When planning your trip, it is helpful to consider two scales: the trails and activities in the immediate vicinity of Lago Viedma, and other destinations in the Department of Lago Argentino. This will help you distinguish the landscapes around the lake from the glaciers, forests and towns in the wider region.
Lago Viedma and its immediate surroundings
A 2022 publication by the national government states that parts of Lago Viedma reach a depth of 900 meters. The western areas of Lago Viedma and Lago Argentino are part of Los Glaciares National Park. This gives you two clear points of reference at the destination: the lake itself and a protected area that includes parts of the western lake areas.
A 10-kilometer circular hiking trail in the area leads from Estancia Helsingfors to the other Laguna Azul in the region. If you would rather explore on horseback, Estancia La Estela offers rides across the steppe and over the dunes on the shores of Lago Viedma. Participation requires that the estancia is currently operating. The route from Parador La Leona to Seccional Moyano is another point of reference in the immediate vicinity.
More places to explore in the Department of Lago Argentino
Los Glaciares National Park covers 726,927 hectares in the Department of Lago Argentino. The national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The landscapes and activities in this wider travel region range from circular trails at glaciers to hikes, lakes and cultural sites.
At Moreno Glacier, a circular route of more than 4.5 kilometers consists of boardwalks and viewpoints leading to the glacier front. Trekking on the ice of Perito Moreno Glacier is offered with crampons and specialist guides. This gives you two different ways to experience the glacier: a trail with viewpoints and a guided activity on the ice.
El Chaltén provides services for the Lago Viedma–Monte Fitz Roy area. Various hikes from there lead to prominent destinations. The Fitz Roy, or Chaltén, hike to Laguna de los Tres is 25 kilometers long and takes 8 to 9 hours. The trail from El Chaltén to Laguna Torre passes by Cerro Torre and is 18 kilometers long round trip. From the viewpoint at Laguna Torre, you can see Cerro Solo, the Cordón Adela and the Cerro Torre massif.
For a shorter outing, Chorrillo del Salto is described as a half-day excursion: the waterfall is 6 kilometers from El Chaltén, and the trip can also be made on foot. A visit to the Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve offers a different landscape. The elongated lake is surrounded by lenga and ñire forests and enclosed by mountains.
Tres Lagos also offers distinctive nature and cultural attractions. There are sites with petroglyphs and rock art. Piedra Clavada, a geological formation more than 20 meters high with views of the RĂo Shehuen, is also located near Tres Lagos. A petrified forest lies 20 kilometers southeast of Tres Lagos. It is 90 million years old and features upright preserved trees up to 90 meters tall.
Other activities in the department include Cabalgata Cristales: a three-hour ride that follows the southern arm of Lago Argentino from the CordĂłn de los Cristales. Estancia Nibepo Aike in Los Glaciares National Park welcomes guests who can experience life at an authentic Patagonian estancia.
A boat trip on Lago Argentino also takes you to a glacier destination of its own: Spegazzini Glacier has a hiking trail, a shelter and viewpoints. Puerto Punta Bandera is 47 kilometers from El Calafate and can be reached via the paved provincial roads RP 11 and RP 8. These details provide a guide to destinations in the department without equating them with trails in the immediate vicinity of Lago Viedma.
Discover more destinations: Los Antiguos, El Chalten, El Calafate, Lago San MartĂn, Colonia Francisco Perito Moreno, Charles Fuhr.
Back to the broader travel overview: Department of Lago Argentino.
