Huemul Circuit
~4 days · 40.3 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Huemul Circuit is known for
Patagonia's toughest short circuit, out of El Chaltén over Paso del Viento to a full-frontal view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field — harness required for its two zipline river crossings.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 833 ft to 4,557 ft over 40.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 14.1 mi · 35%
- Downhill 12.1 mi · 30%
- Flat 14.2 mi · 35%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Huemul Circuit?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Huemul Circuit scores 30/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Huemul Circuit take?
Most backpackers hike the Huemul Circuit in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 40.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Huemul Circuit?
The Huemul Circuit climbs roughly 8,304 ft total — about 206 ft per mile, topping out near 4,633 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.