The jewel in Patagonia’s crown

The small Patagonian town of El Chalten offers a base for some of the best day hikes in the region – especially the climb to Mount Fitzroy!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

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Hiking in El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina

The road to El Chalten is now paved. It wasn’t always this way, but there reached a point where there was no denying it – word had got around and the travellers were coming here.

What was once the quiet commune of the slow backpackers and serious trekkers is quickly becoming one of the most popular spots in southern Patagonia. And you can see why.

Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina

The town sits in a valley surrounded by mountains. White-capped, jagged and imposing, they and the paths within them are the main drawcard. Here, deep within Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, are some of the most stunning views and scenery of South America.

Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina
Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina

Climbing Fitzroy Mountain

The jewel in the crown is Fitzroy Mountain and the hike to it – and it’s a fitting description as the peak looks like a crown from a distance.

The final ascent is for only the most experienced of rock climbers and has defeated many who have tried to summit it. But for those of us without the equipment, skills or inclination to brave the cold sheer cliffs, it’s possible to hike close enough to truly marvel at its sight.

Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina

For nine hours I walked along the tracks to the lake at the base of Fitzroy’s peak, through camping sites, across rivers, through forests and with a detour to a blueish-white glacier slowly making its way down another slope.

Every turn of the path revealed another photo opportunity, each seemingly more picture-perfect than the last.

In the air was a crispness that I had forgotten existed after so much time in the cities of the continent. It had a smell that was defined more by the absence of human activity than by the trees, the cold, the water and the purity from which it came.

Breathing was heavy during the times I was climbing up steep paths, but it was a pleasure to inhale this air, not a chore.

Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina
Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina

Staying in El Chalten

Although you can camp overnight in parts of the national park – and many people chose to do that – I stayed in El Chalten during the nights and ventured out for day trips.

To keep my daypack light, I carried only the essentials which, although this sounds strange, didn’t include water.

Alongside many of the trails run rivers, the water tumbling over rocks as it races downhill. And those rivers have all originated from the glaciers you can see at the top of some of the mountains.

Natural spring water companies like to boast about the freshness of their product. I’ll tell you what, you can’t get much fresher than this. And it was delicious water too.

Mount Fitzroy, El Chalten hiking, Patagonia, Argentina

El Chalten and its surrounds is the kind of place you can get lost in. Not literally (the tracks for hiking are quite well-marked), but figuratively. It’s a world away from the rest of the world, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest-growing tourist stops in Patagonia.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN EL CHALTEN

Even though it’s a small town, there’s a decent range of places to stay in El Chalten for every type of traveller.

BACKPACKER

In a convenient location, Hostel Pioneros del Valle is a large building with good common areas, full of keen hikers.

APARTMENT

If you’re looking for one bedroom with a fully equipped kitchen, NB Mountain aparts El Chalten has that – plus a stunning view!

LUXURY

With great service and excellent food, Chalten Suites Hotel is the perfect place for a luxury stay, complete with stunning mountain views.

21 thoughts on “The jewel in Patagonia’s crown”

    • I didn’t get a chance to do the W myself but I heard fantastic things from other travellers I met. I’m definitely planning on going back and doing it sometime!

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