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El Chalten Attractions
Patagonia's Famous Peaks
The Cerro Torre and FitzRoy groups may be two of the alpine world's most recognized skylines, made famous by decades of unbelievable mountaineering feats, and by the U.S.-based Patagonia Inc. clothing company, which chose this horizon as its company's logo. Climbers consider these among the toughest challenges on the planet. They are also a remarkable display of natural beauty, with a rich human history of struggle, controversy, and extraordinary achievement. Whether you're a serious climber or a nonclimbing mountain lover, these peaks are sure to inspire. From left to right, on those exceptional clear days, here is what's making your jaw drop:
- Cerro Torre: At 3,102m (10,174 ft.), this granite needle sticks straight into the sky. Its first ascent has been the subject of debate for 50 years, since photographer and climber Tony Egger disappeared on what climbing partner Cesare Maestri claimed was the first summit. Maestri's account has been long doubted and debated. A recent team of climbers followed the route Maestri described and found it impossible to climb, with no apparent evidence of previous attempts.
6 Results
- Hiking/Biking Route
Cascada Chorrillo del Salto
The easiest and flattest hike in the area, this trail is level and stays along the El Chaltén valley floor. Follow the Rio de las Vueltas riverbank northeast of town to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall, which emerges from a dense forest. Give yourself an hour each way to walk at an… - Hiking/Biking Route
Cerro Torre Lookout
Known as "El Mirador del Cerro Torre" in Spanish, this is a nice half-day hike. The trail head is behind the Los Cerros hotel. After climbing 200m (656 ft.) to get above the El Chaltén valley, you'll stroll along a raging glacial FitzRoy River, through thick beech forests, meeting a… - Hiking/Biking Route
Laguna Capri
A bit longer than the other great local half-day hike to the Cerro Torre Lookout, Laguna Capri is the must-see destination for lovers of the FitzRoy massif. The trail leads north from town past Cerro Rosado before heading west toward Mt. FitzRoy. Many trekkers come here as a… - Hiking/Biking Route
Laguna Torre
Continuing past the Cerro Torre lookout, the trail winds its way up the FitzRoy River to the sheltered nook at the D'Agostini campground, which is a good spot for a protected picnic. From here, you climb up over the moraine and face first into the howling wind for a jaw-dropping… - Hiking/Biking Route
Laguna de los Tres
The best full-day hike in El Chaltén takes you along the Chorrillo del Salto river past the campground at Poincenot -- which is probably the best and most centrally located campground in the area -- and over the Rio Blanco before the final steep climb (400m/1,312 ft., which will take… - Hiking/Biking Route
Pilar-Río Blanco-Poincenot
This alternative to the Laguna de los Tres trek starts at Hostería el Pilar and heads back to El Chaltén via Río Blanco. The advantage is that it's a one-way trail (one of the only), so you are not retracing your steps. To make it to Laguna de los Tres, though, you need to get a very…
