Lago del Desierto: Vespignani Glacier

Lago del Desierto: Vespignani Glacier is an excursion that invites visitors to explore one of Patagonia’s most spectacular corners. The experience includes a boat tour on the waters of Lago del Desierto and a moderate self-guided trek within the Vespignani Glacier Reserve, following trails through native forests and viewpoints with privileged views of the glacier. An ideal proposal to combine adventure, nature and some of El Chaltén’s most iconic landscapes.

Those who book the excursion with transportation from El Chaltén will depart from the town center and travel the 37 km that separate the village from Lago del Desierto. The route follows a scenic gravel road alongside the De las Vueltas River, crossing landscapes of extraordinary beauty. During the tour, stops are made at panoramic viewpoints to admire waterfalls, forests and the impressive mountains that characterize this area of Patagonia.

Upon arrival at Punta Sur Pier on Lago del Desierto, the meeting point for those who choose to arrive on their own, a boat tour of approximately 30 minutes begins across this lake. During the navigation, visitors can observe the Huemul and Crestón glaciers while enjoying spectacular views of the forests and mountains surrounding this iconic lake.

The navigation ends in the area of the Vespignani Glacier, located on the central shore of the lake. There, after an introduction by the staff responsible for the activity, visitors will have approximately 2 hours to explore the area and walk all or part of any of the four marked self-guided trekking trails, choosing the option that best suits their physical condition and preferences. The trails offer different levels of difficulty and provide unique perspectives of the glacier and the surrounding landscapes.

Once the trek is completed, visitors can relax in the dome located beside the lake, enjoy the tranquility of the Patagonian forest and take in the scenery before beginning the return journey.

After sharing a farewell hot chocolate, the return boat tour to Punta Sur Pier takes place. From there, the ground transfer returns to El Chaltén, where the excursion concludes, combining navigation, trekking and some of the most spectacular views of the Vespignani, Huemul and Crestón glaciers.