Connecting Three Mountain Passes
Paso Techado Negro - Paso Agachonas - Paso del Viento
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
physical exertion
Total duration
Connecting Three Mountain Passes
Paso Techado Negro - Paso Agachonas - Paso del Viento
Program detail
INTRODUCTION
Enjoy the best and most varied views of the Fitz Roy and Torre mountain ranges from on high while not having to climb to any specific summit. This itinerary is ideal for those who enjoy hiking but are not interested in climbing mountains, are in good physical condition but are also after a bit of a challenge, and want to mostly avoid the other hikers who follow the standard trails around El Chaltén.
ATTRACTIONS
• Enjoy an almost unknown view of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy from a privileged vantage point atop the Loma de las Pizarras
• Cross the Río Fitz Roy by zipline for a unique, panoramic view of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountain ranges from the Agachonas Pass
• Cross the Río Túnel by zipline and climb to the Paso del Viento for an unforgettable view of the South Patagonia Icefield – the third-largest icecap in the world
ITINERARY
From El Chalten, we start by following the typical trail towards the Laguna de los Tres but then veer off to enter the valley of Laguna Sucia. We have something to eat while enjoying the spectacular view of Cerro Fitz Roy from this little visited location before crossing the river and ascending diagonally towards Cerro Techado Negro. We will look for the best possible route for this ascent, avoiding loose rocks wherever possible. From the pass, we have spectacular views of the most important valleys of the Los Glaciares National Park and the impressive spires of the Torre and Fitz Roy mountain ranges. We will descend via a gully to the forest in the valley near the moraine and camp the night there.
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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 towards the Río Túnel valley and Laguna Toro (Bull Lake)
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Our goal for the day is to reach the Paso del Viento (Windy Pass) with its indescribable view of the world’s second-largest icecap - the South Patagonia Icefield.
Near the start of our hike, we will cross the Río Túnel on a zip line before beginning our climb through this area of medium-tall and high mountains. We will trek through a beautiful rock canyon, hike up a glacial moraine, and cross the upper Túnel glacier. The ascent will be gradual but intense, with unstable footing and headwinds that can sometimes make progress more difficult (it’s not called the Windy Pass for nothing!) But rest assured, the view once we reach the top is unforgettable! From here we have unparalleled views of the South Patagonia icecap stretched out before us, and the Viedma Glacier spilling down off of it.
Once we are ready, we will descend via the same route to our campsite of the night before for a well-earned meal and good night's sleep.
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Our final day of trekking will follow one of the least frequented trails in the area. At first, we will follow the valley of the Río Túnel and then slowly ascend in the direction of the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. As we make our way back to El Chaltén, we will have beautiful views of Lake Viedma, and every gap between the trees of the forest will reward us with new angles towards Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
We will arrive back in town during the afternoon where it will be time for a hot, luxurious shower!
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NOTES
•Our campsites are wild and participants should help to set up the camps. Access to drinking water is available throughout most of the hike.