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Lago del Desierto, Province of Santa Cruz

4.4
#10 of 18 in Wildlife in Province of Santa Cruz
Forest National Park
Ever-popular tours to Lago del Desierto attract scores of visitors every year thanks to its unparalleled panoramic views and crystal clear azure waters flanked by verdant Patagonian forest. Trekking the area is a rewarding excursion, and tour companies usually offer guided walking tours of varying difficulty so do your research. Views of mountains Fitz Roy and Torre as well as glaciers and waterfalls surrounded by tall lush regional trees will greet you on your voyage. The lake has been the historical subject of a dispute of ownership between Argentina and Chile. Leave plenty of time for this trip as the mountain roads are difficult to traverse and could take as long as two hours to get there by car. Put Lago del Desierto on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our El Chalten holiday planner.
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(El Chalten is the nearest city to Lago del Desierto)

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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
122 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • This destination is located in the southern tip of the desert lake. How much with Camping and private retreat with. Go prices, also there is a small bar with indigenous fast food, choripanes e.g. from this place there is a short excursion called huemul glacier, only 40 minutes, I have to pay an entry of access because they are on private land, also from here a navigation can be made to the recommended Punta Norte. Keep close attention to l route from el CHALTÉN, is 38 km of bad gravel road or mountain, must take it with care.
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  • The journey is very cute, the place was the last conflict bordering Chile, there was a very small conflict with victims. The landscapes are beautiful. The road is passable perfectly with auto.
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  • We stop 2 nights in el Chalten, and had intended to reach the Lake because we were with auto. There are 37 km of gravel (I would say that it is more like a mountain road) and everyone told us that it took between 1:30 hours and 2 hours, which seemed to us very much, but then we realized that not. As it rained the way it was flooded in several places but could pass, but when we arrived halfway through the journey more than one hour of travel, at the height of the lagoon of the condors, the road had disappeared and we had to paste back. Nevertheless, the tour was worth landscapes are dreamy
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Where to stay in El Chalten

Thanks to the city's small size, almost all of the accommodation options in El Chalten are within easy walking distance of anything of note in town. Most "hotels" are in fact cozy alpine-style lodges catering to international visitors, and tend to be on the pricier side due to their upscale amenities. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many campsites outside town, though weather here can be harsh. During the high season in January and February, you'll need to book at least a month or two in advance as lodging fills up fast. Keep in mind that El Chalten depends heavily on seasonal tourism for its income, and many hotels and lodges, particularly smaller, family-run affairs, close down during the winter off-season. On the flip side, many of those that remain open offer lower winter rates.
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