Full-Day Tour of Chaltén, Lago del Desierto, and the Vespignani Reserve – with a packed lunch

Discover one of the most beautiful spots in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park by combining a boat ride on Lago del Desierto with a shore excursion and hike through the forests of the Vespignani Reserve to the viewpoint overlooking the Vespignani Glacier and Mount Fitz Roy.

Early in the morning, we began our search for hotels in El Calafate before heading out toward the legendary Route 40. This route runs along the shore of Lake Argentino, crosses the Santa Cruz River and the La Leona River, and after 1 hour and 15 minutes, we’ll arrive at the Hotel de Campo La Leona—almost a museum of Route 40—where we’ll make a stop.

The journey continues along the shores of Lake Viedma, with the Andes Mountains in the background. After a total of 3 hours on the road, we’ll arrive at the mountain town of El Chaltén. Here we’ll make a brief stop and possibly transfer vehicles in the town center before continuing along Route 23 to head deeper into the mountain range toward the southern tip of Lago del Desierto, located 37 km away (a 1.15-hour drive on a gravel and rocky road). There, we’ll board a boat bound for the Vespignani Reserve. During the 20-minute boat ride, you’ll be able to admire the Huemul and Vespignani Glaciers and the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.
Once at the reserve, they will be met by a local guide who will provide information about the three self-guided trails of varying difficulty levels (easy, moderate, and difficult). From the latter two, it’s possible to get a close-up view of the Vespignani Glacier –the largest and most impressive on Lago del Desierto– and once again enjoy an incredible view of the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.

Toward the end of the afternoon, at the agreed-upon time, passengers must return to the meeting point to board the boat again for the trip to the southern tip, followed by a transfer to El Calafate.

It operates from October through March
Tours depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
It is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.