Cerro Huemul Circuit Hiking Guide

Questions

How long is the Huemul Circuit?

My loop from El Chaltén was 45.6 miles (73.4 km) on my GPS, with about 8,070 ft of climbing, in three days in March 2025. The park plans it as four days and gives about 65 km.

Is the Huemul Circuit open in 2026?

After a wildfire near the lower Río Túnel crossing in January 2026, the park allowed only Laguna Toro to Paso del Viento and back from January 17, 2026. As of September 2026 I found no announcement that the full loop had reopened. Ask at the park's visitor center in El Chaltén before you go.

Do you need a guide for the Huemul Circuit?

No park rule requires one. The park says mountaineering experience is essential and that you must be self-sufficient. You need a harness and carabiners for the two cable crossings; if nobody in your group has done a Tyrolean traverse, hire a guide or learn it first.

Do you need to register for the Huemul Circuit?

Yes. Registration with Los Glaciares National Park is free and online, one form per person, every trip. You also need a park entry ticket for the El Chaltén trails (ARS 50,000 a day for foreigners from June 1, 2026), card only.

What gear do you need for the Tyrolean traverses?

The park lists a harness, two locking carabiners and a safety line for each person, and a steel carabiner and 35 m of thin cord for the group. Never clip an aluminum carabiner straight onto the steel cable.

Where do you camp on the Huemul Circuit?

The park's registration form lists three camps: Laguna Toro, Paso del Viento (by the refugio) and Bahía de los Témpanos / Cabo de Hornos. Camping at Paso Huemul isn't allowed. I camped at Bahía de los Témpanos and in a small clearing east of Paso del Viento.