THE AMERICAS

Patagonia: Fitz Roy Trek in El Chaltén

Patagonia: Fitz Roy Trek in El Chaltén

Trek beneath the granite spires of Fitz Roy in Argentina's trekking capital, El Chaltén.

El Chaltén sits at the base of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, twin granite towers that draw climbers and walkers from across the world. This trip bases you in the village for four nights and covers the region's signature trails on foot — no technical climbing required, just sustained day-hiking on well-marked Los Glaciares National Park trails with a guide who knows which viewpoints catch the peaks clear of cloud.

Highlights include the hike to Laguna de los Tres, where Fitz Roy rises directly above a glacial lake, and the quieter Laguna Torre trail beneath Cerro Torre's needle spire. Weather here changes fast — Patagonia's wind and light are part of the experience — and your guide builds flexibility into the itinerary to chase clear-sky windows. Evenings are spent in El Chaltén's small restaurants over Malbec and Patagonian lamb, planning the next day around the forecast.

Mateo Duarte
WRITTEN BY Mateo Duarte Andes correspondent

Quito-born and altitude-proof, Mateo files from the high passes and colonial cities of the Andes and wider Latin America. He has crossed the Andes nine times by every means short of flying.

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