Need a break from the intensity of Patagonia’s headline hikes? Huemul Glacier offers the perfect balance of ease and awe. Situated 35 km north of El Chaltén, this quiet trail delivers alpine lakes, icy peaks, and moss-draped forests—all within a half-day adventure.
Getting there is a breeze: hop on a bus arranged by your hotel or through local providers like Frontera Sur. For 25,000 pesos (~$23 USD), you’ll be driven directly to the trailhead and picked up later in the afternoon. With 6 hours of free time, you can take it slow, admire the views, and even add on a visit to Lago del Desierto or take a boat ride if you have extra energy.
At the trail entrance, pay the 10k ARS fee, pass through a pasture of grazing cows, and enter a peaceful forest that feels a world away from the popular Fitz Roy trails. The glacier can be reached in less than 30 minutes, with the chance to spot waterfalls and maybe even the elusive South Andean deer, or huemul. This light trek is as rejuvenating as it is scenic—an ideal “rest day” that still fills your soul with Patagonia’s magic.
