Amazon Adventures

Argentina

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / Discovery Tours
Buenos Aires / More Patagonia / Iguazu Falls / Lake District / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Mountain Bike Tours / Winter Trips

Trekking at El Chalten

See video of area

Located in the Departament called Lago Argentino, El Chaltén is on the northern margin of Lago Viedma, in the confluence of rivers De las Vueltas and Fitz Roy, in the National Reserve "Zona Viedma" in Los Glaciares National Park. This landscape combines the magic of glaciers, hidden lagoons, estancias, Lake Viedma and the magnetic presence of Mount Fitz Roy. The summit of its unmistakable majestic silhouette is almost always covered in a cloud that the Tehuelche thought was smoke - a mistake that gave origin to the name Chaltén, which means volcano. El Chaltén is contiguous to Lake Viedma and its reserve, and has been declared National Hiking Capital for the variety of activities performed by hikers and climbers. Most outings start in town, and it is not necessary to be an expert to follow the circuits if you walk on a current trail. The granitic towers of mounts Torre and Fitz Roy compose a spectacular panorama together with the Viedma glacier.

Day 1 - take the bus from Calafate to El Chalten. You will be met upon arrival and taken to the La Aldea Hotel.

Day 2 - breakfast. Full day hike to a Patagonian classic: Mt Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its difficulty to climb. Countless expeditions attempt every year to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a 45 minutes climb you will find an even area surrounding an old lagoon where vegetation is starting to grow again. The trail enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout point facing the Cerro Torre range and the Adelas Mt. The trail ends at the coast of Laguna Torre which offers a beautiful view of Mt Torre surrounded by Egger, Standhard, spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre. Moderate hike of 7-8 hours. Box lunch included.

Day 3 - breakfast. Then an amazing excursion which combines or encompasses the quintessential of a Patagonian Experience. The excursion starts with a morning navigation from Bahia Tunel (15 km from El Chalten) on board the Huemul, a comfortable and safe 55-passenger boat. We navigate the Viedma, close to the coast, to observe the Cerro Huemul and the Mascarelo range. Arriving to Cape Horn (the Southeastern extreme of the Glacier) we will enjoy a first-row view of the amazing Viedma Glacier and another 25 minute navigation will bring us to a natural pier to debark. Upon arrival short hike (about an hour) to the glacier. The hike will be on a rocky but smooth terrain. The place offers impressive views. Arrival to the glacier (lateral moraine) and -weather and local conditions permitting- we will get into the heart of the ice caves, under the huge mass of ice. This will be a fulfilling experience but still more to come! We will be don crampons and start a 2 hour hike on the Viedma glacier to observe the ice formations and walk on top of the second largest glacier of Los Glaciares NP. Upon return to the coast we embark again and return to Bahia Tunel, a small sheltered and natural bay, a few meters away from the Delta formed by the Tunel river. Return to El Chalten by car. Moderate, 7-8 hours. Box lunch included.

Day 4 - breakfast. Full day trek to Laguna Capri basecamp (Fitz Roy base camp). After breakfast we will start a hike north towards Fitz Roy with spectacular views of the massif ahead. Sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups and believed to be a volcano, they called it "Chalten" (exhaling fumes mountain). We reach Laguna Capri, where Mt Fitz Roy reflects its image in its crystal clear waters. Stop en route for lunch and then resume the hike to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this greenish lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Viedma and the endless Patagonia steppe, matchless Fitz Roy and, if you continue down to the lake to the natural balcony onto Laguna Sucia, the Saint Exupéry and Poincenot spires. Although only 2 ½ km and a 400 m drop, this is a steep upwards trail. 5-6 hours, moderate.

Day 5 - breakfast, then transfer to the bus station to take the bus back to Calafate.

Price per person in US$ for 2008: $599 double occupancy. Add $144 for single occupancy.

Includes: roundtrip bus tickets from Calafate, transfer to and from hotel, 4 nights accommodation with breakfasts, guided tours mentioned, including lunches