Chaltén Mountain Escape

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén

On arrival at El Calafate Airport you'll take a minibus directly to El Chaltén on a 2.5-hr drive across the Patagonian steppe and through wind-hewn gorges. Once the vehicle turns to the west along the huge glacial Lake Viedma you'll have your first spectacular views of the famous granite peaks and immense hanging glaciers.

This evening you will have time to meet your guide for a briefing on the itinerary, and to ask any questions you may have. Your guide can recommend gear hire shops in town if you require any last-minute additions.

The small town of El Chaltén, nicknamed the 'Argentine capital of trekking', and only established in 1984, is nestled in a small valley between the Patagonian steppe (prairie) and the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field and very much retains its 'frontier feel'. The gateway to such famous peaks as Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre make this a climbers' and trekkers' paradise and it's also a great town to base yourself for the various day hikes in the region. You should try the locally-brewed beer in the Cerveceria, or perhaps the hot chocolate in the Chocolateria. Either way, this little town will enchant and make you want to stay for longer.

Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)

Day 2: 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 out 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: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Poincenot campsite (sleeping gear included)

Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 glacial moraine until reaching the Viento Pass. From here we have 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 6: 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.

As the trip draws to a close, you'll spend your final night in El Chaltén.

Length of hike: 6hrs, 16.5km

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: 'No frills' hotel (private room)

Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate

Transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate.

Meals: Breakfast