This is a fantastic trekking experience which takes you through the principal highlights near El Chaltén. We recommend this linear trek in order to enjoy the mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and amazing valleys of the area. Overnighting in famous base camps, without any traditional infrastructure, adds to the fun. This trek allows you to experience, first hand, a unique and unforgettable experience. Be at one with nature in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
The day starts with a 30 minutes transfer from El Chaltén to Río Electrico. From here we start walking along the Electrico valley, through an enchanting lenga forest until we arrive at Piedra del Fraile, about 2 hours later.
This will be our home for the night. After a short break and some lunch we continue along the valley towards the Pollone Glacier. The trek here is against the prevailing winds from the Continental Ice field. We are able to appreciate raw nature at its best; pure rock and ice. Along the way we admire a different angle of Mt Fitz Roy, its Northern Face, Marconi Glacier and the Electrico Lake. This path is used by people who are heading towards the Continental Ice Field. After a short break at this hidden lagoon at the base of the mountains we return to our refuge to enjoy a hot meal and rest.
– Overnight: Piedra del Fraile refuge.
– Meals: Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 6 hs.
– Height gain: 500 m.
We have an exciting trek today from Piedra del Fraile to Laguna de los Tres, at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. After breakfast we start by walking up the path we did the previous day, until we reach the Río Eléctrico bridge, where we continue hiking passing by the impressive Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint. We continue towards Río Blanco base camp (exclusively used by climbers). After a short break and a look round the area we start the ascent to Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest we can get to Fitz Roy without doing anything technical. The views are breathtaking; Mt Fitz Roy, its satellite mountains and the view of the valley we have been walking along. Weather permitting; we will have lunch at the lagoon. We will then start the descent towards Poincenot, our next camp, from where we can continue to admire the Fitz Roy massif!
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 7/8 hs.
– Height gain: 700 m.
If you get up early you may be able to take sunrise photos of Mt Fitz Roy in a beautiful hue of red; a breathtaking moment if you are lucky enough! After breakfast we will head off along the Madre & Hija path, past some lovely lagoons. The trek is a bit gentler today, not so much climbing! After a couple of hours we will drop in to the glacial valley that takes us towards Laguna Torre.
This valley is loved by geologists and photographers for its perfect shape. At the end of the valley we will find the Laguna Torre, its glacier and the famous Mt Torre – one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb. After lunch near the lagoon, you can either have a siesta or if you want to you can opt for a short walk up to the famous viewpoint of Maestri. We will overnight in Prestadores camp ground.
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 6 Km.
– Walking: 3/4 hs.
– Height gain: 200 m.
We depart from the camp ground towards Laguna Torre, where we will cross over a river on a Tyrolean rope using harnesses. An exciting morning and something to get the adrenalin pumping! We then start to slowly climb up through a lenga forest on the steep slopes of Mount Pliegue Tumbado, in search of “Paso de Las Agachonas”. On arriving at the pass we will be treated with one of the best views of the whole national park including the valley of Mount Torre and the Fitz Roy massif. We descend into the Túnel River valley, and then trek along until we arrive at Laguna Toro base camp (600 masl).
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 14 Km.
– Walking: 8 hs.
– Height gain: 750 m.
After breakfast we set off for Paso del Viento. Today we will cross another zip line, and a variety of terrains: pastures, stony areas, moraines and the Lower Túnel Glacier. What doesn’t change is the direction – always uphill, bit by bit… After all the hard work and effort we arrive at the Paso del Viento, we can appreciate a great view of part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the source of Viedma Glacier and Mount Mariano Moreno, amongst others.
After enjoying lunch, taking millions of photos and getting our energy back we start the descent back to Laguna Toro for a well deserved meal and rest!
– Overnight: Tents.
– Meals: Breakfast, Pack lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 8/9 hs.
– Height gain: 850 m.
After dismantling camp we start our final trek, back to El Chaltén. First of all we walk alongside the Túnel River and then following a path that alternates between open areas, pastures and lenga forests. We will also be able to see the Lake Viedma in the distance. If there isn’t a lot of wind we will be able to enjoy lunch with a view of the mountains which have been accompanying us throughout our trek. In the afternoon we arrive at our goal – El Chaltén – proud of our achievement!
– Meals: Breakfast and Pack lunch.
– Distance: 15 Km.
– Walking: 6/7 hs.
– Height gain: 250 m.
