El Chaltén Day Trip: Lago del Desierto & Vespignani Glacier from El Calafate
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed: able to hike up to 3 hours total on uneven ground and sit for long bus transfers
Overview
A long, scenic day from El Calafate to Lago del Desierto with a short boat crossing and self-guided hikes to viewpoints of Glacier Vespignani and Fitz Roy. Expect varied trails, strong winds, and dramatic granite views.
El Chaltén Day Trip: Lago del Desierto & Vespignani Glacier from El Calafate
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The morning begins before dawn in El Calafate: high beams cut the Patagonian dark as the coach threads mythic Route 40, the Argentino Lake at your left and the La Leona River carving a canyon to the right. The road opens, and by the time sunlight hits the wind-scoured plains you’re stopping at the old La Leona hotel — a washed-wood relic that reads like a roadside museum of the highway and the gauchos who once ran this route.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Patagonian weather changes fast — pack a breathable base layer, insulating midlayer, and windproof shell.
Bring sun protection
High UV and reflective water make sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses must-haves even on cool days.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy trail shoes with good grip handle wet roots, scree and muddy stretches better than sneakers.
Carry cash and snacks
The tour includes a lunch box, but extra snacks and small Argentine pesos are useful for souvenirs or extras in El Chaltén.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Huemul (rare, keep distance)
History
Route 40 and the La Leona hotel mark the region’s 20th-century frontier history; El Chaltén itself was established in the 1980s and quickly became Argentina’s trekking hub.
Conservation
The Vespignani Reserve is managed for low-impact visitation; stay on marked trails and pack out waste to protect fragile moraine soils and lenga understory.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Calafate
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Blocks the strong Patagonian winds during boat crossing and ridge viewpoints.
Sturdy trail shoes
Provides grip on rocky, rooty and sometimes muddy reserve trails.
Water bottle (1.5L+)
Hydration is essential during long drives and exposed hikes under strong sun.
summer specific
Camera with polarizer
A polarizing filter reduces glare on lake surfaces and enhances glacier contrast.