
El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani worth booking?
El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani is a 13-hour experience in El Calafate, Argentina, from $200 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (6)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $200 per person
The excursion begins early in the morning from El Calafate. We take the mythic Route 40, that goes along the Argentino Lake up to La Leona river. We will pass by the canyon with the same name “Cañadón La Leona” and after 1.15 h ride we will make a short stop at an ancient route hotel "La Leona", almost a museum of the Route 40. Our trip continues along the Lake Viedma, from where we will have magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes and the overpowering presence of the Mount Fitz Roy. After arriving at Chalten we continue our ride to Lago del Desierto taking the route that borders the Río de las Vueltas taking us deeper into the Lengas and Nires forest. The road ends after one hour ride and 37 kms up to the North arriving at Lago del Desierto. From the pier Punta Sur we'll take a 20 minute boat ride to the natural reserve Vespignani from where 3 self-guided paths take us to the best miradors of Vespignani Glacier and the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.
What you get
About this experience
The excursion begins early in the morning from El Calafate. We take the mythic Route 40, that goes along the Argentino Lake up to La Leona river. We will pass by the canyon with the same name “Cañadón La Leona” and after 1.15 h ride we will make a short stop at an ancient route hotel "La Leona", almost a museum of the Route 40. Our trip continues along the Lake Viedma, from where we will have magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes and the overpowering presence of the Mount Fitz Roy. After arriving at Chalten we continue our ride to Lago del Desierto taking the route that borders the Río de las Vueltas taking us deeper into the Lengas and Nires forest. The road ends after one hour ride and 37 kms up to the North arriving at Lago del Desierto. From the pier Punta Sur we'll take a 20 minute boat ride to the natural reserve Vespignani from where 3 self-guided paths take us to the best miradors of Vespignani Glacier and the north face of Mount Fitz Roy.
What's included
Included
- Transfers from-to Calafate-Chalten
- Boat trip on Lago del Desierto to Vespignani Reserve
- Self-guided hikes at the reserve Vespignani
- Bilingual Host at Vespignani Reserve
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Cerro Fitz Roy
STOP AT PANORAMIC VIEWS
Pass by without stopping
El Chalten
VISIT AND CROSS THE TOWN
30 minutes here
Lago del Desierto
WE WILL NAVIGATE FROM THE SOUTH MARGIN OF THE LAKE TO THE RESERVE OF THE GLACIER VESPIGNANI
240 minutes here · Admission included
Glaciar Huemul
PANORAMIC VIEW FROM THE BOAT
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SOUTHROAD
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great hiking tour to the area north of Glaciers National Park
Great tour to visit the area just north of Glaciers National Park. Transfer from El Calafate to El Cheltan in a large van/bus. Our guide, Sandra, gave details of the region, flora and fauna, geology and glaciation. Brief visit to El Chalten then transfer to a van for a 45 minutes drive on a gravel road. Stop for a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. Once arriving at Lago Desierto time for a brief hike on the trails by the boat dock. 20-30 minute cruise on the lake to the main hiking trailhead. Multiple glaciers are visible. If conditions permit you will see the Fitz Roy peak (300+ days a year shrouded in clouds). At the trailhead an orientation is given (in English and Spanish) regarding the hiking trails, views, and time requirements. Amazing hike through the forest. Several viewpoints of the glacier. Some trails are very steep. Trails are well marked. Beverages and cookies are served at the end of the hike. After transfer back on the boat. Then back on the van for the same gravel Road. In El Chalten transfer back to El Calafate in a larger van/bus.
via Viator
There are a lot of people who go on different excursions and each one has to take care of themselves.
We listened to the very out of place and contemptuous comments that our guide Sandra made regarding people. For example saying "those old people" for older people who were waiting outside the transport. When combining different excursions, the explanations of where each group would go and where to meet again were not clear.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing Trip!!
Great tour! Amazing people of Southroad. Very recommendable!!!! Great views throughout the tour. Hope to be back soon!!!!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by SOUTHROAD, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3.
See everything SOUTHROAD runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for El Calafate.
How much does El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in El Calafate usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in El Calafate is not rushed.
Is El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in El Calafate, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in El Calafate can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in El Calafate and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central El Calafate within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in El Calafate?
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On Outty we rank every El Calafate experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Full-Day Activity in La Leona River from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit El Calafate?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in El Calafate?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani?
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Included: Transfers from-to Calafate-Chalten; Boat trip on Lago del Desierto to Vespignani Reserve; Self-guided hikes at the reserve Vespignani; Bilingual Host at Vespignani Reserve; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 15 listed pickup locations in and around El Calafate. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in El Calafate. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about El Chalten Full Day to Lago del Desierto & Glaciar Vespignani?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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