Mountain Bike from Lago del Desierto

Cycling on the road from Lago del Desierto to El Chaltén is an activity that has become a classic for those looking to make a mountain-bike crossing in a day.

This organized activity begins in El Chaltén with a transfer that leaves at 08.00 a.m. and arrives at Punta Sur in Lago del Desierto at approximately 09.30 a.m. Once there, you have a full day to wander and explore the route that crosses the valley of the De las Vueltas River, with enough time to make stops on the way and to do some treks.

The first of the possible hikes starts right there: to the Huemul Glacier, which demands between 1.30 or 2.00 hours. See trek.

Another option in the Lago del Desierto is the excursion to the Vespignani Glacier Reserve, which combines navigation and trekking. At the end you return at 12.30 to ride your bike and start pedaling towards El Chaltén.

In this activity cyclists are provided with bikes with front suspension, gloves, helmet, water bottle, repair kit and extra camera.

The whole road is unpaved, with some uphill in the first kilometres going through the native Lenga forest and several mountain rivers. The views are extraordinary, standing out the omnipresent Mount Chaltén that can be appreciated from the North.

Possible activities along the way:

Km 0: In the Lago Del Desierto: trekking to the Huemul glacier and lagoon (Duration: 2 hours round trip, entrance fee), navigation in the Lago del Desierto and trekking to the Vespignani glacier (Duration: 2.30 hours round trip).

Km 21: Los Huemules Natural Reserve and its classic trail to the Laguna Azul and Laguna Verde (Duration: 2 hours round trip)

Km 24: Río Blanco (Hostería El Pilar), from the head trail to the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint (Duration: 3 hours round trip).

Km 33: Chorrillo Del Salto waterfall in Los Glaciares National Park.

Km 37: El Chaltén, with its classic trail heads to the most popular self-guided walks within the National Park.

In total it's about 4 to 5 hours by bike, plus another 5 hours to do some activities on the lake or the route. The time limit to reach El Chaltén is at 8.00 p.m.

For those people who do not want to complete the 37 km bike ride to El Chaltén, there is the option to finish at Bonanza camp site (25 km) where they will be picked up in the afternoon.