Join Merlín, an IFMGA certified mountain guide, on this amazing Cerro Huemul loop hiking tour. And enjoy the best views around El Chaltén, Patagonia.
Private
Andes
4 Days
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
This 4-day trekking circuit in the region of El Chaltén, in southern Patagonia, will take us around Cerro Huemul.
El Chaltén is a magical town in the south of the Argentinian Patagonia. And the Cerro Huemul (2876 m) is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the most shocking view in Patagonia.
Through our journey we will pass through rivers and enjoy beautiful views of lakes, glaciers, and we will appreciate part of the Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest icefield in the world.
Below you’ll find a proposed itinerary, remember that this is only one of many options we can discuss about.
Please contact me if you are interested in this trekking in this beautiful area of Patagonia!
And if you want to try another beautifl hike in El Chaltén, please check my Base Camps Trek in El Chaltén or my Southern Ice Field Expedition, Patagonia.
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Tents
- Cooking utensils
- Harness
Meeting with the Guide in the morning; debrief about the details of the program and check of the gear. We´ll start the trek at noon from El Chalten and hike towards Toro lake, passing by the Pliegue Tumbado hillside. This hike takes about 6 hours and has an elevation gain of 500 meters (1640 feet). We will camp at Laguna Toro (650 meters or 2132 feet a/s/l).
Meals: Box lunch and dinner.
After 30-40 minutes of hiking, we cross the Tunel river, either by wading through the river or using a fixed cable and harnesses, depending on the conditions. We continue the ascent towards Paso del Viento. The main part of the ascent is along trails, moraines and the Tunel Inferior glacier. From here we can appreciate a part of the Patagonian Ice Field, the nascents of the Viedma glacier, and mount Mariano Moreno amongst others. We descend to the Paso del Viento refuge (900 meters or 2950 feet a/s/l) where we will camp. It is a 7 hours hike with an elevation gain of 900 meters (2950 feet) from Laguna Toro to Paso del Viento.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner.
We continue the hike bordering Cerro Huemul towards the East until we reach Paso Huemul (1000 meters or 3280 feet a/s/l). There are great views of the Viedma glacier during the entire trip. From Paso Huemul we can appreciate the front of the Glaciar Viedma and the homonym lake. It’s also common to see condors flying close by. The hike takes 6-7 hours and we will camp at Paso Huemul where there is a small forest of Lenga bushes (900 meters or 2950 feet a/s/l).
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner.
We descend to Cabo de Hornos bay at the Viedma lake (300 meters or 985 feet a/s/l) by a very steep and rocky terrain. From here we will continue to Viedma’s Tunel bay. This hike takes 7-8 hours with a decline of 600 meters (1968 feet). At Tunel bay we will meet our vehicle for the transfer back to El Chalten. This is the end of the expedition.
Meals: Breakfast and box lunch.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
5.0
(82)
Mountain Guide
Certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina.
I live in El Chaltén since 1998. I'm originally from Bariloche and I started with mountain activities when I was 15 years old. I've done climbing and ascents in many mountains of Patagonia, Perú, Bolivia, United States and Europe; such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Alpamayo, El Capitán, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua among others. I'm also a Ski Instructor and I am passionate for backcountry ski.
I speak fluent English, Italian and French and have been leading trips and expeditions for more than 20 years. I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available for the trip you request, one of my colleagues will guide you!
Certificates
AAGM | UIAGM
Gülçin
5
Everything about this trip was really great. Firstly explore-share was extremely helpful, really responsive. We felt really supported making all the arrangements from Netherlands to Argentina. Thanks for the team for that! In terms of the trip -- this was one of the most special trips we ever had. Huemel circuit is was very special. You start day1 in Patagonian forests and slowly ascend to the more rugged, stoney views of the circuit until you end up in the glaciers (and walk on them!) in day 2. Day 2 is slightly challenging due to the long ascend and walk until the camp. But without being very experienced we were able to do it (also thanks to our amazing guide Luis). We camped in an area only by ourselves, where it snowed overnight, which added to the majestic beauty of the whole trip. Day 3 mainly was descending to the 3rd camp area next to Viedma lake. This was also slightly challenging given the very steep descend in the forest, but despite the challenge it was fun, and was filled with great views. The reward is big, where Viedma lake is awaiting with glacier pieces floating on the lake just in front of you (and sometimes letting go some of it’s pieces). It’s a mesmerising area. And day 4 is going back to the start through next to the lakes, hares and guanakos. slightly easier trek but very peaceful, a nice goodbye to the circuit. We were picked up by a car at the end, arranged by Merlin/Luis. In all days, we were flabbergasted by the ruggedness and beauty of Patagonian mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes and everything we've seen. We were mainly alone in the circuit -- at least in the direction we were doing there was no one else with us. In that sense it was extra special. Our guide Luis was one of the main reasons for why this trip was so special. Very experienced and friendly -- made us feel really comfortable in what we were doing through his guidance on technical moves (e.g. in traverses, when we are descending etc). Also very experienced in the area, knew the circuit step by step - gave us a lot of information on the story of the geography not just like a guide but like a scientist almost (he was full of knowledge for this space). It was obvious that he really loves these lands and mountains, it was great to experience this route with him. I never write reviews, but this was a great trip on all levels, and want to make sure anyone who sees the review doesn’t doubt and just goes for it. Thank you Luis, Merlin and explore share - for your friendliness, professionalism and love of nature. You definitely added an incredible memory to our minds. I highly recommend everyone to experience Huemel Circuit with Luis and Merlin. Gulcin and Sebastiaan
Isabella
5
impresionante la excursión!!! vale la pena cada minuto dentro de la montaña, sus hielos, paisajes y atardeceres. Algo que no borraré nunca de mi alma. Gracias Mountaineering Patagonia, un servicio excelente, un guía de primera - experiencia de vida.-
Harry
5
Recientemente fui guiado en el circuito de Cerro Huemul por Luis, quien era un guía muy experimentado, experto y profesional. Ayudó con los 2 cruces de tirolesa, la parte de la caminata que requería caminar sobre el glaciar, y significó que nunca tuve dudas sobre dónde llevaba el sendero. Merlin organizó a la perfección toda la comida, el equipo y la transferencia de retorno desde el final del camino. Debido a que toda la experiencia transcurrió tan bien, y Luis hizo que mi caminata fuera tan cómoda y agradable, definitivamente recomendaría esta compañía. El sendero en sí era hermoso, con muchas vistas impresionantes y estoy muy contento de haberlo experimentado. Entre los puntos destacados se encuentran los Campos de Hielo de la Patagonia Sur después de escalar sobre Windy Pass, así como los cóndores al otro lado del paso Huemul y las vistas desde el último campamento.
Gülçin
5
Everything about this trip was really great. Firstly explore-share was extremely helpful, really responsive. We felt really supported making all the arrangements from Netherlands to Argentina. Thanks for the team for that! In terms of the trip -- this was one of the most special trips we ever had. Huemel circuit is was very special. You start day1 in Patagonian forests and slowly ascend to the more rugged, stoney views of the circuit until you end up in the glaciers (and walk on them!) in day 2. Day 2 is slightly challenging due to the long ascend and walk until the camp. But without being very experienced we were able to do it (also thanks to our amazing guide Luis). We camped in an area only by ourselves, where it snowed overnight, which added to the majestic beauty of the whole trip. Day 3 mainly was descending to the 3rd camp area next to Viedma lake. This was also slightly challenging given the very steep descend in the forest, but despite the challenge it was fun, and was filled with great views. The reward is big, where Viedma lake is awaiting with glacier pieces floating on the lake just in front of you (and sometimes letting go some of it’s pieces). It’s a mesmerising area. And day 4 is going back to the start through next to the lakes, hares and guanakos. slightly easier trek but very peaceful, a nice goodbye to the circuit. We were picked up by a car at the end, arranged by Merlin/Luis. In all days, we were flabbergasted by the ruggedness and beauty of Patagonian mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes and everything we've seen. We were mainly alone in the circuit -- at least in the direction we were doing there was no one else with us. In that sense it was extra special. Our guide Luis was one of the main reasons for why this trip was so special. Very experienced and friendly -- made us feel really comfortable in what we were doing through his guidance on technical moves (e.g. in traverses, when we are descending etc). Also very experienced in the area, knew the circuit step by step - gave us a lot of information on the story of the geography not just like a guide but like a scientist almost (he was full of knowledge for this space). It was obvious that he really loves these lands and mountains, it was great to experience this route with him. I never write reviews, but this was a great trip on all levels, and want to make sure anyone who sees the review doesn’t doubt and just goes for it. Thank you Luis, Merlin and explore share - for your friendliness, professionalism and love of nature. You definitely added an incredible memory to our minds. I highly recommend everyone to experience Huemel Circuit with Luis and Merlin. Gulcin and Sebastiaan
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