Huemul Circuit

Information

Distance

64.0 km

Duration

4–5 days

Max elevation

1,540 m

Country

Argentina (AR)

Difficulty

Very strenuous — unmarked route over glacial moraine, two mandatory Tyrolean traverses, extreme winds over 100 km/h, full self-navigation; for experienced trekkers only

Best Season

December–March

Permits & Fees

A free permit must be registered online through the Los Glaciares National Park system before departure; a USD 100 fine applies if caught without one; registering at the El Chaltén Visitor Center is still recommended for a briefing on current trail conditions

Description

The Huemul Circuit (Vuelta al Huemul) is a four-day, 64 km loop trek deep within Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park — the most technically demanding and remote multi-day route accessible from El Chaltén, Argentina's self-proclaimed trekking capital. Hikers must complete two Tyrolean traverses over swift glacial rivers, navigate unmarked glacial moraine terrain requiring independent route-finding, and endure Patagonian winds frequently exceeding 100 km/h at the high point of Paso del Viento (1,540 m). The circuit's defining attraction is exclusive, unobstructed views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field — the world's second largest extra-polar ice mass — a perspective unavailable from any other trail around El Chaltén. A free online park permit, strong backcountry navigation skills, and high physical fitness are mandatory for all hikers attempting this circuit.

Trail Highlights

The only route from El Chaltén with views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (the world's second largest extrapolar ice field); two thrilling Tyrolean traverses over glacial rivers; Paso del Viento (1,540 m); Laguna Toro; Cerro Huemul; remote camps with distant views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre