Journey to El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina With the snow-capped magnificence of the Fitz Roy Range nearby, Led by an experienced local tour guide, there is no better way to learn about local wild and plant life and the history of the surrounding mountains.
The Laguna Torre also offers incredible scenery and rewarding trekking – and there’s ample opportunity to be awestruck by the sheer might of the jagged Mt Fitz Roy. Travel back to El Calafate for some well-deserved downtime before the trip comes to an end.
El Chalten was founded in 1985 on the Northern edge of Los Glaciers National Park following a border dispute with Chile, and has grown slowly with a permanent population of around 2,000, which almost doubles in Summer. Declared Argentina’s trekking capital, the area combines mountains, lakes, woodlands and glaciers and is blessed with spectacular scenery.
The story unfolded that in 1970 an Italian climber called Cesare Maestri made his second attempt to climb Cerro Torre and on his way up he carried a petrol driven compressed air drill and placed 400 bolts into the mountain. Many purist climbers believed that Maestri had ruined the mountain, taking away the challenge of scaling it naturally.
This viewpoint was also held by the two Americans and after climbing the mountain using a different route they descended on the Compressor Route and painstakingly removed 125 bolts and carried them off the mountain. Many argued that these actions would prevent lesser climbers from reaching the summit of Cerro Torre whilst others praised them for returning the mountain to its virgin state. It was certainly a bold course of action by the American climbers and demonstrated the power of their beliefs! All we really wanted as we left the mountain was a glass of wine and a large pizza so the thought of having to face the police for our convictions was certainly too much for us!!
Climbers from all corners of the globe come here to climb the world-famous peaks and in particular the highest and most iconic Cerro Fitz Roy at 3,441 metres high. The village also offers a range of activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking and horse riding. The village is nearly 5 hours drive from its nearest neighbour and this remoteness has meant El Chalten has looked from within for creativity and locals have used their entrepreneurial nature to fill their village with excellent amenities like artesan boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, a micro-brewery and a wine tasting shop.
The first activity is walking in mountain ground. If you don’t like walking you better not go, there is a high probability to get bored. Only those who enjoy the wonders of nature and visiting remote places are welcome in El Chalten.
The National Trekking Capital of Argentina and the star of this South American adventure, that’s what describes best El Chalten. It is one of the top destinations for trekkers, the starting point, the path and place to reach that is beautiful from each point of view.
El Chalten is the destination to see the amazing Fitz Roy hill which is the icon of the Glaciers National Park. Is a small village where trekkers from all over the world join to experience one the best and more assorted circuits in the world. Keen trekkers flock to the area to make the most of the spectacular mountain scenery and the world-class hiking and camping. This is the destination with the first of two hikes, Laguna de Los Tres is the most famous trek due to its proximity to Mt Fitz Roy. Trekking from El Chalten in a fairly straight path, take in spectacular views of the lagoon and De los Tres Glacier; this trek is the quintessential excursion into this area and a perfect way to spend the day. Led by an experienced local tour guide or self hiking, there is no better way to learn about local wild and plant life and the history of the surrounding mountains. The other option is Laguna Los Torres which also offers incredible scenery and rewarding trekking – and there’s ample opportunity to be awestruck by the sheer might of the jagged Mt Fitz Roy.
El Chalten is also the great opportunity to put on your crampons and walk over the Viedma Glacier, a great circuit which is less concurred than the Perito Moreno Glacier.
All of this circuits can be done with or without a guide. The choice is yours. You can also ask for a Self Guided Hike provided by kallpa. We provide the gps, maps and tips and you only have to walk and enjoy the ride.
It is the place to get disconnected from daily news, work or city life. There is no Cellphone Signal. There are no banks. There is only one ATM, and you can also find public phones, and internet access but not much internet speed connection.
The weather changes all the time. You must always carry a rain proof windstopper, gloves, cap, sun glasses and sun protection.
As you see, there are a lot of alternatives to get to know El Chalten and Glaciares National Park. If you need further assistance about this Journey to El Chalten you can contact your personal Kallpa Executive or simply leave a message in our contact form. We’ll be happy to assist you!.
