Trekking El Chalten - Los Glaciares

Viedma Glacier trekking

Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Moreno Glacier

On this 6 day program you will follow the most important trails in the region for close-up views of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy and the impressive Perito Moreno glacier.

Three days hiking in El Chaltén beyond the base camps used for Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre ascents, and up to the summit of the Pliegue Tumbado to enjoy the most incredible view of the area. From El Calafate you will enjoy a full day excursion to the famous Moreno Glacier. Overnights at El Chaltén and Calafate in comfortable lodges or hostels.
No previous hiking experience necessary.
Five to seven hours daily of easy walks.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1 - Arrival at El Calafate

Transfer on regular bus service from local airport to bus terminal. In the afternoon (06:30 pm) regular bus service to El Chaltén. Upon arrival and check in hotel or hostel our mountain guide will brief you on the program for the following days. Overnight at El Chaltén.

Day 2 - Hiking to Laguna Torre

The trail crosses a Lenga forest towards the valley of Cerro Torre. After an hour walk the mountain shows with all its majesty. Two and a half hour more walk and lunch will be taken by the side of Laguna Torre facing an outstanding display of mountains and glaciers like Mount Egger, Standhart, Bifida and the most challenging one for climbers "Cerro Torre". In the afternoon, return along the same trail to El Chaltén. Overnight at El Chaltén.

Hiking time: about 6 hours. Difficulty: easy with 300 m vertical drop

Fitz Roy in the morning

Day 3 - Hiking to Laguna de  los Tres

While walking you enjoy the most famous panoramic view to Mount Fitz Roy. Within three hours you reach Rio Blanco campsite. From here on the trail continues a little steeper, the effort is well compensated when all of a sudden you have a breathtaking close up view to Mount Fitz Roy. Lunch, then, overlooking Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy at hand reach. Walking a little further have a look to Laguna Sucia with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding hanging glaciers. Return to hotel at El Chaltén. Overnight at El Chaltén.

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours. Difficulty: easy - only the last ascent to Laguna de los Tres is medium rated. Vertical drop: 800 m

Day 4 - Hiking to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado

Walking from El Chaltén to the south, through the Patagonian steppe, Lenga forests and crossing marshes you reach the top of Pliegue Tumbado at 1,550 m above s/l. The round view expecting us there is just overwhelming, starting from Lago Viedma in the steppe, continuing with Cerro Huemul and the peaks on the Patagonian icecap, of course Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre among many others, and lots of glaciers running down to their glacial lagoons and rivers.

In case you prefer a shorter trip, the guide will lead you to a balcony deep in Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, from where there is a marvelous lookout to Mount Torre and Mount Fitz Roy.
Return to El Chaltén on time to catch the regular transport to El Calafate at 6:00 pm, arriving at approx.10:00 pm, where a regular transfer will take you to the hotel. Overnight at Calafate.

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours, mostly on a trackless course. Difficulty: easy, only the last part to the top of Pliegue Tumbado is steeper (medium rated). Vertical drop of 1,150 m.

Against the wind

Day 5 - Full Day Excursion "Todo Glaciares"

Upsala glacier is very impressive for its magnitude. It is the biggest one of all in this area and the largest in South. It covers an area of about 595 km². The approach to this glacier is sailing through the Norte branch of Lago Argentino. It is surrounded by lenga woods and green valleys. During this sail, icebergs fallen off the front wall, float on the lake giving a great view. Spegazzini glacier covers an area of 66 km², and is 1.5 km wide. Itis outstanding mainly for its high and imposing walls. The differences that vegetation show around the glacier caused for its advance, the action of the wind and the sun are very attractive too. The tour starts in Puerto Bandera. From the pier, the boat sails towards the Norte branch of Lago Argentino until it arrives infront of the walls of Upsala glacier. The sailing continues up to Bahía Onelli, getting down to stay on land for three hours and take a walk through the woods until you reach Lago Onelli. This wonderful place shows us Agassiz, Onelli and Bolados glaciers. Then the sailing continues to Spegazzini glacier. Overnight at Calafate.

Day 6 - Excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier

When visiting Argentine Patagonia, a trip to Perito Moreno Glacier is a must. Starting around 8:30 am at the hotel, return at about 5:00 pm.

One of the biggest tourist attractiveness in the planet. Located 80 kilometers to the west of the city, inside the National Park "Los Glaciares", on the lake Argentino. The road travels several estancias (country properties) and during the itinerary the hills "Comisión" and "Frías" are observed where there are natural posts of gumps. But one of the most exciting places in the journey is the curve of the sighs, from where it is obtained a front view of the glacier and its beautiful environment. The walk finishes in the Mirador (lookout) of the Perito Moreno glacier where the tourists usually spend hours observing that imposing mass of ice 65 meters high with floes floating around. The show that offers the nature in that place is so majestic that it moves people that witness it.Optional: Minitrekking on Moreno Glacier. Please ask for extra costs.Transfer to the Airport in the late evening - end of our services.