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The jewel in Patagonia’s crown

December 10, 2018 | Michael Turtle | 22 Comments

HIKING TRAIL

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.

>> More info here about El Chalten <<

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. The Travel Fool |

    March 27, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Reply

    Looks like a fantastic place.

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:13 am

      Reply

      Yeah, it was one of those places that you could have looked at for days or weeks and still never got bored!

  2. The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) |

    March 27, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    Reply

    Great photos! We would love to hike the W circuit in Patagonia someday. Love the smiley-face moss on the tree, too!

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:14 am

      Reply

      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!

  3. Bodlagz |

    March 27, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    Reply

    Stunning photos once again, what a beautiful place.

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:14 am

      Reply

      Thanks. It was indeed most beautiful!

  4. Stephanie - The Travel Chica |

    March 28, 2012 at 12:05 am

    Reply

    Isn’t it incredible! El Chalten was the highlight of my entire year+ travel sabbatical… so far!

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:15 am

      Reply

      I’m not surprised to hear that – did you spend long there? It was definitely one of my highlights too. All of Patagonia was so stunning!

  5. Laura |

    March 28, 2012 at 1:52 am

    Reply

    Face like moss! That’s creative! 🙂

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:15 am

      Reply

      Ha ha. Yeah, I’m not sure who made it but it was pretty cute! 🙂

  6. Zia Courtney |

    March 28, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Reply

    Another great place from Argentina, it is so beautiful!

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:19 am

      Reply

      Glad you like the look of it. You’ll have to try to get there one day!

  7. Yvonne |

    March 28, 2012 at 10:33 pm

    Reply

    Wow. Amazing pictures! Seems like a really cool place to go!

    • Turtle |

      March 29, 2012 at 3:26 am

      Reply

      There were so many great walking trails in the area. And if you ever get there, you should consider camping for a night or two as well!

  8. Cam |

    April 2, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Reply

    Looks like a great hike with some outstanding scenery. You’re a fortunate man! 🙂

    • Turtle |

      April 3, 2012 at 4:35 am

      Reply

      I’d be more fortunate if I could have stayed there forever!! 🙂

  9. Eric @ Trans-Americas Journey |

    April 4, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Reply

    Awesome, can’t wait till we get down there.

    • Turtle |

      April 5, 2012 at 1:38 am

      Reply

      You’ll absolutely love Patagonia (but make sure you take a jumper – it’s so much colder than the rest of the continent).

  10. AlexBerger |

    April 4, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    Reply

    Cannot wait to get back to Patagonia. When I make it back, I’m definitely setting aside extra time to enjoy it properly and to account for weather challenges.

    • Turtle |

      April 5, 2012 at 1:39 am

      Reply

      Even before I had left I was planning my next trip back. There’s so much to see and do and it’s such a beautiful place.

  11. MY Travel BF |

    October 30, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    Reply

    This looks amazing! Patagonia is probably the top place on our list right now (even though one of us has already been there…). Beautiful photos too!

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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