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Chaltén Mountain Escape

Trek between four established campsites linking spectacular viewpoints in some of the wildest areas of the park. Hike to Laguna de Los Tres for unrivalled views of Mount Fitz Roy, see Cerro Torre at dawn, climb to the Viento Pass and look down on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and hike through the spectacular River Túnel glacial valley.

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Chaltén Mountain Escape

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

5 Days

From

$2,370

Location

Los Glaciares

Chaltén Mountain Escape - 5 Days - $2,370

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Poincenot campsite 

Day 2: Trek to the Maestri viewpoint; Torres campsite 

Day 3: Trek to the Agachonas Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Day 4: Trek to the Viento Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Day 5: Trek to Pliegue Tumbado Hill; El Chaltén

Start from El Chaltén and end at El Chaltén

Landmarks visited on Chaltén Mountain Escape

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Poincenot campsite

Leaving El Chaltén by car in the morning, we'll drive 17km to our starting point.  From here we'll hike the beautiful trail through the lenga forest to the Poincenot campsite where we'll leave our overnight gear. We'll stop at the Piedras Blancas viewpoint for excellent views of the Glacier Piedras Blancas. Continuing from here there are great views of the Fitz Roy mountain range as we make our way to the Laguna de Los Tres. At this lagoon, you'll be able to soak up the closest, and best, views of Mount Fitz Roy.

We'll then return to Poincenot campsite for the evening and eat dinner with our fellow travellers.

Length of hike: 6-7hrs, 11km
Meals: Box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Poincenot campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 2: Trek to the Maestri viewpoint; Torres campsite

After breakfast at the camp, you'll begin the descent into the valley of the Madre and Hija lagoons, with permanent views of Mount Fitz Roy. This trail leads you to the next valley: that of Cerro Torre. Always surrounded by lenga forest, we'll take a short hike to Torres campsite where we'll leave our overnight gear.

We'll then continue on to the Maestri viewpoint, from where the legendary Italian climber, Cesare Maestri, planned his climb of Cerro Torre in the 1950s. After admiring the views, we'll return to Torres campsite for a relaxed evening and dinner.

Length of hike: 7-8hrs; 8km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Torres campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 3: Trek to the Agachonas Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Following breakfast, we'll begin our day of trekking by hiking to Lake Torre and crossing the River Fitz Roy on the zipline. Once across, the trail will take us through the forest then along a rocky stretch, finally leading to one of the best views in the valley: the Agachonas Pass.

From this point, we'll begin to descend towards the River Túnel valley, with amazing views of the glacier bearing the same name, as well as its neighbour, Mount Solo. Once in the vast glacial valley, we'll head westwards towards the next campsite at Laguna Toro.

Duration: 9hrs, 13km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Laguna Toro campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 4: Trek to the Viento Pass; Laguna Toro campsite

Early in the morning, prepare for another intense day which begins with a second impressive river crossing, this time on the zipline across the River Túnel. After this, we begin the gradual ascent across the glacial moraine until reaching the Viento Pass. From here we have an unrivalled viewing point of the Southern Ice Field and the main body of the Viedma Glacier.

When we've soaked up the views we'll return along the same path until reaching the campsite at Laguna Toro.

Length of hike: 9hrs, 16.4km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Laguna Toro campsite (sleeping gear included)


Day 5: Trek to Pliegue Tumbado Hill; El Chaltén

This day will take us along one of the park's less-walked trails. During the first part of the trek, we'll pass through the River Túnel valley before gently climbing towards Pliegue Tumbado Hill. Along this route, returning towards El Chaltén, you will enjoy the best views of Lake Viedma and each clearing in the forest will reward you with spectacular photo opportunities of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Length of hike: 6hrs, 16.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)

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What our customers think of Chaltén Mountain Escape

Dave and I really like the Argentina (Fitz Roy) segment of the trip. The views from Laguna de Los Tres was simply amazing.

Travelled: January 2024

Denelle Rozell-Doyle - USA

There are multiple moments! This was the adventure of a life-time. Words can’t begin to describe just how incredible our 5 day trek in El Chaltén.

Travelled: March 2023

Zeah Venitelli - USA

Swoop made it very easy for us to get the adventures started in Patagonia, and exactly what we needed for a very personalized and incredible experience. I would highly recommend for anyone who is going to Patagonia for the first time.

Travelled: March 2023

Zeah Venitelli - USA

This experience in El Chaltén was completely life-changing. It was the most challenging hiking I have ever done, and at the same time the most fun I’ve had on any vacation. Serac’s team was incredible, it was like having a personal immersion experience in alpine trekking and the best outdoor education I have ever had. I honestly can’t wait to go back and would rate the whole experience 11 out of 10 - even with Patagonian weather!

Travelled: March 2023

Zeah Venitelli - USA

Swoop is a great group to start the voyage and help plan a very personalized trip.

Travelled: March 2023

Zeah Venitelli - USA

Seeing the Southern Ice Field and the Viedma Glacier from the Viento Pass.

Travelled: December 2022

Rick Devine - USA

The trip was great from the day I landed in El Calafate until we finished our six days of treking in Los Glaciers National Park Patagonia.

Travelled: January 2022

Jim Varner - USA

The trekking in El Chalten was superb. Our guide, Matias, was friendly, organized. He saw our level of hiking and made the pace very comfortable for us. The terrain was probably a little more strenuous than I thought it would be, but we never felt unsafe. We had paid extra for porters, so that we would not have to carry sleeping bags and tents, and that was well worth it.

Travelled: February 2019

Pinky Stuhldreher - United States Of America

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Private departures can be set up on a date of your choice enquire now.

2025

Start date Price (pp)
January 2025
1-Jan-2025 $2,370* Guaranteed Date Enquire
8-Jan-2025 $2,370 Guaranteed Date Enquire
12-Jan-2025 $2,370* Guaranteed Date Enquire
24-Jan-2025 $2,370 Provisional Date Enquire
February 2025
3-Feb-2025 $2,370* Provisional Date Enquire
16-Feb-2025 $2,370 Guaranteed Date Enquire
March 2025
3-Mar-2025 $2,370* Provisional Date Enquire
17-Mar-2025 $2,370 Provisional Date Enquire
31-Mar-2025 $2,370* Fully Booked Enquire
April 2025
10-Apr-2025 $2,370 Guaranteed Date Enquire
21-Apr-2025 $2,370* Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $2,370

Additional Notes

Group size – Six maximum, two minimum.

Baggage – Trekkers are expected to carry only their lunch and personal gear. All sleeping and camping equipment will be set up at each campsite.

Accommodation An upgrade to the accommodation for the first and last days of the trip is possible. Please ask us for more information.

El Chaltén Hiking Fees - As of November 2024, a new entrance fee for Los Glaciares National Park was introduced for anyone hiking in the El Chaltén area. We and our local operators cannot purchase the entrance fee on your behalf so you will need to buy it in advance (from 4 months before your trip) via an online form. We can offer more guidance once booked but it will be your responsibility to ensure you have paid the required fee.

Includes

  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 box lunches, 4 dinners
  • Accommodation: 4 nights camping
  • Full camping equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
  • Bilingual certified mountain guide
  • All technical equipment for Tyrolean traverse of Fitz Roy River
  • Transfer from/to El Calafate (city or airport)

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Personal porters: USD $150 per porter per day (includes their meals and insurance)
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • 50-55ltr backpack
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
  • Los Glaciares North/El Chaltén - National Park Entrance Fees

Questions about this Trip?