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. Full Day Creston Glacier Hike (Box lunch included)
Cerro Crestón is located in the Lago Del Desierto area, about 37 km along Route 23 north of El Chaltén. With tall Lenga forests, glaciers and the imposing Cerro Crestón, this valley provides some of the most captivating trekking options. The day before the activity starts, a brief meeting will be held with the guide to confirm all details and check your necessary equipment for the morning's adventure. In the morning, a private transfer will pick you up at the hotel in El Chaltén and bring you to the meeting point for a 9:30 meet up with your guide. Start the trek by hiking for about 40 minutes to the mountain's refugio, where a hot drink will be waiting for you. After about 20 minutes of a wonderful walk through a large lenga forest the surroundings will open up to an impressive view of the glacier and the Crestón peak. From here, continue gaining elevation out of the forest and into a boulder field landscape eroded by the glacier. This is the most demanding part of the trek. After walking 2 hours through this type of terrain, you will reach the foot of the glacier. Here, take a moment to put on your necessary equipment to walk on the glacier. Getting to the glacier depends on the weather, and travelers physical condition. After enjoying lunch up at the glacier, return to the refugio and then back to El Chalten to rest up after a big day.
Difficulty Level: Medium- High (Requires pervious trekking experience)
Duration: 9 hours total, (6 hrs trekking plus transfer time)
Gear: Warm & waterproof clothing, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and appropriate waterproof, high top trekking boots required
Elevation gain: 900 meters
Total distance: 16km
*This excursion requires a supplemental fee. Please contact us for details.
