If you're staying in El Calafate, the Viedma Full Day Adventure is a great option: a 12-hour bus ride from your hotel, a stop at Parador La Leona, a 4-hour boat trip to the Viedma Glacier, and a visit to El Chaltén. If you're already in El Chaltén, choose the 4-hour Viedma Adventure, which departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km away. On the water, it's the same experience: same boat, same itinerary, and same crew. We've structured them this way because every season we see travelers who want to visit Viedma Glacier but are based in a different town.
What the two excursions have in common
The sailing route is identical. We depart from Puerto Bahía Túnel on the turquoise waters of Lake Viedma, skirting the southern shore with the Huemul Massif in the background. After approximately 40 minutes, we disembark at Cabo de Hornos Bay for an easy hike to a viewpoint overlooking Iceberg Bay. Afterward, we return to the boat to approach the face of the Viedma Glacier, the largest in Los Glaciares National Park, and conclude with ice fishing: a toast with ancient ice from the glacier.
Both include the on-board snack (premium sandwich of your choice, mineral water and brownie made in El Chaltén) and you can add the Captain's Club.
Viedma Full Day Adventure: for those staying in El Calafate
The Viedma Full Day Adventure solves the problem of the distance between the two towns. We'll pick you up from your hotel in El Calafate, and the day will be structured as follows:
- Journey through the steppe and Route 40, with a stop at Parador La Leona, a historic way station.
- 4-hour boat trip on Lake Viedma with a walk to the viewpoint and a close approach to the glacier.
- Views of Fitz Roy when the sky allows.
- Visit to El Chaltén, the National Capital of Trekking, and a short walk to Chorrillo del Salto, a waterfall in the Andean forest.
- Return to El Calafate.
It's a long day, but you don't have to drive or change accommodations. If you'd like a detailed itinerary, we describe it in our article " El Chaltén and Viedma Glacier in a Day Trip from El Calafate ."
Viedma Adventure: for those already in El Chaltén
The Viedma Adventure lasts 4 hours and departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel. It leaves you with half a day free to walk, relax, or simply admire Fitz Roy from the town. An optional round-trip transfer between our offices in El Chaltén and Bahía Túnel is available if you don't have your own transportation to the port. This is the perfect option for those spending several nights in El Chaltén or looking for a relaxing activity between trekking days.
quick comparison
| Viedma Adventure | Viedma Full Day Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Point of departure | Bahía Túnel Port (18 km from El Chaltén) | Your hotel in El Calafate |
| Duration | 4 hours, from 10:30 to 14:30 | 12-hour total workday, from 7:30 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. |
| Navigation to the Viedma Glacier | Yes, 4 hours | Yes, the same one |
| Hike to Iceberg Bay | Yes | Yes |
| Parador La Leona and El Chaltén | No | Yes, with Chorrillo del Salto |
| Transfer | Optional transfer from our offices in El Chaltén | Bus included from El Calafate |
| Snack on board | Included | Included |
Three specific cases
- You have three days in El Calafate and none in El Chaltén: Full Day. You get to know the town, Fitz Roy and Viedma without moving.
- You're going to spend several nights in El Chaltén hiking: Viedma Adventure, a 4-hour tour, ideal for a day of rest for your legs.
- Are you traveling with young children or people who get tired quickly? If you can sleep in El Chaltén, the 4-hour version is easier; otherwise, the Full Day has stops that interrupt the trip.
Neither of them is 100% accessible due to the walk to the viewpoint, although it is gentle and of low difficulty.
Choose your starting point and book
Both tours run every day from September to April and, from May to August, every other day plus Saturdays; check the departure schedule, availability and current rates on the Viedma Full Day Adventure or Viedma Adventure website.
FAQ
What is the difference between Aventura Viedma and Aventura Viedma Full Day?
The navigation is the same. The Viedma Adventure lasts 4 hours and departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, near El Chaltén; the Full Day is a 12-hour trip from El Calafate that includes bus, Parador La Leona, a visit to El Chaltén and a hike to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall.
Does the Viedma Full Day Adventure include transportation from El Calafate?
Yes. It includes the bus from your hotel in El Calafate to Puerto Bahía Túnel and back, with stops at Parador La Leona and in El Chaltén.
Is it possible to do the 4-hour Viedma Adventure from El Calafate?
The 4-hour Viedma Adventure departs from Puerto Bahía Túnel, 18 km from El Chaltén. If you're staying in El Calafate, the Viedma Full Day Adventure is the option best for you.
Do Aventuras Viedma operate in winter?
Yes. From May to August, tours depart every other day plus Saturdays, and from September to April, they depart daily. Check the departure schedule and availability on each tour's page.
