This is a fantastic trek through the heart of the Fitzroy mountains in Argentina's Patagonia. A highlight of the trek is the day spent on the Torre Glacier. We trek each day for six/seven hours and camp in remote mountain sites.
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from El Calafate Airport to hostel in El Calafate
This evening you meet up with the rest of your group and local guide. Hostal accommodation (upgrade possible to double or single room throughout).
Day 2
El Calafate - El Chalten
After breakfast we drive to El Chalten, a small town on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park, which surrounds Mount Fitz Roy. We travel 190 km of gravel road through superb Patagonian scenery - the views of the Viedma lake are superb, towering granite spires loom ahead as we approach Chalten. Hostel accommodation. B
Day 3
Piedra del Fraile
Today we start our trek in the Los Glaciares National Park. A short transfer takes us to the Rio Electrico, where we start walking through forest to Piedra del Fraile. Leaving our packs here, we continue trekking through the Rio Electrico Valley for 2 hours followed by a 1 hour ascent. At the end of this there is a view of the Fitz Roy Mount (3, 441 metres/11, 289 ft) north face and a view of the impressive Marconi Glacier. From here we return to Piedra del Fraile and camp. B, L, D.
Day 4
Rio Blanco, Laguna de los Tres
Today we follow the Rio Blanco valley to the lake of Piedras Blancas where we have an impressive view of the hanging Piedras Blancas Glacier. In the afternoon, having left our packs at camp, we ascend the frontal moraine to Laguna de Los Tres for a stunning view of Fitz Roy. Camp at Capri Lagoon. B, L, D.
Day 5
Madre e Hija Lagoon, Cerro Torre
This morning we start trekking along the shore of Laguna Madre and Laguna Hija until we reach Bridwell base camp and Cerro Torre. With its needle-shaped peak at 3, 128 metres, this is one of the most technical mountains in the world. We walk along the northern side of Laguna Torre, fed by the Fitzroy river. From here we get astonishing views of the mountain. Camp nearby. B, L, D.
Day 6
Glacier trek on the Torre Glacier
Today, weather permitting, we walk and climb on the legendary Cerro Torre Glacier. All necessary equipment (rope, harness, crampons, ice-axe) and expert guides provided - a unique opportunity to get closer to the amazing spires of Cerro Torre. Camp at Bridwell. B, L, D.
Day 7
Pliegue Tumbado, Toro Lagoon
Today we cross the Fitz Roy river, trek through ancient southern beech forest , then climb 700 metres (2, 300 ft) to the ridge which connects the summits of the Pliegue Tumbado. The landscape of the Fitzroy group and the Rio Tunel Valley is breathtaking. Camp at Laguna Toro base. B,L,D.
Day 8
Paso del Viento
We trek upwards today, to the Paso del Viento (Pass of the Wind, 1, 550 metres/5, 085 ft). The Continental Ice Field and the Mariano Moreno ridge spread before us as we reach the top of the ridge. It’s a demanding, but hugely rewarding trekking day. We trek 6-7 hours and return to our camp in the forest. B, L, D.
Day 9
Tunel River, El Chalten
Return to El Chalten, alongside the river Tunel and through southern beech forests. Keep an eye out for the elusive huemul, puma, or Magellanic woodpecker, all native to these forests.
Hostel, shared bathroom. B, L.
Day 10
El Chalten – El Calafate
A free morning and afternoon to explore the town until the bus arrives to take us to El Calafate. It’s a 4 hour transfer. Hostel. B
Day 11
El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast we head off to the Magallanes peninsula, to see the immense Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. Huge icebergs from the glacier wall collapse dramatically into the lake right in front of us. A short boat trip across the front of the glacier provides even better views. Hostel. B
Day 12
El Calafate – El Calafate airport
Transfer from El Calafate to El Calafate Airport
End of services
Discover all the highlights of Patagonia’s national parks with our 15 day Patagonia Adventure or, for trekking enthusiasts, our Wilds of Patagonia trip.
Argentina also hosts the mighty Iguazu Falls. Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
01 El Calafate Airport - El Calafate
02 El Calafate - El Chalten
03 Piedra del Fraile
04 Rio Blanco, De los Tres Lagoon
05 Madre e Hija Lagoon, Torre Mount
06 Glacier trek on the Torre Glacier
07 Pliegue Tumbado, Toro Lagoon
08 Paso del Viento
09 Tunel River, El Chalten
10 El Chalten – El Calafate
11 El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
12 El Calafate - El Calafate Airport
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