Lago del Desierto is a glacial lake formed by the runoff from Glaciar Huemel. The hike to view the glacier is not long, only about three miles, but first you have to drive twenty miles of bad dirt road. The Hilux is up to the task and we find the last spot in the small parking lot. Despite its remoteness this is a popular hike.

After paying our 15000 peso entry fee (about ten US dollars) we start up the trail. The recent rain has made things muddy, and the trail is covered in tree roots and rocks, so the footing is tricky. As we climb higher there are ropes to help us up the treacherous path until we reach the top,

Glaciar Huemul narrows to a small tongue, and ice melt descends into a milky blue lagoon, before draining into the larger Lago Desierto. People picnic at the top despite the increasing rain, before heading back down the narrow trail .

Back at the trailhead there is a small lodge selling food and drinks. A hot chocolate tastes great after the cold and muddy hike. Tomorrow is our last day in El Chalten, and we have a hike to Laguna Capri on the agenda, which is supposed to have great views of Mt. Fitzroy.