Beyond the Fitz Roy range
Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Agachonas Pass
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
physical exertion
Total duration
Beyond the Fitz Roy range
Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Agachonas Pass
Program detail
INTRODUCTION
This 3-day trek takes in the two classic viewpoints of the El Chaltén region as well as an equally spectacular but less-well-known panorama of the entire area. Combine Laguna de Los Tres and Laguna Torre with a zip-line across the Fitz Roy River and a wild traverse to the Agachonas Pass and the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado for a mixture of classic and adventure trekking.
ATTRACTIONS
• Climb to the Laguna de Los Tres for an incomparable view of Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna Sucia (Dirty Lake)
• Camp in a typical Patagonian Lenga forest near Laguna Torre and enjoy an unforgettable sunset across the Torre lake and mountain chain
• Feel the adrenaline rush of zip-lining across a river and exploring a little-known trail
• Gain a bird’s-eye view of both the Fitz Roy and Torres mountain chains, as well as their valleys and glaciers from the Agachonas pass and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
ITINERARY
We leave El Chaltén by car and follow the Río de las Vueltas to our starting point 17km away. From there, we hike along a beautiful trail through the lenga forest, following the Río Blanco (White River) towards the Poincenot campsite. Along the way, we will stop to learn a little about the flora and fauna that is characteristic of the Patagonian Andean forest and also visit the beautiful Piedras Blancas (White Rocks) viewpoint. Here we will see the Piedras Blancas glacier and its associated glacial features, including the erratic boulders and lateral moraines left behind as the glacier retreated over the last few decades. We will have many different views of the Fitz Roy mountain chain as we make our way towards our final objective for the day - the magnificent Laguna de Los Tres. This unforgettable location has the best view of Cerro Fitz Roy - and one of the most impressive vistas in all of Patagonia.
Estimated Duration
Distance
Elevation Gain
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After breakfast, we leave Cerro Fitz Roy behind us and head off towards a lovely valley with rolling hills and the Lagunas Madre e Hija (Mother and Daughter lagoons). We will have plenty of time to stop and take photos and, if we are very lucky, we may even spot the small group of Cauquenes that is sometimes found in the area. The trail leads us through forests of Lenga and Ñires and across a large moraine before arriving at our destination - Laguna Torre (Tower Lake).
Here, we will stop and have lunch while taking in the spectacular views of the Torres mountain chain and Glacier Grande (Big Glacier). If the weather conditions allow, we will then hike towards the viewpoint Maestri for the closest view of Glacier Grande. This viewpoint is named after the controversial Italian climber, Cesare Maestri, who designed his strategies for climbing one of the most difficult mountains in the world from this location.
Once we are ready, we will descend a little to our home for the night at the Torre’s campsite and settle in for the evening. If the sunset looks promising - we will return to the lake to watch.
Estimated Duration
Distance
Elevation Gain
Elevation loss
Physical demand
We will rise early for an intense but incredible last day of hiking. Early on, we will get the adrenaline flowing by crossing the raging Río Fitz Roy by zip line. This will, undoubtedly, wake you up if you are still struggling to shrug off sleep! Once safely to the other side, we will follow the trail across another moraine and enter a forest. Note how the trees get smaller as we ascend. Our steep climb to the Paso de las Agachonas is well worth the effort though, as the view across to Cerro Torre and Glacier Grande is spectacular.
The challenging Patagonian wind will almost certainly find us here to deliver a taste of the strength and chill-factor for which it is famous. However, while we brave the elements, we will be able to see the entirety of the Fitz Roy and Torres mountain ranges, the Paso del Viento (Windy Pass), and, if the weather permits, some of the snow-capped peaks of mountains in the South Patagonian Icefield. This is one of the least visited viewpoints in the park so you will have unique photographs to showcase your adventures with us.
From this point, we will descend once more towards El Chaltén via the Loma del Pliegue.