While Torres del Paine has become more famous, and therefore more visited, the Fitz Roy Massif is no less dramatic. Tall spires, high lakes, fracturing glaciers, and a looming presence make this mountain range well worth a visit – particularly for folks who enjoy a good hike. The trails are in superb condition and well-marked. And unlike the “Base of the Towers” trail in Torres del Paine NP, one doesn’t have to reach the very end of the trail – 7 miles in, and 2500 feet up – to enjoy tremendous views.
There are three main trails leading directly from El Chalten:
Laguna Torres - a long, but relatively flat hike along the valley of the Rio Fitz Roy, with amazing views of the Fitz Roy Massif in the distance. Once at the lake, views of glaciers and mountains and those iconic spires rise above you. To reach an additional viewpoint, continue on the trail north and west above the lake.
Laguna de los Tres - accessible from town, or via a shuttle to El Pilar, this trail begins with gentle climbs through beautiful forest, with sporadic views upwards towards the Fitz Roy. Then once at Poincenot Camp, the trail begins climbing much more dramatically, zig-zagging up a steep hillside, and eventually reaching a ridge where – if you are lucky – you will have the most amazing views of a bright blue lake, white glaciers, and layer upon layer of huge spires reaching toward the heavens
Pliegue Tumbado - a lesser-known trail that climbs steadily through forest and pasture, ultimately reaching treeline. From here, keep ascending through talus and alpine tundra to one of two fabulous viewpoints, from which you can look out across the entire Fitz Roy Massif – Cerro Torre, Cerro Fitz Roy, Laguna Torres, etc. You also have views back towards Viedma and the open grasslands of western Argentina.
For anyone who enjoys hiking in the mountains, three full days of hiking in the Fitz Roy range should be a minimum. And if you have the time to build in a bonus day, the weather gods may smile upon you with additional views.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
