Base Camps Trek in El Chaltén
A great hiking adventure with local IFMGA mountain guide Merlin. You will discover the most remote and amazing corners of El Chaltén.
Group
Andes
7 Days
Jan - Mar, Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Towering view of the east face of Mt. Fitz Roy from Laguna de los Tres
- Trek to Laguna Torre and Mirador Maestri to witness the mythical Cerro Torre
- Zip-line across the Fitz Roy river
- Cross a section of glacier to Paso del Viento to view the Viedma glacier
Description
This amazing trek in the Patagonian region of El Chaltén will take us to the base camps of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. On our way, we'll enjoy fantastic views of these mountains as well as unique glaciers and lakes.
During this Andean trek, we'll set up camp in the most beautiful spots. From north to south, we'll walk to the base camps of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Then, we'll trek to Paso del Viento with the best views of the second largest icecap outside the polar regions!
But there are still more features that make this trip unique:
Trek to Laguna Torre and the Maestri viewpoint;
You will witness the mythical Cerro Torre and the famous Glacier Grande;
A zip-line across the Fitz Roy river;
Towering view of the Fitz Roy east face, from Laguna de los Tres;
Wade Tunnel River and a big challenge crossing the Paso del Viento.
The best season to come to El Chalten is from October to March. I can lead a group of between 4 and 8 participants. All of you must have a good backpacking experience. Keep in mind you will carry between 18-20 kgs on your back through steep sections.
And if you would like a shorter trek in the same place, please check out my hiking day programs in Laguna Torre or Laguna de Los Tres.
As a local guide with vast experience in Patagonia, I can surely find the perfect option for you. So, contact me for more details or if you want to book your place for the next departure!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
Price details
- Price per person to join a group from 2 to 8 people.
- Group departures will requiere a min of 2 participants to be confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at El Chaltén
Arrive at El Calafate airport. Bus Transportation from the airport to El Chaltén. Briefing with your guide about details of the program. Gear check. Lodging at El Chaltén (no meals included).
Day 2: Poincenot campsite
Transportation from El Chaltén to Hostería El Pilar. We will start hiking towards Fitz Roy base camp, along the Rio Blanco valley. We will pass by the front of Piedras Blancas Glacier and then by the Rio Blanco campsite. We will hike up from here to Laguna de los Tres (1200 m). This viewpoint has the closest and best panoramic view of Fitz Roy. From here, we will descend to the Poincenot campsite (750 m), where we will spend the night. This hike has an elevation gain of 700 meters and will take approx. 7-8 hours (B, L, D).
Day 3: Laguna Torre - De Agostini campsite
After breakfast, we will leave for our hike to Laguna Torre, passing by Lagunas Madre and Hija. The hike to Laguna Torre is about 3 hours and a wonderful place for lunch. If the weather allows, we will continue to Mirador Maestri, the main viewpoint of the Cerro Torre and the Glacier Grande. Afterwards, we’ll return to our camp at “De Agostini” to spend the night. This hike takes 5 to 6 hours and has an elevation gain of 300-400 m (B, L, D).
Day 4: Laguna Toro campsite
From “De Agostini” campsite we walk about 15 minutes to the origin of Fitz Roy river. We use a zip-line and harnesses to get across the river. Then we will start ascending a steep forest towards “Paso de Las Agachonas” (1400 m), a pass at “Pliegue Tumbado” mountain. From there we will descend to “Rio Tunel” valley and camp at “Laguna Toro” (600 m). This hike has an elevation gain of 800 m and will take approx. 6-7 hours (B, L, D).
Day 5: Laguna Toro campsite
After 30-40 minutes of walking around the Laguna Toro, we will cross the Tunnel river: wading through the river or using another zip-line cable, depending on the conditions of the river. Then, ascent to Paso del Viento from where you will appreciate part of the Patagonian Ice Field. We will return to the Laguna Toro campsite. The hike has an elevation gain of 900 m and takes about 7-8 hours (B, L, D).
Day 6: El Chaltén
We will return to El Chaltén by a trail through an open valley and beech forests (lenga trees), traversing the lowest part of “Pliegue Tumbado”. This hike has an elevation gain of 300-400m and takes 5-6 hours. Lodging at El Chaltén (B, L).
Day 7: Ending point
Bus transportation from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport. End of the program (B).
FAQs
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to be in very good physical condition.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
Accommodation will be included in the price of the program.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The best season to come to El Chalten is from October to March.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can join a group.
What is the guide-to-guide ratio?
I can lead a group of between 4 and 8 participants.
Do I need previous experience?
All of you must have a good backpacking experience.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Merlín
5.0
(88)
Mountain Guide
Certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina.
I live in El Chaltén since 1998. I'm originally from Bariloche and I started with mountain activities when I was 15 years old. I've done climbing and ascents in many mountains of Patagonia, Perú, Bolivia, United States and Europe; such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Alpamayo, El Capitán, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua among others. I'm also a Ski Instructor and I am passionate for backcountry ski.
I speak fluent English, Italian and French and have been leading trips and expeditions for more than 20 years. I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available for the trip you request, one of my colleagues will guide you!
Certificates
AAGM | UIAGM
What people are saying about this trip
Matthew
Absolutely awesome, one of the best weeks of my life! Did the 6 day basecamp trek and the scenery cannot be compared to anything! Amazing guides who were so knowledgeable, friendly and funny!
Logan
I did the 6 Day Basecamp Trek through Patagonia and had a blast. The trip was amazing, with amazing views and the hiking top notch. I would totally go back and do another one of the hikes offered by Mountaineering Patagonia.
Katherine
I just returned from an incredibly memorable and exciting trip from Patagonia, the highlight being the 6 day Base Camps trek with Mountaineering Patagonia. The trip was well organized, the food was amazing (I think we all gained weight somehow despite the long days of hiking) and the guides were wonderful-particularly our lead guide Juan. If you're looking for an adventurous outdoor experience with a team that truly knows and loves the area I highly recommend them. The experience could not have been better. Thank you Merlin, Juan & the rest of Mountaineering Patagonia for an incredible time!
Harry
Had a really amazing time on this trek. Most credit to our very knowledgeable guide Juan, his assistant Matthias who was also a good cook and porters Waco and Patto. The trip was very well organized, and we learned a lot from being hands on as far as pitching and taking down our own tents. The views were amazing and everyday had something different to offer. Would definitely recommend Mountaineering Patagonia to anyone who wants see the beauty of Patagonia. Would love to do the Southern Ice field someday with the same company
Keith
Emiliano was great. I have traveled all over the world with many trekking guides. He is definitely among the best. Thank you, Emiliano, for a great trip!
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