Tucked away just 37 kilometers north of El Chaltén, Lago del Desierto (Del Desierto Lake or Lake of the Desert) is a peaceful and scenic destination in Patagonia. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, with the impressive Mount Fitz Roy visible in the distance, this glacial lake offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
A Serene Escape in Patagonia
Lago del Desierto spans 15 kilometers and is fed by glaciers (such as the Glacier Vespignani) that descend from the surrounding peaks. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the stunning scenery, creating a mirror-like surface that enhances the area’s beauty. Whether you’re kayaking, hiking through the dense forests, or simply relaxing by the shore, Lago del Desierto provides a serene escape from the everyday hustle.
Activities Around Lago del Desierto
The area surrounding Lago del Desierto is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. A popular hike leads to the Huemul Glacier, offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains. This moderately challenging trek takes about three hours round-trip and rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery along the way.
For a more leisurely experience, boat tours on Lago del Desierto offer a relaxing way to take in the landscape. These tours often include stops for trekking at scenic viewpoints and provide insights into the area’s history and ecology. Fishing is another popular activity, with the lake being home to various species of trout. Furthermore, there is a beautiful hotel boutique by the lake, called Aguas Arriba Lodge.
A Journey Through History
Lago del Desierto is not only a place of natural beauty but also has an intriguing history. In the 1960s, the lake was at the center of a border dispute between Argentina and Chile, that took the life of Chilean Lieutenant Merino Correa. The issue was then resolved in favor of Argentina, but the lake remains a symbol of the region’s complex past.
How to Get to Lago del Desierto (also from Chile)
Reaching Lago del Desierto is part of the adventure. The drive from El Chaltén takes you along a scenic gravel road that winds through dense forests and offers spectacular views of the Andes. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, rivers, and viewpoints that invite you to stop and appreciate the stunning landscape.
On the way, there are several attractions and some places to stay (surrounded by pristine nature), such as Refugio de Glaciares, Glacier Cagliero, Laguna Azul, Electric River Valley, Explora El Chalten Hotel, Hostería El Pilar, Chalten Camp, and Reserva Huemules.
It’s also important to highlight that there is an international border crossing that joins Argentina with Chile at this point of Patagonia. The crossing involves different navigations and a few hours of trekking, which makes it a real adventure for those that love nature. The chilean city that connects with Lago del Desierto is Villa O’Higgins (Chile), which is also surrounded by incredible landscapes. Villa O’Higgins is at the end of the famous “Carretera Austral” (Ruta 7). If you plan to cross to Chile (or to come to Argentina) through this border cross, make sure it’s open. It doesn’t count with a road (no vehicles except the tour boat and hiking).
Personalized tours in Patagonia
We are a local travel that offers personalized tours in Argentina and Chile. We would love to learn about your travel plans, so we can help you to plan an unforgettable trip to Patagonia and other regions of Argentina and Chile.
As a kick off, get inspired by our following tours:
Patagonia Itinerary for 3 weeks
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