Paso del Viento

The basics

The challenging out-and-back trek from El Chalten to Paso del Viento involves around 28 miles (45 kilometers) and three days of walking. While it's possible to go independently, most people take a guide. On a tour, expect to see the Southern Ice Field and natural features such as Mt. Fitz Roy, with jagged granite peaks, and Laguna Toro, a bright lake flanked by mountains. You can go glacier ice trekking and ride a zip line.

Things to know before you go

• A good level of physical fitness is required for the trek to Paso del Viento, which involves six to eight hours of walking per day.

• You’ll camp at refugios (refuges) along the way; most tour operators provide camping equipment, but you’ll likely need to carry your belongings in a backpack.

• There are few stores or restaurants along the way, so take all the food and water you need.

How to get there

The official Paso de Viento trailhead is the same as the Laguna del Toro trailhead, which starts in the center of El Chalten near the Los Glaciares National Park center. There are plenty of parking spaces in El Chalteis, a 3-hour bus ride from the nearest international airport in El Calafate.

When to get there

Paso del Viento translates from Spanish as “Windy Pass,” so even if you tackle the trek in the warmer months of October through March, expect it to be blustery and rainy. It’s not advised to complete the trek in winter (July through September), as snow can make some parts of the route inaccessible.

The best glaciers in Argentina Patagonia

If you don’t make it to Argentine Patagonia’s Southern Ice Field, don’t worry—the region is famous for its glaciers and is home to Los Glaciares National Park, which is packed with them. The most famous is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which locals call the Eight Wonder of the World due to its size and vivid color. For extra thrills, go trekking on the ice.