El Chalten: hiking capital
El Chaltén is a small town nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, offering spectacular scenery and renowned hiking trails, notably to Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Fitz Roy - Argentina
Here are some key facts about El Chaltén:
Location: El Chaltén is located in the southern part of Argentina, in the province of Santa Cruz, near the border with Chile. It is part of the Andes mountain range.
Glacier National Park: The town lies within the boundaries of Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including glaciers, lakes and towering mountains.
Hiking: El Chaltén is a hiker's paradise. There are many trails to suit different levels of ability, from short walks to multi-day treks. Some popular hiking destinations include Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy) and Cerro Torre.
Mount Fitz Roy: Also known as Cerro Fitz Roy or "The Fitz Roy", this iconic mountain is one of the region's most famous landmarks. It attracts climbers and photographers from all over the world.
Cerro Torre: Another important mountain in the region, Cerro Torre is known for its distinctive bell tower and challenging climbing routes.
Laguna de los Tres: This picturesque lake is a popular hiking destination, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Visitor services: El Chaltén is a relatively small town with basic amenities. It offers accommodation, restaurants and stores to meet the needs of visitors, especially those seeking outdoor adventure.
Weather: The weather in El Chaltén can be unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly. It's advisable to be well prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain, wind and potentially cold temperatures, even during the summer months. The ideal time to hike in Patagonia is generally from September to March, when weather conditions are more favorable and park facilities are open.
El Chalten hiking map
Trekking Mirador Los Cóndores
Duration: 30 minutes (one way). Difficulty: easy. Difference in altitude: 100 metres.
Description: this is the shortest hike from El Chaltén. It provides access to a natural viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Adela, Torres and Fitz Roy mountains, as well as the Las Vueltas river valley. As the name suggests, this hike also offers the chance to spot condors.
Trekking Cerro Torre
Duration: 04h00 (one way). Level of difficulty: easy.
Description: one of El Chaltén's classic walks, which takes in the Torre Glacier and the peaks of the Cordon Adela. From El Chaltén there are two main trails leading to the Torre lagoon. The trek begins in the valley of the River de las Vueltas and continues up the river to its origin. Halfway up, you'll come to a natural lookout point with incomparable views of the Cordon Adela, the Torre glacier and the accompanying granite spindles. The trek
Trekking Laguna Capri and Laguna de los Tres.
Duration: 05h00 (one way). Level of difficulty: medium.
Description: this is the trek that brings you closest to Mount Fitz Roy, and probably the best-known of all the routes. In the first hour, the slope is a little steep, until you arrive in the Arroyo Del Salto valley, on the way to Mount Fitz Roy. Passage through Laguna Capri. Around 4 hours after the start, arrival at the first Poincenot campsite (large free camp), followed by a crossing of the Blanco River. The trek then continues on an ascending slope of approximately 400 metres to the Los Tres lagoon. It ends with an extraordinary view of the granite wall of Mount Fitz Roy, the Los Tres lakes and glacier.
Other routes on the All Trails website: www.alltrails.com/fr/argentina/santa-cruz/el-chalten