Huemul Circuit (Vuelta al Huemul)
Discover the unreal turquoise waters of Laguna Huemul and the majestic Huemul Glacier on a rewarding hike near El Chaltén.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light on glacier
Huemul Circuit (Vuelta al Huemul)
Best Time
Golden light on glacier
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unreal turquoise waters of Laguna Huemul and the majestic Huemul Glacier on a rewarding hike near El Chaltén.
"The water color is absolutely stunning—no photo editing needed!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel road to trailhead! 4WD recommended but not essential. Drive slowly and carefully.
💰 Pay the Entrance Fee
It's on private land, so there's a small fee. Worth it for the views & facilities!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laguna Huemul
Trailhead
Behold the unreal turquoise waters of Laguna Huemul, a sight that will leave you speechless.
Huemul Glacier Viewpoint
End of the main trail
Witness the majestic Huemul Glacier cascading down, a truly breathtaking Patagonian spectacle.
Rope-Assisted Ascent
Upper section of the trail
Navigate a steep, fun section using ropes, adding a touch of adventure to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road to the Trailhead
Trail Access & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel road to trailhead! 4WD recommended but not essential. Drive slowly and carefully.
💰 Pay the Entrance Fee
It's on private land, so there's a small fee. Worth it for the views & facilities!
🥾 Wear Good Hiking Shoes
The trail has varied terrain, including a steep, rope-assisted section.
📸 Capture the Turquoise
Laguna Huemul's color is naturally vibrant - no filter needed!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel road to trailhead! 4WD recommended but not essential. Drive slowly and carefully.
💰 Pay the Entrance Fee
It's on private land, so there's a small fee. Worth it for the views & facilities!
🥾 Wear Good Hiking Shoes
The trail has varied terrain, including a steep, rope-assisted section.
📸 Capture the Turquoise
Laguna Huemul's color is naturally vibrant - no filter needed!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Hike
Considered one of the easier, beautiful hikes in El Chaltén.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, almost unreal turquoise color of Laguna Huemul and the impressive views of the Huemul Glacier. Many find the hike to be a moderate and enjoyable experience, especially appreciating the less crowded atmosphere compared to other El Chaltén trails. The rope-assisted section adds a touch of adventure. Some note the challenging gravel road to the trailhead and the necessity of an entrance fee.
"Relatively easy hike outside of the Los Glaciares national park (no park entry fee required). Entry point parking best accessible by a 4WD as the road from El Chalten is in poor condition. You need to buy a pass to access the trail (but a bargain compared to Los Glaciares fee). The trail is clearly market and has some good viewpoints of Fitzroy."
Gi Ci
"Nice and easy hike. It is on private property so you need to pay a fee to enter. Bathrooms available at the beginning. Nice view of the Huemul glacier and the color of the lagoon is really nice. You can either drive or take a shuttle from El Chalten to the trail head"
Meng Li
"Absolutely worth it!
We drove about an hour from El Chaltén to get there. Since it’s private land, you have to pay an entrance fee, but they provide bathrooms at the start of the trail. The hike is moderate overall, though there are some sections where you’ll need to use ropes to climb up (the ropes are in great condition and very helpful).
The first part of the trail is flat, taking you through a dense mossy forest (check out the ‘faces’ in the photos), and then it gradually ascends until you reach the viewpoint. You can also go down to the lake if you’d like.
The water color is absolutely stunning—no photo editing needed!"
Martin Kevin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is about 37 km from El Chaltén. You can drive your own car (a 4WD is recommended due to the gravel road, but not strictly necessary if you drive cautiously) or take a shuttle. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. +1
The road is unpaved and can be in poor condition, especially after rain. While some visitors manage with regular cars, it's best to drive slowly and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
There isn't a direct public bus service to the Huemul Glacier trailhead. Your best options are driving yourself or arranging a shuttle service from El Chaltén.
Renting a car gives you flexibility to reach the trailhead and explore other areas. However, if you're only planning to visit Huemul and are comfortable with shuttle arrangements, it might not be essential.
Most travelers arrive in El Chaltén via bus from El Calafate, which is the most common and convenient option after flying into El Calafate airport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Huemul Circuit is on private property, so there is an entrance fee. It's generally considered a bargain for the stunning views and well-maintained trail.
The entrance fee is a few dollars per person, making it significantly cheaper than national park entry fees. It's best to check the current price at the kiosk.
Yes, restrooms are available at the beginning of the trail, near the kiosk where you purchase your entrance pass.
No, the Huemul Circuit is located on private land and is not part of Los Glaciares National Park, which is why it has a separate entrance fee.
Tickets are typically purchased in person at the kiosk at the trailhead. It's advisable to have cash on hand, though card payments might be accepted.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate. The first part is a pleasant forest walk, followed by a gradual ascent that becomes steeper, with a final section that requires using ropes over rocks and roots.
The round trip hike typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views at the top.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as Patagonian weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket.
Yes, you can see Mount Fitz Roy from afar from the viewpoint at the top of the Huemul Glacier trail.
Compared to other popular hikes in El Chaltén, the Huemul Circuit is often less crowded, offering a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoint overlooking Laguna Huemul and the glacier is spectacular. Try to capture the vibrant turquoise water and the dramatic glacial landscape. Climbing higher offers different perspectives.
Yes, the stunning turquoise color of Laguna Huemul is completely natural and requires no photo editing. It's one of its most striking features.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially during autumn when the colors are vibrant. However, the scenery is impressive throughout the day.
A standard camera or even a smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. The natural colors and dramatic landscapes are the main attractions.
Look for the mossy forest with 'faces' in the trees on the lower part of the trail. The rope-assisted section also makes for dynamic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive to Lago del Desierto
This scenic drive offers glimpses of the Patagonian landscape, building anticipation for the natural wonders that await. Reaching the trailhead means you're at the gateway to a less crowded, yet equally spectacular, Patagonian experience compared to the more famous trails around El Chaltén.
Understanding the Huemul Circuit Hike
What makes this hike particularly special is its relative lack of crowds compared to other El Chaltén attractions. This allows for a more personal and serene experience with nature.
The Allure of Laguna Huemul's Color
Visitors often spend considerable time at the viewpoint, mesmerized by the lagoon's beauty.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit