The Huemul glacier is a pleasant little hike close to the city of El Chalten, within the Patagonia area of Argentina.
I did this hike just lately and actually loved it! It’s brief, simple, and comparatively cheap, and also you get to see some good mountains, a glacier, and a vivid blue lake.
It’s a good way to spend a relaxation day between larger hikes like Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre, and most of the people visiting El Chalten don’t learn about this spot but, so it’s nonetheless a little bit of a hidden gem.
This journey information will clarify how one can get to the Huemul glacier, and what to anticipate on the hike!
Fast Details*
- Distance: 3 kilometers (1.9 mi)
- Elevation Acquire: 215 meters (700 ft)
- Max Altitude: 725 meters (2,375 ft)
- Problem: Simple
*These stats are for the spherical journey hike
Bridge crossing
How To Get There
The Huemul glacier is situated about 35 kilometers north of El Chalten city, and you will get there by automotive or bus.
The drive takes 1.5 hours by automotive or 2 hours by bus. It’s all on slim, winding gravel roads, nevertheless it’s snug sufficient.
Your lodge in El Chalten can e book the bus for you, or you’ll be able to book it through Zona Austral. I discovered it simpler to rearrange by way of my hotel.
Mountain views on the way in which to Huemul
The bus prices 25,000 pesos per particular person for a roundtrip ticket, which is round $23 USD as of 2025. It’s nicely value it!
The very best views on the way in which to Huemul are on the left facet of the bus, the place you’ll be able to see Fitz Roy and another nice mountains.
I took the bus at 8 AM, after which got here again at 4 PM. That gave me 6 hours of free time, which was greater than sufficient time to do the hike and likewise see the close by Lago del Desierto.
When you have additional time, you’ll be able to be part of a ship trip across the Lago del Desierto!
Parking zone on the trailhead for Huemul glacier
Kiosk the place you pay the doorway payment
Entrance Price
There’s an entrance payment for the Huemul glacier hike because it’s situated on non-public property.
The payment is 10k pesos (~$9 USD) per particular person as of 2025, and you’ll pay it with money or bank card.
The trailhead has loads of parking areas, restrooms, and a small kiosk the place you should buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Begin of the hike to Huemul
Observe the indicators
Huemul Glacier Hike: What To Count on
This hike is brief and straightforward, with a little bit of steepness close to the top. You may not even break a sweat.
Earlier than you begin mountaineering, you’ll already get a pleasant view of the glacier from the trailhead as you stroll by way of the fence and previous a cow pasture.
From right here, the path is generally shaded by a mossy inexperienced forest, and there are a number of good waterfalls alongside the way in which which might be value a brief detour.
Forest path
It takes lower than half-hour of mountaineering to succeed in the bottom of the lake and see the glacier, which is spectacular.
Sadly I didn’t have nice climate so it was a bit cloudy and wet, however on a sunny day the water could be extraordinarily blue!
Typically when you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to see wild huemuls right here (south Andean deer), which is how the place will get its identify.
I did see a number of mosquitoes on the lake, and I’ve seen some studies of flies, so that you may need to deliver bug spray simply in case.
Huemul glacier & lake
There have been a handful of different hikers on the lake, however for probably the most half I had the path all to myself, which was good. Most individuals nonetheless don’t learn about it.
If you happen to really feel like going additional, there’s a facet path up the ridge on the east facet of the lake, providing you with views of the lake from above.
It solely provides quarter-hour to the hike, so I’d extremely suggest it!
Above the lake
Huemul glacier
Map Of The Path
Right here’s a map from AllTrails that reveals the mountaineering route and elevation profile.
If you happen to join AllTrails Plus, you’ll be able to obtain the map and use it offline whereas mountaineering. It’s very helpful!
Extra Patagonia Journey Guides
Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this information for visiting the Huemul glacier close to El Chalten, Argentina.
Don’t neglect to take a look at my other travel guides for Patagonia earlier than you go!