

Day 2: Laguna Toro → Paso del Viento Refuge
12km, 8 hours
A really interesting day with glaciers walks and crossing a river with the zip line. The total elevation gain is 900 meters to the Paso del Viento. You will have amazing views of the icefield.

Day 3: Paso del Viento Refuge → Lago Viedma
18km, 7 hours
The day starts with a climb to Paso Huemul, where you will have your last view of the ice cap. The descent is a difficult one with some technical passages with fixed rope.

Day 4: Lago Viedma → Bahía Túnel
18km, 7 hours
On the last day you will cross several streams. The circuit technically finishes at Bahía Túnel, but from here you have to get back to El Chalten. With a guided tour, you will probably get picked up by a van. When doing the trek solo, it is easy to hitchhike back to town.