Visiting el Lago del Desierto (the desert lake)

After the Fitz Roy-hike we needed a rest and used the opportunity to visit, by following a 40 km dirt road along the Rio de Las Vueltas (the river that goes in curves) until reaching the Lago del Desierto (desert lake). The lake, which is situated in a beautiful partly forrested valley, was reportedly given this name since it had no fish when it was first discovered. It is possible to hike around the large lake, but since it is a more than 20 km long track, we choose not to do so (maybe next time……).

That night we returned in direction of El Chaltén and spent the night in a small camping only a few km from the lake. Next morning, we started our return trip to Puerto Natales resting one night in a gas-station (which had a building offering us protection from the strong wind). Also here, we were accompanied by a number of campers and a number of motorcyclist seeking refuge from the exceptionally strong wind (challenging for cars and not to mention motorcycles and bikers).

During the next morning, we crossed the border at Dorotea (where some of the fruit we did not manage to eat – it is an option – was confiscated by the customs official). For agricultural protection reasons, Chile does not allow import of fruit. Eventually, we again arrived Camping Pinguino in Puerto Natales where we earlier celebrated new years eve.

The following video summarizes some of our views and contexts during our stay in and around El Calafate and El Chaltén and my thanks and great appreciation go to Florencia for her editing skills in producing this and several other videos from our “expedition”.   

Tonight, we will take the ferry from Puerto Natales to Puerto Yungai – a 42 hours trip along the Chilean fjords. Right now it is raining, and we are simply crossing our fingers that the weather improves.