Huemul Circuit – Hiking Chalten
Huemul Circuit – Trekking Chalten From the town at the footsteps of legendary Mount Fitz Roy, we venture ourselves to approach the Southern Patagonia Icefield. We hike around Mt. Huemul through Paso del Viento (Windy Pass) to feel the force and power of this environment. We walk next to Viedma Glacier all the way back to town. Incredible traverse.
F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions about Huemul Circuit – Trekking Chaltén
Do I need previous experience for this trip?
- Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended for this expedition, along with an adventurous spirit and a love for straying off the beaten track.
- The hike is considered to be technically easy but moderate in terms of physical challenge. Good physical health is essential.
What is included and what is not included?
- Included:
- All meals during the hike
- All camping sites and tents are provided
- Transport from End of the Hike to Chaltén in Private Vehicle
- Certified and experienced Mountain Guides with Wilderness First Responder Certificate up-to-date.
- National Park entry fee
- Accident insurance
Not included:
- Accomodation in Chaltén
- Meals in Chaltén (great restaurants around town)
- Personal hiking gear (Rental available)
- Travel insurance
GEAR LIST - What can I rent?
- 60-80 litres backpack
- Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots – Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
- Shoes for river crossing/camp shoes: Crocs are ideal!
- Walking poles
- Sleeping bag (0 to -10 degrees Celsius comfort)
- Sleeping matt
- Walking clothing in layers
- 1 pair of hiking pants (zip-off pants recommended
- 1 waterproof rain jacket
- 2 T-shirts short sleeve
- 1-2 t-shirts long sleeve
- 1 Polar Fleece
- 1 down jacket
- 3 pairs of thick hiking socks
- Warm beanie or woollen hat
- Light warm gloves
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
- Thermal underwear x 1 pair (1 top and 1 bottom to sleep)
- Thermal wear is highly recommended, being light, warm and will keep you warm at night.
- Swim wear
- Head torch
- Water bottle: 1 x 1.5 litre bottle or hydration bladder
- Personal medication
- Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or film.
(Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trek so make sure you fully charge and or have spare batteries. ) - Snacks: Some snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case. If you have a dietary requirement then be recommend bringing some suitable snacks from home. We will accommodate you for breakfast, lunch and dinner however for snacks it’s recommended to bring some just to be safe.
- Toilet paper: Most important! Also, small plastic bags or zip lock bags for rubbish which you will need to hold on to until the end of the trek.
- Wet wipes and or face wipes: These are an essential and will come in handy after a long day of trekking and no showers.
- Plastic bags: To keep your belongings and clothes dry (wrap everything in plastic bags). RECOMMENDED: – Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
- Eating Utensills: bowl, cup, cutlery
- Available for rent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping matt
- Walking poles
How much weight will I carry?
A good level of physical fitness is required. You will need to be able to carry your own 60-75 litre backpack with 10-12 kg. At the welcome meeting we will check everyones backpack to make sure you are taking with you only what you need, no more, no less.
How can I book the trip?
- Fill in the BOOKING FORM (link).
- Pay the booking fee to secure your place (Bank data or credit card details at the end of the booking form).
- Fill in the Medical Form (link).
- Final payment must be made 1 month prior departure.
MEETING POINT? WHAT TIME?
- The Welcome meeting is in at your Hotel at 6 p.m. the day before the hike. This meeting is compulsory. Please bring all the gear for the hike. The objective is: Equipment check.
How many people are on the trip?
- The expedition runs from 6 to 14 travelers. We like to keep groups small to enjoy nature at its best.
How far do we walk and for how long?
The Huemul Circuit is approx. 65 km long. We walk between 12 to 18 km per day, betweeen 6 to 8 hours per day depending on the group rythm. Like always and specially facing Patagonia conditions we have an extra weather(rest day. Each group will find its pace and well stick to that. Long Patagonia days allow us to take our time and therefore we will be hiking without any rush.
Next Departures
Dates 2023/24
Feb 12 to 16
Price:
USD 750
NEXT DEPARTURES
Dates 2023/24
Feb 12 to 16
Price:
USD 750
The price is in US-Dollars. We will ask you to pay a 30% deposit to secure your place. The rest (70%) must be payed max. 1 month prior departure.
Methods of payment :
– VISA or MASTERCARD (+3%)
– International bank transfer
We will send you the payment information via internet after you have completed the booking form (link).
Remember that you do not need previous experience to participate but you need to be physically fit.
General Information
- Activity : Hiking
- Starting and finishing point : El Chaltén – Patagonia Argentina
- Duration : 5 days/4 Nights (including previous and final night in Chalten)
- Itinerary : Chaltén to Paso del Viento, Hike aroung Mt. Huemul, Border VIedma lake back to Chalten
- Accommodation : 4 nights tent camping (basic facilities)
- Previous experience required : Mid
- Fitness level required : medium – High
- Group size : max. 14 people
- Minimun age : 15 years
- Distance : 65 km
- Altitude at starting point : 400 m
- Maximum ascension per day : 800 m
Travel Itinerary
Day 0: Welcome Meeting
We meet at the starting Hotel in El Chaltén. The idea is to get to know each other and make sure we have the appropriate gear for the hike.
Day 1: Trekking
We hike Río Tunel Valley for approximatly 15km to reach Laguna Toro where we will camp out for the night. During this day we will enjoy incredible views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Ascent: 250 mts
Day 2: Trekking
Paso el Viento (Windy Pass) This day we gain altitude to reach the pass and have incredible views of the Southern Patagonia Icefield. From there we descend to our campsite. Distance: 13 km and 900 mts ascent.
Day 3: Rest/Weather Day
Rest/weather Day: This is a classic on our trips. We save a day to make sure we find the window to cross the pass or have a day to rest and enjoy the amazing surroundings the place has to offer. Enjoy the rest.
Day 4: Trekking
We traverse around Mt. Huemul overlooking Glacier Viedma to reach Huemul Pass. Then a steep and quick descend to the Lake to spend the night at its shore. Distance 18 km
Day 5: Trekking
Last Hiking Day through the Patagonian dessert bordering the big lake. A few interesting river crossings on a zipline gets us to our vehicle and back in town for a cold beer and a great final meal. Celebration!