Hit the highlights on this Patagonian hiking adventure
There are places in Patagonia that just can’t be missed, and the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour makes absolutely sure you see them all! From icy glaciers to dramatic mountains and everything in between, this tour is a perfect highlight reel of the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park.
Imagine 6 days spent immersed in Patagonia. You wake up in the morning to the sunrise over the mountains, hike through magical forests to glaciers, lagoons, and mountains, and stand tall over expansive viewpoints. You get up close to Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and Laguna de los Tres. Every night, you sleep in campsites visited by countless hikers and climbers from all over the world. You eat, sleep, and hike in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world! The Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén tour is an unreal experience and a must-do for anyone dreaming of the trails near El Chaltén.
Highlights of the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén
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Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Itinerary
Day 1 Trek to Piedra del Fraile and Glacier Pollone
You may want to arrive the day before your tour, as Day 1 wastes no time in getting started! Begin with a transfer from El Chaltén to Rio Electrico and start your first hike through the Electrico Valley. Walk through a lovely lenga forest to Piedra del Fraile, which will be your overnight home, but you’ll continue on to the Pollone Glacier before returning.
The glacier is a spectacle of rock and ice, and the glacial views are complemented by views of Fitz Roy, the Marconi Glacier, and the Electrico Lake. Enjoy a quick break at a hidden lake before heading back to Piedra for the evening.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Piedra del Fraile
Distance: 6 hours, 15km, 500m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2 Laguna de los Tres and Fitz Roy
Wake up early for a wonderful day, beginning a hike to Laguna de los Tres. This gorgeous lake is at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, one of the (if not the) most recognizable sights in Patagonia. You’ll be able to appreciate the Piedras Blancas Glacier along the way. At the lake, savour the closest view you can get of the mountain and its satellite peaks without any technical skill.
After lunch under the shadow of the mountain, hike to the Poincenot campground, a favourite of hikers and climbers from all around.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 7-8 hours, 15km, 700m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre
Rise early enough to snap a sunrise photo of Fitz Roy (well worth losing a little sleep!) before packing up and beginning your hike. Today, you’ll hike along the Madre & Hija trail, lined by pretty lakes. Drop into the glacial valley that leads to Laguna Torre, a favourite for geologists and photographers alike for its perfect U-shape. Laguna Torre and its glacier sit underneath the wonderful Cerro Torre, another peak that defines the landscape of Patagonia.
Appreciate this unforgettable view for as long as you can before hiking to the Prestadores campground to enjoy dinner and a warm sleeping bag.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 3-4 hours, 6km, 200m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Sky-High Views of Los Glaciares
It’s off on foot early this morning, crossing a river on a Tyrolean rope using a harness. It’s an exciting start to the day! You’ll hike a steady uphill through the forest to a pass on Mount Pliegue Tumbado, where one of the best views in Los Glaciares can be found. You’ll gaze over Cerro Torre, Mount Fitz Roy, countless lakes, and wide forests and plains. This birds-eye view of the park is so good, you won’t want to descend to Laguna Toro base camp.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 8 hours, 14km, 750m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Hike to Paso del Viento
In the morning, hike past moraines, pastures, rocky plateaus, and glaciers. You’ll keep a steady uphill climb going all the way to Paso del Viento, where a stunning view of the Southern Patagonian icefield awaits.
Eat lunch at the pass, then once your camera roll is nearly full, it’s down to Laguna Toro to set up camp, eat dinner, and rest up.
Overnight Location: Campground in Los Glaciares National Park
Distance: 8-9 hours, 15km, 850m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Final Trek and Departure
Packing up and trekking back to El Chaltén this morning, you can leave satisfied having experienced the best that Los Glaciares has to offer. Pass by the scenic Lake Viedma, stopping for lunch with a mountain view.
The tour concludes once you arrive triumphantly in El Chaltén. Safe travels home!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 6-7 hours, 15km, 250m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
This guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
- Group of 4: from $4,665 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour
This tour is based in lodges and campsites. Your camping equipment will be provided. The campsites are basic and many don’t have electricity, toilets, or showers.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms may not be available. If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, you may need to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Piedra del Fraile Refuge in Argentinian Patagonia
This was one of the first refuges built in the area, and more travellers have called it home than can be counted. Enjoy basic amenities here.
Poincenot Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
This campsite is used by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. It offers very basic toilets, tent pads, and spectacular views.
Prestadores Campground in Argentinian Patagonia
Enjoy a night in nature at this basic campsite surrounded by mountains and trees.
Laguna Toro Base Camp in Argentinian Patagonia
After a big day of hiking, your tent at Laguna Toro Base Camp will be very welcome.
What’s Included in the Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 afternoon teas, and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Porters for your luggage can be hired, but otherwise, luggage transfers will be your responsibility. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Certified mountain guide
- Technical hiking equipment (harness, snowshoes, crampons, helmet)
- First aid equipment
- VHF radio
- National park fees
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuity if desired
- Alcoholic drinks
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Gear rental if required
- Porter service
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking the Highlights of El Chaltén
Walk Patagonia is an expert of the region, and they work with the most reliable and trustworthy operators: they recommend the best Hoteliers and local transport operators available. This operator avoids working with the low-cost operators that offer attractive prices but unreliable services.
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