Embedded Files
Trekking to the viewpoint Cerro Torre
After a small ascent, you enter a forest of ñires and continue climbing alongside the Fitz Roy River. The trail passes through open shrublands filled with beautiful Patagonian flowers, areas of ñires and lengas, two varieties of southern beeches (Nothofagus). There’s always a chance to spot the Magellanic woodpecker with its striking fire-red head. So, it’s best to stay alert and walk quietly to hear it tapping on the trees with its strong beak. Upon reaching the Cerro Torre viewpoint, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the granite massif of Torre, the Adela Range, Cerro Solo, and their respective glaciers.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 8 AM or 1 PM.
Trekking to Laguna Capri
You start from the trail at the end of the village, which begins with a somewhat steep incline that continues for just under two hours to the first viewpoint. The first sight is of Cerro Fitz Roy, flanked by the spires of Poincenot, Saint Exupéry, Mermoz, and Guillaumet. After another fifteen minutes of walking, you arrive at the base of Laguna Capri, with incredible views of mountains, forests, and Cerro Fitz Roy.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 8 AM or 12 PM.
Trekking to Chorrillo del Salto
This pleasant walk is perfect for a first contact with the natural environment of El Chaltén. The trail begins in El Chaltén, at the end of Av. San Martín, right at the trailhead to Laguna De los Tres. Soon, the path climbs a slope that quickly descends to reach the gravel road leading to Lago del Desierto (Provincial Route 41), passing through a small, low forest of ñires. Alongside the trees, you'll find various flowers of local vegetation, depending on the season, such as the beautiful Magellanic orchid. The waterfall is located right at the final stretch of Arroyo del Salto, just before it flows into the Río De las Vueltas. This hike covers less than 4 km from El Chaltén. On the coldest winter days, when temperatures drop to -20ºC or lower, the waterfall begins to freeze, eventually becoming completely covered in ice.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 3 PM.
Trekking to Laguna Torre
From El Chaltén, the Laguna Torre trail is taken, and after a small incline, it leads into a small forest of ñires. From there, the path begins to gain elevation while following the course of the Fitz Roy River until reaching a viewpoint overlooking the river canyon and the Margarita waterfall. The panoramic view showcases the valley of the Fitz Roy River, with its winding watercourse at the bottom, framed by the distinctive Cerro Solo, and in the background, the Adela massif and one of Patagonia's mythical mountains: Cerro Torre.
After an hour of hiking, there is a brief stop at the viewpoint of this mountain before continuing the trek for another two hours through impressive lenga forests, glacial moraines, and alluvial plains formed by ancient river courses, until arriving at Laguna Torre. Along this stretch, there are opportunities to see a variety of birds, such as the Magellanic woodpecker. At Laguna Torre, stunning icebergs can often be seen, resulting from calving at the front of the Torre Glacier. Various trails on the glacial moraine allow access to viewpoints like Maestri. At the source of the Fitz Roy River, there is a system of ropes, known as a "zip line," used by mountaineers to access the Torre Glacier and approach the bases of the climbing mountains. After a lunch break, the return to El Chaltén takes place in the afternoon.
Duration: Approximately 7 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 9 AM.
Trekking to Mirador de los Cóndores
Starting from El Chaltén, you cross the access bridge over the Fitz Roy River and continue to the trailhead located at the Visitor Center of the National Park. After passing through a small gate, a sign will indicate the path; from here, it will take about half an hour to reach the Los Cóndores viewpoint. As the name suggests, the viewpoint is strategically located for potential observation of condors in their frequent gliding paths to and from the Fitz Roy River valley. It is also an excellent alternative for appreciating the imposing granite peaks and glaciers that dominate the horizon.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 3 PM.
Trekking to Fitz Roy & Laguna de los tres
The favorite hike in the area for its spectacular views of Fitz Roy. It is a natural viewpoint close to the walls of the mountain and its peripheral granite spires. The trail starts in the village, at the end of Av. San Martín. During the first hour of walking, the incline is steep, and the ñire forest becomes denser. There is an initial viewpoint with a sign that allows interpretation of the views of mountains and glaciers. After four hours of hiking, you reach the Poincenot base camp and then cross the Blanco River to reach the Río Blanco base camp. From there, the trail steepens (with a 400-meter elevation gain) until you arrive at Laguna de los Tres. The difficulty is moderate, but the view of the lagoon and the Tres Glacier is worth the effort.
Duration: Approximately 9 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 8 AM.
Lago del Desierto navigation
The experience begins with a journey from El Chaltén to Lake del Desierto, passing through incredible landscapes such as the Río de las Vueltas, steppes, Patagonian forests, streams, and lakes, all leading to the imposing Fitz Roy mountain. After seeing the Salto del Anillo and arriving at a small dock, embark on a boat trip to visit Lake del Desierto. Get your camera ready to capture unique postcards of the lake, forests, glaciers, waterfalls, and Cerro Vespignani! During a stop at the Centinela viewpoint, admire the panoramic view of Lake del Desierto with Fitz Roy in the background.
Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
Suggested pickup time: Starting at 11 AM.
Trekking over Cagliero Glacier
The tour begins at the Visitor Center, followed by a hike surrounded by lenga forest. After about two hours, you’ll arrive at Laguna del Diablo, where the Cagliero Refuge is located. Here, you’ll receive a briefing and the equipment for a second, more challenging hike with incredible views of the lagoon and valley. Continue to the viewpoint and admire the beautiful Cagliero Glacier. Equipped with crampons, get ready for the unique experience of walking on the glacier ice! Additionally, if the weather permits, enjoy lunch there. End the day by returning to the Information Center, where you will be transported back to El Calafate.
Duration: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Estimated pickup time: AM starting at 8 AM.
OVO Patagonia
OVO Patagonia offers thrill-seekers a one-of-a-kind adventure, where you can spend the night with breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy in Argentine Patagonia.
Nestled high on a dramatic rock face, four transparent capsules perched 270 meters above the ground provide unparalleled vistas of Patagonia’s stunning landscape.
Experience the perfect balance of adventure and comfort as you step out of your comfort zone.
Page updated
Report abuse