Fitz Roy Trek, El Chalten (Patagonia)

We left this morning for the northern part of the Argentine Glacier National Park, to El Chalten, a major trekking destination. The bus ride there was along the infamous Rt. 40, which has the same sort of draw as Route 66 does in the states. But that’s where the comparison stops. Just like much of rural Argentina, this “highway” was a bumpy gravel road, winding through dusty barren Patagonia. We were surrounded by mountains, large mesas, and snowy mountain peaks not too far in the distance. This first photo is of Cerre (peak) Fitz Roy as we approach El Chalten, in Patagonia.


Route 40, Patagonia, halfway from El Calafate to El Chalten. There’s a hotel here, La Leona, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid hid out for a month after robbing the Bank of London and before escaping to Chile.

Upon arriving at El Chalten, we were all briefed by a park ranger about the rules. I was impressed with how well this park was run. Camp sites are free and the water is drinkable, something they want to maintain with our cooperation. We were strictly told to stay on trail and make sure we carried everything back out with us. This area only get about 65 nice days a year, so with great sunny views of Fitz Roy, we were encouraged to get out there as soon as possible and take advantage of the clear skies. So after checking into our hostel, we headed out onto the Fitz Roy trail to Laguna Capri.


(Photo courtesy of Lyle)


Taking a siesta at a mirador (viewpoint) of Fitz Roy.


A close up of the Cerre (peak) Fitz Roy


View along the Fitz Roy trail.
(Photo courtesy of Lyle)


Figuring out where to go.


At Laguna Capri along the Fitz Roy trail, El Chalten, Patagonia.


Lyle heading back to El Chatlen after a beautiful day on the Fitz Roy trail.