DESCRIPTION:
One day hike to get to a beautiful hidden view of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
This is a strategic viewpoint to see the west face of Fitz Roy and the Patagonian Ice Field. After an early ride to rio Eléctrico (16 km) we start walking on an easy trail for two hours to reach the Piedra de Fraile campsite. The trail up to this point is flat and protected from the weather. The serious climb starts here. It will take four hours to reach the Paso del Cuadrado at 1500 mts from 600 mts on a very steep trail and screes. From the Piedra Negra Bivouac (where mountaineers sleep before attempting the spires) to the pass, the last 45 minutes, we’ll have to rope up and put on crampons to traverse a small glacier. Just a few meters before the top we will have to use our hands just to gain more confidence and scramble a bit. Once at the Pass we’ll have one of the best panoramic mountain landscapes that you can imagine: the west faces of Auguilles Guillaumet, Mermoz, Pollone, Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. To the north the hidden Volcano Lautaro and the Patagonian Ice Field. We’ll return the same way back to the road and then by vehicle to El Chaltén.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. Crampons, harness, safety equipment (ropes, ice screws, karabiners) and rescue kit. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office. Bus transfer to rio Eléctrico. Insurance.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guias Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guias would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
DESCRIPTION:
A lot of the hikers that come to our area miss this trail because the top Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre’s hikes are certainly the ones that will give you the closest views to the mountains. Nevertheless, the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado (Fallen Fold Ridge) offers such great panoramic views, including a bit of the Patagonian Ice Field, that we strongly recommend you to stay for another day to walk this beautiful ridge which is furthermore a site of geological interest.
The day begins with a short visit to the National Park Visitor Centre at the trail head. After a short stop here we’ll take the trail to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. Starting at 450 mts the well marked path climbs through beautiful beech trees to the timberline (1000 mts) at the base of the Pliegue Tumbado. Then the trail goes above the tree line and up to 1200 mts aprox to a nice balcony or if you have energy, to the very top of the ridge: a modest summit but full of reward.
On the way we will go through different botanical environments and finally take some time to look at the fossils that can be found in the slaty rocks of the ridge and learn about the times when this area was a deep sea. We are not going to be as close to the spires as from the other trails but the spectacular panoramic views of Lake Viedma, the Windy Pass, Cerro Solo, the southern side of Mount Fitz Roy and the legendary Cerro Torre are unique. Estimated time: 8/9 hs.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
The hike to the Refugio Piedra del Fraile basecamp (Piedra del Fraile Refuge) will allow us to see the northern side of Mount Fitz Roy. From this beautiful spot by the Eléctrico River you’ll see not only Fitz Roy but also Paso del Cuadrado and Paso Marconi at the gates of the Patagonian Ice Field. We will start driving 15 km to north till we arrive to the rio Eléctrico bridge where we start hiking. Piedra del Fraile is located on private property (Estancia Ricanor) just north of the National Park. The trail barely goes up following the Eléctrico River for two and a half hours; it’s easy and protected by the forest from the weather. Estimated time: 6 hs. Optional: 30 min hike to Lake Eléctrico or 1.30 hs to Laguna Pollone.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch. Transfer to Rio Eléctrico
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
If you don’t have much time or you enjoy just short hikes and take time to see the fauna & flora and vistas of the National Park we recommend the trails that go to the Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy’s lookouts. We will follow these classics trails only halfway: they both start going uphill (elevation gain 300 mts aprox.) till we reach the so called Miradores (lookouts). You will enjoy great panoramic views of the mountains both from the lookouts and the way up. Estimated time: 4/5 hs.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
DESCRIPTION:
This is a demanding hike following the ridge that comes down from Cerro Techado Negro. First we will follow the trail to Laguna Torre and then turn to north by taking the Madre & Hija trail; after a climb, when the trail becomes flat, we’ll leave it and start going off trail till finally reach the treeline. Once out of the forest we’ll walk on the rocky ridge which is made of slate. Here and there we’ll see fossils and beautiful granitic erratic boulders perched on the slope.
The ridge offers nice panoramic views due to its intermediate position between the Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre trails. This is a beautiful hike recommended for those who prefer to be away from the beaten path. Estimated time: 10/11 hs.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
Beautiful day hike to get to the closest lookout to see the legendary Cerro Torre, one of the wildest mountains on earth! It takes three hours to get to this glacial lake at the end of the Torre Glacier. On the way we’ll have a break at the Mirador del Torre (Torre Lookout) to see the typical glacial valley of the Fitz Roy River and a good panoramic of the mountains. From this point we’ll go down for a short while and then the hike is going to be relatively flat except a few small hills of glacial origin called moraines that cross the valley. Before reaching the lake we’ll pass by the De Agostini basecamp, named after a famous Italian mountaineer and geographer. From this camp to the lake there are ten minutes through a kind of strangely wasted landscape: the debris hills of the last glacial advance’s moraines. Once at the lake, a place that can be extremely windy, we’ll see the amazing Cerro Torre Group and hear about the fascinating stories of the first climbers from our guide. To the left or south you’ll see Cerro Solo and to the north Cerro Techado Negro: the geology of these mountains is very interesting. To complete this beautiful scenery there’s the Torre Glacier and the snowcapped Adela’s Range. Estimated time: 7 to 8 hs. Aprox. Distance: 20 km.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
DESCRIPTION:
There are two ways to go to the Fitz Roy’s lookouts, starting on different trailheads. You can start right in the village, just like with the other trails, or, and this is an option that we recommend, take a 30 minute bus ride to Hostería El Pilar (15 km. north of El Chaltén); by choosing this second option you will not take the same way back but rather walk around Cerro Polo, and still have the possibility of climbing to the last lookout Laguna de los Tres; furthermore, this trail is easier and you will also see the beautiful Piedras Blancas Glacier. From the Hostería we’ll take a nice trail through a beech forest towards the Poincenot Base camp (2.30 hs); on the way there are great views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier and the Rio Blanco Valley. From this camp a steep trail (1.30/450 mts elevation gain) goes up to Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest lookout to see Mount Fitz Roy, after this point only climbers can continue. We’ll have lunch here enjoying one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries of the world: the superb granite tower called Mount Fitz Roy. On a nice day you can see climbers in the vertical walls with binoculars. A ten minute walk from this lake will take us to another spectacular balcony over a cliff that overlooks the wonderful Laguna Sucia (Lake Sucia -dirty lake) at the end of the Rio Blanco Glacier. We’ll learn about the impressive geology of the massif and all the stories of the first climbers and pioneers.
Once back to Poincenot basecamp via the same trail that we took on our way up, we’ll take a different trail and head to laguna Capri (1.30 hs). After a break at this nice lakeside we start going down to the village. The trail offers great views of the Rio de las Vueltas Valley and Lake Viedma. Depending on where you’re staying in town you will have to walk some more minutes from the Puesto Amarillo trailhead.
Total distance: 21 km. Estimated time: 9/10 hs.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park.. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch. Transfer to Hostería El Pilar.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
Chorrillo del Saltois a beautiful waterfall just 5 km off the village. It is an ideal hike for a day’s rest in El Chaltén. This creek is born in Laguna Sucia at the foot of Fitz Roy and finally ends in the main stream of the area, Rio de las Vueltas. Partially following the road to the north and then a short trail among the twisted ñire beech trees (Nothofagus Antarctica), we’ll have many opportunities to observe different plants, flowers and birds. The forest will provide a good spot for a sheltered lunch. Estimated time: 3 hs round trip from the village
Mirador de los Condores y Aguilas (Condores and Eagles Lookout) is a new trail that was designed by the park rangers to satisfy the demand for short, easy and interesting hikes. We’ll have a first glimpse of the local geography: its mountains, weather, flora, fauna, geology, history and of course, with a bit of luck we’ ll see the wonderful condors. Estimated time: 3 hs round trip from the village.
City Tour: Although El Chaltén is a very small town funded by the government in 1985, it’s been growing fast since then and during the summer it becomes a lively mountain village, with lots of hikers and climbers from all over the world; its history is very short indeed but changes are coming fast. Join our guides to learn about the mythology of the originary people that visited the area for ages, the few pioneers that settled the area before El Chaltén existed, and the legendary tales of the first explorers and climbers.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
DESCRIPTION:
This is a low difficulty mountain that rises from the famous Fitz Roy Lookout Laguna (lake) de los Tres; hence, the climb begins following the trail that goes up to the lake from the Rio Blanco climber’s basecamp. The climb follows rocky ridges, screes and a snowfield that we will have to cross to get to the top. Depending on the time of the season, there could be no snow or a lot. The top is a great lookout to see Fitz Roy, the mountain lakes, the Patagonian steppe to the east and the Piedras Blancas Glacier. The total time for the ascent is 6 hours. Early in the morning we’ll ride to Hosteria El Pilar, 15 km from El Chaltén, to take the northern trail to the Fitz Roy’s basecamps; this first part is the “easy” one, two hours and a half walking gently uphill on a beautiful beech forest. We’ll pass by the hiker’s basecamp which was named “Poincenot” after a French climber, and stop at Rio Blanco for a break before the climb. Estimated time: 12 hs.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
Certified Mountain Guides authorized by the National Park. Safety equipment. First Aid Kit. VHF radio communication with our office. Bus transfer to rio Eléctrico. Insurance.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance (except when is specifically indicated). Meals and lodging in El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above. Personal equipment (check list). Bus transfer to and from El Calafate. Lunch.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
Dress like an onion in the mountains. Comfortable hiking pants, warm clothing (polar fleece, two layer, thin and thick), rain jacket and pants, mountain boots o tough sneakers, good hiking socks, gloves, wool hat, spare clothing, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking poles (optional, you can rent in El Chaltén), water bottle, camera, binoculars, pocket knife, personal medical items, 40 lts backpack, etc.
NOTE:
The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions as well as organization issues, rental equipment if needed, prior and after the programme. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all programme members is essential for a successful and learning experience. Regarding weather you should expect cold temperatures during all the season, rain or snowfall and high speed winds, you should be prepared to carry a daypack with personal items, and lunch. Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so programme members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.
