Hiking in El Chaltén

Juan and the guide he assigned to hike with us, Rodrigo, were fantastic. Rodrigo was patient, knowledgeable, and a total blast to hike with. The hike itself was one of the toughest but most unforgettable experiences of our lives. Would absolutely recommend.

The hike was a wonderful, unforgettable experience! Juan and Matias provided great insights regarding the trail, region and town. Highly recommend!

It is not an easy trip you must be prepared for what the weather will be at that moment. But once said that is for sure one of the most beautiful places to visit good gear and good guiding is for sure a good start.

Our guide Gisela was fantastic. Not only is she an extremely competent guide who is very familiar with the El Chalten area, but she is also a very happy and pleasant person to spend time with. She made sure we safely completed the 4-day Huemul Circuit and even helped us through a delayed start due to a missed flight connection. We were well taken care of from start to finish!

Web were so pleased having Gisela as our guide. She was on time, nice company, very knowledgeable, very patient when the speed from one of us wasn’t that fast. She had egen customized the trip, sso we made a round-trip, instead of going back and forth

Me and my sister booked two treks with Explorer-Share and guide Gisela. We are vers content with havinspektionen Gisela as a guide. She was on time, very pleasant company, had made an ekstra effort to make the trip interesting, very knowledgeable and just all in all made our trip to El Chalten a success

Lilen was a fantastic guide for our group. She educated us during our trek on the native plants, wildlife, surrounding geology and mountain topography. Shared amazing stories of people she has met, additional day hiking options in the area, and attempted to help improve our Spanish vocabulary. She did this all while making sure the actual trek was safe, enjoyable and not too strenuous. At times it felt just like we were hiking with a friend that we had total trust in rather than a stranger leading us through a majestic 4 day trek through the Andes. In all we had a blast and loved the entire experience. Thanks Lilen.

Everything about this trip was really great. Firstly explore-share was extremely helpful, really responsive. We felt really supported making all the arrangements from Netherlands to Argentina. Thanks for the team for that! In terms of the trip -- this was one of the most special trips we ever had. Huemel circuit is was very special. You start day1 in Patagonian forests and slowly ascend to the more rugged, stoney views of the circuit until you end up in the glaciers (and walk on them!) in day 2. Day 2 is slightly challenging due to the long ascend and walk until the camp. But without being very experienced we were able to do it (also thanks to our amazing guide Luis). We camped in an area only by ourselves, where it snowed overnight, which added to the majestic beauty of the whole trip. Day 3 mainly was descending to the 3rd camp area next to Viedma lake. This was also slightly challenging given the very steep descend in the forest, but despite the challenge it was fun, and was filled with great views. The reward is big, where Viedma lake is awaiting with glacier pieces floating on the lake just in front of you (and sometimes letting go some of it’s pieces). It’s a mesmerising area. And day 4 is going back to the start through next to the lakes, hares and guanakos. slightly easier trek but very peaceful, a nice goodbye to the circuit. We were picked up by a car at the end, arranged by Merlin/Luis. In all days, we were flabbergasted by the ruggedness and beauty of Patagonian mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes and everything we've seen. We were mainly alone in the circuit -- at least in the direction we were doing there was no one else with us. In that sense it was extra special. Our guide Luis was one of the main reasons for why this trip was so special. Very experienced and friendly -- made us feel really comfortable in what we were doing through his guidance on technical moves (e.g. in traverses, when we are descending etc). Also very experienced in the area, knew the circuit step by step - gave us a lot of information on the story of the geography not just like a guide but like a scientist almost (he was full of knowledge for this space). It was obvious that he really loves these lands and mountains, it was great to experience this route with him. I never write reviews, but this was a great trip on all levels, and want to make sure anyone who sees the review doesn’t doubt and just goes for it. Thank you Luis, Merlin and explore share - for your friendliness, professionalism and love of nature. You definitely added an incredible memory to our minds. I highly recommend everyone to experience Huemel Circuit with Luis and Merlin. Gulcin and Sebastiaan

Emiliano was great. I have traveled all over the world with many trekking guides. He is definitely among the best. Thank you, Emiliano, for a great trip!

Magnificent tour! Cristian was an amazing guide we strongly recommend for your tour who knows all about the landscape, its plants and animals and all stories around the impressing climbing, trekking and expedition destination in the area!

Weny was a great guide. She was very knowledgeable and kept us motivated the whole time. I would definitely recommend taking this hike. It’s very challenging but worth the view of Laguna de los Tres and Fitz Roy!

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Juan is an excellent guide who genuinely cared for the clients ! He came with a huge backpack full of emergency equipment! He has in-depth knowledge of Patagonia and is truely passionate about sharing it with tourists. Highly recommend !

We wish we could have Simon as our guide on every trek we do. His mountaineering experience and extensive knowledge of the area was impressive and definitely enhanced the trek for us. On top of this, we got along great with Simon and appreciate his easy going personality and sense of humor. We will definitely request Simon as our guide for the next hike we do from El Chalten!

The trip was great, as was the guide. Highly recommend!

Recientemente fui guiado en el circuito de Cerro Huemul por Luis, quien era un guía muy experimentado, experto y profesional. Ayudó con los 2 cruces de tirolesa, la parte de la caminata que requería caminar sobre el glaciar, y significó que nunca tuve dudas sobre dónde llevaba el sendero. Merlin organizó a la perfección toda la comida, el equipo y la transferencia de retorno desde el final del camino. Debido a que toda la experiencia transcurrió tan bien, y Luis hizo que mi caminata fuera tan cómoda y agradable, definitivamente recomendaría esta compañía. El sendero en sí era hermoso, con muchas vistas impresionantes y estoy muy contento de haberlo experimentado. Entre los puntos destacados se encuentran los Campos de Hielo de la Patagonia Sur después de escalar sobre Windy Pass, así como los cóndores al otro lado del paso Huemul y las vistas desde el último campamento.

I first saw the opportunity to trek the South Patagonia Icefield when I was in El Chalten 3 years ago. I finally took the plunge this year and signed up with Serac Expeditions for their late-February departure - best decision ever! The Expedition itself is incredible! Only about 100 people/year undertake it so you get to see a part of Patagonia that few others have experienced. And of course the scenery is amazing. I won't lie - the expedition is challenging (especially for a relatively small female), but if you go in with reasonable fitness and the right mental attitude, it is totally doable and absolutely worth it. It also helps when you have decent weather :) Serac Expeditions are wonderful! They are very responsive and helpful throughout the whole process of arranging the trek, provide excellent equipment, and work with incredible guides (million thanks Juan and Rafa - you guys are awesome!). They also include some special surprises along the way, but you'll have to sign up yourself or read my blog posts to find out what ;) 100% recommend Serac Expeditions and this trek. I am now wanting to return to do the Marconi - Estancia Cristina expedition with them, but this time at the start of the season (November) to experience the Icefield with snowshoes rather than crampons.

My husband and I had a great experience with Serac - we did the El Chalten Mountain Escape trek and it was fantastic. Our guide (Christian) was very knowledgeable and kind; food was excellent and they even had wine portered to our campsites each night. All in all, highly recommended!

This was a great trek. The organization by and support from the Serac team was top notch. I reserved well in advance and the communications I received before my trip were always clear and timely. Once I arrived in EL Chalten, everything was smooth. Hostels were arranged and the team arrived to walk us through the trek. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful, the trek was challenging but the views were rewarding. Highlights were camping in "iceberg bay" and the hike up to Paso del Viento. The shuttle back to El Chalten was timely and even came with a complimentary beer! The trek is tough so not for the mentally unprepared.

Awesome guides provided by serac Expedition. The Huemul circuit is really beautiful and we were lucky to have good weather. Meals provided were sufficient, given that you have to carry your food, and dinner carried by the guide. It would be cheaper if you could go in a bigger group, and also definitely more enjoyable with more people. We managed to spend 1 hour at the Paso del Vento and the view is amazing!

Absolutely awesome, one of the best weeks of my life! Did the 6 day basecamp trek and the scenery cannot be compared to anything! Amazing guides who were so knowledgeable, friendly and funny!

Our trip with Indio over the Ice Cap was fantastic. At the pre-departure meeting, Indio showed us several variations which helped us make decisions that allowed us to work out a way to still participate (I had an injury, therefore a low fitness level).Indio showed great patience; he adjusted the pace accordingly and his experience was evident over the course of a week. The weather was kind and allowed us outstanding views on the Glacier and from the many various high points along the way. We particularly enjoyed the rock scrambling and dodging the many crevasses! Our group was good humoured and worked well as a team; my partner and I felt we were with a group of friends, rather than a private guided trip. I'd recommend Indio for anyone considering this type of adventure.

¡Fantástico! ! Ambos tuvimos una increíble aventura con nuestro guía de montaña, Max. Por suerte el clima era perfecto y toda la experiencia fue fantástica. Realmente disfrutamos aprendiendo sobre el área local, así como la montaña de plantas autóctonas que Max estaba muy dispuesto a transmitir durante el viaje. Nos sentimos seguros en todo el 3 días y tenía plena confianza en nuestros guías los niveles. Él también era muy agradable y divertido. El día en el glaciar fue inolvidable. Explorando las cuevas y ver los hoyos profundos de la fusión del hielo fue de lo más destacado. El equipo de escalada y tutorial para principiantes era genial. Un especial de unos pocos días en las montañas que le gusta compartir durante algún tiempo. gracias Merlin para organizar nuestro viaje y nos configurar con un gran guía. Todo lo mejor y nos pondremos en contacto la próxima vez que estemos en El Chaltén. Leon y armonía

I did the 6 Day Basecamp Trek through Patagonia and had a blast. The trip was amazing, with amazing views and the hiking top notch. I would totally go back and do another one of the hikes offered by Mountaineering Patagonia.

Super professionals, great choice! When looking for options for trekking in Patagonia, Serac was the company that responded in the shortest time. They asked for our preferences and skills and they put together a plan for us. We adapt the program to our preferences and they always guided us and recommended what seemed best to us. Super thoughtful throughout the whole  planning. We spent 1 day in the Perito Moreno glacier and 4 days hiking guided by Martin (great experience with him, very good guide, at all times he knew how to adapt the plan to the climatic conditions and our fitness) Everything from the pick up to the airport, the hostels, the camping, the food to the guided one by the mountain have been exceptional !!!! Thanks to all the team, Diego, Sergio and Mariano for being so aware of us!

Fantastischer Bergsteiger-Trip über das patagonische Eisfeld von El Chaltén aus. Unser Bergführer Juan und sein Assistent Raffael waren hervorragende Führer. Wir hatten eine super Zeit zusammen. Die Tour ist körperlich sehr anspruchsvoll, ein echtes Abenteuer. Aufgrund eines Schlechtwetter-Einbruchs mussten wir zusammen 2,5 Tage auf einer chilenischen Hütte ohne Heizmöglichkeit Weihnachten feiern. Juan und Raffa haben uns am 24.12. sogar Pizza auf dem Gaskocher gebacken! Das Wetter klarte auf und wir konnten auf das Eisfeld gehen. Die Blicke auf den Cerro Torre und FitzRoy waren atemberaubend schön! Die gesamte Organisation über Merlin und sein Büro sowie mit Juan und Raffa waren top! Unser absolutes Highlight in Patagonien.

Fantastischer Bergsteiger-Trip über das patagonische Eisfeld von El Chaltén aus. Unser Bergführer Juan und sein Assistent Raffael waren hervorragende Führer. Wir hatten eine super Zeit zusammen. Die Tour ist körperlich sehr anspruchsvoll, ein echtes Abenteuer. Aufgrund eines Schlechtwetter-Einbruchs mussten wir zusammen 2,5 Tage auf einer chilenischen Hütte ohne Heizmöglichkeit Weihnachten feiern. Juan und Raffa haben uns am 24.12. sogar Pizza auf dem Gaskocher gebacken! Das Wetter klarte auf und wir konnten auf das Eisfeld gehen. Die Blicke auf den Cerro Torre und FitzRoy waren atemberaubend schön! Die gesamte Organisation über Merlin und sein Büro sowie mit Juan und Raffa waren top! Unser absolutes Highlight in Patagonien.

Had a really amazing time on this trek. Most credit to our very knowledgeable guide Juan, his assistant Matthias who was also a good cook and porters Waco and Patto. The trip was very well organized, and we learned a lot from being hands on as far as pitching and taking down our own tents. The views were amazing and everyday had something different to offer. Would definitely recommend Mountaineering Patagonia to anyone who wants see the beauty of Patagonia. Would love to do the Southern Ice field someday with the same company

I just returned from an incredibly memorable and exciting trip from Patagonia, the highlight being the 6 day Base Camps trek with Mountaineering Patagonia. The trip was well organized, the food was amazing (I think we all gained weight somehow despite the long days of hiking) and the guides were wonderful-particularly our lead guide Juan. If you're looking for an adventurous outdoor experience with a team that truly knows and loves the area I highly recommend them. The experience could not have been better. Thank you Merlin, Juan & the rest of Mountaineering Patagonia for an incredible time!

impresionante la excursión!!! vale la pena cada minuto dentro de la montaña, sus hielos, paisajes y atardeceres. Algo que no borraré nunca de mi alma. Gracias Mountaineering Patagonia, un servicio excelente, un guía de primera - experiencia de vida.-

Continental Ice Expedition I made the Continental Ice expedition with them. Aside from the absolutely amazing landscapes, everything was organized to perfection. The guides, in addition to very professional, are charming and made me spend very good times. I Completely recommended them! Wishing to do something with them again!

A Great Experience Thanks to Serac I had an incredible memory of El Chalten and the expedition. The organization, assistance and development of the trip was impecable. I appreciate their fexibility and guidance. I will not hesitate to hire Serac again on my next trip to Patagonia Argentina!

I strongly recommend Jorge "Yuyo" for any expedition in Argentina. He has a really impressive experience. So many stories to tell. If you have any problem, he's simply the "Mc Gyver" of the mountain. A great moment to spend in the mountain.