Cerro Huemul Loop

Description

This 4-day, 3-night trek in a rugged camp allows us to circumnavigate the imposing Cerro Huemul. It includes beautiful views of Paso del Viento, the Viedma Glacier, and the imposing Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest in the world. The landscape is very varied: forests, rivers, and steppe; there are also zip line crosses and walking on an ablation glacier. It presents an intermediate difficulty and it is advisable to have trekking experience and good physical condition.

Weather

The weather in Patagonia is very changeable and the wind can be very strong. The days can go from sunny to rain, hail and even snow in spring (Sep-Nov), with a daytime temperature of 15°C and 0-5°C at night. The wind can make the environment feel colder. It is advisable to come prepared for all types of weather and with good quality clothing.

Timeline

Day 1

El Chaltén-Camp Laguna Toro

This day begins at the N.P. Visitor Center heading towards the camp in Laguna Toro. The path begins uphill, with very beautiful views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, first through the ecotone and then through Nothofagus forests. Once at the Rio Tunel pass we began the descent towards the camp.

Distance 16 Km
Duration 5-6 hours
Elevation 500 meters

Day 2

Laguna Toro-Paso del Viento Camp

The most intense day of the journey. We begin with the crossing of the Tunnel River, either by wading or on a zip line, and then we ride to the Tunnel Inferior glacier and make a low difficulty crossing. The ascent to Paso del Viento continues through glacial moraines, with a constantly rising and sustained slope, without a doubt the most demanding section. Upon reaching the Pass the view is incredible: the source of the Viedma Glacier, the Mariano Moreno Range, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Then we will descend towards the camp.

Distance 10 Km
Duration 7-8 hours

Day 3

Paso del Viento-Bahía de los Témpanos

We continue the trekking bordering Cerro Huemul towards the East, until we reach Paso Huemul at 1000 meters above sea level. There are beautiful views of the Viedma Glacier throughout the day. From the Pass we can see the front of the glacier and Lake Viedma; it is also very common to see condors, since there are condoreras very close. From here begins a very steep descent through forest and rocky terrain towards Bahia de los Tempanos where we will set up camp.

Duration 7-8 hours
Elevation -800

Day 4

Témpanos Bay-El Chaltén

On this last day we travel through a steppe environment with little unevenness, and we will also cross some wetlands. You will have to cross the Tunnel River again through a zip line. Once in Bahia Tunel, the transfer awaits us to take us back to El Chalten.

Distance 12 Km
Duration 6 hours

Personal equipment

• 50-60 L backpack

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

• Headlamp and spare batteries

• Fleece or windbreaker

• Synthetic shirt and spare

• Thermal underwear

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex type)

• Trekking or mid-mountain boots

• Footwear for wading

• Waterproof overpants

• Trekking pants or softshell type

• Warm jacket, down or synthetic

• Gloves (waterproof)

• Spare socks

• UV-filter sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Sun hat, buff, warm hat

• Trekking poles

• 2 L or 1 L water bottle

• Pocket knife

• Personal hygiene kit (toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes)

• Toilet paper

• Plastic trash bags

• Plastic bags (Ziploc)

• Waterproof backpack cover

• Personal medications