A fantastic trek along the Desierto Lake from the southern to the northern point with 2 nights of camping and 2 options in where to go… 1) Trek to Lake O’Higgins on the Chilean border, 2) Diablo (Devil’s!) Refuge towards the Southern Ice Field. The return would be a beautiful boat journey from the northern to the southern point of the lake (subject to the local provider running the service).

Itinerary

DAY 1)
At the start of the walk we cross over a suspension bridge to the other side of de las Vueltas River. For the first half of the lake we will be gaining height until we get to a great viewpoint, 175m above the level of the lake, to admire the lake and the ever present Mount Fitz Roy.  We then start descending and at the other end of the lake we arrive at the National Gendarmerie Post. This trek will take us through native woods, crossing streams and admiring waterfalls.

This section is about 15km in length and depending on the pace will take around 5 or 6 hours.

We will set up camp here, near the National Gendarmerie Post, for the first night and then one of the following options is possible.

1) Trek to the Chilean border, Lake O’Higgins (Chile)

DAY 2)
From the northern end of the lake we continue along a path with ups and downs, enjoying some amazing views of the Desierto Lake and the GAEA range in the Continental Ice Field Area. After crossing more streams and waterfalls we arrive at Laguna Larga, which we will circle completely to be able to continue, after crossing over the “Chilean border” we will arrive at the Chilean Border Patrol Post, on the edge of Lake O’Higgins (but called Lake San Martin in Argentina). This part of the adventure is about 5km and will take about 5 or 6 hours one way; return to the National Gendarmerie Post to overnight.

DAY 3)
Return to the southern point of the lake by boat (subject to it running) or trekking. Transfer to El Chaltén.

2) Trek to Refugio Diablo

DAY 2)
From the northern point of the lake we head off in an Easterly direction. We climb up alongside the Devil’s River through a lengas and guindos forest; enjoying again the waterfalls and crystal clear streams until we arrive at the refuge.

From near the refuge it is possible to get incredible views of the Chico Glacier, GAEA Range and glacier and Lake San Martin (or O’Higgins Lake on the Chilean side).

This trek is about 12km and takes about 5 to 6 hours with a height change of 400m. Overnight in tents or in the refuge.

DAY 3)
Return to the southern point of the lake by boat (subject to it running) or trekking. Transfer to El Chaltén.