Great Vespignani Glacier

Visit the Great Glacier
Vespignani

Sail the emerald waters of Lago del Desierto and discover the majestic Vespignani Glacier across 3 excursion modalities designed around your schedule and hiking preferences.

View the 3 Modalities Book Online
3 Modalities Half-Day or Full-Day Adaptable Difficulty Lake Cruise Included Hanging Glacier Oct 8 – Apr 8 · Except Wednesdays
Excursion Modalities

Visit to Great Vespignani Glacier

Choose the option that best matches your pace and stay in El Chaltén. Every option includes lake navigation on Lago del Desierto and access to marked native forest trails.

Two Glaciers Great Vespignani Glacier

Two Glaciers
Great Vespignani Glacier

Optional: visit to Huemul Glacier

The most complete experience: combine navigation and trekking to Great Vespignani Glacier with an optional visit to Huemul Glacier and its emerald lagoon.

~9 hrs (With Transfer) Cruise + 2 Glaciers Easy to Moderate
View details and book
One Shot Vespignani

One Shot
Vespignani

The premier midday tour in El Chaltén

A dynamic and streamlined outing designed for visitors who want to navigate Lago del Desierto and admire Vespignani Glacier while optimizing their schedule.

~5 to 6 hrs (Midday) Cruise + Great Vespignani Glacier Easy Difficulty
View details and book
Vespignani Glacier Trek

Vespignani Glacier
Trek

High-altitude balcony · High mountain trekking

Guided ascent to the high viewpoint just meters from the imposing hanging ice sheet, with sweeping vistas of Lago del Desierto and Mount Fitz Roy.

~9 hrs (With Transfer) Cruise + High-Altitude Viewpoint High Difficulty
View details and book
Modality 1 · Full Day

Two Glaciers
Great Vespignani Glacier & Huemul

Optional: visit Huemul Glacier · Difficulty: Moderate

Make the most of every minute exploring and navigating northern Los Glaciares National Park, Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve, and Great Vespignani Glacier with multiple hiking choices. You will also have ample time to discover Punta Sur coastal trails and view Huemul Glacier.

With Transfer · Full Day (08:00 AM to 05:30 PM)

Buy Ticket
08:00 AM
Start of Journey: El Chaltén – Punta Sur
Pick up from accommodations (07:30 to 08:00 AM) · 37 km along Route 41 Duration: 1:30 hrs
10:00 AM
Departure towards Vespignani Glacier Reserve
Lake navigation viewing Huemul and Crestón Glaciers Duration: 20 min
10:30 AM
Disembarkation & activity in Vespignani area
Free self-guided trekking on marked trails and refreshments in the dome Duration: 3 hours
01:30 PM
Departure returning to Punta Sur
Panoramic cruise back towards Punta Sur Pier Duration: 20 min
02:00 PM
Disembarkation and activity in Punta Sur area
Coastal walks / Optional self-guided hike to Huemul Glacier & Lagoon Duration: 2 hours
04:00 PM
Return journey: Punta Sur – El Chaltén
Overland transfer arriving back in El Chaltén at approximately 05:30 PM Duration: 1:30 hrs
🚐 Door-to-Door Service: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in El Chaltén.

Without Transfer · Meeting at Punta Sur Pier (09:45 AM to 02:00 PM)

Buy Ticket
09:45 AM
Check-in at Punta Sur Pier
Pre-boarding at Lago del Desierto pier (arrive 15 min early) Arrive 15 min early
10:00 AM
Departure towards Vespignani Glacier Reserve
Scenic lake cruise over emerald waters viewing hanging glaciers Duration: 20 min
10:30 AM
Free activity in Vespignani Glacier Reserve
3 hours of self-guided hiking on marked trails and refreshments in the dome Duration: 3 hours
01:30 PM
Departure returning to Punta Sur
Scenic return navigation towards Punta Sur Pier Duration: 20 min
02:00 PM
Disembarkation at Punta Sur and conclusion of activity
You may continue exploring the Punta Sur area at your own leisure
🚗 Ideal for self-drive visitors: Free parking available at Punta Sur (37 km from El Chaltén via Route 41).

Included Services

  • ✓ Round-trip transfer El Chaltén ↔ Lake (in with transfer option)
  • ✓ Lake cruise across Lago del Desierto
  • ✓ 3 hours of activity in Vespignani Reserve
  • ✓ 2 free hours at Punta Sur (Huemul Glacier)
  • ✓ Warm drink and snack at the reserve dome

Operation & Schedule

  • Season: October 8 to April 8
  • Frequency: Daily, except Wednesdays
  • Passengers: No minimum required
  • Cancellation: Free up to 24 hrs prior
Two Glaciers Great Vespignani Glacier Vespignani Glacier Pier
Modality 2 · Midday Schedule

One Shot Vespignani
The best midday option in El Chaltén

Duration in Reserve: 2 Hours · Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Make the most of every minute exploring and sailing the northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park, Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve, and the Great Vespignani Glacier area on a convenient midday timetable.

With Transfer · Midday Schedule (11:00 AM to 05:30 PM)

Buy Ticket
11:00 AM
Start of Journey: El Chaltén – Punta Sur
Pick up at Receptivo Chaltén Office (10:45 AM) · 37 km along Route 41 Duration: 1:30 hrs
01:00 PM
Departure towards Vespignani Glacier Reserve
Scenic lake cruise over emerald waters of Lago del Desierto Duration: 20 min
01:30 PM
Disembarkation & activity in Vespignani area
Hike native forest trails with views of Mount Fitz Roy Duration: 2 hours
03:30 PM
Return navigation to Punta Sur
Scenic cruise back towards Punta Sur Pier Duration: 20 min
03:50 PM
Disembarkation at Punta Sur
Conclusion of lake navigation
04:00 PM
Return journey: Punta Sur – El Chaltén
Overland transfer arriving back in El Chaltén at ~05:30 PM Duration: 1:30 hrs
🚐 Meeting Point: Receptivo Chaltén Office (Av. San Martín 55, cnr Trevisan) at 10:45 AM.

Without Transfer · Meeting at Punta Sur Pier (12:45 PM to 03:50 PM)

Buy Ticket
12:45 PM
Check-in at Punta Sur Pier
Pre-boarding at pier (arrive 15 min early) Arrive 15 min early
01:00 PM
Departure towards Vespignani Glacier Reserve
Scenic cruise over emerald waters of the lake Duration: 20 min
01:30 PM
Free activity in Vespignani Glacier Reserve
2 hours of hiking along self-guided marked trails in native forest Duration: 2 hours
03:30 PM
Departure returning to Punta Sur
Scenic cruise back towards Punta Sur Pier Duration: 20 min
03:50 PM
Disembarkation at Punta Sur and end of service
Option to continue exploring Punta Sur independently
🚗 Ideal for self-drive visitors: Free parking available at Punta Sur (37 km from El Chaltén via Route 41).

Included Services

  • ✓ Round-trip transfer from El Chaltén (with transfer option)
  • ✓ Lago del Desierto lake cruise
  • ✓ 2 hours of activity in Vespignani Reserve
  • ✓ Hot drink and snack at the reserve dome

Operational Details

  • Season: October 8 to April 8
  • Frequency: Daily, except Wednesdays
  • Passengers: No minimum required
  • Cancellation: 100% refundable up to 24 hrs
One Shot Vespignani One Shot Cruise
Modality 3 · High Mountain

Vespignani Glacier Trek
High-altitude balcony · High mountain trekking

Mountain Guide required for Blue Trail · Duration in Reserve: 4 Hours · Difficulty: High

Bus transfer, lake cruise, and trekking from El Chaltén across northern Los Glaciares National Park and Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve. Experience Vespignani Glacier ascending towards the "Doctor's Viewpoint" balcony. Accompanied by a certified technical mountain guide due to the route's alpine requirements.

With Transfer · Full Day (08:00 AM to 05:30 PM)

Buy Ticket
08:00 AM
Start of Journey: El Chaltén – Punta Sur
Pick-up from accommodations (07:30 to 08:00 AM) · 37 km along Route 41 Duration: 1:30 hrs
10:00 AM
Departure towards Vespignani Glacier Reserve
Scenic lake navigation with views of Huemul and Crestón Glaciers Duration: 20 min
10:30 AM
Disembarkation & 4-hour activity in Vespignani area
Ascent with Mountain Guide / free trails / hot refreshments at the dome Duration: 4 hours
02:30 PM
Return navigation to Punta Sur
Scenic cruise back towards Punta Sur Pier Duration: 20 min
04:00 PM
Return transfer: Punta Sur – El Chaltén
Overland transfer arriving back in El Chaltén at approximately 05:30 PM Duration: 1:30 hrs

Included Services

  • ✓ Round-trip transfer El Chaltén ↔ Lake
  • ✓ Lake cruise across Lago del Desierto
  • ✓ 4 hours of trekking in Vespignani Reserve
  • ✓ Warm drink and chocolate in the reserve dome

Requirements

  • Fitness: Good physical condition required
  • Season: October 8 to April 8
  • Frequency: Daily, except Wednesdays
  • Cancellation: Free up to 24 hrs prior
Vespignani Glacier Trek Vespignani Glacier Viewpoint
Great Vespignani Glacier Reserve

Official Reserve Trails

The reserve features 4 perfectly marked trails according to difficulty level and your desired physical challenge:

Green Trail

Coastal Walk

Interpretive walk within the coastal forest, flat and suitable for the entire family with a glacier viewpoint.

⛰️ 0m elevation · 800m · 20 min easy
Yellow Trail

Intermediate Viewpoint

With a gentle slope, it leads to a prominent panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Great Glacier.

⛰️ 50m elevation · 1 km · 30 min gentle
Red Trail

Foot of the Glacier

Grants access right to the glacier base and an elevated perspective of Mount Fitz Roy through native lenga forest.

⛰️ 200m elevation · 2 km · 1 hr steady
Blue Trail

"Doctor's Viewpoint"

The most demanding route. Reaches an alpine natural balcony to appreciate the glacier and north face of Mount Fitz Roy in immense glory.

⛰️ 535m elevation · 3 km · 2 hrs (With Guide)
⚠️ Not included in standard ticket · Mountain guide mandatory

Excursion Recommendations

  • 👟 Comfortable trekking shoes and hiking pants
  • 🧥 Warm waterproof jacket / windbreaker shell
  • 💧 Water bottle and packed lunch / personal snack
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses and high UV sunscreen

Meeting Points

  • 🏨 With Transfer: Pick up directly from your accommodation in El Chaltén.
  • 🚗 Without Transfer: Check-in at Punta Sur Pier 15 minutes before sailing.
  • 🔄 Cancellations: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Gallery

Vespignani Glacier in pictures

Ready for adventure?

Reserve your spot at the Glacier

Limited departures per day. Instant online booking confirmation.

Book now Inquire on WhatsApp
Ready to plan your trip to El Chaltén?

Design your Patagonia adventure

Our local team is ready to help you choose the ideal excursion for your stay.

WhatsApp
Book now