We came to Patagonia to hike and hiking is what we did. After a few days break in El Calafate we couldn’t wait to get our hiking boots on and head back out into the mountains.
El Chalten is a small village nestled within the northern section of Los Glaciers National Park. On entering by bus you are taken to the Rangers office for a short introduction and are provided with a map with all the hikes clearly marked. With four nights booked all we had to do was decide which one to do first.
Los Condores and Las Aguilas
Arriving in the afternoon we decided to start with two of the easier trails. The two walks can be combined to form a 5km walk which takes you to the top of the mountain closest to the visitor’s centre where you can get views over El Chalten.
Climbing a bit further up to Las Aguilas you get splendid views of Viedma Lake and Tunel Bay.
We stayed at the top for a while with a cup of wine admiring the views until the wind became too strong for us and we were forced to retreat back into the valley.
Laguna Torre and View point Maestri – 10km 4hrs one way
Still concerned about the winds we decided to opt for this walk as it only has a 300 metre ascent.
Out of the walks we did this was our least favourite, it seemed to be a bit long and boring and due to the low lying clouds we weren’t able to get the best views when we reached the lake.
Don’t get us wrong, it was still a beautiful place to visit, but after trekking in Torres del Paine this was a bit of an anti-climax.
The best thing about this trek was that we finally got to spot some wildlife other than birds. As we were about the head back from the lake we heard a strange sound, almost like a cross between a bird and frog. We soon noticed others pointing in the direction of the sound and seen that it was a Patagonian fox.
Karl, thinking he was David Attenborough, got us a bit too close for my comfort.
Laguna de los Tres – 10km 4hrs one way
This is the most popular trek in the park, taking you to the spectacular viewpoint of the Fitzroy Mountains.
Most of the path is relatively easy and flat and has some lovely views along the valleys.
The challenging bit comes at the end where there is a steep climb to the top. You can do it at a steady pace in around an hour.
The effort put in is well rewarded when you reach the top.
Loma del Pilegue Tumbado – 10km 4hrs one way.
This turned out to be our favourite walk and is one of the least crowded. It starts at the visitors centre and follows a gradual uphill incline for a majority of the walk.
The trail passes through open meadows and pine forests.
Eventually the ground turns to slate and on a clear day you begin to see a marvellous panoramic view of all the mountains.
The best views are seen from the summit of Loma del Pliegue Tumbado at 1490 meters high. It is a steep trail that could be dangerous on a windy day. Thankfully for us the wind held back and we were able to sit for an hour at the top, basking in the sun whilst trying to take in all the amazing scenery which surrounded us.
Going downhill is usually the worst part of the hike but after you get past the steep slate section the gradual decline meant we were back in El Chalten in no time.
Chorrillo del Salto
On our last day our feet and muscles were beginning to fail us and the winds had picked up again. Fortunately we had saved the easiest walk for a day like this.
The 3km trail is the easiest in the park and takes you to a nearby waterfall. The secluded area was the perfect place to sit, rest our feet and enjoy a picnic.
